Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 4 (Rain date Sunday, December 5)

4:00pm - DJ begins playing Holiday Music in Market Square

5:00pm - Tree Lighting Ceremony begins in Market Square

5:25pm - Mayoral remarks begin and Holiday Tree is lit.

6:00pm - Parade kicks off from Goodwin Park area on Islington St.

Non-perishable food donations are accepted by volunteers walking the parade route. Please support our local food pantries.

Parade Rules, Regulations & Application

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2021 Parade Rules, Regulations & Application

Parking & Transportation

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For Parking Information, Location, & Rates, please click here to be redirected to ParkPortsmouth.

On the night of the parade, there are many street closures and restrictions. On street parking is not recommended. Click here for details.

Road Closures & Detours

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Road closures surrounding Market Square begin at 4 pm. 

Click here for details from the Portsmouth Police Department about street closures and detours as the parade date nears.

Parade Route

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Holiday Parade Route
Viewing of the parade for spectators starts at Summer/Islington Street.

 

Grand Marshal

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The City has selected the Planter Box Project team as 2021 Grand Marshals. Read more about them, here. 

The Tree

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The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:00pm with music from the Portsmouth Holiday Ensemble. At 5:25pm the Portsmouth Mayor begins remarks, and at 5:29.50pm the Tree Lighting Countdown begins.