Portsmouth NH Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Celebrate the Holidays in Portsmouth!
Join us on Saturday, December 6, for the City of Portsmouth’s Annual Illuminated Holiday Parade—a beloved tradition that lights up the heart of downtown.

✨ The festivities kick off with the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Market Square at 5:30 p.m.
✨ At 6 p.m., the parade steps off from Islington & Summer Streets, traveling from Goodwin Park along Islington, through Congress Street, down Pleasant Street, and concluding at the State/Pleasant Street intersection.

This free, family-friendly event welcomes all to celebrate together. Extra ADA parking and an accessible viewing area will be available at the Bridge Street lot. Please remember: the parade takes place outdoors in December—bundle up for winter weather!

📋 Interested in participating? All parade units must be pre-registered. Registration opens Oct. 1 and closes at Thanksgiving. To sign up, email Brinn at bsullivan@portsmouthnh.gov for a registration form.