Portsmouth Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Portsmouth transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Vintage Christmas celebration. This picturesque New Hampshire town invites visitors to step back in time and experience the holidays with a charming, historic flair. From dazzling theatrical performances and festive parades to the enchanting Candlelight Stroll and outdoor ice skating, there...

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Vintage Christmas celebration. This beloved event invites visitors to experience the holidays with a charming blend of historical traditions and festive entertainment. From the enchanting 'Elf The Musical!' and Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' to the magical Candlelight Stroll at...

Discover a treasure trove of holiday finds at the Dover Holiday Flea Market. Nearly 35 dealers will be on hand, offering a diverse array of antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, and unique items. Explore everything from textiles and jewelry to art and toys, making it the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind...

Discover a festive holiday shopping experience at the Somersworth Holiday Craft Fair. This large event showcases over 100 of New England's finest crafters, offering a diverse array of handmade gifts, decorations, and artisanal goods. Visitors can enjoy delicious food options prepared by volunteers, making it a perfect outing for finding...

Ogunquit's beloved 39th annual Christmas by the Sea festival welcomes the holiday season with a vibrant array of activities. Visitors can enjoy tree and bridge lightings, live concerts, craft shows, and engaging children's activities. The event culminates with a parade, a lively bonfire, and a dazzling fireworks display, with Santa...

Join the delightful 'Elf on the Shelf' scavenger hunt winding through downtown Rochester. Discover 12 hidden elves, each offering a special ticket and a treat. Collect all your tickets and head to Collec-tiques on North Main Street for a chance to win exciting prizes in the grand raffle. It's a...

Discover the charm of Strafford, NH, during its 36th annual Christmas celebration. Over 50 local artisans and craftspeople open their homes and studios across approximately 30 locations, offering a unique shopping experience. Browse handmade treasures, enjoy refreshments, and find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Experience the charm of the Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair, a beloved annual event. Members meticulously craft unique gifts, ornaments, and festive treats throughout the year, offering a delightful shopping experience. This community gathering is held at the historic Annisquam Village Hall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all...

Rockport transforms into a winter wonderland throughout December with 'Christmas in Rockport.' Festivities include Santa's grand arrival by boat, a magical tree lighting ceremony, and a live Nativity pageant. Explore unique shops during Mistletoe Madness and Stocking Stuffer Weekend, enjoy festive music from carolers and strolling musicians, and take a...

Step into a bygone era at the Candlelight Stroll, where historic houses are aglow with hundreds of candle lanterns and adorned with handmade decorations. Costumed roleplayers bring the past to life, sharing stories of seasonal traditions. Enjoy wandering musicians, festive music, and a warming bonfire.

Discover Winter Wonders, New England's largest and most immersive walk-through light show, featuring over 2.5 million lights across 14 acres. Wander a mile-long trail through an enchanted forest, experiencing unique, interactive light displays and festive winter scenes. It's an ideal opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends during...

Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland by the sea at the Sea Festival of Trees. This beloved tradition showcases thousands of glittering Christmas trees, offers seaside indoor ice skating, and features visits from Santa and popular characters. It's a festive celebration supporting the historic Salisbury Beach Carousel.

Experience the magic of Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude, a beloved 11-day festival that transforms this charming Maine town into a winter wonderland. Recognized by national media as a top holiday destination, Prelude offers a heartwarming celebration with over 160 events. From Santa's unique arrival by lobster boat to dazzling tree lightings,...

Step into a winter wonderland with Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Journey through a scenic, wooded campus aboard heated, vintage trolleys adorned with live holiday greens. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by an outdoor fire pit. Explore fascinating exhibits, including a model railroad building...

LaBelle Lights transforms the winery grounds into a magical holiday spectacle. Visitors can drive through a dazzling display of synchronized lights and animated installations set to festive music, creating an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.

Experience the Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights, a spectacular drive-through event showcasing over a mile of dazzling displays. Featuring more than 1 million LED lights, this attraction boasts the longest light tunnel in New England, offering a magical journey through a winter wonderland from the comfort of your vehicle.

Charmingfare Farm invites visitors to a magical Santa's Christmas event, transforming into a winter wonderland. Families can embark on enchanting horse-drawn or sleigh rides through a festive Christmas trail to reach the North Pole. There, they can meet Santa Claus, see his live reindeer, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa,...

Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' comes to life at the historic Music Hall. This spectacular production features dazzling dance numbers, iconic songs like 'Blue Skies' and the title track, and a cast of talented performers. Follow the story of two veterans whose song-and-dance act leads them to a charming Vermont lodge,...

The Portsmouth School of Ballet presents their enchanting annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic holiday ballet offers a magical experience for audiences, featuring talented dancers from the school. It's a cherished tradition that brings the festive spirit to life.

Celebrate Christmas Day with an unforgettable buffet experience at the historic Wentworth by the Sea. They offer a spectacular spread of culinary delights, including a festive carving station, a New England raw bar, and an impressive dessert display. Enjoy complimentary champagne as you dine in the elegant Wentworth Ballroom.

Join the community for First Night Portsmouth, a cherished New Year's Eve tradition. This alcohol-free celebration focuses on outdoor festivities, featuring breathtaking ice sculptures and a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the new year. It's a time for reflection and hopeful anticipation, bringing people together for a memorable evening.

Experience the magic of the season at Portsmouth's Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved annual event features a dazzling parade with creative floats and marching bands, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of the city's holiday tree. Join the community for a festive evening filled with holiday spirit and...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved event transforms downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland with a dazzling parade featuring creatively lit floats, marching bands, and community participants. Following the parade, the city's holiday tree will be lit, officially...

Experience the festive spirit at the Dover Holiday Parade, a beloved community tradition. This vibrant event features a colorful procession of decorated floats, energetic marching bands, and enthusiastic community groups. It's a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to gather and celebrate the holiday season together.

The 40th Annual Wells Christmas Parade is a beloved holiday tradition sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce. This festive event kicks off at 2:00 PM, with the parade route starting at Wells Plaza and proceeding north to Wells Junior High School. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Rochester's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join the community as they gather to witness the enchanting first lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Enjoy festive caroling, dance performances, and a special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Kids can delight in cookie...

Embark on a magical 45-50 minute journey to the North Pole aboard the IC North Pole Express. This enchanting experience brings the beloved story of 'The Night Before Christmas' to life with onboard entertainment, including games led by the conductor and Christmas carols. Meet a delightful cast of characters, from...

Lace up for the 13th annual Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K in Haverhill, MA, on December 7, 2025. This festive event offers a scenic half marathon along the Merrimack River and a family-friendly 5K through charming New England landscapes. Participants receive exclusive holiday swag, a commemorative medal, and access...

Young hockey stars can compete in the annual Boston Bruins Holiday Tournament, held at the PTG Memorial Arena. This event is designed for Mite and Squirt teams, offering a minimum of three games over four days in a round-robin format. Players will receive Bruins giveaways, and the official mascot, Blades,...

Step back in time at the Holiday Open House hosted by the Sandy Bay Historical Society. This special event invites visitors to explore the beautifully preserved Sewall-Scripture House, a historic gem built in 1832. Discover fascinating local history, genealogical records, and unique artifacts that tell the story of Rockport.