You won’t have to travel far if you’re looking for holiday spirit.
Portsmouth, with its candlelit historic home strolls to outdoor ice-skating lessons, was recently named one of the 10 most festive northern U.S. downtowns by WorldAtlas – one of several New England cities selected.
Portsmouth’s use of “maritime history as a framework for holiday community life” is one of the reasons it made the list.
With Christmas coming up, here’s what to know about Portsmouth in December.
Portsmouth named on list of 10 most festive downtowns for the holidays
Portsmouth is “animated with festive lights and holiday cheer” this time of year, enhanced by the city’s annual holiday parade and tree lighting, WorldAtlas said. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Also on Dec. 6, from 12 to 4 p.m., the city will host the Port City Winter Makerspace Winter Market, where visitors can browse more than 30 booths displaying local artisanal wares, WorldAtlas noted.
The Strawbery Banke Museum hosts its yearly Candlelight Stroll throughout the month, during which visitors can stop by decorated historic homes and interact with costumed roleplayers from different eras. Carolers dot the streets and serenade those walking through the Puddle Dock neighborhood, according to the museum’s website.
Visitors can also take free public skating lessons at Puddle Dock Pond and catch the Portsmouth Pops performing at venues throughout the city.
The grounds of Strawbery Banke are decorated is they offer the traditional Candlelight Stoll in the December evenings, anchoring Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth.
Other US cities, towns named on WorldAtlas’ holiday list
Of the 10 cities and towns named on WorldAtlas’ holiday list, five are in New England. Here are all 10 of the most festive downtowns in the northern U.S. for the holidays:
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: What’s the most festive town in NH? WorldAtlas picks Portsmouth