Snow capped mountains, crackling fire places, windows lit up in the most festive displays all add up to a truly magical experience when capturing the essence of the holiday season.
Families have been making memories in Mt. Washington Valley for generations. Kids learning to ski the slopes of King Pine, Cranmore, and Pleasant Mountain, turn into parents who teach their own kids the ropes at Wildcat Mountain and Bretton Woods. They eventually turn into grandparents who take their grandkids out for a few runs at Attitash, while their own kids steal a few runs away for themselves at Black Mountain.
Building your own legacy of vacationing in Mt. Washington Valley, is the perfect holiday gift to give friends and family this year. Soak in moments of watching your little ones learn to ski, or your big ones conquer a guided winter trek. Create your bond to the valley by finding your favorite restaurant that you return to again, and again because in time the staff greets you by name. Or make memories trying an entirely new activity like dog-sledding or fat biking with the White Mountains as your back drop. Shop at locally owned boutiques or the 60-plus outlet village, Settlers Green with a group of friends, and end the day with a tasting at the valley’s breweries and distilleries.
It’s these experiences that get your friends and family ready to jump on planning the next vacation back to the valley time and time again. And there’s no time like the present to give the gift of quality time this holiday season!
Santa's Holiday Express - Weekends through December 23
Santa’s Holiday Express offers an hour-long seasonal journey down the Conway Branch for families with young children. Guests will arrive in Conway and will be greeted by Santa! Every child gets a goody bag including cookies and milk!
Journey to the North Pole - Now through December 23
Join us on the family adventure of a lifetime aboard the magical Journey to the North Pole™! The Journey to the North Pole™ offers a truly unique experience that only happens here in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, with adventures departing from North Conway and Lincoln, NH from Thanksgiving through the holidays each year.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - Thursday, November 30 - Sunday, December 17
M&D Playhouse, North Conway
This theatrical and spirited version puts the phantasmagoric qualities of Charles Dickens’ classic tale center stage. A swirling, dancing chorus of ghosts that weave through this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic, and hope. This version has been performed for almost a million people over the years and the New York Times heralds it as “…rousing and crowd pleasing”.
Holiday Open House and Exhibit Opening - Friday, December 1
New England Ski Museum, North Conway
Join us for our annual holiday open house for food, drinks, merriment, (ugly) ski sweaters, AND A NEW EXHIBIT! We're taking a tangent and showcasing the history of Annalee Dolls. Come see dolls straight from our archive, the Annalee private collection, and New Hampshire Historical Society. The dolls will be smiling, on skis, and enjoying some holiday vibes.
Festival of Trees - Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2
Unit D-32, Settlers Green, North Conway
The 8th annual Festival of Trees is Carroll County RSVP’s signature event lighting up Mount Washington Valley with the magic of the 2023 holiday season and offering a Christmas tradition for residents and visitors from near and far.
Breakfast with Santa - Saturday, December 2
North Conway Community Center presents Breakfast (to Go) with Santa, $7 pp, 8-11 am in their gym! Children will have a chance to get a Selfie with Santa; play some festive games; receive a take-home craft and ornament coupon in addition to a breakfast bag that will include a bagel from Big Dave's Bagels & Deli, cream cheese, fruit and a juice box. There will be plenty of hot cocoa also! Coffee for the parents!
Omni Lights up the Holidays - Saturday, December 2
Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods
Celebrate the annual lighting of our 12-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy holiday-inspired cuisines, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and cozy up in The Conservatory to enjoy the sounds of the season by the New England Irish Harp Orchestra.
Hometown Christmas Fair & Tree Lighting - Saturday, December 2
Conway Village Church, Conway
Join us at The Brown Church in Conway Village for a fun day. The fair will feature home sewn products and wood crafts, homemade baked goods, you’re sure to find some gift ideas and a little something for yourself as well. The pick-a-prize auction will feature gift baskets, merchandise and gift cards from valley businesses.
Mt Washington Valley Skating Club Holiday Show - Saturday, December 2
Ham Arena, 87 West Main Street, Conway
Featuring MWVSC skaters and guest skaters. Musical accompaniment provided by Mountain Top Music featuring Tashi Williams.
Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting - Saturday, December 2
Settlers Green, North Conway
Holiday Festival is a wonderful event coupled with holiday shopping. Get entered to win a $500 shopping spree while taking in a day of merriment at Settlers Green!
Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour - December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17
Jackson Village
Each year our chocolatiers provide about 2,000 pieces of home-made chocolates to our riders. Although a percentage of the ticket price goes to the chocolatiers they are providing the service of meeting and greeting each sleigh and the chocolates at their expense. They volunteer to help keep this amazing event going. Please be sure to frequent our chocolatiers establishments and be sure the THANK THEM!
The Nutcracker - Sunday, December 3
Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center presents Tina Titzer's Act One Dance Co and their 14th Annual Nutcracker Sweets. Join us for an enchanting afternoon or evening filled with all of your favorite excerpts from the Nutcracker. Beginning with Waltz of the Snowflakes, to Clara's home where Uncle Drosselmeyer brings life size dolls to dance at the Christmas Party! Then mice and soldiers come to help the Nutcracker who comes to life battle it out with the Mouse Queen! Follow the Angels and the Sugar Plum Fairy into the land of the Sweets where Waltz of the Flowers starts the magic and you continue watching Candy Canes, Spanish Chocolate and Russian Trepak just to name a few. A splendid shorter version, perfect for little ones and a great way to start your Holiday Season!
Holiday Wreath Making - Monday, December 4
Tuckerman Brewing Co., Conway
Make a gorgeous Holiday Wreath or a Door Swag that will last you past Christmas!! We will have 18in grapevine wreath bases, fresh cut foraged greens, bows to choose from, pinecones, bells, balls and other embellishments! Invite your whole crew; we can seat you together!
Holiday Marketplace - Thursday, December 7
Sea Dog Brewing's annual Holiday Marketplace is a unique shopping opportunity featuring local craftsmen, vendors and artisans. Eat, drink and shop all in one place! 5pm
A Charlie Brown Christmas - Saturday, December 9
In their annual December offering, The Heather Pierson Trio performs the entirety of the ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ album as recorded by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, as well as other Guaraldi compositions and holiday favorites. The musical score for ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, composed by the late Vince Guaraldi and first broadcast in December of 1965, is just as poignant and touching as the story and includes the hugely popular hit ‘Linus and Lucy’. Guaraldi’s gentle jazz riffs established musical trademarks that, to this day, still prompt smiles of recognition.
Grumpy Old Santa - Saturday, December 9
Leura Hill Eastman presents a special screening of "Grumpy Old Santa" and Q&A with local screenwriter and Fryeburg Academy Alumni Justin Chaffee. Grumpy Old Santa is a touching comedy that delves into the genuine challenges of transitioning into an Empty Nester phase. The tale unfolds when Nic's life takes an unexpected turn as his wife initiates a divorce after their daughter departs for college. This life-altering event forces Nic to confront a new reality, leading to a heartwarming and humorous journey.
Annual Inn to Inn Cookie Tour - Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10
Throughout Mt. Washington Valley
The tour stretches from Jackson to Eaton, NH, with nine inns opening their doors to those in search of fabulous holiday treats, recipes and decorating ideas. No inn is more than fifteen minutes from the next, with many much closer.
Pet Photos with Santa Paws - Saturday, December 10
Four Your Paws Only offers pet photos for $10 and includes a photo, frame, and a free bag of holiday treats from Santa!
Glenn Miller Orchestra “In The Mood” For Holiday Spirit - Tuesday, December 12
Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods
The Mount Washington Hotel's Grand Ballroom will host the legendary big band in a special holiday event. Enjoy a three-course dinner and prepare to dance the night away as the Glenn Miller Orchestra takes the stage to perform some of the greatest hits of all time!
A Charlie Brown Christmas - Friday, December 15
In their annual December offering, The Heather Pierson Trio performs the entirety of the ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ album as recorded by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, as well as other Guaraldi compositions and holiday favorites. The musical score for ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, composed by the late Vince Guaraldi and first broadcast in December of 1965, is just as poignant and touching as the story and includes the hugely popular hit ‘Linus and Lucy’. Guaraldi’s gentle jazz riffs established musical trademarks that, to this day, still prompt smiles of recognition.
Christmas week at the Eagle Mountain House - December 26 - December 30
Experience even more with your stay at Eagle Mountain House. We are offering nightly activities during the Christmas holiday week. Campfire with S'mores, Make Your Own Snowman, Movie Night in the Eagle Mt Room, History Talk.
New Year's Eve Party at White Mountain Hotel - Sunday, December 31
This year's New Year's Eve party is going to be a night to remember! The theme is Fire & Ice, and the White Mountain Hotel & Resort has a lot of surprises in store. It all starts with a cocktail hour in our beautiful lobby featuring Fireside Raclette, Champagne Bar, and beautiful melodies from the pianist. From there, parties will be seated at 8:00, 8:30, or 9:00PM and enjoy a world class 4 course culinary experience prepared by Chef Ali and his team. After dinner, dance the night away to a live band until we begin the countdown to the New Year and celebrate with a balloon drop and champagne toast. This is one party that you don't want to miss!