The post-holiday slump is real. After plates of cookies, piles of presents, and hosting parties, there’s nothing we crave more than a reset in the New Year. Think snowy, quiet paths, charming small towns, and plenty of ski-themed events to spice up your itinerary as need be. Doesn’t it all sound delightful?

If so, get planning for your next White Mountains escape. The weekend leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up fast, and we’re ready to impress!

Keep scrolling for some of the best things to do in NH in January.

 

FAMILY FUN NIGHT: BERN IT TO THE GROUND RAIL JAM @ CANNON MOUNTAIN (Franconia, NH)

Head to Cannon Mountain on Saturday, 1/18 to get your fill of long weekend festivities.

Family Fun Night includes après entertainment at the Cannonball Pub (ages 21+, 2 - 5pm) and a new event this year: Bern It to the Ground Rail Jam! Rock out to your favorite 90s and 2000s tunes, and show off your best tricks to win prizes from the event sponsor, Bern. (Registration is required for this event; visit Cannon's website for more details.)

  • Date: Saturday, 1/18/25
  • Time: 4pm – 7pm
  • Price: Annual pass or same day ticket required for entry.

 

CRANAPALOOZA @ CRANMORE MOUNTAIN RESORT (North Conway, NH)

Mount Washington Valley is the perfect place to stage your weekend escape. After a morning spent skiing or exploring the amenities at Cranmore Mountain Resort’s Adventure Park, Cranapalooza is a must visit. S’mores, music, games, and a C-more the Penguin spotting are all on the agenda at this family friendly event!

  • Date(s): Saturday, 1/18/25 & Sunday, 1/19/25
  • Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm

 

PARK SERIES #1 @ CRANMORE MOUNTAIN RESORT (North Conway, NH)

Calling all skiers and riders looking to flex their freestyle skills! Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH is hosting their first Park Series of the season, and all ages and abilities are invited to participate. Other on-mountain activities scheduled for Saturday, 1/18 include Early Lift Load (passholders with a valid season pass can begin loading at the Skimobile Express Quad at 8am), Cranapalooza (a family-friendly gathering at the base of the mountain), and live music at Koessler's Bar at the Fairbanks Lodge (4 – 7pm).

For additional Park Series dates and full event descriptions (including start times, price, and more), visit Cranmore Mountain Resort’s Events Calendar.

  • Date: Saturday: Saturday, 1/18/25

 

TORCHLIGHT PARADE @ LOON MOUNTAIN RESORT (Lincoln, NH)

Loon Mountain Resort is celebrating their independence from the whims of Mother Nature, thanks to NH's most powerful snowmaking system and their hard-working snowmakers. Enjoy Snowcat Rides, a Torchlight Parade, and a spectacular Fireworks Show. Keep the fun going with après-ski at Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge or dance the night away with a live band in The Paul Bunyan Room.

  • Date: Saturday, 1/18/25
  • Time: 4:30 - 6:45pm
  • Price: Free

Staying for the full weekend? Check out the Cosman Memorial Fundraiser (which includes a live auction and a timed dual NASTAR-style course), and learn all about slope safety with a scavenger hunt plus music and giveways as part of Loon's Safety Weekend, or 

Loon Mountain Resort - SnowCat Manuevering on Snow in Front of Building

Courtesy Loon Mountain Resort

 

ENFIELD SHAKER MUSEUM (Enfield, NH)

The Enfield Shaker Museum is offering two fun workshops over MLK weeekend: Upcycled Mittens (turn an old sweater into a new pair of mittens) and Spinning with Color (make a new pattern or add some color into an old/chosen skein of yarn). Register online to save your spot for this crafty extravaganza! 

  • Date: Saturday, 1/18/25
  • Times: Upcycled Mittens (9am - 1pm), Spinning with Color (2 - 4pm)
  • Price: Upcycled Mittens: $25 (museum members)/$30 (non-member); Spinning with Color: $40 (museum member) /$45 (non-member)

 

GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOURS @ GREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER (Gorham, NH)

Get exploring with a guide by your side! Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is hosting a series of guided snowshoe tours on winter Saturdays. You'll have a little over an hour to soak in the feeling of fresh mountain air and walking through a snowy, woodsy landscape. 

  • Date: Saturday, 1/18/25
  • Time: 1pm 
  • Price: $15 ​

For additional dates and to make a reservation, visit Great Glen Trails' website.

 

MUSIC EVENTS @ WOODSTOCK INN BREWERY (North Woodstock, NH)

Wouldn’t it be nice to dance the weekend away? Boogie to your heart’s content while also enjoying some local brews at the Woodstock Inn Brewery! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, North Woodstock, NH is the spot to gather and listen to live music.

  • Live Music: Friday, 1/17/25 & Saturday, 1/18/25 (8:30 - 11:30pm), Sunday, 1/19/25 (7 - 10pm)
  • Price: Free

 

FIREWORKS @ WATERVILLE VALLEY TOWN SQUARE (Waterville Valley, NH)

If your weekend plans iinclude Waterville Valley, make your way to Town Square on Saturday to sip a libation and enjoy the dazzling array of fireworks over Corcoran Pond.

  • Date: Saturday, 1/18/25
  • Time: 7 - 7:30pm

 

WAUMBEK GOLF CLUB (Jefferson, NH)

Head to Fenn's Way Restaurant at the scenic Waumbek Golf Glub for Sunday brunch. Their menu is stacked with classics with a twist, like blueberry and cream cheese stuffed french toast, Boston cream pancakes, mimosa flights, and other inspired cocktails. 

  • Date: Sunday, 1/19/25
  • Time: 8am - 2pm 

 

Other Fun Ideas for the Holiday Weekend

SIP & SNACK

Have an après bonanza! Pick your ski mountain for the weekend, and plan to hit our local watering holes after you put in a few good runs. Here is a selection of the best places for après ski in the White Mountains to get you started.

 

WALK TO A WATERFALL

Our waterfalls are scenic year-round, but a winter excursion offers a fresh perspective. Anyone up for towering walls of ice and frozen, natural sculptures at the river’s edge? We’d recommend these lower elevation family friendly waterfall hikes. Remember to review our Winter Hiking page for a packing list, helpful tips, and more.

 

SAMPLE A NEW WINTER SPORT

Get active during your great escape! Here a few fresh ideas for fun ways to play outside during winter in the White Mountains if you’d rather not ski but still crave the feel of fresh snow underfoot.

If you would like to go hiking during your visit, review our Winter Hiking page for important alerts and more.

 

PERUSE A GALLERY OR MUSEUM

The White Mountains region is marvelous for many reasons, including its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history, and inspired arts scene. Combine all three with a tour of some of the best galleries and museums in the White Mountains. 

 

SCOPE OUT SPOTS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

A little bit of planning ahead can help elevate your next trip to the White Mountains. As you drive around, make a mini checklist of restaurants, hotels, and activities that you’d love to incorporate into future itineraries. What about the next big holiday? If all things “love” make your heart go pitter patter, consider these 3 different ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day for trip inspo.

 

Might we also suggest perusing winter itinerary or two? Our one-day adventures are perfect to mix and match if you’d like to explore every notch, nook, and cranny of this spectacular region.