Holiday Parade
Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
New in 2026! Online registration
Holiday Parade is on the first Saturday of December - every year.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
The Portsmouth Holiday Parade is an annual favorite for people across the seacoast! Free and open to all.
- 5:00-5:30pm: The evening begins in Market Square with the Mayor and City Council hosting the Tree Lighting Ceremony
- 6:00pm: The parade then kicks off from Islington Street (Goodwin Park) and marches down Islington St., arriving in Market Square approximately 20-30 minutes later.
For complete spectator information, street closures and how to participate in the Holiday Parade Page, please click on the link.
Deadline for participation is Mon, November 23.
ROUTE FOR PARADE PARTICIPANTS: The line up locations will be on the side streets along Islington Street between Plaza 800, CVS & Goodwin Park. Approximately one-week prior to the parade, all participants will be notified of their exact street line up location and arrival time. The line up list is why the parade registration deadline is so very important.
- The parade route officially begins at Summer St./Islington St and proceeds across Maplewood Ave and down Congress Street towards Market Square. The procession turns right onto Pleasant Street and right again onto Junkins Ave.
- Vehicles are not allowed to park along the parade route and will be towed at the owner’s expense. Spectators line the route to watch the parade. Please note that the parade is most congested in Market Square and to take extra caution.