Chill Out with the Coolest Winter Activities in Portsmouth, NH
Whether you're with family or on a cozy couples' trip, these winter must-dos around Portsmouth will have you feeling festive.
Ice Skating on Puddle Dock Pond, Stawbery Banke
0.9 miles from Tide House
If you're visiting Portsmouth in the winter, I suggest adding skating at Puddle Dock Pond to your list. You can rent skates right on-site, and the pond, which is all lit up, is right in the heart of Strawbery Banke. The pond isn’t very large, so it can get a bit crowded on chilly weekend afternoons. For the latest updates on hours, events, or any closures, be sure to check out their Facebook page or visit this website. It's a great spot for some family fun or for a memorable date night for two.
Fire + Ice Igloos at Rooftop at Envio
0.1 miles from Tide House
Just steps from the condo, you and your friends can enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience in heated igloos on the rooftop of the AC Hotel. Here, you’ll find amazing views of the city while savoring great food and drinks. Each igloo is decked out with a heater, blankets, mood lighting (fire-warm or icy-cool), a speaker, and comfy seating for up to six people. These spots fill up fast, so be sure to check their website for reservations—definitely worth booking ahead.
Enjoy a show at The Music Hall
0.5 miles from Tide House
Start your evening with dinner at one of Portsmouth's many great restaurants, then head over to The Music Hall, for some excellent entertainment. Just a short walk from the condo, in the heart of downtown, The Music Hall has been a cornerstone of Portsmouth’s cultural scene since 1878. The theater hosts a variety of shows each week including concerts, plays, comedy, film screenings and more. This winter, the 2024/2025 holiday musical features Frozen. Be sure to check their calendar for what’s playing during your visit and grab tickets directly from their website. They offer a range of ticket prices, so you can have a great time without breaking the bank.
Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
0.5 miles from Tide House
Each year, Portsmouth kicks off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting and parade, a great tradition for all to enjoy. This year's celebration takes place on December 7th at 5:30 pm in Market Square, offering the perfect opportunity to get yourself in the holiday spirit and enjoy the town's festive atmosphere. After the tree lighting, stay for the parade along Market Street, and take some time to explore the local shops. Keep in mind, nearby roads may be closed for the event, so walking from the condo might be the easiest way to attend this event.
Visit the lights at Sandy Hill Winter Wonders
7.2 miles from Tide House
Just a short drive from Tide House, this incredible light show features over 2 million lights spread across 14 acres. It's a walk-through experience, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll follow a winding path through different wonderland themes set to festive holiday music. It’s a cool spot for holiday photos, and you can warm up with cider, cocoa and donuts at the beginning of your walk. Weekends can get pretty busy, so if you can manage a visit during the week, it’s usually less crowded. It’s a fun outing for the whole family or a great start to a romantic date night. Be sure to buy tickets in advance, as it can sell out.
Enjoy some music at Jimmy's Jazz Club
0.5 miles from Tide House
Jimmy's Jazz Club hosts a variety of musical acts every week, so if you’re looking for a fun date night with good food and live music, this is the spot to check out. The jazz club opened just a few years ago, and the space is beautifully designed with a great vibe for dining and enjoying the show. You can browse their event calendar online or stop by the box office on Congress Street, right next to The Vibe Collective. There is also a gallery attached to the club that features different artists and is worth checking out during your visit at Jimmy’s.
Get some holiday shopping done at the downtown shops
0.4 miles from Tide House
Portsmouth is a great spot for holiday shopping with all kinds of stores to explore. There are plenty of galleries and stores with handmade local art, be sure to check out our previous blog for some great places to find unique pieces. If you're in the mood for shopping for clothes, there’s no shortage of boutiques to browse. There's a cool game store called Diversions with a huge variety of games for all ages, definitely worth stopping by. I personally need a coffee in hand when I shop, so stop by Elephantine, Green Room, NOA Cafe, or The Works for a perfect pick-me-up for your downtown shopping.
Take a Candlelight stroll at Strawbery Banke
0.9 Miles from Tide House
The Candlelight Stroll takes you through over 350 years of history, exploring old houses, traditions, and the lives of those who lived in this seaside town. It’s an educational yet fun experience for the whole family. Along the way, there’s a big bonfire and live traditional music as you walk from house to house. Since most of the stroll is outdoors, make sure to bundle up, or take a break by the fire to warm up. This event happens only on weekends, so be sure to stop by when you're downtown or check their website for more details on dates and times.