Brooke Martin
Portsmouth's Candlelight Stroll is a beloved holiday tradition that takes place over three weekends in December. Visitors can step back in time and experience over 350 years of seasonal traditions in the historic Puddle Dock neighbourhood. The event is hosted by the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum that transforms its furnished historic houses with handmade decorations, candle lanterns, and string lights. Visitors can explore the homes of families from different eras, interact with costumed role players, enjoy seasonal entertainment, and indulge in festive treats like hot apple cider. The event typically runs from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with separate event windows to manage visitor flow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Date | 2nd, 9th and 16th of December 2023 |
| Parking | No onsite parking available. Nearby offsite parking options include Hanover Street Garage and Foundry Place Garage. |
| Shuttle | The City of Portsmouth offers a free Vintage Christmas Shuttle that runs between parking lots, hotels, and the Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum. |
| Tickets | Non-refundable and must be purchased in advance. |
| Duration | Varies based on interests and pace, but visitors typically spend 2-4 hours exploring. |
| Activities | Experiencing historical holiday traditions, viewing handmade decorations, trying out the weaving loom, and enjoying a special dinner at the tavern (only during Christmas). |
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What You'll Learn
- The event takes place in December, spanning three weekends
- There are two event windows each night: 4:30-6:30 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm
- Tickets are required for the stroll and skating
- The event includes hot apple cider, a bonfire, and performances by Ice Dance International
- The Strawbery Banke Museum's historic homes are adorned with handmade decorations
The event takes place in December, spanning three weekends
The Candlelight Stroll in Portsmouth is a beloved holiday tradition. The event takes place in December, spanning three weekends. It is a celebration of the season, emphasising gathering together to experience the holidays in this picturesque New Hampshire town.
The event is held in the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum in Portsmouth. Visitors can step into the past and experience over 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighbourhood. The museum's historic houses are adorned with handmade decorations created from greens and dried flowers from the Museum's heirloom gardens.
The event usually takes place over several nights, with two event windows each night: 4:30 to 6:30 pm and 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Visitors can enter the event at any time during these event windows. Most people spend 1-2 hours touring the houses and grounds, but some choose to spend more or less time depending on their interests and schedules.
The Candlelight Stroll is a popular event, attracting visitors from all over. It is a magical holiday experience, with the historic village aglow with more than 3 miles of lights, luminaries, candles in the windows, and Christmas trees. Visitors can enjoy strolling under the stars along the lantern-lit streets, taking in the rich history of Portsmouth.
The event usually takes place over three consecutive weekends in December, with the specific dates varying from year to year. It is a highly anticipated event, with many considering it the signature event of the winter season in Portsmouth.
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There are two event windows each night: 4:30-6:30 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm
The Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth is a beloved holiday tradition. The event spans the first three weekends of December, from Friday to Sunday, inviting visitors to step into the past and experience over 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighbourhood.
The event windows for each night of the stroll are from 4:30 to 6:30 pm and 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Visitors can enter at any time during these event windows and are free to exit and re-enter the same evening by presenting their admission tag. The ticket grants access to the Museum's historic houses and landscapes, adorned with handmade decorations crafted from greens and dried flowers from the Museum's heirloom gardens.
During the Candlelight Stroll, visitors can explore the Museum's furnished historic houses, interacting with costumed role players who portray the families who once lived in the waterfront neighbourhood. These role players share stories, customs, and seasonal traditions, offering a glimpse into holiday celebrations from the 1700s to the 1950s. The pathways are illuminated by the glow of candle lanterns and string lights, creating a magical and romantic ambiance.
The Candlelight Stroll offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the holiday spirit, attracting visitors from all over. It is a popular event, so visitors should expect crowds and plan ahead for parking, as there is no onsite parking available. Off-site parking options are available nearby, and the City of Portsmouth also provides a free Vintage Christmas Shuttle for easy transportation to and from the event.
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Tickets are required for the stroll and skating
The Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth is a ticketed event. Tickets are $32 for adults and $16 for children (aged 5–17). Children under 5 enter for free. Members receive 50-100% off the ticket price depending on their membership level. Tickets can be purchased on the Strawbery Banke website or by calling 603-433-1100.
The event spans the first three weekends of December, running from Friday to Sunday. There are two event windows for each night of the stroll: 4:30–6:30 PM and 6:30–8:30 PM. Visitors can enter the event at any time during the event window. Tickets are required for entry during the event window, and visitors are welcome to exit and re-enter the grounds during the same event window by presenting their admission tag.
It is important to note that skating requires a separate ticket. Admission tickets for Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond are not included with Candlelight Stroll tickets. Visitors interested in skating should purchase the appropriate tickets to ensure access to the skating rink.
The Candlelight Stroll is a popular event, and visitors should be prepared for crowds and potential waiting times for various activities. It is recommended to plan ahead, especially regarding parking, as there is no onsite parking available for the event. Off-site parking options are available, and visitors can also take advantage of the free Vintage Christmas Shuttle provided by the City of Portsmouth.
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The event includes hot apple cider, a bonfire, and performances by Ice Dance International
The Candlelight Stroll in Portsmouth is a beloved event that attracts visitors from all over. It is a celebration of the season, emphasising gathering together and experiencing the holidays in this picturesque New Hampshire town. The event invites visitors to step back in time and experience 350+ years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighbourhood.
Ice Dance International's Currier and Ives Vintage Christmas Skaters perform several times each night, delighting audiences with their graceful routines. Their performances are a treasured part of the event, adding a unique and elegant touch to the festivities. The ice skating performances are a beautiful sight against the backdrop of the decorated village and twinkling lights.
In addition to the cider, bonfire, and performances, the Candlelight Stroll offers a truly immersive experience. The historic houses of the Strawbery Banke Museum are adorned with handmade decorations, including greenery and dried flowers from the Museum's heirloom gardens. Costumed role players portray the families who once lived in the neighbourhood, sharing stories and customs of the past. The glow of candle lanterns and string lights illuminates the way as guests enjoy seasonal greetings and live music.
The Candlelight Stroll typically takes place over three weekends in December, with event windows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. It is an outdoor event that occurs regardless of the weather, whether it's rain, snow, or starlight. The length of time spent at the event may vary depending on individual interests and schedules, but most visitors spend around 1-2 hours touring the houses and grounds.
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The Strawbery Banke Museum's historic homes are adorned with handmade decorations
The event offers two time slots each night, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm and 6:30 to 8:30 pm, providing flexibility for visitors. The historic village is aglow with over three miles of lights, luminaries, candlelit windows, and Christmas trees. The Strawbery Banke Museum's dedication to historical accuracy extends beyond the decorations, with costumed role players portraying the families who once lived in the waterfront neighbourhood. These performers share stories, customs, and seasonal traditions, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
The candlelit stroll is a beloved tradition in Portsmouth, attracting visitors from all over. The Museum aims to accommodate all guests, with accessible parking and entry options. The event is known for its magical atmosphere, with the glow of candle lanterns illuminating the way for guests as they travel from house to historic house.
The houses themselves showcase a range of holiday celebrations from different time periods. Visitors can witness the Victorian Goodwin family preparing for Christmas, the Abbott family awaiting news of their soldier during World War II, and teens playing Elvis records under a flocked white tree in a simple frame house. The event offers something for everyone, from ice skating and vintage Christmas shopping to hot apple cider and bonfires, creating an enchanting holiday experience for all ages.
The Strawbery Banke Museum's attention to detail, from the handmade decorations to the immersive performances, ensures that the candlelit stroll is a memorable and enchanting experience for all who attend. It is a celebration of the season, emphasising the joy of gathering and sharing in the holiday traditions that have endured for centuries.
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Frequently asked questions
The event lasts for three weekends in December, from Friday to Sunday. On Saturdays, the event is held from 5 pm to 9 pm, and on Sundays, it takes place from 4 pm to 8 pm.
On average, visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the houses and grounds. However, some may choose to spend more or less time depending on their interests and schedules.
No, you can enter the event at any time during the event window. There are two event windows each night: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
No, there is no onsite parking available for the event. Event attendees are encouraged to park at nearby off-site parking options, such as the Hanover Street Garage or the Foundry Place Garage.
Yes, members of the Strawbery Banke Museum receive discounts of up to 100% on tickets, depending on their membership level. Additionally, keep an eye out for coupons or discounted rates advertised online or in local publications.
