December 2025

The Monthly Hilltopper News & Happenings

City of Somersworth

City Hall

One Government Way

Somersworth, NH 03878

City Hall Hours

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Boards & Committee Meetings this Month

City Council Meeting

Monday, December 8 at 7:00 pm

Site Review Technical Committee

Wednesday, December 3 at 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m.

Conservation Commission

Wednesday, December 10 at

6:00 p.m.

Planning Board

Wednesday, December 17 at

6:30 p.m.

Historic District Commission

Thursday, December 18 at

7:00 p.m.

Planning and Development

Department of Public Works

Winter Parking Ban Alerts

During the winter, parking bans are called typically when snow or ice conditions makes it unsafe for vehicles to park while City winter plow equipment is clearing roads and sidewalks. Call the recorded snow line for winter snow parking ban information at 603-692-9131. In addition, sign up for the City Manager’s monthly newsletter by accessing the City website and receive regular email updates on a range of City informational topics, including parking bans. Also check the City website for current postings on winter emergency parking bans as well at www.somersworthnh.gov and or go to this location for a link to sign up: https://www.somersworthnh.gov/city-newsletter.

Somersworth Police Department

We send out Nixle Alerts for parking bans and other important information to cell phones and emails. You can sign up for free Nixle at www.Nixle.com.

Somersworth Police Facebook Page

Check out Somersworth Police Department’s Facebook page. We use it to let you know about important community information including crime information, road closures, snow emergencies/ parking bans, and community events. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/SomersworthPoliceDepartment/

Somersworth Crime Line: You can leave crime tips or anonymous information at 603-692-9111

Somersworth Fire Department

Recreation Office

Candy Cane Hunt

The Somersworth recreation department presents the ever-popular candy cane hunt. This year the hunt will take place on the Somersworth High School Football Field on Friday December 5^th and the hunt will start at 6pm sharp. So be sure to save the date, grab your baskets and flashlights and join in the fun. As well as candy canes there will be a chance to take pictures with our special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, cookies and hot cocoa. The hunt is open to ages 3-12 and all children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a free event that requires no registration. We will see you there!

Biddy Basketball: Somersworth Recreation's Biddy Basketball program registration will open on December 1st, 2025 and offers an early bird price until December 29th, 2025. The program itself will run from February 21^st - March 28^th and is open children between the ages of 3 and 6. Designed to be teach children the basic fundamental of basketball through games the program takes place at Idlehurst gym with ages 3-4 at 8.00 - 8.45 a.m. and ages 5-6 from 9.00 - 9.45 a.m. Please note that parent participation is required for this age group. You can sign up by clicking this link: Somersworth Recreation > Home

For more information about any of the Recreation Department Programs please call (603) 692-9507 or (603) 692-9508.

December Hours

Please be aware of the library's December holiday hours:

Wednesday, Dec. 24: Closing at 4:30PM

Thursday, Dec. 25: CLOSED

Friday, Dec. 26: CLOSED

Wednesday, Dec. 31: Closing at 4:30PM

Thursday, Jan. 1: CLOSED

Handmade for the Holidays

Tuesday, Dec. 2 • 5:30PM

Teens & adults, get festive and creative! Make your own holiday ornaments, cards, & coaster using a variety of simple techniques. All materials provided—just bring your holiday spirit! 🎨🎄✨

Meaningful Conversations

Saturdays, December 6, 13, & 20 • 10 - 11:30 AM

The Dover-Somersworth NH Meaningful Conversations group will meet on Saturdays, December 6, 13, & 20. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are welcome! No registration is required. Learn more about this group on their website.

December Book Groups

The library offers book groups that meet regularly. All community members are welcome to join. For more details about these groups, please visit our website. ↓

Fiction Book Group

Tuesday, December 9 • 5:30PM

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Cookbook Club

Saturday, December 13 • 11AM

What's for Dessert by Claire Saffitz

Non-Fiction Book Group

Tuesday, December 16 • 5:30PM

Discussion Topic: “Travel Memoirs” - book selections available at the circulation desk

Holiday Fundraiser

✨ Light Up the Library! ✨

Help make the season bright by supporting your library! Choose an item from our Holiday Wishlist, purchase it for the library, and we’ll add a glowing light to our tree on the main level in recognition of your generous donation.🎄✨

Stretch Into the Season with Yoga
Wednesdays, December 3 & 10 • 3 PM

Certified instructor Gail leads this 2-week mindful yoga series before the holiday rush! Join the cookie swap after the Dec. 10 session. No registration required. $5 donation appreciated. Bring your own mat. 🙏

Puzzle Swap
Saturday, December 6 • 11AM

Swap your old puzzles for new ones! 🧩

Bring your complete puzzles (bagged securely) and arrive at 11am sharp to join the fun—bring 1, swap 1; bring 5, swap 5! After everyone picks, leftovers are up for grabs.

Teen Programs

What's Up @ the Library for Teens

Teen Test Kitchen
Thursday, Dec. 11 at 3:30PM

DIY Cookies & Cocoa: Enjoy some simple recipes using the toaster oven & microwave!

Stranger Crafts, Volume II

Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 3:30PM

Stranger Things-inspired bracelets: Just in time for the Stranger Things series finale!

Ready, Set, Knit!

Tuesdays in January:

Jan. 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 3:30PM

Get ready to pick up some knitting needles and create something awesome! Supplies are provided. Open to kids in grades 6 - 12.

Limited spots! Registration required.

Children's Programs

Featured Program:
Polar Express🚂🔔

Wednesday, Dec. 10 • 5:30PM

Join Conductor Tanya for a magical evening featuring a reading of The Polar Express, a hot cocoa bar, gingerbread cookie decorating, and a special raffle! Perfect for children aged 12 and under.

Pokémon Club

Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 5:30PM

Join us the first Wednesday of each month for battles, trades, and trainer fun—no deck needed, we’ve got cards to share!

🎁December freebie: Take home a festive snowflake card holder ❄️

No registration required. Ages 6+—drop in and catch ’em all!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

A fun, self-paced program that builds literacy skills one story at a time

Tiny Tales

Tuesdays at 10:30AM

Story Time with Activities

for Preschoolers

Imagination Lab

Wednesdays at 10:30AM

Art, STEM, & Sensory Play

for children 5 and under

Baby Buddies

Thursdays at 10:30AM

Informal playgroup for babies under 2 and their caregivers

Shake, Rattle, & Roll

Fridays at 10:30AM

Guided Music & Movement

for Toddlers

Weekend Builders

Saturdays at 10:30AM

Free build with friends

All ages!

Staff Recommendations

Interested in what our team is currently reading? Take a look at our staff picks listed below. You'll find a mix of new and older titles, all staff tested and approved! ↓

Tanya recommends:

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — a thought-provoking novel about regret, choice, and the infinite possibilities of life.

(Fantasy Fiction)

Autumn recommends:

Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown — A powerful exploration of true belonging, courage, and standing alone with integrity.

(Self-help)

Sarah recommends:

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi — A fantasy adventure rooted in West African mythology and the fight for justice. (Young Adult Fantasy)

Liz recommends:

The Phoebe Variations by Jane Hamilton — A reflective coming-of-age novel about adoption, music, and the messy journey of finding oneself. (Literary Fiction)

Joanna recommends:

North Woods by Daniel Mason — A richly woven novel tracing centuries of life, love, and loss through one house in the New England woods. (Historical Fiction)

Betty recommends:

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell — A chilling thriller about trust, lies, and the danger of letting a seemingly perfect man in. (Mystery)

Did you know we have discounted museum passes available for our patrons? You can reserve the passes ahead of time so that you're well prepared for your excursion. Current available passes include:

SEE Science Center
New England Aquarium
Bedrock Gardens
Children's Museum of NH
Seacoast Science Center
NH State Parks
Strawbery Banke

Access to Libby, a free app where you can enjoy e-books, digital audiobooks, and magazines using your Library card
Access to Hoopla, a free media streaming platform for audiobooks, comics, e-books, movies, music, and TV
Access to ABCMouse, a digital education program for children ages 2–8, which can be used on any computer within the Library
Laptops for in-Library use
4 iPads available for checkout by any Somersworth Public Library patron
Wii gaming system, which is always available for use in our Young Adult section
Seed Library and Plant Propagation station, giving patrons access to a living Library of items at no cost

Somersworth Festival Association

Summersworth Historical Society & Museum

Is Your Somersworth Home 50 Years Old or Older?

Celebrate its history!

The Somersworth Historical Museum invites eligible homeowners to apply for our Historic House Plaque Program. Approved homes will be honored with a beautiful plaque recognizing their place in Somersworth’s rich heritage.

Special thanks to the Somersworth High School Career Technical Center for their outstanding work in crafting each plaque.

Interested in showcasing your home’s history? Complete the historic plaque application today and be part of preserving Somersworth’s story! Applications are available in the Department of Development Services Office, Summersworth Historical Museum or you can click on the link below.

https://www.somersworthnh.gov/.../pages/house-plaque-program