Yes, Virginia, there will be fireworks and live music this New Year's Eve to welcome 2022.

The tradition in Portsmouth of First Night fireworks and the carving of ice sculptures in Market Square is back, but the rest of the musical and children's performances in downtown venues won't return this year due to continuing concerns over COVID-19 transmission.

Deciding not to have the performances this year meant no First Night admission buttons would be sold to pay the artists and subsidize the fireworks and ice sculptures. In order to bring back at least those pieces of First Night, Pro Portsmouth had to raise $15,000 by Dec.1 to cover not only the material costs, but also the cost of insurance and police, fire and DPW coverage as well. It turned to the community and made an appeal for donations.

According to the organization’s Executive Director Barbara Massar, the response was not only a reaffirmation of the importance of community events, but also a reminder of the generosity of the people of Portsmouth and beyond.

“We saw donations across the spectrum: from businesses large and small, to families and individuals. Some people we knew, others were new to us, but all came together to make this possible,” said Massar. “And seeing some of the donations come in was very moving as we knew that people were giving what they could to help us create this celebration.” 

The fireworks will fill the sky over Portsmouth's South Mill Pond at approximately 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 31. Earlier that afternoon, Jeff Day and his team from Ice Designs will install an ice sculpture in front of North Church. Details, including information on street closures and parking, will be posted on the Pro Portsmouth website at proportsmouth.org/events/first-night-portsmouth/ 

Cisco Brewers Portsmouth is rocking the Yacht this year — Casting off at 4:20 p.m. with an Anchor Drop and cocktail toast at 7 p.m. sponsored by La Langosta Blanca tequila. $25 ticket comes with a Cisco ball cap designed for the party, live music, and the Anchor Drop toast. There will be games, a raffle, and a whole lot of fun to celebrate 2021 and bring in 2022. Tickets can be found at portsmouthnhtickets.com/events/rock-the-yacht-12-31-2021. The brewery can be found at 35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth.

Ring in 2022 with a Cirque du Soleil inspired evening "Welcome to the Show" with live entertainment and the Seacoast’s best DJ at the Portsmouth Gas Light Co. at 64 Market St. Live entertainment will feature the Boston Circus Guild. General admission at $59 to $65 includes late night buffet, passed hor d’oeuvres, party favors, champagne toast at midnight. VIP admission includes includes everything in GA, reserved seating with cocktail service, VIP food table, upgraded champagne toast, exclusive gift bag. Tickets at portsmouthnhtickets.com/events/nye-2022-welcome-to-the-show-12-31-2021. For VIP tickets, email brandonburke@portsmouthgaslight.com. The evening begins at 8 p.m.

The Stone Church Music Club will present Club d’Elf with special guests John Medeski and David Tronzo at The Stone Church, 5 Granite St., in Newmarket at 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $75 and available at :https://portsmouthnhtickets.com/events/new-years-eve-club-delf-with-special-guests-john-medeski-david-tronzo-12-31-2021

For this special NYE show the band is excited to have two special guests who are longtime collaborators: John Medeski and Newmarket’s own David Tronzo. The band has a long history at The Stone Church going back to the early 2000s, appearing many times with Tronzo. Club d’Elf has been helping audiences lose track of time beginning with the band’s first show 23 years ago.

A Jazzy New Year’s Eve Dance Party at Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club will feature Eddie Palmieri and his 13-piece La Perfecta Big Band and fine food, drink and champagne flowing. The party goes from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets range from $375 to $425. For menu, tickets and more info, check out jimmysoncongress.com.

There'll be a New Year's Eve Dueling Pianos Dinner Party at the Governor's Inn in  Rochester. The evening will feature dancing emceed by Dueling Pianos Pros and will include appetizers, dinner buffet and dessert. At midnight, there'll be a champagne toast. Tickets are $68 and are available at the inn or by calling 603-332-0107.

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will ring in 2022 with a New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops! concert on Friday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, with special guest conductor Dr. Dirk Hillyer and guest vocalist Jacyn Tremblay.

The festive New Year’s Eve performance will feature music from Broadway to Hollywood, including selections from Frozen, The Greatest Showman, Cabaret, Chicago, The Godfather, West Side Story, and a collection of Gershwin swing favorites, designed to make audiences, laugh, cry and tap their toes. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve concert are $35 adults; $30 seniors; and $20 students and can be purchased online at themusichall.org.

At CRs on Exeter Road in Hampton, Rico Barr Trio (piano, percussion and sax) will perform from 5 to 11 p.m. Check out crstherestaurant.com for menu and more info.

The Players' Ring Theatre in Portsmouth tops off the year with  "A Drag New Year's Party," on Friday, Dec. 31 with Lady Ro, a Dive In Productions presentation. For tickets and more information, visit playersring.org. 

The 12th Annual New Years Eve Comedy Show will feature comedian Mark Riley performing several shows on Friday, Dec. 31 at Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, 250 Market St., Portsmouth. Riley was born and raised in Boston (yes, he can sort of pronounce his “r’s”) and is one of the most-booked comedians in New England. His high energy and unique perspective on everyday situations combined with his sharp observational humor keeps audiences in stitches. Tickets are $40  and are available at livefreeordielaughing.com. 

Former 'Tonight Show' comedy writer and North Hampton native Jon Rineman is going to do stand-up at his friend Mike Oliveira's Comfort Baking Company shop to ring in the New Year and use all his jokes about his home state. Space is limited and tickets are available at the shop. For more info, visit comfortbakingco.com and keep an eye on its Facebook page.

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If you stay two nights at the York Harbor Inn, you'll also get a "Happy Hour" Hot Cocoa Bar and Holiday Cocktails to welcome you; a NYE dinner including one specialty cocktail (take-away dining option available); live entertainment with dancing; Countdown to Midnight with Champagne Toast or special Celebration Baskets to take away for Your Own Countdown to Midnight; and New Year's Day  Brunch.

On Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Kennebunk is a fun, family-friendly event that happens at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church on Main Street. Come see the brightly lit Wild Maine Blueberry Ball Drop from the bell tower with an Early Bird Blueberry Ball Drop at 9 p.m., or the Wild Blueberry Drop at midnight. As usual there will be open skating at the Waterhouse Center. For more information see the NYEKBK Facebook event page.