Get Ready for First Night in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, NH — To facilitate a safe and entertaining First Night, the following traffic and parking changes will occur on Dec. 31, 2016.

Traffic and parking

Church Street will be closed to traffic from noon until midnight. Pleasant Street, between State Street and Market Square, will be closed to traffic and parking from 4 p.m. on Dec. 31, until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2017.

Parking on the entire length of Parrot Avenue is prohibited from noon until 9 p.m. on 12/31/16.

Please note the "No Parking" signs as posted - vehicles parking in posted areas will be towed at the owner's expense.

Beginning in Market Square, free bus service (Student Transportation) will run between each performance venue. There will be a flat rate fee of $5 to park in the Hanover Parking Garage between 4 and 8 p.m.

The Free Parking Shuttle from the Connect Community Church public parking lot on Market Street to the High Hanover Parking Garage will be in service for First Night starting at 4 p.m.

The fireworks are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the South Mill Pond.

The Dog Park will be closed as soon as the fireworks company arrives for setup, which could be as early as 9 a.m.

For more information go to the Pro Portsmouth website at proportsmouth.org

The Portsmouth Police Department wishes you a safe and happy New Year!

Prepared by Capt. Frank Warchol