Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll 2026: Dates, Arrival Windows, Tickets and Parking
The Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll is the annual holiday evening event at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. On three weekends in December, the museum's historic Puddle Dock neighborhood is lit with candle boxes and string lights, and the old houses are decorated and opened for the season. It is ticketed, it runs on a timed-arrival system, and there is no on-site parking, so a little planning helps.
Here's what you need to know for 2026.
The essentials
- Dates: December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20, 2026 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend)
- Fridays: arrive 5–5 PM or 6–6 PM; the event ends at 8 PM
- Saturdays: arrive 4–5 PM or 5–6 PM; the event ends at 8 PM
- Sundays: arrive 2–2 PM or 3–3 PM; the event ends at 6 PM
- Where: Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
- Tickets: adults $32–$38 and ages 3–17 $16–$19, depending on the day and when you buy; under 3 free, but still needs a ticket
- Parking: none on site; park downtown or take the free Vintage Christmas trolley (Saturdays and Sundays)
How the arrival windows work
You pick a day and an arrival window when you buy. The window is your check-in time, not the length of your visit. Once you're in, you can stay until the event closes that night. The museum recommends buying ahead, because popular dates and windows can sell out.
Fridays and Sundays are priced the same. Saturdays cost a little more.
Ticket prices for 2026
Public prices change on November 1.
- Early bird (September 14–October 31): adults $32 Friday or Sunday, $35 Saturday; ages 3–17 $16 Friday or Sunday, $17.50 Saturday
- Regular (from November 1): adults $35 Friday or Sunday, $38 Saturday; ages 3–17 $17.50 Friday or Sunday, $19 Saturday
- Family rate: $87.50 Friday or Sunday, $95 Saturday, for two adults and any number of children under 18 in the same household
- Groups of 15 or more: $28 adult, $14 child, Fridays and Sundays only, booked by phone or email at least 48 hours ahead (not online)
- Members: adults $17.50 Friday or Sunday and $19 Saturday, children $8.75 and $9.50, or free depending on membership level
The museum also accepts paper library passes. Bring the pass with you; no online registration is needed. Tickets are nonrefundable but can be passed to someone else, and date changes are free only within 24 hours of purchase.
What you'll see
The Stroll is self-guided. You walk the grounds at your own pace and go in and out of the open buildings.
- Furnished historic houses from the late 1700s through the 1950s, decorated with greens and dried flowers from the museum's heirloom gardens
- Exhibit houses on Portsmouth's maritime history and trades
- Costumed roleplayers telling the holiday customs of the families who lived in the neighborhood
- Carolers and musicians outdoors
- Ice-dance performances by Victorian skaters, warm cider, and a Grove of Sponsored Holiday Trees where you can vote for a favorite
- Horse-drawn carriage rides, back for 2026 and included with admission, first come, first served (they can't be reserved)
The museum says offerings and open buildings can vary by evening. Ice skating at the museum's Puddle Dock Pond rink is not included in Stroll admission; skating and rentals are sold separately.
Members get access to the first floor of the historic Pitt Tavern, with live acoustic music, holiday cookies, drinks for purchase and a glass ornament.
Parking and getting there
There is no general on-site parking during the Stroll. Park in downtown Portsmouth and walk, or use the free Vintage Christmas trolley, which runs Saturdays and Sundays. A small amount of accessible parking is available first come, first served for vehicles with a valid accessible plate or placard.
If your date falls on the night of the Portsmouth Holiday Parade, the museum warns that garages and lots fill early. Get into town well before your arrival window.
What to wear and bring
Most of the Stroll is outdoors after dark, and paths can be wet, icy, snowy or uneven. Dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear. It goes on rain or snow; if the museum has to cancel a night, ticket holders are emailed.
Pets are not allowed other than ADA-defined service animals. Outside alcohol, smoking and vaping are also prohibited. The grounds and historic houses have uneven terrain and varying accessibility, so the museum suggests calling ahead with specific accessibility questions.
Q: When is the Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll in 2026?
It runs on three weekends: December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20, 2026. Fridays and Saturdays end at 8
PM, and Sundays end at 6 PM. Entry is by timed arrival window.Q: How much are Candlelight Stroll tickets?
Early-bird public tickets through October 31 are $32 for adults on Friday or Sunday and $35 on Saturday. From November 1, adult tickets are $35 and $38. Ages 3–17 pay $16 to $19, and children under 3 are free but still need a ticket.
Q: Where do I park for the Candlelight Stroll?
There is no on-site parking. Use public parking in downtown Portsmouth and walk, or take the free Vintage Christmas trolley on Saturdays and Sundays. Limited accessible parking is available on site for vehicles with a valid placard.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the Candlelight Stroll?
No. Pets are not permitted, except ADA-defined service animals.
Q: Is ice skating included with a Candlelight Stroll ticket?
No. Skating and skate rentals at the museum's Puddle Dock Pond rink are booked and paid for separately.
Related reading
- Holiday Craft Fairs & Christmas Markets in New Hampshire 2026
- New England Christmas Strolls and Village Holiday Celebrations 2026
- Your Guide to New Hampshire Fairs & Festivals in 2026
- Craft Fairs in New Hampshire 2026: A Vendor's and Visitor's Guide
- Snowport Holiday Market 2026: What to Know Before You Visit
- New England Christmas Festival 2026 at Mohegan Sun
Details in this guide come from Strawbery Banke Museum's website as of late September 2026. Confirm dates, arrival windows and prices on the official site before you go.
Last updated: September 2026
