Holiday Events
More information is being added as we get updates from all participating organizations!
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features an enchanting collection of songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (The Wedding Singer) and Chad Beguelin (Disney's Aladdin on Broadway). The delightful musical is brought to life with a witty book crafted by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). This festive production captures the magic of the beloved film while adding a fresh and vibrant twist, making it a perfect holiday experience for audiences of all ages.
The Ogunquit Playhouse’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas returns to The Music Hall this holiday season. Packed full of dazzling dance numbers, iconic songs such as “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the beloved title song, as well as actors straight from Broadway, you aren’t going to want to miss this “holiday card come to life.” The magic of Broadway swings into the Historic Theater with spectacular dance numbers, nostalgic songs, and a few surprises that are sure to wow you.
Presented by Strawbery Banke Museum.
14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH
Friday, December 5, 12 & 19 2025
Saturdays, December 6, 13, & 20, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 14, & 21, 2025
Member ticket sales begin on Monday, October 22, 2025, at 10 AM. Public ticket sales begin on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10 AM.
Candlelight Stroll invites visitors to step into the past and experience 350+ years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. The Museum’s furnished historic houses are adorned with handmade decorations created from greens and dried flowers from the Museum’s heirloom gardens. Visitors call upon the many families who once lived in the waterfront neighborhood – portrayed by costumed roleplayers – who share stories, customs, and seasonal traditions. While traveling from house to historic house, the glow of hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights illuminate the way as guests enjoy seasonal greetings from wandering musicians and performers who recreate the traditions of times past. Additionally enjoy hot apple cider, a warming bonfire, and Ice Dance International’s Currier and Ives Vintage Christmas Skaters for several performances each night of this treasured event. Performances by the Vintage Christmas Skaters are weather-dependent. Please note that parking is unavailable on-site for Candlelight Stroll as the small Museum lot is reserved for handicapped accessible needs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Gingerbread House Contest Presented by Portsmouth Historical Society
10 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH
Friday, November 28 - Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Step into a world where gingerbread meets imagination! For 2025, we’re looking for bold, unexpected creations in The Great Gingerbread Experiment. We invite bakers, builders, and dreamers of all ages to stretch the boundaries of confectionery– to craft sculptures, scenes, and sweet surprises that defy the traditional roof and walls. Whether you’re experimenting with a new kind of structure, using an edible material you’ve never tried before, or knocking down the gingerbread walls altogether, we want to see your most innovative designs come to life. Embrace creativity and join us for a season of playful experimentation in gingerbread like never before.

A Christmas Carol Presented by Players' Ring Theatre
105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH
Select Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7pm Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm
By popular demand, this dream-like production returns after last year’s sold-out (but cut short!) run! An adaptation true to Dickens’ charming, chucklesome, yet unforgettably haunting tale. Tailor-made for the Players Ring’s intimate setting, this holiday production embraces theatricality, a bit of sleight-of-hand, and narration by a pair of unlikely (and sometimes unwilling) fools.
Enjoy the delight of outdoor ice skating at Strawbery Banke’s professionally maintained outdoor rink in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Daily public skating. Private parties. Skating lessons. Skate rentals and sharpening services are available.
Online ticketing not yet available for the 2025-2026 season.
First Night Portsmouth
Presented by Pro Portsmouth
28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, NH
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 2 PM to 8 PM
Pro Portsmouth became a member of the First Night Alliance in 1986 when it produced First Night Portsmouth on the Seacoast.
This celebration gives our Community the opportunity to come together as one, reflecting on the year that has passed and looking forward with hope and great anticipation to the year ahead.
The date – never changes: December 31st!
