Welcome, Neighbor
DEC. 4–6, 11–13, + 18–20, 2026
11–13 & 18–20, 2026
Saturday: 4:30 or 5:30 PM
Sunday: 2 or 3 PM
Until 8:30 PM Sunday Until 6:30 PM
Rain or Snow Dress warmly and prepare for an outdoor winter experience.
No On-Site Parking for Candlelight Stroll
All guests must park off-site and allow extra time to walk or use the free Vintage Christmas trolley (available Saturdays and Sundays). Limited accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step Into the Holidays of the Past
Wander the Museum grounds under the glow of candle boxes and string light as the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood is transformed for the season.
Explore furnished historic houses spanning the late 18th century through the 1950s, each decorated with greens and dried flowers from the Museum’s heirloom gardens. Tour exhibit houses highlighting Portsmouth’s maritime heritage, trades, and more.
Meet costumed roleplayers sharing the stories, customs, and celebrations of the families who lived in the neighborhood.
Outside, music, historical characters, warm cider, and festive performances fill the grounds.
Historic Houses, Seasonal Stories
Explore furnished rooms, engaging exhibitions, and seasonal traditions that reveal how generations of Puddle Dock families experienced this time of year.
Music, Stories, & Living History
Meet costumed roleplayers, listen to carolers and musicians, and encounter characters of the past throughout the grounds.
Victorian Skaters, Cider, and Holiday Trees
Watch special ice-dance performances, warm up with cider, and vote for a favorite in the Grove of Sponsored Holiday Trees.
Member ticket sales begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10 AM.
Public ticket sales begin on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10 AM.
Choose Your Tickets
Purchase early for the best availability and lowest public price. Popular dates and arrival times may sell out.
Member Pricing
| Ticket | Friday / Sunday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $17.50 or free | $19 or free |
| Child 3–17 | $8.75 or free | $9.50 or free |
| Under 3 | Free | Free |
Member Early Access: September 8–13
Member pricing remains available throughout the entire sales period. Discount and complimentary ticket quantity vary by membership level.
Public Pricing
Early Bird
September 14–October 31, 2026
Regular
Beginning November 1, 2026
Family Rate
$87.50 Friday or Sunday
$95 Saturday
Includes admission for two adults and any number of children under age 18 living in the same household.
Groups of 15+
$28 Adult
$14 Child
Group pricing is available on Fridays and Sundays only. Plan early to secure the same arrival time for your party.
A Special Place for Members
During Candlelight Stroll, members enjoy exclusive access to the first floor of historic Pitt Tavern, featuring:
Live acoustic music
Complimentary holiday cookies
Beer, wine, and warm beverages for purchase
An exclusive glass ornament
Plan Ahead for Parking
There is no on-site parking for Candlelight Stroll. Limited accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a valid handicap accessible plate or placard.
Guests should park off-site and walk to the Museum or use the free Vintage Christmas trolley, available Saturdays and Sundays.
“Candlelight Stroll was so well organized, and we loved the hot cider! Watching the skaters was a highlight, and we learned so much while exploring the historic houses. Everyone was incredibly friendly and informative.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Helpful Things to Know
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Yes. Candlelight Stroll is a self-guided experience throughout the Museum’s historic campus. Guests may explore furnished historic houses and exhibit spaces, enjoy seasonal demonstrations and performances, and visit outdoor activity areas. Specific offerings and open buildings may vary by evening.
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Dress warmly and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear. Much of Candlelight Stroll takes place outdoors after dark, and pathways may be wet, snowy, icy, or uneven.
Candlelight Stroll takes place by starlight, rain or snow. If severe conditions require the Museum to cancel an evening, ticket holders will receive additional information by email.
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No. Admission to Candlelight Stroll does not include skating or skate rentals at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond. Skating reservations and rentals must be purchased separately.
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Your selected arrival time is your scheduled check-in time, not the length of your visit. Once admitted, you may remain until the event closes. Please arrive as close to your selected time as possible and allow extra time for downtown parking and the walk or trolley ride to the Museum.
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Yes. No online registration is required. Bring the paper library pass with you and present it upon arrival.
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Ticket changes may be requested within 24 hours of purchase and are subject to availability. Changes after that 24-hour period are subject to a ticketing date transfer fee.
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Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferred to another person. Simply forward the e-ticket or give the printed ticket to the person attending.
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Your e-tickets are linked in an email titled “Strawbery Banke Museum — eTickets.” You may show them on your phone or bring printed copies.
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There is no general on-site parking for Candlelight Stroll. Please use public parking in downtown Portsmouth and allow extra time to walk or use the free Vintage Christmas trolley. Limited accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a valid handicap accessible plate or placard.
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Candlelight Stroll takes place across a historic outdoor campus with uneven paths, varying terrain, and historic buildings with different levels of accessibility. Click here for more information on accessibility.
Guests with specific accessibility questions are encouraged to contact the Museum before visiting.
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Weapons of any kind, pets other than ADA-defined service animals, smoking or vaping products, cannabis and its derivatives, and outside alcohol are not permitted. Museum staff may also prohibit any item that could pose a safety concern or disrupt the event.
Explore the “Christmas Capital of North America”
Candlelight Stroll is a part of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, a citywide celebration featuring seasonal performances, shopping, dining, ice skating, and holiday events through downtown.
Explore the full schedule and plan more holiday experiences before or after your visit to Strawbery Banke.
Candlelight Stroll is presented in part by
