The tradition of First Night fireworks (and ice sculpture!) – a true community event that everyone can enjoy when ringing in the New Year – will return this year thanks to community support.

First Night Portsmouth starts the party at 2 p.m. with the carving of ice sculptures in Market Square. The fireworks will begin popping at 7:30 p.m. over South Mill Pond in Portsmouth. It’s all free, but downtown, on-street, and lot metered parking will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

There will be a designated handicapped-accessible parking area, in the Portsmouth Public Library lot with 25 marked spaces. Those wishing to park there will need to access Parrott Avenue before 7 p.m. as barricades will go up then so pedestrians can get in position for viewing the fireworks.