Holiday Festivities
Celebrate the holidays in one of the world's Christmas capitals!
“For all the beauty Portsmouth offers during the summer, the holiday season just may be its finest time of year. The Christmas spirit you find here isn’t garish or overblown. It’s tasteful and subtle, more vintage than big-box store.” — Yankee Magazine
The holidays in New England are cozy and beautiful, and Portsmouth is no exception. Take a holiday tour around town, or drive through Portsmouth and its neighboring towns for Christmas lights sight-seeing and wintertime fun. See below for some of our recommendations of places to see and things to do!
City of Portsmouth Tree Lighting & Parade
Portsmouth’s annual Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting and Food Drive is back!
Saturday, December 4, 2021
5:30pm Tree Lighting in Market Square
6:00pm Parade step off from Islington Street
4:00-7:00pm Non-perishable Food Drop Off at Market Square parade platform.
Parade participants are welcome to register ahead of time by visiting the City’s website at www.cityofportsmouth.com and click on the recreation department.
Spectators, please note that there will be a parking ban in downtown on parade night.
Rain date: Sun, Dec 5. Same times
Keep an eye on the Facebook Page for up to date information.
Eat
Please continue to check back for more details on Holiday dinner offerings.
The Beach Plum
You’re on the Nice List! Enjoy The Beach Plum’s holiday arctic swirl before 12/24.
Also 25% off Gift Cards
The Carriage House
Offering early Christmas Eve dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Closed on Christmas Day
Christmas Day Buffet & Dinner - Wentworth by the Sea
Enjoy Christmas Day Buffet or Dinner at Wentworth by the Sea.
BUFFET
Wentworth Ballroom
Serving: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy a seemingly endless display of mouth-watering delicacies, a crystalline ice sculpture, complimentary champagne, delectable dessert displays and more!
Ikko Sushi & Steakhouse Portsmouth
Open Christmas Eve until 9:30 p.m. and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Library Restaurant
Open Christmas Eve closed on Christmas Da
Open New Year’s Eve
Shearwater Restaurant at the Stage Neck Inn
Offering a prix fixe Christmas dinner from 1 to 4 p.m. at $109.95 per person plus tax and 20% service charge.
Santa Sunday Brunch - Wentworth by the Sea
Every Sunday before Christmas for a bit of holiday magic.
Reservations are required. Make yours at 603-422-7322
PLAY
Please check back for more details on Holiday dinner offerings.
Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth
A month long celebration of the holiday season with shows, strolls, shopping and more!
Visit the website below for details!
31st Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition
Exhibition dates: The show at Portsmouth Historical Society, as well as the downtown scavenger hunt, will be on display from Friday, November 26, through Wednesday, December 22.
Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.
42nd Annual Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars at Strawbery Banke Museum
Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars
Member Preview Night: Friday, December 3, 2021, 6-8 PM
Saturdays: December 4, 11, 18, 2021, 5-9 PM
Sundays: December 5, 12, 19, 2021, 4-8 PM
An outdoor-only experience to be held in rain, snow, or starlight.
SOLD OUT
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond
Provides seasonal outdoor ice skating at the heart of the 10-acre living history museum. The rink operates seven days a week, 9 am to 9 pm throughout December and on New Year’s Day, and the months of January and February. (Weather permitting)
Weather permitting; the rink is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, except for Christmas Day and shortened hours on Christmas Eve.
Visit the website below for more information and to purchasse tickets.
The Music Hall
Intimately Yours: Michael Feinstein – Sat., December 4 • 2pm
Stage Door Cabaret: A Sinatra Christmas with Rich DiMare- Thu., December 9 • 6pm & 8pm
Stage Door Cabaret: Nat Zegree – Fri., December 10 • 8pm
Stage Door Cabaret: Shemekia Copeland – Sat., December 11 • 7pm
Stage Door Cabaret: Twisted Pine- Sun., December 12 • 8pm
Stage Door Cabaret: Sharon Jones Quartet – Thu., December 16 • 6pm
Stage Door Cabaret: Great Bay Philharmonic String Quartet – Fri., December 17 • 8pm
Stage Door Cabaret: Honeysuckle – Sat., December 18 • 8pm
Hilarity: Juston McKinney: A Year in Review- Sun., December 26 • 6pm; Mon., December 27 • 6pm; & Tue., December 28 • 7pm
The Music Hall Presents: New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops –Fri., December 31 • 8pm
Holiday Cinema
White Christmas (1954)- Tue., December 21 • 3pm
Love Actually – Tue., December 21 • 7pm
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Wed., December 22 • 3pm & 7pm
The Grinch (2018) – Thu., December 23 • 3pm
Last Christmas – Thu., December 23 • 7pm
The Player's Ring
Discovering Magic – November 26-28, 2021
A Christmas Carol – December 3-24, 2021
The Toymaker’s Apprentice – December 4-19, 2021
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra
Holiday Pops Concert
Saturday December 18th, 2021, 7:30pm
Sunday December 19th, 2021, 3pm, Portsmouth High School
New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops — December 31st, 2021 8pm, The Music Hall
The Seacoast Rep
Peter Pan – November 18 – December 23
The Little Prince – December 15 – 30
Mad Haus – December 31
Wentworth By The Sea Illumination
Free of Charge! Everyone is welcome.
Highlights Include…
– Santa’s arrival by sleigh
– Crafts and games for children
– Unveiling of our giant gingerbread house
– Portsmouth high school marching band
– Ceremonial hotel lighting!
STAY
Portsmouth has many warm & inviting lodging properties to enjoy during your holiday getaway.
AC Hotel - There's Gnome Place Like Portsmouth
Enjoy discounts off parking and at our restaurants with the AC Hotel Portsmouth Gnome!
Upon arrival take advantage our Gnome Valet Parking, at check-in you’ll receive your Gnome Tour Guide, and don’t forget to bring your Gnome to dinner at the AC Lounge or the Rooftop Portsmouth for a sweet deal.
Valid Stay Dates: November 16, 2021 – January 16, 2022
SoME Brewing Co.
Offering Flannels, Long Sleeves and Crew Neck Sweatshirts! Gift cards available and E-gift Cards available online.
New beer releases coming in December.
