5 Things to Know in Portsmouth This Week (11/26/18)

From heartwarming holiday musicals to festive parades with twinkling Christmas lights, here’s everything to know about what’s going on in Portsmouth, New Hampshire this week! 

Elf the Musical Comes to Music Hall

The Music Hall is proud to present “Elf the Musical” in conjunction with the Ogunquit Playhouse. A visit to the Music Hall is a treat in itself. The fully restored 1878 Victorian-era historic theater features floor and balcony seating, along with a bar where patrons can enjoy cocktails prior to the show. The show—perfect for all ages—opens November 28 and runs through December 16.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ELF The Musical (@elfthemusical) on

The Button Factory Opens Studios to Shoppers and Browsers

On Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Button Factory will open its studios to those who want to do some holiday shopping, as well as those simply browsing or wondering exactly what goes on in the historic Portsmouth building. Check out high-quality woodwork, pottery, photography, fabric arts, stained glass, sculpture, jewelry, paintings, and so much more. A preview date is also scheduled the night before, November 30, from 5-8 p.m. Only studio artists will be on hand Friday, while guest artists will be set up in some of the studios on Saturday.

Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Starts This Weekend

Portsmouth and its surrounding communities plan for weeks in advance to attend Strawbery Banke’s annual Candlelight Stroll. 350 years of holiday and winter traditions are shared with guests as they visit Strawbery Banke’s furnished historic homes, replete with holiday music and the glow of lanterns. Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth has been featured by the museum since 1979, with some guests coming year after year to capture a simpler holiday time. A bonfire crackles on the grounds, adding even more merriment to the event. December 1 and 2 are the first two nights of the stroll, which extends through December 22. Check the website for exact dates and times, and to purchase tickets. Do note that the stroll goes on no matter what the weather is doing!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Strawbery Banke Museum (@strawberybankemuseum) on

Portsmouth Holiday Illuminated Parade & Tree Lighting

Secure your spot early to catch the Portsmouth Holiday Illuminated Parade & Tree Lighting, to take place on Saturday, December 1 at 5 p.m. Music will fill the downtown area, with the mayor will light the giant tree in Market Square at 5:30. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. A food drive will take place during the parade, with student volunteers collecting cans all along the parade route. The parade starts off at the corner of Islington and Summer Streets and is absolutely a parade worth seeing. Fill your thermoses with hot cocoa or coffee and get ready for some wonderful holiday entertainment. Save yourself the aggravation of finding a parking spot and rely on Portsmouth’s free parking shuttle instead. Simply pull in to the parking lot at Connect Community Church on Market Street and ride the free shuttle downtown. A rain date for the parade is set for Sunday, December 2.

Portsmouth Police Department Announces Start to Holiday Shoplifting Season

Alas, even amidst the exciting holiday opportunities taking place in Portsmouth, it seems the city isn’t immune to those who try to spoil all the fun. Our Portsmouth Police Department keeps locals abreast of crime in the neighborhoods, and this week has posted pictures on Facebook asking for the public’s assistance in catching shoplifters. It is worth mentioning that while this is a serious matter, the Facebook page will certainly give you a chuckle. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Portsmouth NH Police Dept (@portsmouthnhpd) on

Share your favorites!
New Hampshire Search
Best Things To Do Near You
Best Things To Do Near You
Mar
18

St Patrick's Day Sing-a-Long

10:00 AM
Gilford Public Library, Gilford, NH
Learn More
Mar
20
Mar
21

The Prom

7:30 PM
Palace Theatre-NH, Manchester, NH
Learn More
Mar
21

Altan

7:30 PM
The Rex Theatre, Manchester, NH
Learn More
Mar
22

The Prom

7:30 PM
Palace Theatre-NH, Manchester, NH
Learn More
Mar
22

Celtic Woman

7:30 PM
Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH
Learn More
Mar
22

Almost Queen

7:30 PM
Nashua Center for the Arts, Nashua, NH
Learn More
Mar
22

Richard Thompson

8:00 PM
Tupelo Music Hall, Derry, NH
Learn More
Mar
22
Show More
Best Places To Go Near You
Best Places To Go Near You
46 Granite Drive, Franklin, NH
Franklin Falls Dam was built and constructed in 1943 on the Pemigewasset River to protect cities and towns along the Merrimack from flood damage. T... Read More
288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, NH
Our Mission:Canterbury Shaker Village is dedicated to preserving the 200-year legacy of the Canterbury Shakers and to providing a place for learnin... Read More
1122 Route 106 North, Loudon, NH
On November 2, 2007, O. Bruton Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., agreed to purchase New Hampshire... Read More
131 North Road, Franklin, NH
The Daniel Webster Birthplace is associated with the birth and early childhood years of Daniel Webster, one of our country's most respected orators... Read More
126 New Salem Street, Laconia, NH
Skate Park (.25 acres) To get there: New Salem Street (next to the Police Dept.), fenced in paved area with limited elements for skate boarding/bi... Read More
2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH
Mission Statement: To educate, incite and entertain learners of all ages in the sciences and humanities by actively engaging them in the explorati... Read More
15 Loudon Road, Concord, NH
Kiwanis Waterfront Park is situated on the banks of the Merrimack River, behind Everett Arena.  This park is perfect for a shady riverside pic... Read More
30 Park Street, Concord, NH
We love New Hampshire. And, we've been saving its history for nearly two centuries. Since 1823 the New Hampshire Historical Society has been prese... Read More
49 South Main Street, Suite 100, Concord, NH
Mission & History:Our Mission: The mission of the League of NH Craftsmen is to encourage, nurture and promote the creation, use and preservatio... Read More
44 South Main Street, Concord, NH
Mission Statement: Created and sustained by the people of New Hampshire, the Capitol Center for the Arts shall inspire, educate and entertain audie... Read More
84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH
The McLane Center offers year-round environmental education for all ages including school and youth group programs, summer and vacation camps, fami... Read More
Route 3, Meredith, NH
About Us: Established in 1983 in Traverse City, Michigan, the Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf mission has always been to provide a wholesome, quality... Read More
297 Park Ave., Contoocook, NH
In 2003, the Spirit Skate Park opened in memory of Rob Carr and Jake Shumway. In 2006, it was gifted to the Town of Hopkinton. Unfortunately, the p... Read More
503 Endicott Street North, Laconia, NH
History of the Lake Winnipesaukee MuseumThe Museum’s property is itself an historic landmark and represents an era which changed the way Amer... Read More
Daniel Webster Highway, Route 3 North, Meredith, NH
Located on Daniel Webster Highway, Route 3 N. Lower Prescott Park; Tot lot playground, volleyball court, basketball court, baseball diamond, softba... Read More
Show More
Select a New Hampshire town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you