Welcome in the New Year, and the start to the Portsmouth NH 400th anniversary!
Ice sculpture in Market Square and a Fireworks Display over the South Mill Pond.
First Night revives the ancient traditions of marking the passage of time in a present day context. It was created by a group of civic-minded artists in Boston as a meaningful alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve revelry. Offered to the city as a finale to its Bicentennial events in 1976, First Night Boston also began a new tradition, bringing neighboring communities together through a joint celebration.
Framed as a family-friendly event, First Night is known as the alcohol free, alternative community celebration on December 31st.
Portsmouth became a First Night community in 1986 and we continue to celebrate First Night with fireworks and ice sculpture.
This celebration gives our Community the opportunity to come together as one, reflecting on the year that has passed and looking forward with hope and great anticipation to the year ahead. (And the date – never changes: December 31st)
Throughout 2023, we’ll celebrate the 400th anniversary of Portsmouth’s founding. Pro Portsmouth is a proud Program Partner with Portsmouth NH 400, and excited to ring in the new year of celebrations!