Christmas memories of
Portsmouth NH

by Adam Moy

This comes from a guest at the 2009 Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth NH, now in its 6th year.

I send it because it echoes what so many people tell us about Candlelight Stroll at Strawberry Banke Museum -- a 31 year old tradition that is one of the anchors of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth.  

"Growing up in a small town named Weare, NH and currently residing in Manchester, NH, I'd never known all that much about Strawberry Banke Museum. Its curious how you never seem to know enough about whats happening in your own backyard. I always seemed to take Portsmouth and various other New Hampshire towns for granted, thinking they'll always be there and one day I'll actually go see what they have to offer. Walking the talk in this case was an immensely satisfying experience.

Portsmouths quaint, small town feel, coupled with its "here and now" atmosphere", welcomed me like an old neighborhood that hadn't changed and knew you'd be back. What a pleasantly odd sensation to feel not only that you belong but that you always did in a place you’ve never really visited before.  

Historic buildings and streets that made you think of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" instantly spark the holiday spirit.

Not knowing where I was going, I relied upon passers-by to help me find the museum. It wasn’t until the third group of strangers I stopped and asked for directions were able to point me in the right direction. Id like to think I did my part to remedy this by ranting and raving about the Candlelight Stroll on the trolley ride later that night (oh yeah, they got trolleys!).    


What I shared with the good passengers of the free Vintage Christmas Portsmouth Trolley was mostly the surprise I had of the event. I wasn't quite sure what to expect of a bunch of old houses, decorated to celebrate Christmas in their respective era.   The surprise came of being in the moment.

The wonderment of finding yourself being the proverbial fly on the wall, witnessing what it would've been like to celebrate Christmas in various time periods, was surreal. The actors of all ages who brought to life the characters of the past (not only for you to see but to interact with!) had you believing you'd slipped through a tear in the fabric of time. Horse drawn carriage rides, the bonfire, judging the gingerbread house competition, a cappella carolers, live music in the cider shed (complete with refreshments for bellies not unlike bowls full of jelly, like mine) and the immense feeling that you were celebrating the Christmas spirit throughout the ages.

  The two words that came closest to describing the feeling that night left me with were timeless and euphoric. I have been looking forward to this years celebration all year. 

The experience of celebrating Christmas like Strawberry Banke did was the best Christmas I've ever had."  

Experience a Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth NH!