Shop & Stroll Downtown Portsmouth Before the Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | noon– 6 p.m.
PORTSMOUTH, NH – Kick off the holiday season in style with Shop & Stroll, a festive afternoon of shopping and community spirit in downtown Portsmouth. On Saturday, Dec. 6, from noon to 6 p.m., participating local retailers will open their doors to offer special promotions, treats, and holiday cheer. This event is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting Portsmouth’s vibrant small business community.
Enjoy exclusive in-store experiences, complimentary refreshments, and seasonal surprises as you explore downtown shops. For the first time, Shop & Stroll will also partner with the West End Holiday Shop Crawl, encouraging visitors to continue their holiday shopping adventure throughout the city.
Stay for the Parade and Tree Lighting
The festivities don’t end with shopping! Stick around for Portsmouth’s beloved holiday traditions:
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Tree Lighting Ceremony:
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5 to 5:30 p.m. in Market Square
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Join the countdown as the city’s 35-foot blue spruce is illuminated, officially welcoming the holiday season.
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Illuminated Holiday Parade: 6 p.m.
The parade steps off from Goodwin Park on Islington Street and winds through downtown via Congress Street, Market Square, and Pleasant Street. This year’s theme, Snowflakes & Sparkles, promises dazzling floats, marching bands, and plenty of holiday magic.
Please note: street closures and parking bans begin at 3 p.m. Accessible viewing areas and additional ADA parking will be available at the Bridge Street Lot, Worth Lot, and Foundry Garage.
Click here for details on Shop & Stroll, and participating shops or contact Hope Anderson at hope@portsmouthcollaborative.org.
Click for details from City on tree lighting, parade and road closures.
Celebrate local, shop small, and make this holiday season unforgettable in Portsmouth!
