Portsmouth Tree Lighting, Holiday Parade Set For Dec. 3

PORTSMOUTH, NH — The city of Portsmouth tree lighting and holiday parade is ready to go for Dec. 3.

But there are some things attendees need to know before enjoying the events.

The tree lighting and illuminated holiday parade will occur at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3 with a rain-snow date of Dec. 4. The tree lighting ceremony is first, followed by the parade. The city’s public works department will be installing the tree in Market Square Wednesday.

Parade Route

The parade will begin at Plaza 800 on Islington Street at 6 p.m. It will run downtown via Congress Street, through Market Square, to Pleasant Street, and cross State Street. The parade will end on Junkins Avenue.

Parking Bans

No parking will be allowed on the parade route — including all of Congress Street, Market Square, Pleasant Street, and Islington Street from Plaza 800 to the intersection with Congress Street.

On-street parking bans and road closures will be in effect on Dec. 3. Portsmouth Police Chief Mark Newport will invoke his emergency powers to prohibit parking and vehicular travel on certain streets in the city due to the parade.

“Residents, business owners, and employees located inside the parade route are advised that vehicles will not be permitted to cross the parade route except in an emergency,” Stephanie Seacord, the public information officer for the city, said. “Other areas in and around the event will be restricted. Police officers, event volunteers, signs, and-or barricades will be in place for these areas.”

Road Closures

The following streets will be closed from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 3.

• Islington Street from Plaza 800 to Maplewood Avenue and most adjacent side streets.
• The intersection of Middle Street, Congress Street, Maplewood Avenue, and Islington Street.
• Daniel Street from Penhallow Street to Market Square.
• Market Street from Hanover Street to Market Square.
• Fleet Street from Hanover Street to Congress Street and State Street to Congress Street.
• State Street from Fleet Street to Pleasant Street.
• Court Street from Fleet Street to Pleasant Street and Washington Street to Pleasant Street.
• Porter Street from Fleet Street to Pleasant Street.
• Pleasant Street from Junkins Avenue to Market Square.
• Junkins Avenue from Parrott Avenue to Pleasant Street.
• Parrott Avenue from Rogers Street to Junkins Avenue.

Anyone wishing to travel between Maplewood Avenue and Middle Street were directed to use Interstate 95 or Borthwick Avenue. There will be significant traffic delays in the parade route area, and motorists were “strongly urged” to seek alternate routes away from affected streets, she said.

Parking will be available at the Foundry Place Garage for a special $3 flat fee covering 3 to 11 p.m. Drivers will receive discount stickers upon entry into the garage. The High/Hanover Street, Worth Lot, and Bridge Street Lot, at normal rates.

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