Though we live in one of the prettiest spots in the entire country, the winters up here in New Hampshire can be quite brutal. Fortunately, the Portsmouth area is notorious for hosting fun community events year-round (like the Prescott Park Arts Festival every summer) and the winter months are no exception! Here are the top ten events happening in the Portsmouth area to help you embrace the holiday season and delight in another New Hampshire winter.

1. 26th Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit/Contest

When: Friday December 2nd-Friday December 23rd

Where: The first floor of the Discover Portsmouth Gallery (10 Middle Street, Portsmouth)

Portsmouth is a great little town for a leisurely stroll. If you find yourself wandering through in the month of December, it’s worth checking out the Gingerbread House Exhibit. The entries of this annual contest will be displayed in the Discover Portsmouth Gallery as a feature of Vintage Christmas, a December-long event sponsored by the Music Hall and Strawberry Banke museum. Get a taste for the holiday season with entries from children, adults, local businesses, and artists. In addition, works from photographers David J. Murray and Andy Dolph of New Hampshire winters passed will be displayed alongside the exhibit. The public can vote for their favorite entry throughout the month and the People’s Choice Award will be announced on Friday, December 16th.

2. Ice Skating at Strawbery Banke

When: Every day in December from 9am-9pm

Where: Puddle Duck Pond at Strawbery Banke (14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth)

Although Strawbery Banke holds a number of festive events in the month of December, ice skating on Puddle Duck Pond is easily the most nostalgic. The rink is outdoors and well-maintained, and comes complete with ice skate rentals (for only $5) and sharpening services. Also, each Saturday Strawbery Banke hosts a Currier & Ives inspired show for the ice skaters to enjoy while on the rinks. You can find information about tickets and pricing here.

3. A Wonderful Life: A Musical at The Rep

When: December 2nd-23rd

Where: The Seacoast Repertory Theatre, Portsmouth

All year long, the theatre community in Portsmouth is rich and fast-moving. There is always a show to be seen, but to put you in the holiday spirit this December, A Wonderful Life is a can’t-miss for theatre-goers. Based on the beloved Frank Capra’s film, A Wonderful Life is a musical adaptation that chronicles the life of George Bailey in Bedford Falls and gives perspective to the connection we all have to each other and our communities. The show is appropriate for all ages (and could also make a great gift for someone special).

4. Pickwick’s Holiday Dinners

When: December 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, and 18th

Where: Strawbery Banke’s William Pitt Tavern, Court and Atkinson Street

Stepping into Pickwick’s Mercantile is a step back in time that many Portsmouthers and tourists have had the pleasure of experiencing. If you have an affection for the days of yore, or are just looking for a reason to wear your corset and petticoat, it may be worth making a reservation at one of Pickwick’s Holiday Dinners. Complete with the sound of violins, a four course menu of colonial-fare (with vegetarian and children options available), this is guaranteed to be an occasion to remember. Reserve your spot now!

5. A Christmas Carol at The Player’s Ring

When: December 2nd-23rd

Where: The Player’s Ring, Portsmouth

Another must-see for theatre and literature lovers alike! Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a timeless work that has been adapted for both film and theatre. Not only is this the 25th Anniversary Season of The Player’s Ring, it is also their 20th year putting on this particular production. A Christmas Carol at The Player’s Ring will not only get you into the holiday spirit, it will immerse you in the arts culture of the Seacoast and make for a really enjoyable event.

6. Center for Wildlife’s Annual Holiday Bazaar

When: Saturdays in December, 1:00PM-4:00PM

Where: Center for Wildlife (385 Mountain Road, Cape Neddick, ME)

If you love wildlife and are in search of unique gifts for your loved ones, this bazaar in the forest was made for you. Here you can explore “nature-inspired gifts like wild-crafted hemlock wreaths, organic jams, wildlife holiday cards, wildlife baby blankets, Ambassador Series books, herbal goodies from Lion’s Tooth Wellness, and much more.” On top of all of the great shops from local artisans, participants will also be able to view the Center for Wildlife’s owl, hawk and falcon up close! The proceeds will go towards wildlife care and environmental education programs.

7. Candlelight Stroll: Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth

When: Saturdays in December 4:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth

In the spirit of taking a step back in time is another festive tradition hosted by Strawbery Banke to add to your list. Since 1979, this stroll has showcased 350 years of holiday history among the scenery of fully furnished historic homes. To add to the magic, Strawbery Banke will be aglow with lanterns to guide the way as well as hand-made decorations including dried flowers picked from the Museum gardens. At every house, a costumed performer to recreate the traditions of times passed. If you are looking to appreciate the history of Portsmouth this holiday season, the candlelight stroll is a magical way to do so.

8. The Winter Newmarket Farmers’ Market

When: The first and third Saturdays of the month (November-April) 9:00am-1:00pm

Where: Newmarket Community Church (137 Main Street, Newmarket)

If you long for the farmers market during what is traditionally the off-season, you are in luck. At the Winter Newmarket Farmers’ Market you will find fresh, local produce, music and more. This event is held indoors, and provides an area for you to relax with homemade treats to appreciate the music. Also, leashed dogs are permitted, so your furry friend can get the full farmers market experience as well.

9. Portsmouth Fire & Ice Festival

When: February 16th-20th

Where: Downtown Portsmouth

Warm the heart of your Valentine at the Fire & Ice Festival in scenic downtown Portsmouth. The festival is basically a big street party, complete with ice bars, music, fire pits, ice sculptures and bar crawls. Every year features a different series of events featuring deals from local shops and restaurants. The kickoff party is free, and an overall great way to mingle with Portsmouthites and get the lowdown on the events to come.

10. Paint Night at Art with a Splash

When: Pretty much every day

Where: Art with a Splash, downtown Portsmouth

If you are looking for an escape from the cold Seacoast air, Art with a Splash is a great way to spend a couple hours. The calendar for the winter months is a festive one, containing many beautiful wintry landscapes (my favorite is Moon and Deer). Grab a friend and a bottle of wine and partake in the therapy of painting, it is guaranteed to ease your winter blues.