Fall into the Holidays
There’s still plenty left to savor when it comes to the fall season, which takes us right through December. Football on TV, the last bit of colorful foliage, cozy bonfires and hot chocolate. There’s no better place to enjoy it all than New England, in a picturesque, small coastal community. It’s a transitional time, yet the lack of crowds, ocean-mitigated mild temperatures and persistent lushness make it a fabulous time for a getaway. You can savor the last bits of fall and transition into the lights and magic of the holiday season.
During November, the Strawbery Banke Museum offers daily guided tours featuring the History of Thanksgiving. To start off the holiday, participate or cheer on the Seacoast Rotary Club Turkey Trot 5K race, held at 8:30 AM on Thanksgiving morning. Later enjoy a relaxed dinner at a variety of area restaurants that offer Thanksgiving feasts.
The family event of the season will take place at the Music Hall’s historic theater, opening Friday November 29 and running through December 22, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical. Prepare to be captivated by a thrilling and genuinely moving performance that The New Yorker describes as “simply magical!” Matinees are scheduled at 2:00 Wednesday through Sunday, as well as 8:00 evening shows on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as select Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The holidays take on a special magic in Portsmouth, as the town celebrates Vintage Christmas, as it has for the past 45 years, beginning December 6. Strawbery Banke, established as a settlement by English colonists in 1623 is now a 10-acre living history museum. It is transformed every December into an immersive holiday experience. The furnished historic houses are decorated with live greens, dried flowers and herbs for the season and have costumed performers roleplaying the families who once lived there. Walkways glow with candle-lit lanterns as visitors stroll from house to house. Visitors can learn about what a Victorian Christmas was like in 1870 at the Goodwin Mansion or check out Hannukah in 1910 at the Shapiro House. At the heart of the grounds is the picturesque outdoor Labrie Family Skating Rink, with twinkling lights overhead and a firepit right on the ice. Opening in late November/early December (weather permitting) it is in full operation seven days a week.
Market Square hosts the annual tree lighting of a 35-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with 2,000 lights on December 7, with accompanying music by the Portsmouth Holiday Ensemble. Following this is the 86th annual illuminated holiday parade, with marching bands, decorated revelers and illuminated vehicles. The parade ends with a “Shop & Stroll” event, with retail shops open late and creating festive welcoming environments with carolers and music.
How sweet it is - The Portsmouth Historical Society will be hosting its 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition during the month of December. A cherished local tradition, this year’s theme is “Holiday Memories.” Bakers are encouraged to let their creativity shine through with their whimsical gingerbread creations.
And last, though certainly not least, are the myriad of theater, music and dance offerings that kindle the holiday spirit. From the Nutcracker to “Nut/Cracked” and jazzy holiday shows at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, there are a plethora of events to enjoy during December.
Staying at Hotel Thaxter, with its spacious, comfortable and handsome guest rooms allows you a second-to-none downtown accommodation. Located on a quiet corner, you can walk out the front door and soon be in the flurry of shopping and holiday entertainment. Our restaurant, Nichinan, named after Portsmouth’s sister city in Japan, offers mouth-watering Japanese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. The monthly events are listed online so you can easily plan your activities and book ahead. Our elegant and full service boutique hotel will enable your holiday dreams to come true!