Many people visit Portsmouth in New Hampshire during the spring and summer seasons, where they can witness the beautiful Prescott Park painted in flowers with rainbow colors, enjoy the cruise boats touring the harbor, visit the city’s historic houses, and travel to the Isles of Shoals. However, all of those attractions are not there during the winter season. During that time of the year, the historic houses in Portsmouth are all closed, there are no flowers at the Prescott Park, and the cruise boats will not be traveling to the Isles of Shoals or touring the harbor.
Still, Portsmouth becomes packed with visitors during December, and for a handful of great reasons. This is because nobody does Christmas like Portsmouth, and the city’s annual holiday celebration, Vintage Christmas, turns the area into a social and colorful space filled with holiday spirit.
Why Everyone Wants To Be Part Of Portsmouth’s Vintage Christmas
Christmas festivities rock the heart of Portsmouth, particularly in Strawbery Banke, where visitors to the area enjoy the historic Candlelight Stroll through the museum grounds with costumed role-players highlighting the traditions of the past Christmases. Moreover, the Puddle Dock neighborhood comes to life during the Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars.
At the time of this unique event, greens and lights will decorate Portsmouth’s historic homes and shops. Moreover, guests stroll through the lanes with the way lightened up by hundreds of candle lanterns. Additionally, wreaths and swags of dried flowers and fresh greens gloriously decorate the doorways. Music and stories fill the space and are used to greet visitors by costumed performers. The vintage skaters of Ice Dance International stun with their evening performances at Puddle Dock Pond.
Another place worth celebrating Christmas when spending the holidays in Portsmouth is Market Square and Market Street. This is where boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops have their windows decorated with great Christmas accessories that even non-shoppers will be tempted to enter the places.
- Opening times: People can attend the Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars every Saturday and Sunday evening from December 4 to December 18.
- Cost: Attending the Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll costs $20 per adult and $10 per child.
Where To Shop & Where To Eat During The Christmas Season
Shopping constitutes a central theme of Christmas in Portsmouth. People enjoy getting some specialties from Tulip American Handcrafts, which provides shoppers with works made in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. People can buy there some out-of-the-ordinary things, such as whimsical Lobster Art from Betty Wish, Maggie Nuhic’s colorful painted birdhouses, and unique jewelry works and pieces in all mediums.
For kitchenware, visitors enjoy shopping for cocktail mixers, crêpe skimmers, cheese knives, and other kitchen necessities at Attrezzi Fine Kitchen Accessories and Wine Room. People also enjoy shopping for handmade jewelry, fair trade, and USA-made accessories at Prelude Boutique. For clothing, a visit to The Wear House or Ganesh Imports will provide people with what they’re looking for. At Ganesh Imports, shoppers can also find home décor accessories.
Moreover, people enjoy shopping for their kids from G Willikers, where they can get unique toys and children’s books. On Market Street, people can try Nepalese dishes at Durbar Square Restaurant. They can also savor a tasty beer at Portsmouth Brewery, which features a casual pub vibe. Another dining area is Cava, a wine bar with tapas that people can visit in Commercial Alley.
Fabulous Vintage Christmas Events To Attend In 2021
In December, the city of Portsmouth will be turned into a magical area featuring unique events of Vintage Christmas celebrations. From November 26 through December 22, people will be attending the 31st annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition. During that event, gingerbread creations will be displayed throughout Downtown in the windows of restaurants and shops and at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center.
Moreover, visitors will have the chance to vote in the People’s Choice awards for their favorite designs. Additionally, it is possible to participate in a downtown scavenger hunt to win a gift card to the Roundabout Diner or Cure. At the Music Hall, people will have fun attending the hilarious Juston McKinney performances for three nights.
- Cost: Attending Juston Mckinney’s event costs between $27 and $34 per person per night.
No matter how much is written and whatever is said, it will never be enough to express and describe the magic of Christmas at Portsmouth. One will never know what it feels like without visiting this beautiful town and feeling the marvelousness for themselves.
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About The Author
Gabriel Kirellos (81 Articles Published)
Gabi is a professional banker and article writer that works in the business field and writes blog posts and articles for several companies. He has more than 8 years of work experience in Banking and Finance. Gabi is passionate about music, stars, business, writing, and living life to the fullest. He strives to exceed expectations with any task he takes on. He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends.