Tree Lighting Party – Kick-off to the Holidays

Kick off the holidays in Olde Towne at a free party for ages 1 to 101.

From 2 to 5 PM, the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Courtyard and Court Street come alive with face painting, fairy hair, crafts, costumed characters, marshmallow roasting and Sparky the Fire Engine. Santa arrives by fire truck at 3 PM, and the first 50 photos with Santa are free, courtesy of the Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market.

At 5 PM, the celebration moves to the Children’s Museum Mall for a School of Rock concert, carols with Father Christmas and the Carolers of Christmas Past, and the lighting of the tree by the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy at approximately 6 PM. Stay for photos in front of the tree and holiday music until 8 PM. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drop-off, and adults 21+ can enjoy Olde Towne’s Sip and Stroll.

Schedule:

• 2–5 PM | Family fun: Enjoy face painting, fairy hair, crafts, costumed characters and marshmallow roasting at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Courtyard and Court Street.
• 3 PM | Here comes Santa: Welcome Santa as he arrives by fire truck! The first 50 photos with Santa are free, courtesy of the Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market.
• 5 PM | Holiday sounds: Head to the Children’s Museum Mall for School of Rock’s performance, plus carols with Father Christmas and the Carolers of Christmas Past.
• Around 6 PM | Time to sparkle: Watch the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy light the tree, then stay for holiday music and photos until 8 PM.

Come Find More Merry in Portsmouth.