Candlelight Stroll

Strawbery Banke's 2024 Candlelight Stroll is dedicated to the memory of Carol M. Monte

December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
4:30-6:30 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM

Candlelight Stroll occurs in rain, snow, or by starlight.

Candlelight Stroll invites visitors to step into the past and experience 350+ years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. The Museum’s furnished historic houses are adorned with handmade decorations created from greens and dried flowers from the Museum’s heirloom gardens. Visitors call upon the many families who once lived in the waterfront neighborhood – portrayed by costumed roleplayers – who share stories, customs, and seasonal traditions.

While traveling from house to historic house, the glow of hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights illuminate the way as guests enjoy seasonal greetings from wandering musicians and performers who recreate the traditions of times past.

Additionally enjoy hot apple cider, a warming bonfire, and Ice Dance International’s Currier and Ives Vintage Christmas Skaters for several performances each night of this treasured event. Performances by the Vintage Christmas Skaters are weather-dependent.

For 2024, Candlelight Stroll is dedicated to the memory of Carol M. Monte. Carol, a beloved longtime friend of the Museum passed away on March 16, 2024. Carol and her husband George, whose handcrafted tin lanterns and ornaments have been a staple of the event, spent each holiday season at the Museum for Candlelight Stroll.

Please note that parking is unavailable on-site for Candlelight Stroll as the small Museum lot is reserved for handicapped accessible needs on a first-come, first-served basis.

TICKETS

MEMBERS
Members get early access to tickets and up to 100% off, depending on their membership level. The number of discounted tickets also varies by membership level.

  • Adults (18+): $16 or free

  • Children (ages 3-17): $8 or free

  • Children (under 3): free

NONMEMBERS
Experience Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum. Your ticket gains access to the Museum’s historic houses and the historic landscapes. Note that skating requires a separate ticket.

  • Adults (18+): $32

  • Children (ages 3-17): $16

  • Children (under 3): free, ticket required

SPECIAL ACCESS EVENTS

Stroll Member Preview Night
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6-8 PM
Members are invited to experience Candlelight Stroll one night before the event opens to the general public. In addition to a first look and complimentary admission, members enjoy free tickets and skate rentals to Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond and a commemorative member gift. Tickets for Member Preview Night and skating tickets are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

NEW! Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Stroll
Sunday, December 15, 2024, 2-4 PM
Designed as an inclusive experience for visitors with accessibility needs, the accessible and sensory-friendly Stroll timeslot on December 15, 2024, from 2-4 PM, offers visitors ample space to explore the historic houses and navigate the grounds during daylight hours. More information coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

We kindly ask for your understanding that our parking lot is limited in size and is reserved during Candlelight Stroll for attendees with handicap-accessible placards on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking information can be found under ‘Logistics and Parking.’ Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:

LOGISTICS AND PARKING:

FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY:

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

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