By Mike Anderson
The holidays are a magical time in Portsmouth. From Hanukkah celebrations to the annual Holiday Parade, the city boasts numerous events to help make your season more special. Below are some of the best local opportunities to celebrate, worship and make merry.
Illumination at Wentworth-by-the-Sea
December 3 – 5 to 7 p.m.
This yearly tradition includes carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa Claus, the Portsmouth High School Marching Band, crafts, snacks, and, of course, the lighting of the classic hotel. The event is free and open to the public. The hotel will also offer Winter Wonderland brunches on December 1, 8, 15 and 22, beginning at 10 a.m. For reservations, contact the hotel at 373-6566.
Photo: opalcollection.com
Art ‘Round Town Gallery Walk
December 6
5 to 8 p.m.
Downtown
Browse local shops and art galleries on December’s First Friday Gallery Walk. Galleries offer works by artists from Europe, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and of course, the Seacoast region.
Holiday-themed Plays
A Player’s Ring
A Player’s Ring brings several options to theater lovers this season, including “A Tuna Christmas,” “What the Dickens,” and “A Christmas Carol.” The first two of these plays are comedies, followed by Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story. “What the Dickens” provides the essential elements of Scrooge’s encounters, but the audience decides how the story will unfold in an unusual, festive form of improv. For times and ticket purchases, go to https://www.playersring.org
Image: A Player’s Ring
Illuminated Holiday Parade
Downtown Portsmouth
December 7
Events begin at noon; parade starts at 6 p.m.
In addition to the parade, the Market Square area will be closed to vehicle traffic from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pedestrians can stroll the area and visit Portsmouth’s unique retail shops and restaurants while enjoying street performers and carolers. A vintage trolley will be available from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and from 9 to 10:30 p.m. More information on this event (and related street closures) is available at https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/city/illuminated-holiday-parade-tree-lighting
Photo: Pinterest
Latkepalooza Community Hanukkah Celebration
Temple Israel
December 10
4 p.m.
This event will include Hanukkah lighting, dancing, crafts, and music, along with donuts and latkes. Temple Israel is located at 200 State Street. For more information, visit https://templeisraelnh.shulcloud.com/event/community-hanukkah-celebration2.html
Candlelight Stroll
Strawbery Banke
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December
Meet musicians, performers and the Currier and Ives Vintage Christmas Skaters while exploring Strawbery Banke in the glow of hundreds of lanterns and string lights. In addition to the traditional candlelight tour of the Strawbery Banke grounds, the organizers offer an “Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Stroll” on Sunday, December 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. For tickets, please see https://www.strawberybanke.org/candlelight-stroll
Photo: strawberybanke.org
First Night Fireworks Display
December 31
South Mill Pond
7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the passing of the old year and the start of the new with this annual fireworks show at South Mill Pond.
