Welcome, Neighbor
DEC. 4–6, 11–13, + 18–20, 2026
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6–6:30 PM Event ends at 8:30 PM
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5:30–6:29 PM Event ends at 8:30 PM
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3–3:59 PM Event ends at 6:30 PM
Please review our ticketing policies, including refunds, date changes, and unused tickets, before purchasing.
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.
350+ Years of Holiday Traditions
Wander the Museum grounds under the glow of candle boxes and string lights 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.
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Choose Your Tickets
Advance tickets are strongly recommended. Popular dates and arrival windows may sell out.
General Public Pricing
| Ticket | Friday / Sunday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $35 | $38 |
| Child 3–17 | $17.50 | $19 |
| Under 3 | Free | Free |
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 |
Members receive discounted or complimentary admission based on membership level. Member pricing is available throughout the event.
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 window for your party.
Please review our ticketing policies, including refunds, date changes, and unused tickets, before purchasing.
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, one per household
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 window is your scheduled check-in period, not the length of your visit. Once admitted, you may remain until the event closes. Please arrive during your selected window 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 your paper library pass and present it at check-in.
Capacity is reserved for library passholders, so you may attend even if tickets for your preferred date or arrival window are sold out online.
Please read the criteria on your pass before attending, including the number of people it admits and any restrictions. Contact your library with questions about reserving a pass.
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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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Date and arrival-window changes are subject to availability and must be arranged before your scheduled visit. Changes cannot be made at the door.
Changes requested within 24 hours of purchase do not incur a rescheduling fee. After that period, a $7 fee per ticket applies.
If you change from Saturday to Friday or Sunday, the ticket price difference will not be refunded or credited toward another purchase. If you change from Friday or Sunday to Saturday, you must pay the price difference in addition to any applicable rescheduling fee.
To request a change, call 603.433.1100 or email info@sbmuseum.org with your order number and preferred date and arrival window.
If you reach our voicemail, please leave your order number and requested change. Messages are automatically time-stamped, and we’ll use the time you contacted us to determine whether the rescheduling fee applies. Your requested change is subject to availability and is not confirmed until you hear back from us.
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Tickets are nonrefundable but may be given to another person to attend on the date and at the arrival time listed. Simply forward your e-ticket or provide the printed ticket to the person attending. Membership requirements still apply to member tickets.
If the Museum cancels an evening, tickets for that evening will be refunded in full.
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Unused tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged for another event or credited toward a future purchase. If your plans change, please contact us about rescheduling before your scheduled visit.
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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
