Press Releases/What’s New

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.

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.