Press Releases/What’s New

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Citywide Neighborhood Committee Holiday Lights Contest Deadline EXTENDED to Dec 10

December 7, 2024

The Citywide Neighborhood Committee’s Holiday Lights Contest is a cherished tradition in Portsmouth and it gives residents another reason to celebrate together this holiday season. Registration for this year’s contest opens Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The Committee will create a map of the Holiday Lights Contest entries so residents and visitors can tour the houses.

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City Presents Community Health Improvement Plan

December 3, 2024

At their meeting on November 18, 2024, the Portsmouth City Council voted to accept the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) presented by the City’s Health Department. The Plan suggests priorities and response strategies specific to the health and wellness needs of people who live and work in Greater Portsmouth. The recommendations are the result of findings from the Community Health Profile compiled last year and a Community Health Needs Assessment that took the form of interviews and focus group conversations with human services agencies that serve the Seacoast.

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Craft Retreat, January 3 - 5

December 1, 2024

The Craft Retreat is a 3-day event from Friday to Sunday on Jan 3-5. Each class is a crafty how-to taught by members of Portsmouth Public Library Staff!

Please feel free to sign up for one, two, three, or as many of the programs as you like. The schedule is as follows:

Friday Jan 3:

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Holiday Food Safety Tips

November 22, 2024

The holiday season brings people together to reconnect, celebrate and share festive traditional dishes. These meals can be memorable, and the Portsmouth Health Department offers the following food safety tips to help you prepare your meal safely so that your holiday isn’t spent dealing with foodborne illness.  

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City Council Approves Holiday Gift of Three Hours of Free Parking in City Garages from December 16, 2024 through January 1, 2025

November 19, 2024

The Portsmouth NH City Council voted to approve three hours of free parking in the City’s Foundry and Hanover Garages from Monday, December 16, 2024 through January 1, 2025 to encourage enjoyment of holiday events, dining, and downtown shopping.

Downtown employees who use the City’s discounted parking program in the Foundry Garage can receive an additional three hours free of charge.

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Mayor Names Eli George as Grand Marshal of 2024 Illuminated Holiday Parade

November 19, 2024

The City of Portsmouth’s 2024 holiday festivities take place on Saturday, December 7 starting with the Holiday Tree Lighting which begins at 5 pm with music from the Portsmouth Middle & High School Holiday Ensemble. At 5:30 pm, the Mayor officially marks the beginning of Portsmouth’s holiday season by flipping the larger-than-life switch in the middle of Market Square to light up the holiday tree. The Illuminated Holiday Parade steps off at 6 pm.