Portsmouth Holiday Parade, Santa Ski on Tap this Weekend

As most city residents know, there is never a shortage of fun things to do or places to go in Portsmouth. Each Friday, we will offer five suggestions for people who are planning out their weekends.

1. Portsmouth Holiday Parade: Get ready to welcome the holiday season in a big way when the annual Portsmouth Holiday Parade steps off on Saturday at 6 p.m. and marches right through downtown Portsmouth culminating with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself.

2. Santa Ski 2012: Also on Saturday, Santa Ski 2012 will take place from 12 noon to 4 p.m. where Santa will waterski across the Piscataqua River to raise money for local food pantries. The best viewing area will be the Bow Street decks.

3. Vintage Christmas: This weekend, Portsmouth's Vintage Christmas begins in earnest with several events including Strawbery Banke's Candlelight Stroll, seasonal Christmas trolleys downtown, Victorian-era Carolers and other events.

4. Natalie MacMaster returns: Natalie MacMaster and her band will perform "Christmas in Cape Breton" at the Music Hall on Sunday at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and $44 apiece.

5. Bluegrass at Press Room: The group Lunch at the Dump, a Bluegrass band, will be at the Press Room on Saturday at 9 p.m. There is a $7 cover charge.