PORTSMOUTH – Pro Portsmouth’s First Night 2025 takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 from 3 to 8 p.m., highlighted by the annual fireworks show at 7:30 p.m. at South Mill Pond. Due to construction barricades in front of North Church, there will be no ice sculptures on display this year.

To facilitate a safe and entertaining First Night, the dog park, courts, and a large portion of the parking lot near the South Mill Pond Playground will close at 8 a.m. on Dec. 31 to allow for safely staging the fireworks. Parking on the entire length of Parrott Avenue is prohibited from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 and the road will be closed to vehicular traffic from approximately 7 to 8 pm. Twenty-five supplemental ADA-accessible parking spaces will be reserved in the Portsmouth Public Library parking lot from noon to 9 p.m.

“No Parking” signs will be posted on Parrott Avenue and vehicles parking in the posted areas will be towed to National Wrecker Service (295 West Road) at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Regular downtown, on-street and municipal lot metered parking is in effect from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31.