How does New Hampshire celebrate the holidays? Let’s start with chocolate tours, holiday lights, festivals, shows and seasonal attractions! New Hampshire is a magical place this time of year and there’s no shortage of holiday events and celebrations to help get you in the spirit of the season. So gather family and friends together, and make fun-filled memories this holiday season in New Hampshire.
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2024Explore holiday traditions of years gone by as you stroll this open-air museum illuminated by hundreds of lanterns. The history of this 400-year-old waterfront community comes to life through costumed role players and performers as they depict life in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. You can feel the magic of the season as you listen to holiday carolers while touring the historic homes adorned with decorations crafted from greens and dried flowers harvested from the heirloom gardens on site. This event has sold out the past several, so get your tickets in advance to enjoy this Seacoast holiday tradition.
Currier and Ives Cookie Tour, Monadnock Region
December 14, 2024
The Monadnock Region is brimming with the magic of the season as local inns, B&B’s, breweries and gift shops open their doors for the annual Currier and Ives Cookie Tour. This holiday tradition is in its 19th year and is one not to be missed! The self-guided tour takes visitors to 15 local businesses that have decked their halls and are ready to welcome guests with homemade holiday cookies and a whole lot of holiday cheer! It’s a perfect time to do some shopping too, for unique gifts you might not find anywhere else.
Gift of Lights, Loudon
Drive yourself over to the Magic Mile in Loudon and drive around a dazzling display of twinkling lights! The Gift of Lights is a holiday tradition in Central New Hampshire; this year’s event will feature 3.5 million twinkling lights. The drive-thru show will feature more than 520 displays, and 80 different scenes, along with a 150-foot Tunnel of Lights. Featured attractions include the fan-favorite 130-foot-long infield entrance and exit tunnels with more than 25,000 lights. Check the schedule for days of operation when planning your trip.
Holly Jolly Journey, Litchfield
November 29, 2024 – January 12, 2025
A magical holiday experience awaits this holiday season at Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield. This brand new immersive holiday display spans more than 2/3 of a mile and features millions of sparkling lights and larger than life displays. The Holly Jolly Journey takes visitors through themed areas such as the Zoo of Lights, Candy Cane Forest, an Arctic Adventure and of course the magical North Pole. Sample seasonal treats along the way such as s’mores, and hot cooca, while listing to holiday music and making treasured holiday memories with family and friends.
Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, Mt Washington Valley
December 14-15, 2024
In search of amazing holiday treats? We found them! Get your fill of homemade sweets, recipes and decorating ideas at this year’s Mt. Washington Valley Inn to Inn Cookie Tour. This year marks the 27th year historic inns around the Valley open their doors for the tour. Cookie Tour participants tour the inns decked out in holiday décor while sampling signature cookies and candies. This event is the longest running cookie tour in New England and usually sells out, so don’t wait to get your tickets.
Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, Jackson
November 23-24, December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2024
This one is a must-do for all chocolate lovers! Head to the Mount Washington Valley for the 22nd annual celebration of the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour. The perfect mix of sweets, nostalgia, and holiday cheer. Guests ride in a horse drawn Austrian sleigh, through the quintessential village of Jackson making stops along the way to receive homemade sweets made by local chocolatiers. All guests receive a jingle bell and festive bag to hold your chocolates. This is an incredibly popular holiday event, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
LaBelle Lights, Derry
Tuesdays through Sundays, November 12, 2024, through January 19, 2025Bigger and brighter than ever, Labelle Lights outdoor holiday show is back again this holiday season. Make holiday memories with family and friends as you explore the million twinkling lights and stunning displays. Be sure to check their calendar of events for special theme weeks such as Luau, Ugly Sweater, and Holiday PJs, carefully curated to enhance your experience!
Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm, Candia
November 29-30, December 6-8, 13-15, 19-22, and 24, 2024A magical holiday experience for the young and the young at heart. Get the family together and embrace the holiday season at Charmingfare Farm’s annual Christmas extravaganza. The festive event transforms the farm into a winter wonderland where guests are immersed in the spirit of the season. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Christmas Trail, visit the Barnyard, see Mrs. Claus for sugar cookies and hot cocoa, and of course make a stop at the Reindeer Barn to see Santa himself!
Santa’s Village, Jefferson
November 9, 16, 23-24, 29-30, December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2024Christmas-themed year-round, there’s something magical about visiting Santa’s village during the holiday season. With Christmas carols heard throughout the park, the possibility of snow on the ground, and about a million lights to illuminate the park at dusk, a visit during this time of year is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. As this is an outdoor experience be sure to dress for the weather. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Winter Lights at Waterville Valley, Waterville Valley
All Winter Season
Experience the magic of winter in a quintessential New England ski town at Waterville Valley's Winter Lights! With no admission fee, these lights are free and open to the public all winter long! Lights extend throughout Town Square, Town Square Disc Golf Field, and Corcoran Pond Beach, so it's a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit while rambling through a snow-covered pedestrian village, twinkling under enchanting hues of festive lights.
Vintage Christmas, Portsmouth
Various dates throughout DecemberCelebrate the season in the Seacoast city often referred to as one of America’s most charming Christmas Capitals! Portsmouth will once again host Vintage Christmas, a month-long celebration of the holidays with shows, strolls and shopping! The Gingerbread House Exhibition, annual holiday parade and tree lighting, and holiday shows at The Music Hall are just a few of the featured events.
