Candlelight Stroll
Visitors wander museum grounds illuminated by candle boxes and string lights while touring furnished historic houses adorned with greens and heirloom dried flowers. Costumed roleplayers share the traditions of past neighborhood families alongside live musicians, carolers, and ice-dance performances. Guests can also enjoy warm cider, vote in the Grove of Sponsored Holiday Trees, and take horse-drawn carriage rides.
What to Expect
Explore historic decorated houses, costumed roleplayers, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Event Details
Duration
The selected arrival window is a check-in period, not the length of the visit; guests may remain until the event closes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Puddle Dock neighborhood
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Strawbery Banke Museum
Food & Drink
Warm cider is available to guests; members can also purchase beer, wine, and warm beverages and enjoy complimentary holiday cookies in the members-only Pitt Tavern area.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-history enthusiasts
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Members: Friday/Sunday adult $17.50 or free; Saturday adult $19 or free. Friday/Sunday child ages 3–17 $8.75 or free; Saturday child $9.50 or free. Under 3 free. Complimentary and discounted ticket quantities vary by membership level. Public early-bird prices (September 14–October 31, 2026): Friday/Sunday adult $32, child ages 3–17 $16, under 3 free; Saturday adult $35, child $17.50, under 3 free. Public regular prices beginning November 1, 2026: Friday/Sunday adult $35, child ages 3–17 $17.50, under 3 free; Saturday adult $38, child $19, under 3 free. Family rate: $87.50 Friday or Sunday, $95 Saturday; includes admission for two adults and any number of children under 18 living in the same household. Groups of 15+: adult $28, child $14; available Fridays and Sundays only, not online or at the door, with reservations at least 48 hours in advance. All guests, including children under 3, must have a ticket. Horse-drawn carriage rides are included. Member Pitt Tavern access includes complimentary holiday cookies; beer, wine, and warm beverages are available for purchase. – Get tickets
- Hours: Friday: arrival 5:30–5:59 PM or 6–6:30 PM; ends 8:30 PM. Saturday: arrival 4:30–5:29 PM or 5:30–6:29 PM; ends 8:30 PM. Sunday: arrival 2–2:59 PM or 3–3:59 PM; ends 6:30 PM.
- Parking: There is no general on-site parking. Guests should park off-site and walk or take the free Vintage Christmas trolley, available Saturdays and Sundays. Limited accessible parking is first-come, first-served for vehicles displaying a valid handicap accessible plate or placard. During the Portsmouth Holiday Parade, garages and municipal lots typically fill early; arrive well before the selected Stroll arrival window.
- Accessibility: Takes place across a historic outdoor campus with uneven paths, varying terrain, and buildings with differing levels of accessibility.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted; ADA-defined service animals are excepted.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets in advance, since popular dates and arrival windows can sell out and every guest, including children under 3, needs a ticket.
- Allow extra time for downtown parking and the walk or trolley ride so you reach the Museum during your arrival window.
- If you're coming on Portsmouth Holiday Parade day, get into town well before your arrival window because garages and municipal lots fill early.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear, since most of the Stroll is outdoors after dark on paths that can be wet, icy or uneven.
- Bring your paper library pass if you have one and show it on arrival, because no online registration is needed.
Special Events & Promotions
- Horse-drawn carriage rides return in 2026 with Lakeside Carriages. They're included with admission, first-come, first-served.
- Members get exclusive access to the first floor of Pitt Tavern, with live acoustic music, free holiday cookies, beer, wine and warm drinks for purchase, and an exclusive glass ornament.
- Public early-bird pricing runs September 14 to October 31.
- A family rate covers two adults and any number of children under 18 from the same household.
- Group rates for 15 or more are available on Fridays and Sundays only. Book at least 48 hours ahead; group rates aren't sold online or at the door.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Stroll self-guided, and what's open?
Yes, you explore the campus on your own. You can visit furnished historic houses and exhibit spaces, catch seasonal demonstrations and performances, and walk the outdoor activity areas. What's open can vary by evening.
Are the horse-drawn carriage rides included?
Yes, carriage rides are included with admission. They run first-come, first-served and can't be reserved in advance.
Does admission include ice skating?
No. Skating and skate rentals at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond are booked and paid for separately.
What does my arrival window mean?
It's your check-in period, not the length of your visit. Arrive during your window, and once you're in you can stay until the event closes.
What should I wear, and what happens in bad weather?
Dress warmly and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes. Most of the Stroll is outdoors after dark, and paths can be wet, snowy, icy or uneven. It goes ahead in rain or snow. If severe conditions cancel an evening, ticket holders are notified by email.
More Christmas Events Near Portsmouth
More Christmas Events near Portsmouth
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.