Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the top holiday highlights in Portsmouth! Our guide showcases all the must-see events. From Portsmouth regulars to holiday tourists, our guide unlocks the city's festive treasures for everyone.
One of the standout events is the enchanting Candlelight Stroll, where visitors can wander through historic streets aglow with warm lights and carols drifting through the air. Another delightful experience is the Holiday Tree-Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade, featuring dazzling displays and festive decorations that bring the town to life. And the First Night is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering family-friendly activities to ring in the New Year with a local twist. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Portsmouth Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Tree-Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of tree lighting, parade, and extended shopping hours.
- Description
- The Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Portsmouth features a festive tree lighting ceremony, a vibrant parade, and a "Shop & Stroll" event with extended shopping hours and holiday activities.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Holiday Tree-Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade
Illumination 2024 at Wentworth by the Sea
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with carolers and horse-drawn carriage rides.
- Description
- At Wentworth by the Sea, Illumination 2024 kicks off the Christmas season with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa, the Portsmouth High School Marching Band, and holiday crafts and games. The event includes lighting the tree and gathering around this year's giant gingerbread house.
- Where
- New Castle | More Info : Illumination 2024 at Wentworth by the Sea
Portsmouth Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Candlelight Stroll
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday traditions in historic settings.
- Description
- Step into the past and experience 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Adorned with handmade decorations from the Museum’s heirloom gardens, historic houses are illuminated by hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights. Visitors can enjoy hot apple cider, a warming bonfire, and live music performances while exploring the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Candlelight Stroll
Portsmouth Other Holiday Activities
First Night
- What to Expect
- Community-driven fireworks and ice sculpture event.
- Description
- First Night Portsmouth is a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration on December 31st, featuring fireworks, ice sculpture, and community activities.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : First Night
Art 'Round Town Gallery Walk
- What to Expect
- Monthly event showcasing diverse art pieces in Portsmouth's historic galleries.
- Description
- Downtown Portsmouth celebrates its vibrant art community with the Art 'Round Town gallery walk, featuring international and local artists in historic galleries.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Art 'Round Town Gallery Walk
Christmas Dinner at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
- What to Expect
- Elegant Christmas buffet with local ingredients.
- Description
- The Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel offers an elegant Christmas buffet prepared by its talented culinary team, featuring a variety of savory dishes and warm desserts.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Christmas Dinner at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
Festive Christmas Buffet - Wentworth by the Sea
- What to Expect
- Luxurious buffet with diverse culinary offerings and champagne.
- Description
- Savor a seemingly endless display of mouth-watering delicacies, including a deluxe chilled salad buffet, New England raw bar, and artisan cheese display, all complemented by complimentary champagne and delectable dessert displays.
- Where
- New Castle | More Info : Festive Christmas Buffet - Wentworth by the Sea
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond
- What to Expect
- Seasonal outdoor ice skating with adaptive and private options.
- Description
- Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond offers traditional New England outdoor ice skating with daily public skating, adaptive ice time, and private rink rentals. The rink is professionally maintained with a chilling system and Zamboni, providing ice skate rentals, training aids, and skate sharpening services.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond