At the dawn of each new year, that familiar feeling of inspiration strikes to ignite new traditions and change for the future. And once the hustle and bustle of the holiday season draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your wellbeing. While peace and serenity are wishes for many in the coming new year, these five winter activities in New Hampshire just may be the perfect path to finding your zen in 2025!
You’ll also find more unique ways to find your zen at New Hampshire spas, like soaking up healing ions in a salt cave at Soleil’s Salt Cave in Exeter, The Copper Cave in Plaistow or Cedars Embrace in Londonderry. Or perhaps you’d prefer the weightless sensation of a float session at NH Float Therapy in Londonderry, Eclipse Float Center in Claremont, or Flōte in Portsmouth. However you decide to treat yourself, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to start off your new year right!
The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester offers art workshops throughout the year, but you’ll find more specialized workshops offered by The Craft School in Keene like spoon carving or basket weaving. You’ll find stained glass courses and other workshops at The Picker Artists in Nashua as well. The Meredith Fine Art Gallery offers workshops run by the League of NH Craftsmen on crafts like jewelry making, print making, and more so be sure to check their calendar for the latest offerings and sign up for something new!
Photo: Conway Scenic Railroad/Debbe Hill
1. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
While a spa day may seem like the obvious choice, New Hampshire’s collection of resort spas can transform your spa day into a weekend escape where you can enjoy fine resort amenities in between appointments. Some large resorts with state of the art spas onsite include the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Wentworth By the Sea, The Bedford Village Inn, and Mill Falls at the Lake, among others.You’ll also find more unique ways to find your zen at New Hampshire spas, like soaking up healing ions in a salt cave at Soleil’s Salt Cave in Exeter, The Copper Cave in Plaistow or Cedars Embrace in Londonderry. Or perhaps you’d prefer the weightless sensation of a float session at NH Float Therapy in Londonderry, Eclipse Float Center in Claremont, or Flōte in Portsmouth. However you decide to treat yourself, you’ll leave feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to start off your new year right!
2. Get Outside
Winter is a time for reflection. And there’s no better way to reflect than in the quiet serenity found along a snowy trail while crisp winter air fills your lungs. Whether you strap on a pair of snowshoes to meander through scenic snowscapes, or you opt for the graceful glide of cross country skis— getting outside to enjoy the quiet peacefulness of winter is a must. With dozens of resorts and Nordic centers offering groomed trails through snow swept landscapes for cross country skiing, your options are endless. For snowshoers, many of New Hampshire’s state parks allow snowshoeing through scenic landscapes, along with countless other quiet snowshoeing trails that make it easy to find your zen.
3. Dashing Through the Snow
The simplicity of an age-old tradition is one way to find solace from worry in the new year, and sleigh rides that glide through tranquil snowy landscapes are the perfect way to do just that. Whether you cozy up with loved ones under a warm fuzzy blanket or huddle into an antique sled with the family, you’ll find calmness in the gentle sound of hooves on snow and a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the new year. With sleigh rides offered all across the state through forests and open fields, you have plenty of opportunities to find your perfect ride to relaxation.
4. Learn a New Craft to Find Your Inner Zen
Practice your patience by challenging yourself to learn something new this year! There are hundreds of local craftsmen across the state who offer workshops to learn their craft—so your options are practically unlimited. Try your hand at basket weaving, shape your own creations by glassblowing, fashion your own crochet designs, or sign up for a candle making class at Sea Love in Portsmouth to wick your cares away.The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester offers art workshops throughout the year, but you’ll find more specialized workshops offered by The Craft School in Keene like spoon carving or basket weaving. You’ll find stained glass courses and other workshops at The Picker Artists in Nashua as well. The Meredith Fine Art Gallery offers workshops run by the League of NH Craftsmen on crafts like jewelry making, print making, and more so be sure to check their calendar for the latest offerings and sign up for something new!
5. Take in the Scenery Aboard a Winter Train
This year, you may decide to focus on the journey rather than the destination to help find your inner zen. Embarking on a scenic ride through snowy forests and white landscapes is a great way to do just that, and New Hampshire trains run special trips during the winter months as a unique way to relax. These journeys commands relaxation, slowing the rest of the world to bring the beauty of the present moment in focus. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers Snow Train excursions among other winter trips to take in the sights. While the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes passengers to Waumbek Station on Mount Washington, where a blazing fire and breathtaking views await on this calm retreat.Photo: Conway Scenic Railroad/Debbe Hill
