The Candlelight Stroll runs December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20, 2026 at Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St, Portsmouth. Adults pay $35 (Fri, Sun) or $38 (Sat), and you pick a timed arrival window. There is no on-site parking: use a downtown garage or the free weekend trolley. Limited accessible parking is first come, first served. Paths can be icy and uneven, so bring a chair or rollator you trust.
For one night, you step back in time. The historic houses of Strawbery Banke are lit by candlelight and decorated for the holidays of their own era, with costumed interpreters, carolers and horse-drawn carriages outside. For many Seacoast families, it is the start of Christmas.
It is also outdoors, in December, at night, on old paths. That is part of the magic and the main thing to plan around if you or someone in your group finds walking hard.
Dates and arrival windows
Tickets are sold by arrival window. You arrive within your window, then stay until closing.
| Night | Arrival windows | Event ends |
|---|---|---|
| Friday (Dec 4, 11, 18) | 5:30 to 5:59pm or 6 to 6:30pm | 8:30pm |
| Saturday (Dec 5, 12, 19) | 4:30 to 5:29pm or 5:30 to 6:29pm | 8:30pm |
| Sunday (Dec 6, 13, 20) | 2 to 2:59pm or 3 to 3:59pm | 6:30pm |
Best for limited mobility: Sunday. Sunday starts at 2pm, so you arrive in daylight, see the paths clearly, and are done by 6:30pm before the coldest part of the evening.
Ticket prices
| Ticket | Friday and Sunday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $35 | $38 |
| Child (3 to 17) | $17.50 | $19 |
| Under 3 | Free | Free |
| Family (2 adults + kids under 18) | $87.50 | $95 |
| Group of 15+, per adult | $28 | Not offered |
Members pay half or less, and library passes are accepted at check-in. Book groups at least 48 hours ahead on (603) 473-4814.
Parking and the trolley
There is no on-site parking for the Candlelight Stroll. Your options:
Downtown garages and lots
City ratesThe Hanover Street Garage has 18 accessible spaces, and the Prescott Park lot (5) and Water Street spaces are closest to the museum, per Access Navigators.
Vintage Christmas trolley
FreeSaturdays and Sundays. A free shuttle loop between downtown parking, hotels, the Music Hall and Strawbery Banke.
Accessible parking
LimitedFor cars with a valid placard or plate, first come, first served. Arrive at the start of your window.
The museum's general access page also says cars can pull up to the entrance to drop someone off. Call the box office on 603-433-1100 to confirm how drop-off works on Stroll nights.
Accessibility
- Paths: the campus is relatively flat, but historic surfaces vary, some are unpaved, and on Stroll nights they may be wet, snowy or icy.
- Houses: seven houses have ramps, but many have narrow doors and steps, and upstairs rooms are stairs only. You will not get into every house, and that is fine: the outdoor scene is half the event.
- Restrooms: accessible restrooms with changing tables in the Visitors Center, and an accessible gender-inclusive restroom at Jefferson House.
- Loaner chairs: the museum has three transfer chairs, first come, first served. It does not say whether they are available during the Stroll.
Bring your own chair for the Stroll
A transport chair folds into a car trunk and rolls over brick and packed paths with someone pushing. A rollator gives you a seat anywhere along the route. Rent either from our Hampton Beach shop, by the day.
Rules and policies
- Tickets are nonrefundable. Date changes cost $7 per ticket after 24 hours.
- No pets except ADA service animals.
- No weapons, smoking, vaping, cannabis or outside alcohol.
- Skating is not included in admission.
Tips for a comfortable night
- Pick Sunday for daylight arrival and an earlier finish.
- Wear boots with grip, and bring a blanket for anyone in a chair.
- Start at the Visitors Center and use the restroom first.
- Choose a few houses with ramps rather than trying to see them all.
- Catch a carriage ride early, before the lines build.
Candlelight Stroll: FAQ
When is the Candlelight Stroll 2026?
Three weekends in December 2026: December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20.
How much are Candlelight Stroll tickets?
Adults are $35 on Friday and Sunday and $38 on Saturday. Children 3 to 17 are $17.50 on Friday and Sunday and $19 on Saturday. Under 3 is free. A family rate (two adults and their children under 18) is $87.50 Friday and Sunday, $95 Saturday.
Where do you park for the Candlelight Stroll?
There is no on-site parking for the Stroll. Use public parking downtown, such as the Hanover Street Garage, or the free Vintage Christmas trolley on Saturdays and Sundays. Limited accessible parking is available first come, first served for cars with a valid placard or plate.
Is the Candlelight Stroll wheelchair accessible?
Partly. The grounds are relatively flat, but the museum warns that paths are uneven and can be wet, snowy or icy, and some historic houses have steps and narrow doors. The Visitors Center restrooms are accessible.
Are carriage rides included in the Candlelight Stroll?
Yes. Horse-drawn carriage rides are included with admission. They are first come, first served, last about five minutes and cannot be reserved.
Can you change your Candlelight Stroll date?
Tickets are nonrefundable. Date changes cost $7 per ticket if made more than 24 hours after purchase.
Keep planning
Sources
Checked November 11, 2026. Venues and towns change their rules; the official source always wins. Spot something out of date? Let us know.