We track 2 displays in Portsmouth. 1 of them are free to visit.
Displays here switch on around sunset. In Portsmouth that means about 4:49 PM in early December and 4:50 PM by mid-month — the earliest sunsets of the year fall right in the middle of lights season. It is properly dark by about 5:19 PM, which is when the displays look their best. December nights in Portsmouth typically drop to around 36°F.
| Date | Sunset | Fully dark |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | 4:49 PM | 5:18 PM |
| Dec 15 | 4:50 PM | 5:19 PM |
| Dec 25 | 4:55 PM | 5:24 PM |
$2 per person (ages 3 and up)attractiontrain-ridewalk-throughfood-vendors
Portsmouth's city park pairs its 'Pokey Smokey' miniature train with holiday light displays, an illuminated playground, and pieces from the Coleman Nursery collection. It runs weekend nights only, with rides costing a couple of dollars per person.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Freeattractionwalk-throughanimated-scenes
The Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center exhibits the beloved animated figures rescued from the old Coleman Nursery, including ice skaters, sledding children, and a Victorian chalet. The nostalgic indoor walk-through opens on weekends leading up to Christmas.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Know a display we're missing in Portsmouth?Add it to the guide.