The Music Hall + Strawbery Banke Museum Announce
15th Annual Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth
New England’s Most Authentic Holiday Tradition
Returns for The Entire Month of December 2019
Now in its 15th year, Vintage Christmas transforms what National Geographic/Travel has cited as possibly “the greatest small town in the USA,” into a picture-postcard winter wonderland. Described by Travel + Leisure as “the Christmas Capital of America,” Portsmouth’s authentically local vibe envelops visitors with a quintessentially New England experience as they shop, ice-skate, dine, step back into colonial history, and enjoy one of the most beloved holiday musicals of all time in our celebrated 1878 theater.
Among the diverse calendar of activities now being planned for the 2018 Vintage Christmas season:
The Music Hall and the Ogunquit Playhouse once again partner to bring a magical holiday show to the historic theater on Chestnut Street, presenting “Annie” from November 27 to December 22.
Strawbery Banke Museum welcomes visitors to the 40th Annual Candlelight Stroll, “A Tradition for Every Family,” on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, showcasing 300+ years of daily life and hosting holiday festivities in the historic waterfront neighborhood and living history museum of Puddle Dock.
Discover Portsmouth, the visitor center and art gallery on Middle Street, will display the 29th Annual Gingerbread House exhibit—featuring intricate creations by local residents and businesses—in the first-floor gallery from December 6-22. Open daily 9:30 am to 5 pm with extended hours, to 6 pm on Dec 13 and 23. NEW this year: a Professional Entries category alongside the ever-popular Adult, Child and Family categories. Preview the Professional Entries, starting November 29 (daily, 9:30 am to 5 pm). Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth Family Kickoff Party on Friday, December 6, 5-8 pm.
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, Strawbery Banke’s seasonal outdoor ice skating rink, open daily 9 am to 9 pm, also hosts costumed Victorian skaters evoking Currier & Ives during each of the December evenings of Candlelight Stroll.
City of Portsmouth Tree-lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade, Saturday, Dec 7 (rain date Sunday Dec 8). Tree lighting at 5:#0 pm. Parade at 6 pm. Market Square.
Vintage Christmas Trolley. This free trolley, courtesy of the City of Portsmouth through COAST, shuttles visitors around town on weekends, in holiday style. Operating weekends, Sat Dec 7 through Sun Dec 22. 1:30-10:30 pm (EXCEPT 4-8 pm Saturday, Dec 7).
Juston McKinney Last Laugh 2019 at The Music Hall Historic Theater on Dec. 27, 28 & 29, looks back at the year that was with one of New England’s most popular stand-up comics.
New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops Concert at The Music Hall Historic Theater on Dec. 31.
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Family Holiday Pops! at Portsmouth High School, Dec. 17 & 18.
Portsmouth Pro Musica “Christmas Music for Voices”
December 13, St. Mary’s Church, Dover, 8-10 pm
December 15, North Church, Portsmouth, 3-5 pm
Presented by
The Music Hall
Strawbery Banke Museum
Sponsored by
Greater Portsmouth Chamber Collaborative
The City of Portsmouth
Discover Portsmouth
Media Partner
Yankee Magazine