Christmas Prelude
Visitors can experience a coastal holiday festival featuring tree lightings, street celebrations, and fireworks over the cove. The town comes alive with strolling carolers, live music, ice carving, and quirky traditions like the Hat Parade and Pooch Parade. Families can also watch Santa and Mrs. Claus make their signature arrival aboard a lobster boat.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring parades, fireworks, and Santa arriving by lobster boat.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Portsmouth
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth
Food & Drink
Food vendors are featured at the family street festival; the Upper Ocean Avenue Festival offers lobster rolls, chowder, beverages, and s’mores, with hot cocoa and refreshments at select events.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-loving visitors
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Visit our dedicated parking page for the latest information on parking during Christmas Prelude.
- Pets: Dogs can join the Pooch Parade; registration is required and dogs must be leashed throughout the route.
Tips & Advice
- Register for the Hat Parade or Pooch Parade when registration opens October 15; both require registration to take part.
- For Santa’s lobster-boat arrival, watch from the river side of the Mathew Lanigan Bridge or another spot along the shore; Santa does not pass under the bridge.
- Use the Mathew Lanigan Bridge, South Congregational Green or nearby Lower Village bridge area to watch the fireworks.
- Avoid driving into the Family Street Festival area on December 11, when streets from Cooper’s Corner through Dock Square are closed to vehicles.
- Bring a leash and decorated holiday attire if you plan to join the Pooch Parade; dogs must stay leashed along the route.
Special Events & Promotions
- Most Christmas Prelude events are free; any event with a charge is identified on the schedule.
- Mrs. Claus appears at Kennebunk Outfitters on December 5 and 12; the appearances are free.
- Santa arrives by lobster boat on December 6; the event is free and open to the public.
- Santa reads a story at Storybook Christmas on December 10; admission is free.
- Hat Parade registration is free and opens October 15.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the events suitable for families?
Yes. The program includes family-friendly activities, Santa visits, children’s crafts and events open to all ages.
Do I need to pay to attend the events?
Most events are free; any event with a charge is identified on the schedule.
How can I take part in the Hat Parade or Pooch Parade?
Registration is required for both and opens October 15. Hat wearers gather at the town parking lot behind Alisson’s Restaurant; bring a decorated, leashed dog to Consolidated School for the Pooch Parade.
Where can I park, and what should I know about traffic?
Use designated parking areas and follow posted signs and directions from event staff. Streets from Cooper’s Corner through Dock Square close to vehicles during the Family Street Festival.
Where are public bathrooms available?
Portable bathrooms are located at the Dock Square Municipal Lot, Cape Porpoise Fire Station, North Street Fire Station, Washington Hose Company and Village Marketplace.
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.