Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

• Tree Lighting ceremony 5 - 5:30 pm
• Parade steps off at 6:00 pm
• For details on street closures, parking bans, and the parade route, visit: the parade page.

2023 Portsmouth Holiday Parade Grand Marshal

Steve Cirillo - Performing Arts Director at Portsmouth Public Schools. Thank you for 36 years of service!

The City’s 2023 Holiday Tree-Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 (this is a rain, snow, or shine event) starting at 5 pm. Portsmouth’s Tree Lighting ceremony takes place on the first Saturday in December each year from 5 to 5:30 pm, followed by the annual Illuminated Holiday Parade. The City’s Department of Public Works will begin installing the tree in Market Square on Monday, November 20 and continue decorating on the following day. This year’s holiday tree was donated by Pease Development Authority (PDA) from a property leased by Pioneer New Hampshire, LLC. The City of Portsmouth Parks and Greenery Division will replant at the location next spring with a 10-foot evergreen and appropriate drainage. 

The annual Illuminated Holiday Parade celebrates this year’s Portsmouth NH 400 anniversary by sharing the theme “History Lights Our Way.” The parade route begins at Plaza 800 on Islington Street at 6 pm and proceeds downtown via Congress Street, continuing through Market Square to Pleasant Street, crossing State Street before concluding on Junkins Avenue.  

The City is working with Access Navigators to provide a wheelchair-accessible seated viewing area for the parade. This area is on the sidewalk along Islington Street between Maplewood and Bridge Street, and 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 Garage. Access Navigators will provide assistance and holiday cheer. For more details go to accessnavigators.com.  

Shop & Stroll – The City’s holiday festivities on December 2nd have a new element of celebration this year. The first “Shop & Stroll” event will take place immediately after the parade, with Market Square and surrounding side streets kept closed to vehicular traffic until 9 pm to allow for wider pedestrian access to shops and restaurants. Retail shops will stay open later and create welcoming environments to connect with shoppers in a festive and more personal way. Join us for music, Christmas carolers, and open-air entertainment for all ages available for residents, visitors, and shoppers alike. Look for street entertainers, music by DJ Skooch, carolers and MORE! Visit The Chamber Collaborative website for more information.