Portsmouth Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors gather in Market Square to see the seasonal tree lighting ceremony. The community gathering is hosted by the Mayor and City Council to kick off downtown holiday celebrations.

Visitors can experience a coastal holiday festival featuring tree lightings, street celebrations, and fireworks over the cove. The town comes alive with strolling carolers, live music, ice carving, and quirky traditions like the Hat Parade and Pooch Parade. Families can...

Spectators gather along the downtown parade route to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The procession features creative decorated floats, marching bands, community organizations, and special holiday appearances. Walkers along the route also hand out candy directly to attendees...

Hosted by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, the parade brings together community members to celebrate the holiday season. Spectators line the route to watch local participants, civic organizations, and businesses make their way from Wells Plaza north toward Wells Junior...

Guests gather in downtown Rochester to watch the lighting of the holiday tree and listen to a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The evening includes live caroling, dance performances, and an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus. Attendees...

Passengers take a round-trip train ride featuring conductor-led games, Christmas carol singing, letter writing to Santa, and a reading of The Night Before Christmas. Each guest receives a Christmas cookie on board and visits from holiday characters including Rudolph, Frosty,...

This coastal holiday festival transforms the seaside village into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and ocean views. Festivities include tree and bridge lightings, live holiday concerts, artisan craft shows, and children's activities. Visitors can also experience a festive...

Participants run or walk through scenic New England landscapes and rural roads along the Merrimack River, with the 5K covering a campus loop and the half marathon tackling a figure-eight course. After crossing the finish line, runners can celebrate at...

Spectators can line the streets to watch community floats, marching bands, and performers travel through Beverly. The procession makes its way along Cabot Street, stopping at the City Hall viewing stand before concluding at the Beverly Depot MBTA Commuter Rail...

Visitors gather to watch Santa Claus arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel with assistance from the Salem Fire Department. Following the arrival, participants join a procession down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park. The celebration concludes...

Visitors step inside a selection of elaborately decorated historic homes and landmarks tied to Salem's seafaring past. Centered around the waterfront Derby Street neighborhood, the annual house tour lets guests experience centuries-old architecture and holiday decor under this year's theme,...

Step inside select historic homes during this festive holiday house tour kicking off the Christmas season. Centered around the theme 'Seas and Greetings,' the tour explores the waterfront Derby Street neighborhood. Visitors can admire centuries-old residences and landmarks connected to...

Spectators can watch decorated community floats, marching band music, and Santa's sleigh travel along the parade route. Festivities continue at the park with live musical performances, holiday dance numbers, and a countdown led by Santa to light the bandstand. Families...

Guests enjoy an exclusive evening candlelight preview exploring select historic homes in the waterfront Derby Street neighborhood. The evening features a festive reception offering food and beverages alongside early access to the houses. Tickets also allow attendees to return and...

Visitors wander through museum galleries transformed into an enchanted wonderland of decorated trees, each styled around a unique theme. Guests can admire the trees, bid on artwork created by local artists and artisans, and enter raffles for prizes donated by...

Participants gather for a holiday 5K race supporting children in the local community. Organized by Massabesic High School's National Honor Society, the event brings runners together to celebrate the season and raise funds for a good cause. Attendees can check...

Participants learn how to craft a chunky knit Christmas tree skirt featuring a raised texture and decorative edging. Guided step by step by an instructor from The Cozy Company, crafters work with plush yarn in their choice of red, white,...

Guests participate in a step-by-step workshop led by Hammer & Stain instructors to create a holiday tree or Grinch tree using real sea glass and lights. All project materials are provided for the session. Admission includes snacks, dessert, and a...

Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem team up to present a family-friendly celebration to ring in the New Year. Visitors can enjoy interactive art-making activities, live magic shows, face painting, temporary tattoos, and a silent disco. The event...

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...

First Night Portsmouth is an alcohol-free community celebration on December 31st. The event includes fireworks and ice sculptures.

Join the community in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for a New Year's Eve celebration. While specific event details are not provided, the city offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous dining and entertainment options to explore as you welcome the new year....

Experience the magic of Saco's Holiday Festival & Parade of Lights! This cherished tradition combines joyful daytime festivities, including story time with Santa and live caroling, with a breathtaking evening parade. Watch as Main Street comes alive with glowing floats,...

Experience the magic of the 9th Annual Peabody Holiday Stroll, a festive community celebration across downtown Peabody. Enjoy a day filled with Reindeer Games, Santa's Workshop, and creative craft activities. Witness live music, dance performances, and a special 'Touch a...

Experience the magic of Christmas as Santa arrives by boat at Masconomo Park for the annual Christmas-by-the-Sea event. Children can join Santa for a Jingle Bell Walk and parade, followed by opportunities for photos. The afternoon also features crafts, face...

Experience the magic of the holidays with a special trolley ride at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Journey through a scenic, wooded campus on trolleys adorned with live holiday greens. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows by a fire pit, explore...

Join the 37th Annual Lobster Dip on January 1st, 2025, at Old Orchard Beach for a thrilling New Year's tradition. Brave the chilly Atlantic waters to raise vital funds for Special Olympics Maine athletes. This event offers a unique opportunity...