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Holiday Happenings
More information is being added as we get updates from all participating organizations!
Presented by The City of Portsmouth
Market Square, Portsmouth, NH
Saturday, December 2, 2023. Post
Market Square will be closed following the annual Holiday Parade until 9 pm. The City's retail community is excited to stay open later and create welcoming environments to connect with shoppers in a festive and more personal way. Join us for music, Christmas carolers, and open-air entertainment for all ages available for residents, visitors, and shoppers alike.
MATILDA
Presented by The Seacoast Repertory Theatre
28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, NH
Friday, November 10 - Thursday, December 23, 2023
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre is proud to introduce, straight from the national tours of 𝐿𝑒𝑠 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠 and 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑠 - the incomparable and absolutely adorable Sofie Nesanelis.
This incredible, professional 8 year old performer is an absolute star and is here in our community for a short time to star as Matilda Wormwood in our upcoming holiday production of MATILDA! You do not want to miss this!
Presented by Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall
28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, NH
Wednesday, November 29 - Sunday, December 17, 2023
Run Time: 2.5 hours including intermission
Opening Night: Friday, December 1
“For this year's annual holiday production, we are bringing new energy to a timeless tale that has captivated audiences of all ages and backgrounds for generations. The Sound of Music will transport you to a world where dreams soar and passions ignite in spectacle, joy, and music so memorable it will melt your heart. There's simply no better gift for the holidays than a live theatre experience,” says Bradford Kenney, Executive Artistic Director at Ogunquit Playhouse.
Set against the backdrop of Austria on the brink of World War II, The Sound of Music follows the adventures of a problem named Maria, new governess for the von Trapp family, who turns everyone’s world (including her own) upside down, underscored by some of the most unforgettable songs ever composed for the stage – “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” “Climb Every Mountain,” and more! Whether you’re an avid fan or experiencing the show live on stage for the very first time, this unique theatrical event will enchant and delight you and your loved ones this holiday season.
The cast and creative team will be announced later this Fall!
Presented by Strawbery Banke Museum.
14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH
Friday, December 8 & 15 2023, 5-9 PM
Saturday, December 2, 9, & 16, 2023, 5-9 PM
Sunday, December 3, 10, & 17, 2023, 4-8 PM
Ticket sales begin on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 10AM.
Visitors call on the many families who once lived in the Puddle Dock neighborhood including the Shapiro family as they prepare for a Hanukkah Celebration in 1919, The Goodwin family and servants as they prepare for a Victorian Christmas, as well as the Rider-Wood family as they celebrate both Christmas and the recent marriage of Mary Rider’s niece Betsey.
Strawbery Banke Museum’s furnished historic houses are adorned with handmade decorations created from greens and dried flowers from the Museum’s heirloom gardens. While traveling from house to historic house, the glow of hundreds of lighted candle lanterns light the way and guests enjoy seasonal greetings from costumed roleplayers and performers who recreate the traditions of times past. The historic houses are open for touring during Candlelight Stroll.
Be sure to catch Ice Dance International‘s Currier and Ives Vintage Skaters as they perform at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond and stroll the Grove of Holiday Trees, numerous holiday trees decorated by members of the community and local businesses and organizations. Additionally, enjoy an old-fashioned holiday shopping experience at Pickwick’s at the Banke, the Museum store.
Event held in rain, snow, or starlight.
Presented by Portsmouth Historical Society.
10 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH
Friday, November 24 - Thursday, December 30
FREE FOR ALL
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
10 AM - 5 PM
Registration for gingerbread creations, as well as applications to be one of the downtown storefronts, are open!
Celebrate the sweetest season, by joining the Portsmouth Historical Society for the 33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition. Once again, everyone is getting a little sugar, as completed contestant creations are displayed in downtown shop windows.
Make sure to participate in the downtown scavenger hunt in retail storefronts near Market Street!
Labrie Family Skate
Presented by Strawbery Banke Museum at Puddle Dock Pond.
14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, NH
Daily Public Skating, December-February
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.
New! Online ticketing is available for the 2023-2024 season.
Margaret Bonds: "Ballad of the Brown King"
Presented by Portsmouth Pro Musica
Show at St. Mary's Church:
25 Chestnut St, Dover, NH
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Show at South Church:
292 State St, Portsmouth, NH
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 4 PM
Portsmouth Pro Musica will be performing "Ballad of Brown King", a Christmas Cantata by Margaret Bonds and Langston Hughes.
A Kat Edmonson Christmas - "Holiday Swinging'!"
Presented by Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club
135 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7 PM & 9:30 PM
Award-Winning Singer & Songwriter KAT EDMONSON is described as having "an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret and vintage cosmopolitanism pop" (NEW YORK TIMES).
In 2016, she appeared in Woody Allen's film "Cafe Society" as a 1930's jazz singer! She has performed on the biggest stages across the United States, Europe and Asia, from Carnegie Hall to the Blue Note in Japan. Kat's outstanding performance was featured on CBS Saturday Morning on Christmas Day 2021!
NPR says, "Hearing Edmonson makes it virtually impossible to do anything but stop and listen." Edmonson and her band recorded a Christmas album including Yule-tide favorites such as "Jingle Bell Rock", "O Christmas Tree", and "Let It Snow". 'Holiday Swingin'! A Kat Edmonson Christmas' was described by Jazziz as "impeccably hip" and included in the NEW YORK TIMES list of "13 Albums That Revisit (and Redefine!) Holiday Classics."
Jon McLaughlin (Holiday Show)
Presented by Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club
135 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Everything in Acclaimed Singer, Songwriter, & Pianist JON MCLAUGHLIN's life makes its way into his music, whether he's conscious of it or not. The artist, raised in Indiana and based in Nashville, brings all of his experiences and beliefs into each song he creates, something that is especially true now that he's the father of two young girls.
Jon released his debut album, 'Indiana', in 2007, attracting fans with his heartfelt, hook-laden songwriting and impassioned delivery. He's released six full-lengths in the years since and revealed a true evolution in both his piano playing and singing. He's played shows with Billy Joel, Kelly Clarkson and Adele, collaborated with longtime friend Sara Bareilles, co-written with Demi Lovato and even performed at the Academy Awards in 2008.
As with everything he does, Jon's goal is to create connections. He wants to translate his experiences and ideas into music that reaches fans everywhere. His passion for music and playing is evident in each note.
Abriebe Scharff's - Abby Holidays!
Hosted by The Music Hall Lounge
131 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH
Thursday, December 21 & Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 7 PM
Abrielle Scharff is back in her hometown for her annual holiday show, Abby Holidays. Paired with candid and original lyricism, the sweetness of Abrielle’s sound doesn’t hinder her ability to convey genuine emotion. On stage, she is an open book with a mischievous sense of humor, like a stand-up comedian version of Stevie Nicks. Despite being a seasoned performer, the quality of Abrielle’s voice — unaffected, clear as a bell — gives the impression of effortlessness.
This is Abrielle’s 6th annual holiday show and very first year hosting it at The Lounge. She is very much looking forward to being back in her hometown, surrounded by friends and family (both on and off stage) during her favorite time of year. Join Abby in celebration as the night will be full of stunning renditions of your favorite seasonal songs, silly jokes, and a whole lot of love.
Juston McKinney's Comedy Year in Review 2023
Hosted by The Music Hall
28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, NH
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 7 PM
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 7 PM
Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 8 PM
Friday, December 29, 2023 at 8 PM
End the year with laughter as comedian Juston McKinney performs what have become annual must-see shows at The Music Hall!
Juston has multiple appearances on the Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, and both a half-hour special and a one-hour special on Comedy Central. He also has two one-hour specials you can currently see right now on Amazon Prime! Throw in some appearances at the TD Garden for Comics Come Home, a Showtime special with Rob Gronkowski, and you can see why NH Magazine named him “Best of New Hampshire” and the New York Times called him “Destined for stardom.” Have the last laugh of 2023 with Juston as he uses multimedia to dish on his New England life and looks back at the year that was.
First Night Portsmouth
Presented by Pro Portsmouth
28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, NH
Sunday, December 31, 2023 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!
Presented by Portsmouth Historical Society
10 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH
Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 11 AM to 12 PM
Now that the holidays are over, join the Portsmouth Historical Society for a smashing good time. It’s the inaugural Gingerbread Smash! If you have some post-holiday feelings you need to channel, we’ve got gingerbread houses that need to be disposed of. Register and smash a gingerbread house into oblivion.
Your support helps keep the annual Gingerbread exhibition free and accessible to all.
Thank you to EnviroVantage for providing personal protective equipment, sledgehammers, and waste removal. All debris will be composted by Mr. Fox.
Thank you, Vintage Christmas Partners!
