Christmas with the Celts, Carpenters

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to kick off the festivities than enjoying live music in Sussex County.

Friday, Dec. 1

Start your evening at McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton, where Scott Ringle will be performing a selection of pop-rock hits starting at 6 p.m.

Head over to Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, at 6:30 p.m. for a musical journey with Dan Canfield. Playing as a duo, he will cover hits from such iconic singer-songwriters as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.

Be prepared for a soulful performance by Katie Henry at the Stanhope House, 45 Main St. The blues-rock artist will take the stage at 7 p.m., promising an evening of captivating music. VIP tickets, with reserved seating and a meet-and-greet, are available on the website.

Embrace the holiday spirit with a performance of “Christmas with the Celts” at the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St. This festive show, starting at 8 p.m., combines ancient Irish Christmas carols, Irish dance and contemporary hits. With top Irish musicians and captivating performances, it’s an event not to be missed. Tickets start at $39 and may be purchased online at skypac.org

Wrap up your Friday night with a late-night karaoke session starting at 9 p.m. at O’Reilly’s Pub & Grill, 271 Spring St., Newton. Sing your heart out and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Angry Erik Brewing, 2 Camre Drive, Newton, invites you to enjoy Sue Polcer’s performance, featuring keyboard rock, pop and country tunes, starting at 4 p.m.

Head over to McQ’s Pub for a night of rock and Americana tunes with Gerry Arias starting at 6 p.m.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Glenwood, 2 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon, experience the unique blend of acoustic music with Ray Delear, a seasoned musician with more than 20 years of experience.

Crossfire Hurricane, New York’s premier Rolling Stones tribute band, will be stopping by Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y. Enjoy classic hits and the energetic sound of one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands in history, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Street Hassle will be hitting the stage at the Stanhope House, offering free admission for an evening of live music at 7 p.m.

Experience the musical talents of the Mike Smith Group at Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville, starting at 7 p.m.

Delight in the holiday season with “Top of the World,” a Carpenters tribute Christmas show, at 8 p.m. at the Newton Theatre. This tribute band, fronted by singer Debbie Taylor, promises an authentic and nostalgic journey through the Carpenters’ greatest hits. Tickets start at $49 and may be purchased at skypac.org

At Hef’s Hut, 414 County Road 517, Vernon, groove to the tunes of All My Fault, a band playing a mix of ‘80s, ‘90s, and current rock and dance hits beginning at 8 p.m.

Conclude your Saturday night at 9 p.m. at O’Reilly’s Pub with Brian St. John’s acoustic performance, featuring a mix of originals, covers and acoustic tunes.

Sunday, Dec. 3

Enjoy the melodically polished sounds of Our Marvelous Lives, a five-piece band delivering guitar-oriented, bass-driven tunes, at 2 p.m. at Blue Arrow Farm.

Bill Ruddy will be performing acoustic rock and country tunes at Angry Erik Brewing starting at 2:30 p.m.

Wrap up the weekend with a John Denver Christmas at the Newton Theatre. Ted, a tribute artist with an uncanny resemblance to Denver, will be performing at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $29 and may be purchased at skypac.org

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Join the festive celebration at 5 p.m. at Blue Arrow Farm with a holiday kickoff party featuring Santa and the Grinch. There will be holiday hats, prizes and Secret Santa giveaways at the event hosted by Danny C and featuring Rich Meyer & Fat City Rockers.

Sean Henry will take the stage at McQ’s Pub at 5 p.m. for his weekly performance.

Thursday, Dec. 7

Participate in or enjoy the acoustic open mic night at Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church Road, Sparta, starting at 6 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m.

Head to Krogh’s at 6:30 p.m. for Julia Kirk’s soulful acoustic covers, ranging from R&B and soul to classic rock and top 40 hits.

Brick & Brew, Route 23, Franklin, invites you to “Anything Goes Night” at 7:30 p.m. Join the open mic session for solo acoustic performances, karaoke and requests with JP from PS Xperiment.

Send information to Stef at themicnj@gmail.com