SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2023

Portsmouth Library's tree lighting gets families in the holiday spirit (photos)

Posted 12/5/22

PORTSMOUTH — Local kids got an up-close visit with Santa Claus Sunday night after he arrived by fire truck to the Portsmouth Free Public Library.

The occasion? Why, the library's annual …

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Portsmouth Library's tree lighting gets families in the holiday spirit (photos)

Lukas Perry, 7 months, took his visit with Santa Claus very seriously during Sunday's annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Portsmouth Free Public Library.

JULIE FURTADO

Santa Claus greets families after arriving, by fire truck, to the annual tree-lighting event at the Portsmouth Free Public Library Sunday evening.

JULIE FURTADO

Dwayne and Patricia Peckham brought a tableful of books for children to take home for free in memory of their late son, Connor. Connor, a popular student and band member at Portsmouth High School who organized a book giveaway during the library’s 2018 tree-lighting for his senior project, died the following year at the age of 18.

JULIE FURTADO

Henry Brown looks over his options while choosing a book to take home.

JULIE FURTADO

Val (left) and Desi Nicholas sit on Santa’s lap clutching candy canes.

JULIE FURTADO

Visitors line up for hot chocolate and cookies while waiting for Santa to arrive at the library.

JULIE FURTADO

Families clap for Santa as he makes his way toward the library during Portsmouth’s tree-lighting event.

JULIE FURTADO

Addilyn Russo, 4, recites her long list of wishes — it included “a real kitten, a shark, a dollhouse” and more — to Santa.

JULIE FURTADO

Santa greets an admirer after hopping off the fire truck.

JULIE FURTADO

The tree outside the library glows in the evening air.

JULIE FURTADO

Posted Monday, December 5, 2022 2:32 pm

PORTSMOUTH — Local kids got an up-close visit with Santa Claus Sunday night after he arrived by fire truck to the Portsmouth Free Public Library.

The occasion? Why, the library's annual tree-lighting ceremony of course.

Families gathered outside to watch the tree set aglow and enjoyed hot chocolate and other refreshments inside as Santa listened to the children's "wish lists."

The parents of the late Connor Peckham, a popular Portmouth High School student who died in 2019, were there to give books away to young bookworms. Connor did the same during the 2018 tree-lighting as part of his senior project. The parents carried on the tradition in his memory.

Scroll through the photos of all the festivities above.

Portsmouth Library's tree lighting gets families in the holiday spirit (photos)

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Portsmouth Library's tree lighting gets families in the holiday spirit (photos)

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Register to post events

Day pass subscribers

Portsmouth Library's tree lighting gets families in the holiday spirit (photos)

Horseback carolers spread cheer in Portsmouth (photos)

Architectural marvel is a beacon of light

Portsmouth street with Confederate officer’s moniker to be renamed

After advisory lifted, Melville ponds to be stocked with fish