Candlelight Stroll
Strawbery Banke's 2024 Candlelight Stroll is dedicated to the memory of Carol M. Monte
Fridays, December 6, 13, & 20, 2024
Saturdays, December 7, 14, & 21, 2024
Sundays, December 8, 15, & 22, 2024
4:30-6:30 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM
NEW! Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Stroll on Sunday, December 15, 2024, 2-4 PM
Candlelight Stroll occurs in rain, snow, or by starlight.
Candlelight Stroll invites visitors to step into the past and experience 350+ years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. The Museum’s furnished historic houses are adorned with handmade decorations created from greens and dried flowers from the Museum’s heirloom gardens. Visitors call upon the many families who once lived in the waterfront neighborhood – portrayed by costumed roleplayers – who share stories, customs, and seasonal traditions.
While traveling from house to historic house, the glow of hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights illuminate the way as guests enjoy seasonal greetings from wandering musicians and performers who recreate the traditions of times past.
Additionally enjoy hot apple cider, a warming bonfire, and Ice Dance International’s Currier and Ives Vintage Christmas Skaters for several performances each night of this treasured event. Performances by the Vintage Christmas Skaters are weather-dependent.
NEW! Create a winter-themed thaumatrope, a popular 19th-century optical illusion, and discover the history behind these fascinating toys as you craft your own.
RETURNING! The Grove of Sponsored Holiday Trees returns to Puddle Dock and features dozens of holiday trees decorated by organizations throughout the community.
For 2024, Candlelight Stroll is dedicated to the memory of Carol M. Monte. Carol, a beloved longtime friend of the Museum passed away on March 16, 2024. Carol and her husband George, whose handcrafted tin lanterns and ornaments have been a staple of the event, spent each holiday season at the Museum for Candlelight Stroll.
Please note that parking is unavailable on-site for Candlelight Stroll as the small Museum lot is reserved for handicapped accessible needs on a first-come, first-served basis.
TICKETS
MEMBERS
Members get early access to tickets and up to 100% off, depending on their membership level. The number of discounted tickets also varies by membership level.
Adults (18+): $16 or free
Children (ages 3-17): $8 or free
Children (under 3): free
NONMEMBERS
Experience Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum. Your ticket gains access to the Museum’s historic houses and the historic landscapes. Note that skating requires a separate ticket.
Adults (18+): $32
Children (ages 3-17): $16
Children (under 3): free, ticket required
SPECIAL ACCESS EVENTS
Stroll Member Preview Night
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6-8 PM
Members are invited to experience Candlelight Stroll one night before the event opens to the general public. In addition to a first look and complimentary admission, members enjoy free tickets and skate rentals to Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond and a commemorative member gift. Tickets for Member Preview Night and skating tickets are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Login to your Altru account to register.
NEW! Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Stroll
Sunday, December 15, 2024, 2-4 PM
Designed as an inclusive experience for visitors with accessibility needs, the accessible and sensory-friendly Stroll timeslot on December 15, 2024, from 2-4 PM, offers visitors ample space to explore the historic houses and navigate the grounds during daylight hours. More information coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
We kindly ask for your understanding that our parking lot is limited in size and is reserved during Candlelight Stroll for attendees with handicap-accessible placards on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking information can be found under ‘Logistics and Parking.’ Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
-
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke is a cherished holiday event where visitors step back in time to immerse themselves in the enchanting holiday and seasonal traditions of New England's past. Historic houses are adorned in period-specific decorations, while the gravel roads of the neighborhood glow with the warm light of candle boxes and string lights. Guests can enjoy festive music, demonstrations, and seasonal displays, offering a delightful glimpse into bygone holiday traditions.
-
Yes! Tour the historic houses and explore the historic landscapes and gardens in any order.
-
Yes! The Museum’s furnished and exhibit houses are open for touring during Candlelight Stroll.
-
Yes, Candlelight Stroll features special performances and activities that enhance the festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, demonstrations of traditional crafts, seasonal storytelling sessions, and more. Each year brings new highlights.
-
Yes, interpreters and guides will be available throughout the event to provide information about the historic houses, holiday traditions, and more.
-
Candlelight Stroll takes place primarily outdoors, so please dress warmly and in layers. Sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear is essential for navigating the historic grounds. Be prepared for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow or rain to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable evening.
TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:
-
To purchase tickets for Candlelight Stroll, purchase online via the Museum website or call 603.433.1100. Online ticketing is available for convenience, allowing you to select preferred timeslots and purchase directly. Tickets may also be available for purchase on-site the day-of the event, depending on availability
-
Library passes obtained from local libraries that participate in Strawbery Banke’s Library Membership program may be used to attend Candlelight Stroll using the pass at the door the night of the event. Library patrons with a valid pass do not need to reserve tickets in advance on the Museum's website and should contact their library to inquire about pass availability. Patrons should bring a copy of the library pass and present it at the door to obtain complimentary admission. Please check with your local library for participation and pass availability.
-
Strawbery Banke Museum is happy to accommodate ticket transfer requests within a 24 hour grace period of the purchase, subject to availability. During this time, we will work with you to adjust your ticket date or time slot at no additional charge.
Ticket transfer requests made after the 24-hour window will incur a $7 fee per ticket. Requests are subject to availability.
For ticket order errors, contact Sarah Regan, Visitor Services Coordinator, at [email protected] or 603.241.1644.
-
Candlelight Stroll tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are transferrable to another party. Simply, give the paper ticket or forward the e-ticket to whomever will be attending the event.
-
Strawbery Banke Museum uses Altru as a ticketing platform. The fastest way to find your tickets is to search your inbox for an email from “Strawbery Banke Museum.” Your tickets are available as a link in the email. If for some reason you did not receive your tickets via email, please contact Strawbery
Banke via [email protected] or 603.241.1644
-
You’re welcome to print your tickets or show e-tickets on your phone.
-
If you are experiencing problems ordering tickets, please contact Sarah Regan, Visitor Services Coordinator, at [email protected] or 603.241.1644.
LOGISTICS AND PARKING:
-
There is NO ON-SITE PARKING for the Candlelight Stroll as it is reserved for those with handicap-accessible plates or hangtags only.
Visitors are encouraged to try nearby off-site parking options including Portsmouth's two parking garages:
Additionally, attendees can take advantage of The City of Portsmouth's FREE Vintage Christmas Shuttle courtesy of COAST. The shuttle runs from parking lots, hotels, and in between The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum on an approximately 15-minute loop. Click here for more information.
-
Due to the high volume of visitors attending both events and parking bans and road closures, both parking garages and city municipal lots are full the night of the Portsmouth City Holiday Parade.
To avoid a frustrating experience, we strongly recommend arriving early in town on Saturday, December 7, 2024, to secure parking. There are many lovely restaurants, shops, etc. to visit all within a walking distance of the Museum. Plan to spend the whole day in Portsmouth! Visit Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth's website for more information and ideas of how to spend your day.
-
Most spend 1-2 hours touring the houses and grounds. Some choose to spend more or less time depending on interests and schedules. Remember to hang onto your admission tag. You’re welcome to exit the grounds and reenter the same evening during the event window by presenting your admission tag.
-
No. You are able to enter the event at any time during the event window. There are two event windows for each night of Stroll (4:30 to 6:30 PM and 6:30 to 8:30 PM).
-
No. A separate ticket is needed for ice-skating at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond. Click here for more information about the rink.
-
Strawbery Banke aims to accommodate all visitors. Accessible pathways and accommodations are available throughout the event, although not all historic houses are wheelchair accessible, and some grounds may be challenging to navigate. For detailed accessibility information and to plan your visit, please visit our Accessibility Information page. Additionally, Strawbery Banke offers an Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Stroll timeslot on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 2-4 PM, designed to enhance the experience for guests with sensory sensitivities. We strive to ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of Candlelight Stroll to the fullest.
FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY:
-
During Candlelight Stroll, snacks and light refreshments are available for purchase in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center. Additionally, attendees can enjoy complimentary hot cider in the Cider Shed during the event. Please note that food and beverages are prohibited in the Museum's exhibit spaces and furnished houses, ensuring the preservation of these historic areas.
-
Photography and videography for personal use is permitted during Candlelight Stroll. However, Strawbery Banke reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and withdraw permission to photograph and/or film on its premises or reproduce photographs of objects in the collections. Flash photography is not permitted inside any of the historic houses.
Commercial, special photography, and filming arrangements MUST obtain prior approval from the Museum before any photography or filming can occur. Click here to learn more about how to submit a project request.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
-
Candlelight Stroll occurs rain, snow, or by starlight.
-
Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Museum grounds when the Museum is open for special events such as Candlelight Stroll.
Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.
-
Yes! The support of numerous volunteers is critical to the success of Candlelight Stroll. A variety of opportunities are available for all nights of the event. For more information, visit StrawberyBanke.org/volunteers.
Candlelight Stroll is a proud anchor of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth
Started in 2005 as a partnership between Strawbery Banke Museum and The Music Hall, Portsmouth, this celebration of the season emphasizes gathering together to experiences the holidays in this picturesque New Hampshire town.
Candlelight Stroll is presented in part by
