We invite you to delight in the magic
of the holiday season here in Portsmouth.
Here’s what’s happening this year
The Music Hall presents
Stage Door Cabaret
The Music Hall • Historic Theater • 28 Chestnut Street
November 28 - December 19
Celebrate the holiday season with our elegant Stage Door Cabaret series, featuring world-renowned artists in a speakeasy, martini bar atmosphere. Enjoy seating arranged for small gatherings on the historic stage with professional table service during the world-class entertainment.
Stage Door Cabaret Series presented by:
Paul & Jessica McKeon
Ute Gfrerer
Saturday, November 28
Taylor O’Donnell Quartet
Saturday, December 5
Matt Nakoa
Friday, December 11
Celia Woodsmith and Jason Anick Trio
Saturday, December 12
Treason Quartet
Thursday, December 17
Sharon Jones Quartet
Saturday, December 19
Strawbery Banke Museum presents
Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars
Strawbery Banke Museum • 14 Hancock St
Friday, Dec. 11 & 18, 4-8 PM; Saturday, Dec. 12 & 19, 4-8 PM; Sunday, Dec. 13 & 20, 4-8 PM
An outdoor-only experience. Advanced ticket purchase required.
In the spirit of a truly Vintage Christmas, Strawbery Banke Museum welcomes visitors to travel through 300+ years of daily life in the waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock. This year, due to the pandemic, Strawbery Banke presents “Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars,” focusing on the lights, wreaths, roleplayers, and holiday magic on the exteriors of the museum’s historic buildings.
The museum grounds glow with hundreds of lighted candle lanterns, and house doors and railings are adorned with handmade decorations crafted from live greens and dried flowers and herbs collected from the museum gardens. Visitors stroll along candlelit pathways and are greeted along the way by costumed roleplayers and performers who recreate the traditions of times past.
Portsmouth Historical Society presents the 30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center • 10 Middle St
November 20-December 22, 2020
More Information
Celebrate the sweetest season, by joining Portsmouth Historical Society for the 30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition from November 20-December 22, 2020. This year, gingerbread creations are on display both at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center and throughout downtown in the windows of shops and restaurants. Vote for your favorite designs in the People's Choice awards and participate in a downtown scavenger hunt with a chance to win a gift card to Cure or the Roundabout Diner.
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond at Strawbery Banke
Strawbery Banke Museum • 14 Hancock St
Daily Public Skating, December-March
Informaton & Ice Schedule
Enjoy the delight of a winter skate at Strawbery Banke’s professionally-maintained outdoor ice-skating rink in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Daily public skating. Private parties. Skating lessons. Skate rentals and sharpening services available
The Music Hall Presents
The Boston Camerata: An American Christmas
The Music Hall • Historic Theater • 28 Chestnut Street
Tuesday, December 22 • 7:00pm
Tickets & Information
The Boston Camerata will feature seasonal music from the best of our very own traditions. Camerata returns to The Music Hall with a wide range of songs and carols from early tune books and manuscripts, including unpublished transcriptions from Portsmouth, New Hampshire and other New England sources. A much needed lift to the human spirit in these difficult times!
The Music Hall Presents
A Very Ida Christmas
The Music Hall • Historic Theater • 28 Chestnut Street
Sunday, December 20 • 2:00pm
Tickets & Information
Written and performed by Susan Poulin. It’s Christmas in Mahoosuc Mills, Maine and Ida LeClair’s holiday spirit could light up an entire inflatable penguin village. Come on over to Ida’s and pick up a few holiday decorating tips, discover the “secret” in the not-so-secret Santa plan, and get the latest scoop on Ida’s Christmas craft project with her pals, the Women Who Run With the Moose. Ida’s no Scrooge, so banish your bah-humbugs and prepare to laugh!
Juston McKinney’s Year in Review: Last Laugh 2020
The Music Hall • Historic Theater • 28 Chestnut Street
Saturday, December 26 & Sunday, December 27 • 8pm
Tickets & Information
End the year with laughter as the Seacoast’s own Juston McKinney performs four shows at The Music Hall.
Juston has a just-released Amazon Prime Video special Parentally Challenged and he’s filmed a Showtime special with Rob Gronkowski. He has been a guest on The Tonight Show and performed in two Comedy Central specials, including his own one-hour show. He was recently named Best (Comedian) of NH by New Hampshire Magazine. Have the last laugh of 2020 with Juston as he dishes on New England life and looks back at the year that was.