Portsmouth holiday parade, tree lighting set
PORTSMOUTH — The city’s 2023 holiday tree arrived downtown Monday, signaling the start of a season of celebration that will feature the annual parade Saturday, Dec. 2.
The 40-foot spruce tree was donated by Pease Development Authority from property being leased by Pioneer New Hampshire LLC. The city’s Portsmouth’s Parks and Greenery Division will replant in the location next spring, with a 10-foot evergreen.
Portsmouth's holiday parade and tree lighting details
The city’s 2023 holiday tree lighting and illuminated parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 2. It is a rain, snow, or shine event.
The tree lighting ceremony is at 5 p.m., followed by the parade at 6 p.m.
The parade celebrates the city’s 400th anniversary this year by sharing the theme “History Lights Our Way.” The parade route begins at Plaza 800 on Islington Street at 6 p.m. and proceeds downtown via Congress Street, continuing through Market Square to Pleasant Street, crossing State Street before concluding on Junkins Avenue.
Parade accessibility
The city is working with Access Navigators to provide a wheelchair-accessible seated viewing area along Islington Street between Maplewood and Bridge Street. It is reserved for people who have difficulty standing, along with their companions.
Space and seating are limited and available on a first-come basis. Nearby public parking includes the Bridge Street lot, Worth lot, and Foundry Place garage. Access Navigators will provide assistance. Information: accessnavigators.com.
Shop & Stroll offered after parade
The first “Shop & Stroll” event will take place immediately after the parade, with Market Square and surrounding side streets kept closed to vehicular traffic to allow for wider pedestrian access to shops and restaurants.
Parking bans during Portsmouth holiday parade
On-street parking bans and road closures will be in effect Saturday, Dec. 2. No parking is allowed on the parade route, including all of Congress Street, all of Market Square, all of Pleasant Street and Islington Street from Plaza 800 to the intersection with Congress Street.
Cars found parked on these streets after 4 p.m. Dec. 2 will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense to the National Wrecker Service lot at 295 West Road. Residents, business owners and employees located inside the parade route are advised vehicles will not be permitted to cross the parade route. Other areas in and around the event will be restricted. Police officers, event volunteers, signs and/or barricades will be in place for these areas.
Road closures for Portsmouth holiday parade
The following streets will be closed or restricted to local traffic from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 (streets marked with an *asterisk will be closed until 9 p.m.).
Police officers, signs and/or barricades will be in place for these streets.
● Islington Street – from Plaza 800 to Maplewood Avenue and all adjacent side streets.
● The intersection of Middle Street, Congress Street, Maplewood Avenue and Islington Street.
● Congress Street from Market Square to Maplewood Avenue.*
● Daniel Street – from Penhallow Street to Market Square.*
● Market Street – from Bow Street to Market Square.*
● Pleasant Street – from Junkins Avenue to Market Square (*Pleasant Street from Porter Street to Market Square will be closed until 9 p.m.)
● Fleet Street – from Hanover Street to Congress and State Street to Congress Street.
● State Street – from Fleet Street to Pleasant Street.
● Court Street – from Middle Street to Pleasant Street and Washington Street to Pleasant Street.
● Porter Street – from Fleet Street to Pleasant Street.
● Junkins Avenue – from Parrott Avenue to Pleasant Street.
● Parrott Avenue – from Rogers Street to Junkins Avenue.
People who wish to travel between Maplewood Avenue and Middle Street are directed to use Interstate 95 or Borthwick Avenue.
There will be significant traffic delays in the parade route area, and motorists are strongly urged to seek alternate routes away from affected streets. Information: portsnh.co/events
Transportation: Vintage Christmas Trolley offered
The free Vintage Christmas Trolley will be operating from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Service will be suspended during the parade and Shop & Stroll events. Information: vintagechristmasnh.org.
COAST Bus service in and around Market Square will be suspended during the road closures. Information: coastbus.org.