Whether you’ve enjoyed 2021 or just look forward to putting it behind you, there’s plenty of reason to welcome the New Year. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022 in Portsmouth and across the Seacoast on Friday, Dec. 31.
Rock the Yacht at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth (canceled)
UPDATE: This event has been canceled.
Cisco Brewers Portsmouth’s “Rock the Yacht” New Year’s Eve celebration casts off at 4:20 p.m. Guests are invited to wear their nautical best and enjoy live music, food, games, a raffle, an Anchor Drop, and a cocktail toast. The $25 ticket includes a Cisco ball cap designed for the occasion. The party ends at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Great Gatsby Party at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Newburyport Brewing Co. is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a Great Gatsby bash featuring good beer, good music, and good times starting at 7 p.m. Southern rockers the Way Up South Band take the stage at 9 p.m. The $10 ticket includes a midnight toast. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in 1920s fashions. Learn more here.
Eddie Palmieri & La Perfecta Big Band at Jimmy’s
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth is hosting a Fiesta de Año Nuevo with music from eight-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri & La Perfecta Big Band. Starting at 7 p.m., there will be fine food, drink, dancing, and mingling across all three floors of the venue, including the Museum of New Art. Tickets are $375-$425. Learn more here.
Champagne Pops at The Music Hall
The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will usher in the New Year with a Champagne Pops concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth beginning at 8 p.m. Featuring guest conductor Dr. Dirk Hillyer and vocalist Jacyn Tremblay, the show will include cheerful and familiar music from Broadway to Hollywood. Tickets are $38. Learn more here.
Whiskey Tango at The Rockingham Ballroom
Four-piece pop-rock and dance band Whiskey Tango will perform live during a New Year’s Eve celebration at the newly reopened Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. There will also be a “mask”erade party with prizes, a cash bar, and a light food menu. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the music starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
First Night Portsmouth 2022
After a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, the annual First Night Portsmouth celebration returns on New Year’s Eve. Organized by Pro Portsmouth, the event is highlighted by a fireworks display over South Mill Pond at 8:15 p.m., an ice sculpture installation in Market Square, and other activities around downtown Portsmouth. Learn more here.
Welcome to the Show at the Gas Light
The Portsmouth Gas Light Co. is presenting a Cirque du Soleil-inspired New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live entertainment from the Boston Circus Guild. Beginning at 8 p.m., there will also be a live DJ, a late-night buffet, passed hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $59-$65. Learn more here.
Club d’Elf w/John Medeski & David Tronzo at The Stone Church
Talk about a party! The Stone Church in Newmarket will host a special concert on New Year’s Eve featuring regional band Club d’Elf with a couple of very special guests: keys maestro John Medeski (of Medeski Martin & Wood) and innovative local slide guitarist David Tronzo. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $75. Learn more here.
The Lady Ro Show at The Players’ Ring
After two long years off, The Lady Ro Show returns to The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth beginning at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. More than a dozen performers will help kiss 2021 goodbye and ring in 2022 with drag performances, songs, dances, and more. Presented by Dive In Productions and RGC Theatre, tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Dress to Impress at The Press Room
DJ Ryan Getek, aka Goretek the Assassin, will lead the live entertainment at The Press Room in Portsmouth on New Year’s Eve. Guests are invited to get dressed up for some live music, dancing, and celebration beginning at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30; VIP packages are $75 and include some special benefits. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.