There are plenty of exciting ways to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome the New Year on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Here are some of the options.
Family Celebration at the Children’s Museum
Bring the kiddos to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover and ring in the New Year before bedtime. The Family New Year’s Eve Celebration will feature an early “countdown to midnight” complete with a glittery disco ball, confetti, handmade wish blimps, and more. There are sessions from 9-11:30 a.m. and from 12:30-3 p.m. Tickets are $4-$15. Learn more here.
First Night Portsmouth 2026
Pro Portsmouth’s annual First Night celebration begins with the installation of an ice sculpture in Market Square from 2-4 p.m., followed by a fireworks display over South Mill Pond at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Comedian Bob Marley at the Rochester Opera House
Maine-based funnyman Bob Marley will take the stage at the Rochester Opera House for a total of four end-of-year stand-up sets. Shows take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $42.50. Learn more here.
BT ALC Big Band at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
The BT ALC Big Band will provide the entertainment at a special NYE bash at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth. The “Countdown Party” at 9 p.m. includes live music and a champagne toast ($54.65), while the “Dinner Package” also includes a lavish pre-show buffet in The Gallery starting at 7 p.m. ($158.80). Learn more here.
A New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Rockingham Ballroom
Following a jazz piano opener at 8 p.m., DJs Johnny B Groovy and Soul Sister Pamela will get you dancing at The Rockingham Ballroom’s New Year’s Eve Celebration in Newmarket. There will be tarot readings, creative costume prizes, appetizers, a dessert bar, and a midnight champagne toast with premium chocolates. Tickets are $50-$75. Learn more here.
Cold Engines and Soul Rebel Project at The Stone Church
Two Boston bands will join forces for an NYE bash at The Stone Church in Newmarket at 8 p.m. Power-pop rock band Cold Engines (who will be celebrating a new single) will share the stage with roots-reggae act Soul Rebel Project. Tickets are $30-$40. Learn more here.
Electric Abduction: New Year’s Eve at The Press Room
The stage at The Press Room in Portsmouth will be adorned with an out-of-this-world UFO spaceship equipped with lasers and lights during the Electric Abduction New Year’s Eve show at 8 p.m. DJ Chad Banks, Jay Sync, Jam!n, and Rh3tt will provide the beats. Tickets are $80-$150. Learn more here.
Roaring Gatsby Prohibition Party at the Gas Light Co.
The Portsmouth Gas Light Co.’s Third Floor Nightclub will transform into a glamorous speakeasy during the New Year’s Eve Roaring Gatsby Prohibition Party at 8 p.m. There will be party favors, passed hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, and a late-night pizza buffet, plus special perks for VIP ticket-holders. Tickets are $60-$135. Learn more here.
Rockspring at The Music Hall Lounge
Local string band Rockspring will offer a high-energy performance of bluegrass, rock, folk, and country during a New Year’s Eve performance at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth at 9 p.m. Tickets are $36-$46 (which includes a champagne toast). Learn more here.
Masquerade Themed Celebration at Rooftop at the Envio
DRoweBEATZ will spin tunes on the Rooftop at the Envio (at the AC Hotel Portsmouth) during a masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve Celebration beginning at 9 p.m. There will be passed h’oeuvres, an iced raw bar, appetizers, and TWO sparking toasts. Tickets are $129.89. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
