If you’re looking for opportunities to indulge in Christmas cheer, it won’t be hard to find them. Here, we highlight a few special holiday events taking place in Portsmouth in the coming days.
If you have other events that readers should know about, please email us and let us know, or visit our Facebook page and leave a comment.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade, December 2
This annual event features the lighting of the tree in Market Square at 5 p.m., followed by the holiday parade. This year’s parade theme will be “History Lights Our Way,” a tribute to 400 years of Portsmouth history.
(History lights our way selectively; no one in Portsmouth’s history would have called a Christmas tree a “holiday tree,” but we digress.)
The parade commences at Plaza 800 on Islington Street at 6 p.m. and continues down Congress Street and through Market Square to Pleasant Street, crossing State Street and ending on Junkins Avenue.
There will be a wheelchair-accessible viewing area on the sidewalk on Islington Street, between Maplewood and Bridge Street. Individuals who require a wheelchair or have difficulty standing are welcome to use this space, along with their companions; however, space is limited.
Public parking near the accessible viewing area can be found at the Bridge Street Lot, Worth Lot and the Foundry Garage. The Access Navigators organization will provide assistance. For more information, please see https://accessnavigators.com/.
The City has added a new element to the evening by creating an opportunity to shop in the area after the parade, with the area around Market Square closed to vehicular traffic until 9 p.m. This event, called “Shop and Stroll,” will include “music, Christmas carolers, and open-air entertainment for all ages,” according to the City’s website.
Illumination at Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel (Newcastle), December 5
It’s not exactly in Portsmouth, but just a reindeer’s leap away in Newcastle. Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel and Spa invites guests and the public to participate in the annual lighting of the hotel, called “Illumination,” on December 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The evening will include horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa, a performance by the Portsmouth High School Marching Band, carolers, and holiday crafts and games. Step inside to enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations that adorn the historic hotel, which include an upside-down Christmas tree and a giant gingerbread house.
The hotel will also serve a Christmas day buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tickets are $89.95 per person; children under 12 may dine for $26.95. A three-course dinner will also be available on Christmas day, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., for $69.95 for adults and $26.95 for children under 12.
Prices do not include tax and gratuity. Call (603) 373-6566 for reservations. Wentworth-by-the-Sea is located at 588 Wentworth Road in Newcastle.
More Events at Portsmouth Historical Society
Portsmouth Historical Society (10 Middle Street) offers several festive events this month.
Join them on December 1 for their Vintage Christmas Kick-Off Party, where they will announce the community judges’ winners for the annual gingerbread contest. If you have never seen the gingerbread houses at the historical society, it’s well worth a visit.
Even if you’ve seen the gingerbread houses before, don’t miss this year’s collection. The confectionary creativity of the community is on full display.
Another fun event at the historical society is the Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap on December 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. Put on your ugliest Christmas sweater and bring a plate of cookies. (And maybe some dieting tips for after the holidays.)
Meet Santa at Portsmouth Green, December 14 and 17
What Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without a chance to meet Santa? Jolly
Ol’ Saint Nick will greet boys and girls at Portsmouth Green (2454 Lafayette Road),
outdoors, in front of Pinz, on December 14 from 4 to 6 p.m., and December 17 from
2 to 4 p.m.
Additional entertainment and sweet Christmas treats will also be provided. Register for the free event at https://bit.ly/santaportsmouthgreen.
Paper Orb Ornament Class, December 6
Seacoast Artspot (2992 Lafayette Road) will hold a paper ornament-building workshop on Wednesday, December 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will create origami-style ornaments, using materials that feature Christmas and Hannukah themes.
All materials are included, and admission is $19. Please note that the class takes place in the loft on the second floor. See https://seacoastartspot.com/.
Kat Edmonson at Jimmy’s Jass & Blues Club, December 16
Award-winning singer and songwriter Kat Edmonson will perform “Holiday Swingin’” at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress Street) on December 16. Shows begin at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The New York Times describes Edmonson “with an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret and vintage cosmopolitan pop.” For details, see https://jimmysoncongress.com/events/list/?tribe-bar-date=2023-12-16.
Source Featured Image: Wentworth by the Sea Instagram
