Winter in
Portsmouth &
on the Seacoast
Experience the Magic of the Season
Imagine historic brick streets dusted with snow. Cozy fireside dining on a cold evening. The rugged beauty of the New England coastline. Winter brings a different kind of magic to Portsmouth and the Seacoast. Local restaurants offer seasonal dishes for every taste. Opportunities for outdoor adventure are plentiful, from skating and fat tire biking to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. And the cultural calendar is packed with events like Vintage Christmas, Hear & There, and live performances at The Music Hall and other local venues. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of ways to savor the season.
In the Spotlight
Vintage Christmas
Founded in 2005 as a partnership between Strawbery Banke Museum and The Music Hall, this beloved tradition brings people together to celebrate the holidays and experience the seasonal magic of Portsmouth.
Ready to plan your winter getaway?
Make the most of your winter visit with our Trip Planner. Save your favorite places, map out your itinerary, and design your perfect Seacoast getaway.
Harbor Highlights
Big Hits: Ghosts, Films & Fall Flavors: Your Guide to Autumn Events on the Seacoast
October is when Portsmouth really starts showing off, and on the big screen too. There are movies, ghosts, pumpkins, costumes, good food and enough… Read more
Fall in Love with Seacoast Menus
Fall in Portsmouth has a way of showing off. Not just through crudely carved pumpkin smiles, but through chefs’ menus, too! Around the Seacoast,… Read more
Portsmouth’s White Mountains and Working Waterfront
They’re not mountains, of course (we know that!) They’re piles of road salt, stored along the working waterfront for the New Hampshire winter ahead…. Read more
Bundle Up & Book It
Winter FAQs
Winter in Portsmouth is filled with things to explore, including museums, live music, theater, tax-free shopping, dining, breweries, seasonal events, and outdoor activities. For New Year’s Eve, Portsmouth hosts First Night, with fireworks and ice sculptures.
Most restaurants, shops, and attractions in Portsmouth and the Seacoast remain open throughout the winter, with many offering seasonal menus, events, and extended holiday hours.
Yes. From skating at Puddle Dock Pond at Labrie Skate and bird watching and snowy walks at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge to fat tire biking and snowshoeing, there are many outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking trails, scenic coastal strolls, sledding, and nearby winter recreation abound throughout the region.
Absolutely. Portsmouth is a highly walkable city with charming hotels, excellent restaurants, cultural attractions, and plenty to do year-round. Winter means fewer crowds, but all the food, arts, history, and hospitality the Seacoast is known for.
The holiday season kicks off with beloved traditions like Vintage Christmas, a festive event featuring a parade, candlelight stroll, gingerbread house exhibit, and more. Winter also brings concerts, theater, special performances, and community celebrations throughout the Seacoast. Check the local calendar for current events during your visit.
