Most small towns have their Christmas celebrations in the weeks leading up to Christmas. With the exceptions of some church services, there is not much going on Christmas week in most small towns. I drove around Rockport on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and found out they were the exception.
I was surprised many businesses and restaurants were closed December 24th as I was traveling in Massachusetts. From locals that sounds typical. For many stores and restaurants in New York December 24th is important and they stay open at least part of the day. I found that some Rockport businesses were open on December 24th.
I also discovered that Santa arrives to visit the townspeople by the tree on Christmas morning. He arrives in vintage Chevy pick-up and passes out bags of fruit and candy to everyone. He even poses for a picture. I was told this is a favorite yearly tradition.
No businesses were open on Christmas as expected, except one, a coffee shop. The owner would not accept payment. Coffee, tea, and a pastry was free that morning while she was open. Many were leaving tips in the jar regardless.
Rockport is a wonderful little coastal town. It has many shops with a vibrant art community. One fishing stage in the harbor is said to be the most painted building in art classes in the United States.
It was fun walking and driving around town looking at holiday wreaths and decorations. Some used local plants or shells.
Many visit Rockport in summer. It is also a nice destination in winter, especially during Christmas.
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
Merry Christmas
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Merry Christmas!
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Thanks
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Wonderful post! I am going to share it with our dear friends who have a home in Rockport.
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Please do so. Do they stay there year round ? I talked to someone who said some residents commute to Boston to work.
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Our friends have a second home there—they live in western MA, spend much of the summer in Rockport, and go for weekends year round. They love it and loved your post!
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It’s a very lovely little town. The people were very friendly as well.
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Now I want to visit Rockport. Looks like it should be on a Hallmark movie. 😊
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It’s worth visiting although I do recommend the warmer months as the shops should be all open then. The scenery is very pretty and there are other places to walk on the beach nearby.
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Good pointers there. I like “perfect” weather when on vacation. 😊
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The weather was actually warmer than I expected,but they are known for their little artsy stores, many of which were not open the 24th. It was still pleasant, but for the full experience with everything open go close to typical tourist months.
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We try to go places when the crowds are down a bit. What you described sounds perfect. 😊
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Beautiful gallery of festive captures! We hope to visit here in the next year or two. 🙂
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It’s a nice place to visit. The scenery is lovely. To see the most going on visit in the warmer months. Hotels rooms are discounted in colder months.
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Beautiful.
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Rockport is beautiful. I highly recommend this town as a vacation location or day trip.
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Just loved all of your pictures.
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It is a beautiful place.
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I could see it.
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