Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Now in its 17th year, Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth still transforms what National Geographic Traveler described as “possibly the greatest small town in the USA,” into a picture-postcard winter wonderland.
Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth 2021 leads visitors along a path of white lights to keep the magic of the holidays shining through. Skates, shops, shows, and stay overs are the framework for an authentic New England holiday atmosphere that steps back through three centuries of history.
Those who visit Portsmouth during the holiday season discover an intimate streetscape framed by 19th-century storefronts, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. The city’s reputation for fabulous dining continues with new restaurants and old favorites as well as shopping in newly-configured boutiques and artisan markets.
The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum partnered in 2004 to create the first Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth as a way to showcase local family traditions – live holiday performances and the museum’s Candlelight Stroll – during December. Now, with the addition of the City of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Historical Society, and the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth as partners, Vintage Christmas lights the way to magical holiday cheer throughout December.
For 2021, Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth presents:
The Music Hall
Holidays at The Music Hall:
Michael Feinstein: Home for the Holidays: Sat., December 4 at 2pm
Stage Door Cabaret: Thursday, December 9-Saturday, December 18
Juston McKinney: A Year in Review: Sun., Dec. 26, 6pm, Mon., Dec. 27, 6pm, & Tue., Dec. 28, 7pm
Holiday Movie Classics, various dates
Champagne Pops with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra: Fri., December 31 at 8pm
TheMusicHall.org
Strawbery Banke Museum
Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars:
Stroll along candlelit pathways amongst the decorated historic house exteriors and be greeted by costumed roleplayers and performers preparing for the holidays. All outdoors. Masks required.
Saturdays: December 4, 11, 18, 2021, 5-9pm – Sold Out
Sundays: December 5, 12, 19, 2021, 4-8pm – Limited tickets remaining
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond:
Daily public outdoor ice skating at Strawbery Banke Museum from December through February. Before visiting, check ice conditions and the schedule via the Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond Facebook Page or visit the website StrawberyBanke.org
Portsmouth Historical Society
31st Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition at Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center
Nov 26 – Dec 22, 7 days, 10am – 5pm
Dec. 3 and 4, 10am – 8pm
Downtown Gingerbread Hunt in Store Windows
Collect the stamps and enter to win prizes
For more info visit the website PortsmouthHistory.org/gingerbread
The City of Portsmouth
Holiday Tree Lighting & Illuminated Holiday Parade.
Sat., Dec. 4 (rain date Sun., Dec. 5). Tree-lighting in Market Square at 5:30pm. Parade steps off at 6pm, with the Portsmouth Clipper Band and a special visit by Santa Claus. Along the route, Portsmouth High School collects non-perishable food items for local food pantries.
All Vintage Christmas participants are taking extra precautions and following COVID-19 protocols.
For more information, visit VintageChristmasNH.org
