New Years Eve 2015 in Portsmouth

Got big plans for New Years Eve? You can still get a button and join in on the First Night Portsmouth festivities! Today is the last day to purchase online! First night is family-friendly, with events throughout downtown and a traditional countdown to midnight starting at 11:50 p.m., fireworks at 7:30 p.m., and more!

If you’re looking for a different kind of New Year’s experience, here are some other ideas:

At Home

Whether tickets are too expensive, big crowds aren’t your thing, or you just really feel like staying home this year, there are plenty of fun ways to kick the New Year off in the comfort of your living room. Some ideas we love:

DIY Balloon Drop – Easily recreate the feeling of being in Times Square (without the headache or the claustrophobia) with this simple balloon drop. Add some glitter for a shimmering surprise!

Kid Friendly – Try one of these kid friendly crafts to get the party going, and end it before bedtime.

Martha Stewart – Take a tip from Martha and get your house ready for guests, or just for yourself, with some festive decor!

Brunch – Late nights not your thing? Host a New Years brunch instead! Mimosas and brunch food never goes out of style.

Restaurants & Bars

Wentworth by the Sea – If you’re looking for a tasteful and elegant way to ring in the new year, grab a ticket to the ‘Bootleggers Ball.’ The ballroom will be transformed into a 1920’s speakeasy, where admittance requires a secret password, and the part starts with champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Portsmouth Gas Light – Tickets are sold out online for the Great Gatsby themed New Years Eve bash at the Gas Light, but you may be able to score a VIP spot through the box office, or the night of.

Red Door – DJ Evaredy will be at the Red Door on New Years Eve, and admission is only $10 after 10 p.m. !

Martingale Wharf – Make reservations at Martingale Wharf for New Years Eve and enjoy their Winter Wonderland celebration, complete with live music from Josh Logan from ‘The Voice.’ Tickets include lots of other goodies, like a $25 gift card to the Wharf and a champagne toast at midnight.

Rí Ra – Call to get your reservations to see “Jamsterdam” on New Years Eve.

For the Whole Family

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center – Get out early and celebrate the ‘Noon New Year’s Eve Bash.’ Enjoy activities like face painting and magic, and see the glitter ball drop for the “Noon Year.” The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First Night Portsmouth – We mentioned it before, but First Night is great for the whole family! Celebrate the New Year all over Portsmouth, with fireworks, ice sculptures and more!

LL Bean – Head up to Freeport for their Northern Lights Celebration (5-9 p.m.) which includes musical performances and a giant Christmas tree with lights synchronized to holiday tunes. Also, it’s free!

Getting a Ride Home

Call the Cops – Portsmouth Police are offering free rides to anyone within a 10 mile radius of downtown on New Years Eve. Call 393-5030 between 10 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.

Taxis & Car Service – With Uber on hold until it resolves it’s issues with the city, getting a cab on New Years Eve can be tricky. Our suggestion? Call ahead and make an appointment! If you can, set a time you want to leave, and get a reservation or appointment so you don’t have to wait in the cold until the next taxi comes along.

Market Square Taxi 603.205.1788 *Appointments Accepted* – Also offer car service.

Annie’s Taxi 603.531.9955 – Also offer Party Shuttles (Reservations required)

Rockingham Taxi 603.501.0960 24 Hour Service

Great Bay Taxi 603.326.8294 *Appointments Accepted*

Missing anything? Let us know! Have a safe holiday! See you in 2015!