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. 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 just sound delightful?

If so, pop that champagne, ring in the New Year, and 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 WITH FIREWORKS @ CANNON MOUNTAIN (Franconia, NH)

Did you miss seeing fireworks on New Year’s Eve? No worries! Head to Cannon Mountain on Saturday, 1/14 to get your fill of exploding, colorful displays high up in the sky. Family Fun Night at this Franconia Notch fixture includes après entertainment at the Cannonball Pub (ages 21+, 3 to 6pm) and lots of runs down Huckerbook (conditions permitting, 4:30 to 6:30pm). Stick around until the end for the main event: a glimmering Torchlight Parade followed up by the aforementioned fireworks.

  • Date: Saturday, 1/14/23
  • Time: 3pm – 7:00pm
  • Price: Annual pass or same day ticket required for entry.

 

TORCHLIGHT PARADE @ LOON MOUNTAIN RESORT (Lincoln, NH)

Head just south of Franconia Notch for another Torchlight Parade! This time, Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH is hosting, and all the fanfare is dedicated the mountain’s snowmakers. See if you can snag a seat on a Snowcat ride (from 4:30 to 6:00pm), then hoot and holler in celebration as the torchlight parade and fireworks commence from 6:30pm onwards.

  • Date: Saturday, 1/14/23
  • Time: 4:30pm – 6:45pm
  • Price: Suggested Donation of $5 per person, to benefit the Loon Mountain Area Community Fund

 

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, 1/14 & Sunday, 1/15
  • Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm

 

LIVE BAND @ 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 and Saturday night (including 1/13 and 1/14), North Woodstock, NH is the spot to gather and listen to live music. Will we see you there?

  • Date: Friday, 1/13 & Saturday, 1/14
  • Time: 8:30pm – 11:30pm
  • Price: Free

 

WOMEN’S WINTER ESCAPE @ GREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER (Gorham, NH)

Gather your gals and hit the road for Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center! On Saturday and Sunday of MLK weekend, Great Glen’s expert instructors will be on hand to guide small groups looking to get out and explore. Topics covered during this two-day event include classic ski and skate ski clinics for all abilities and snowshoeing with a naturalist, as well as a chance try out snow tubing, discounted shopping at the Great Glen Outfitters Shop, and equipment demos from Atomic, Fischer, Rossignol, and more.

Participants in the Women’s Winter Escape can also enjoy lunch at The Glen House, après ski wine & cheese, and a commemorative SKIDA alpine hat as part of this all-encompassing, amazing outdoor experience.

Interested in attending? Book now! This event is limited to 25 participants. We’d also recommend reserving a room at the nearby Glen House Hotel to optimize your experience.

  • Date(s): Saturday, 1/14 & Sunday, 1/15
  • Price: $139 per individual registration

 

NORDIC DEMO DAY @ GREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER (Gorham, NH)

Start the new year with some fresh gear! In conjunction with their Women’s Winter Escape, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center will be hosting a Nordic Demo Day on Sunday, 1/15. Take the latest skis, boots, poles, and more out for a spin with your purchase of a Great Glen Trails pass and celebrate your love for winter adventures with 10% off at the Outfitters Shop.

  • Date: Sunday, 1/15
  • Time: 9am – 3pm
  • Price: Demo gear is included in the price of a Great Glen Trails pass. For winter pass rates, visit the Great Glen Trails website.

 

BILL KOCH LEAGUE SKI CLUB @ GREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER (Gorham, NH)

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is at it again with one more awesome event over MLK weekend. This one is the Bill Koch League Ski Club, and it’s for the kiddos looking to get out and about on their cross-country skis, learn some fresh techniques, and make new friends along the way! If you can’t get to Great Glen Trails this time, pick another Sunday that fits your schedule – this event runs most Sundays through 3/12.

Members who are first time skiers must attend the first two sessions of Bill Koch League Ski Club (scheduled for 1/8 & 1/15) to participate in following sessions.

  • Date: Sunday, 1/15
  • Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
  • Price: Ski club rates available on the Great Glen Trails website.

 

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 Sunday, 1/15 include Cranapalooza (a family-friendly gathering at the base of the mountain), the Uphill Series (with an uphill start time of 7:15am), live music at Zip’s Pub, and First Tracks with Ski Patrol.

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

  • Date: Sunday: 1/15

 

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

Test your music mettle with music bingo at the Woodstock Inn Brewery. Bring some buddies, order up a few appetizers, and inject your holiday Monday with a bit of friendly competition. The top prize? $200!  

  • Date: Monday, 1/16
  • Time: 7 – 9pm
  • Price: Free

 

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.

 

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.