Portsmouth's Winter Magic Is Almost Here

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

You know you’re approaching winter when you’ve fired up the woodstove at least once, you’re trading out shoes for insulated boots, and you can see your breath outside each morning and evening. Old man winter hasn’t blessed us with a snowy Portsmouth just yet, but it’s time to embrace the winter festivities. Us New Englanders know that there’s plenty of fun to be had this time of year, and possibly more, so grab a hot chocolate and experience some of the magic for yourself this season.

Strawbery Banke Ice Rink 

Limber up, sharpen your skates and get on the ice at the Strawbery Banke Ice Rink at Puddle Dock Pond. The rink offers daily public skating, private rink rentals for groups, lessons, pick up hockey, and adaptive ice time which provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. If you plan the timing right you can take advantage of their free skate days, and they do have rentals available so there’s no need to bring your own skates. Opening Friday, November 24th (conditions permitting).

Winter Wonders at Sandy Hill Farm

Lights, camera, action, at the Winter Wonders Light Show at Sandy Hill Farm - those are actually suggestions, because once you see the spectacular holiday lights display, you’ll want your camera to capture and share the memories. The farm’s roughly one-mile trail winds through 14 acres of beautiful, enchanted hardwood forest filled with illuminating, immersive, and even interactive exhibits to walk and play on. This year they continue to kick it up a notch as they’ve added almost 1 million lights, more one-of-a-kind displays, tasty local food and beverage concessions, and boast “very unique surprises for all who come.” Check it out as soon as today, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the lights up until the end of December.

Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition

Going strong into its 33rd year, the annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition is quite the treat. It’s the sweetest time of the year after all, and this year the Portsmouth Historical Society has chosen the theme of “Portsmouth Past, Present and Future” for gingerbread incarnations of this little city. By visiting and shopping around at the participating businesses, you can view and vote for your favorites, join in on raffles and bring home holiday prizes, follow the scavenger hunt to also win prizes, and also keep the kids happy with holiday crafts and gingerbread eye-spy along the way. Starting Friday, November 24th through the month of December.

Historic Candlelight Stroll

Historical Portsmouth comes to life to celebrate holiday traditions with the Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum. While traveling from one historic house to the next, hundreds of candle lanterns light the way as guests enjoy wandering musicians and performers who recreate the traditions of times past. Warm up by a bonfire and sip some hot cider, but don’t miss Ice Dance International’s Currier and Ives Vintage Skaters performing for each Saturday and Sunday event: 

Fridays, December 8 & 15, 2023, 5-9 PM

Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16, 2023, 5-9 PM

Sundays, December 3, 10, & 17, 2023, 4-8 PM

Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting at Market Square 

Parade night is almost here - bundle up, maybe even dress up, but hit Market Square for the Illuminated Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 2nd. From the Market Square Tree Lighting at 5:30pm, you’ll have a perfect spot to view and enjoy the festive holiday parade. Such a fun way to get into the holiday spirit no matter what you’re celebrating, and businesses will be open later into the night for people to enjoy dining and shopping as well.