Historic Memories for your Holiday Season
Candlelight Stroll
Welcome Neighbor
This year’s 250th theme, “Welcome, Neighbor,” celebrates the community that has shaped the Puddle Dock neighborhood for generations.
DECEMBER 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, 2026
Arrival times:
Fridays at 6 PM
Saturdays at 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM
Sundays at 2 PM and 3 PM
The event concludes at 8:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 6:30 PM on Sundays.
Stroll occurs in rain, snow, or by starlight
Explore 350+ years of seasonal and holiday traditions at Strawbery Banke Museum’s 46th annual Candlelight Stroll.
Wander the Museum grounds under the glow of candle boxes and string lights, visiting furnished historic homes from 1795 through the 1950s, each adorned with greens and dried flowers from the Museum’s heirloom gardens. Inside, costumed roleplayers portray neighborhood families, sharing stories, customs, and seasonal traditions.
Tour exhibit houses highlight Portsmouth’s maritime heritage, traditional trades, and more, offering context to life in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Outside, carolers, fife-and-drummers, and other musicians fill the air with seasonal melodies, while wandering historical reenactors bring figures from the past to life across the grounds.
Twice each evening, Ice Dance International’s Currier & Ives Vintage Christmas Skaters take the ice for special performances that capture the spirit of the season (weather dependent). Visitors can warm up at the Cider Shed with a cup of cider, then explore the Grove of Sponsored Holiday Trees, where you can vote for your favorite.
This event has no on-site parking.
All guests must park off-site and take the trolley (available Sat & Sun) or walk.
A limited amount of handicap-accessible parking is available on a first-come, first served basis.
TICKETS
Pricing varies by date, day of the week, and membership status. Friday and Sunday tickets are less expensive than Saturday tickets.
Member Pricing
| Ticket Type | Friday/Sunday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $17.50 or free | $19 or free |
| Child 3–17 | $8.75 or free | $9.50 or free |
| Child under 3 | Free | Free |
Member presale runs Sept. 8–13. Member pricing is available throughout the sales period. Member admission may be free depending on membership level.
Nonmember Pricing
| Ticket Type | Early Bird Friday/Sunday | Early Bird Saturday | Regular Friday/Sunday | Regular Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $32 | $35 | $35 | $38 |
| Child 3–17 | $16 | $17.50 | $17.50 | $19 |
| Child under 3 | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Early bird pricing is available Sept. 14–Oct. 31. Regular pricing begins Nov. 1.
Family and Group Rates
| Rate Type | Applies To | Friday/Sunday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Rate | 2 adults + children ages 3–17 | $87.50 per family | $95 per family |
| Group Rate | Groups of 15+ | $28 adult / $14 child | Not available |
Family and group rates are available Sept. 14 through the event.
Members-Only Access!
During Candlelight Stroll, members enjoy exclusive access to the first floor of the Historic Pitt Tavern. Enjoy:
Live acoustic music
Complimentary holiday cookies
Beer, wine, & warm beverages for purchase
An exclusive glass ornament
Member’s House at Stroll
Frequently Asked Questions
This event has no on-site parking.
All guests must park off-site and take the trolley (available Sat & Sun) or walk.
A limited amount of handicap-accessible parking is available on a first-come, first served basis.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
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Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke is a cherished holiday event where visitors step back in time to immerse themselves in the enchanting holiday and seasonal traditions of New England's past. Historic houses are adorned in period-specific decorations, while the gravel roads of the neighborhood glow with the warm light of candle boxes and string lights. Guests can enjoy festive music, demonstrations, and seasonal displays, offering a delightful glimpse into bygone holiday traditions.
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Yes! Tour the historic houses and explore the historic landscapes and gardens in any order.
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Yes! The Museum’s furnished and exhibit houses are open for touring during Candlelight Stroll.
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Yes, Candlelight Stroll features special performances and activities that enhance the festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, demonstrations of traditional crafts, seasonal storytelling sessions, and more. Each year brings new highlights.
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Yes, interpreters and guides will be available throughout the event to provide information about the historic houses, holiday traditions, and more.
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Candlelight Stroll takes place primarily outdoors, so please dress warmly and in layers. Sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear is essential for navigating the historic grounds. Be prepared for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow or rain to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable evening.
TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:
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Yes, discounts are a special perk for current Strawbery Banke Museum Members. Non-members are welcome to purchase tickets at regular prices. If you’d like to enjoy this benefit and more, Strawbery Banke invites you to explore membership options and join at strawberybanke.org/membership.
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Library passes obtained from local libraries that participate in Strawbery Banke’s Library Membership program may be used to attend Candlelight Stroll using the pass at the door the night of the event. Library patrons with a valid pass do not need to reserve tickets in advance on the Museum's website and should contact their library to inquire about pass availability. Patrons should bring a copy of the library pass and present it at the door to obtain complimentary admission. Please check with your local library for participation and pass availability.
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To purchase tickets for Candlelight Stroll, purchase online via the Museum website or call 603.433.1100. Online ticketing is available for convenience, allowing you to select preferred timeslots and purchase directly. Tickets may also be available for purchase on-site the day-of the event, depending on availability
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Strawbery Banke Museum is happy to accommodate ticket transfer requests within a 24 hour grace period of the purchase, subject to availability. During this time, we will work with you to adjust your ticket date or time slot at no additional charge.
Ticket transfer requests made after the 24-hour window will incur a $7 fee per ticket. Requests are subject to availability.
For ticket order errors, contact Sarah Regan, Visitor Services Coordinator, at sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644.
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Candlelight Stroll tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are transferrable to another party. Simply, give the paper ticket or forward the e-ticket to whomever will be attending the event.
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Strawbery Banke Museum uses Altru as a ticketing platform. The fastest way to find your tickets is to search your inbox for an email from “Strawbery Banke Museum.” Your tickets are available as a link in the email. If for some reason you did not receive your tickets via email, please contact Strawbery
Banke via sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644
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You’re welcome to print your tickets or show e-tickets on your phone.
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If you are experiencing problems ordering tickets, please contact:
Krysten Schmelzer
Ticketing and Communications Coordinator
kschmelzer@sbmuseum.org
603.473.4814
LOGISTICS AND PARKING:
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There is NO ON-SITE PARKING for the Candlelight Stroll as it is reserved for those with handicap-accessible plates or hangtags only.
Visitors are encouraged to try nearby off-site parking options including Portsmouth's two parking garages:
Additionally, attendees can take advantage of The City of Portsmouth's FREE Vintage Christmas Shuttle courtesy of COAST. The shuttle runs from parking lots, hotels, and in between The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum on an approximately 15-minute loop. Click here for more information.
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Due to the high volume of visitors attending both events and parking bans and road closures, both parking garages and city municipal lots typically reach maximum capacity on the night of the Portsmouth City Holiday Parade.
To avoid a frustrating experience, we strongly recommend arriving early in town on Saturday, December 5, 2026, to secure parking. There are many lovely restaurants, shops, etc. to visit all within a walking distance of the Museum. Plan to spend the whole day in Portsmouth! Visit Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth's website for more information and ideas of how to spend your day.
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Most spend 1-2 hours touring the houses and grounds. Some choose to spend more or less time depending on interests and schedules. Remember to hang onto your admission tag. You’re welcome to exit the grounds and reenter the same evening during the event window by presenting your admission tag.
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No. You are able to enter the event at any time during the event window. There are two event windows for each night of Stroll (4:30 to 6:30 PM and 6:30 to 8:30 PM).
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No. A separate ticket is needed for ice-skating at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond. Click here for more information about the rink.
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Strawbery Banke aims to accommodate all visitors. Accessible pathways and accommodations are available throughout the event, although not all historic houses are wheelchair accessible, and some grounds may be challenging to navigate. For detailed accessibility information and to plan your visit, please visit our Accessibility Information page.
FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY:
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During Candlelight Stroll, snacks and light refreshments are available for purchase in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center and in pop-up concessions areas on the site.
Additionally, attendees can enjoy complimentary hot cider in the Cider Shed during the event. Please note that food and beverages are prohibited in the Museum's exhibit spaces and furnished houses, ensuring the preservation of these historic areas.
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Photography and videography for personal use is permitted during Candlelight Stroll. However, Strawbery Banke reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and withdraw permission to photograph and/or film on its premises or reproduce photographs of objects in the collections. Flash photography is not permitted inside any of the historic houses.
Commercial, special photography, and filming arrangements MUST obtain prior approval from the Museum before any photography or filming can occur. Click here to learn more about how to submit a project request.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
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Candlelight Stroll occurs rain, snow, or by starlight.
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Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Museum grounds when the Museum is open for special events such as Candlelight Stroll.
Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.
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Yes! The support of numerous volunteers is critical to the success of Candlelight Stroll. A variety of opportunities are available for all nights of the event. For more information, visit StrawberyBanke.org/volunteer.
Candlelight Stroll is a proud anchor of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth
Started in 2005 as a partnership between Strawbery Banke Museum and The Music Hall, Portsmouth, this celebration of the season emphasizes gathering together to experiences the holidays in this picturesque New Hampshire town.
Candlelight Stroll is presented in part by
