Press Releases/What’s New

The City of Portsmouth’s 2025 holiday festivities take place on Saturday, December 6 starting with the Holiday Tree Lighting which begins at 5 pm with music from the Portsmouth Middle & High School Holiday Ensemble. At 5:30 pm, the Mayor officially marks the beginning of Portsmouth’s holiday season by flipping the larger-than-life switch in the middle of Market Square to light up the holiday tree. The Illuminated Holiday Parade steps off at 6 pm from Goodwin Park on Islington Street.

The Portsmouth NH City Council voted to approve three hours of free parking in the City’s Foundry and Hanover Garages from Monday, December 15, 2025 through January 1, 2026 to encourage enjoyment of holiday events, dining, and downtown shopping.

Downtown employees who use the City’s discounted parking program in the Foundry Garage can receive an additional three hours free of charge.

The City’s 2025 Holiday Tree Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade festivities will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 starting at 5 pm. Portsmouth’s Tree Lighting ceremony takes place on the first Saturday in December each year from 5 to 5:30 pm, followed by the annual Illuminated Holiday Parade. 

The City Welfare Office is continuing its annual holiday tradition by collecting gift cards for families with older children who are often not included in other gift donation programs in the City.

The Department of Public Works is beginning preparations for the Winter 2025-26 season and reminds residents of the procedures and tips for ensuring safe winter weather operations for drivers, pedestrians, and City staff.

The City's Department of Public Works is continuing leaf collection and composting in parks and greenspaces. Curbside yard waste pickup will run through November 30, and residents may also drop off yard waste at the Recycling Center.