What's New

Once again, the Citywide Neighborhood Committee Holiday Lights Contest received enthusiastic support, with 25 Portsmouth residents participating in this annual event. A donation of $10 for each participant is being made to Gather, the Seacoast food pantry. Mayor Deaglan McEachern today announced the winners and has invited them to attend the January 6, 2025 City Council meeting for public recognition.

The top three winners are: 

Portsmouth, NH – Railroad owner CSX will begin critical repair work at the railroad crossing on Market Street to replace their tracks into the Port Authority. CSX has advised the City that this is emergency work and could not wait until January when the work could have been more optimally coordinated. Traffic flow will be maintained on Market Street during initial work on Tuesday, December 17. 

The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration has approved the City’s property tax rate of $11.18 per $1,000 of valuation for Fiscal Year 2025. The newly approved tax rate will be reflected in the tax bills which will be mailed by mid-December, with the first half due mid-January, 2025 and the second half due June 2, 2025.

Pro Portsmouth’s First Night 2025 takes place on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 from 7:30 to 8 pm, highlighted by the annual fireworks show at 7:30 pm at South Mill Pond. Due to construction barricades in front of North Church, there will be no ice sculptures on display this year.

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.

The City of Portsmouth NH’s 2024 Holiday Tree Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 starting at 5 pm. Portsmouth’s Tree Lighting ceremony takes place on the first Saturday in December each year from 5 to 5:30 pm, followed by the annual Illuminated Holiday Parade.

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.

As is their annual holiday tradition, the City of Portsmouth Welfare Office is collecting gift cards for families who have older kids that are not typically served by other gift donation programs in the City. 

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.