Bring the kids to share the excitement of Christmas with the annual countdown of the lighting of the Christmas tree in Market Square! After the tree is lit, stay to watch the beautifully illuminated Christmas parade march down Islington Street and through Market Square. Make sure you keep an eye out for our solar installers on our truck in the parade!

Vernis Jackson and the City’s African Burying Ground Committee and volunteers are this year’s Grand Marshal for the Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade and Food Drive to be held on Saturday, December 5th. In the case of inclement weather, a rain date is reserved for Sunday, December 6th.