Visiting Portsmouth after Christmas

Submitted by Spectator99 t3_yosy3c in newhampshire

Hi all,

We are thinking of visiting Portsmouth in December after Christmas, specifically 12/28-12/30. We're a couple in our thirties and love to explore and visit new eateries (we love to try new food but are not drinkers so no breweries etc.) From our research, there are a lot to do and things to see in the area leading up to Christmas. However, do places open during the week leading to new year? We would love to visit but a little worry a lot of places might be closed during that time. If you have any recommendations, please share them as well. Thanks so much!

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argon08 t1_ivgerhs wrote

I can't recommend Black Trumpet highly enough. It's on the pricier side but the food has consistently blown me away every time I've dined there.

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Hextall2727 t1_ivg007h wrote

Portsmouth usually puts on a fun First Night (12/31), with fireworks and such. Consider sticking around for that.
Regarding that week... I don't believe places close. You should be fine.
Regarding places to eat... there's a fun hot pot place on Penhollow st (Pink Bamboo). Jumping Jays is my favorite for seafood in town. I just had a recommendation that Massimo's was the best italian meal an acquaintance ever had. If you have a car (or don't mind ubering), some good fried seafood is at Bob's Clam Hut in kittery (right near a bunch of outlet shopping).

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Spectator99 OP t1_ivhb4uv wrote

thanks for the recommendations! we're most likely extending our trip to stay through 12/31 :)

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Anxious_Aide_2091 t1_ivfnxkm wrote

If you are able to, you should go on the 31st. That’s when Portsmouth puts on a big New Years thing with events

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Spectator99 OP t1_ivhazfu wrote

Thank you! we're considering extending our trip based on the comments

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MartoufCarter t1_ivfssvm wrote

This is always a fun activity in a lovely location. https://www.strawberybanke.org/skate.cfm

There is a restaurant nearby too, a little upscale but great. https://www.thepuddledock.com/menu

Another favorite of mine is Moxy, food is delicious and you can sample a bunch of small plates: www.moxyrestaurant.com. The Pressroom has music most nights www.pressroomnh.com. Street is a little out of the downtown area but definitely worth the trip. www.streetfood360.com

If you want to check out a cool new little art gallery go here: https://www.monaportsmouth.org and lastly This place opened recently and is pretty cool, just eat before you go. https://jimmysoncongress.com/

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Spectator99 OP t1_ivhb2hc wrote

Thanks! appreciate you taking the time listing everything out

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missyharlotte t1_ivfstae wrote

There is an outdoor skating rink in Strawbery Banke

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joostadood526 t1_ivfz3ts wrote

Plenty of places are open year round. Surf is a local year round favorite.

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hobbit-boy101 t1_ivhngdm wrote

If yall like crepes, I recommend La Maison Navarre! Great dessert and savory crepes and excellent teas/coffee

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[deleted] t1_ivldn5k wrote

Unless you have a reason to actively avoid breweries I wouldn't write them off in terms of eateries.

The Portsmouth Brewery has the best fish and chips I've ever had, for example.

Surf, Barrio and Street are three more of my favorites in Portsmouth.

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Happy_Confection90 t1_iw4d0bm wrote

State universities close that week, some manufacturing and other assorted non-retail businesses do too, but I can't recall ever seeing anywhere to eat, stay, or shop being closed that week other than on 12/25 and maybe 1/1.

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