Press Releases/What’s New

Portsmouth Fire Chief William McQuillen has announced that the Roundabout Diner at 580 US Highway 1 (Portsmouth Circle) is donating meals to Portsmouth firefighters who are working shifts on Christmas Day. 

The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration has approved the City of Portsmouth, NH property tax rate of $11.51 per $1,000 of valuation for Fiscal Year 2026. The new tax rate is six cents lower than the estimated rate in the FY26 Adopted Budget due to greater than expected property growth. Nearly $200 million in property development this year has strengthened the City’s tax base, offsetting the overall tax impact by 23 cents per $1,000 of valuation and cutting the projected tax increase by 41%.

The Citywide Neighborhood Committee’s Holiday Lights Contest is a cherished tradition in Portsmouth because it gives neighbors another reason to celebrate together this holiday season. The Committee will create a map of the Holiday Lights Contest entries so residents and visitors can tour the houses. 

Pro Portsmouth’s First Night 2026 takes place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 3 to 8 pm, culminating with the annual fireworks show at 7:30 pm at South Mill Pond. Artist Jeff Day and his team will create an ice sculpture in front of North Church between 2 and 4 pm. The sculpture will remain on display into January.

The City of Portsmouth NH Fire Department is offering fire safety guidelines for the holidays. Portsmouth Fire Department Chief William McQuillen commented, “Portsmouth has suffered some of the most tragic and destructive fires in its history during the holiday season. The City of Portsmouth NH Fire Department strives to reduce the incidence of fire damage and injury at all times and is proud of its record. Fire prevention is our first priority.

The City of Portsmouth NH Department of Public Works is hosting a public information meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 to explain plans for the Congress Street Construction Project anticipated to start on January 5, 2026 and continue to mid-June. The meeting is scheduled for 6 pm in Conference Room A at City Hall (1 Junkins Avenue). To join via Zoom, visit the meeting page and use the registration link provided.