Ride a Winter Train at the CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD (North Conway, NH)

Take a train ride through a winter wonderland aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad's winter trains!

Choose from three fun options: the "Winter at Crawford" Mountaineer Train (4 hours, running from North Conway through Crawford Notch and back), the Snow Train (1 hour and 20 minutes, from North Conway to Conway and back along the Conway branch), and the special "Rat Pack on the Rails" excursion (where you can enjoy a romantic dinner at The Ledgeview Grille followed by a specially produced rolling Rat Pack-themed musical show aboard first class railcars). 

"Winter at Crawford" Mountain Train: February 1, 8, 15 & 16, 18, 20, 22. | Snow Train: February 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15-23. | "Rat Pack on the Rails - All Aboard for Romance!" Special Excursion: February 14 - 17. | For departure times, tickets, and more, visit the Conway Scenic Railroad's website.

Explore Underwater at LIVING SHORES AQUARIUM (Glen, NH)

Visitors looking to stay indoors over February vacation can still find fun in the White Mountains, and particularly so at Living Shores Aquarium in Glen, NH. Check out their new axolotl exhibit, touch a sting ray (or feel the tickle of some nibble fish!), and spend the day spotting underwater critters – it’s the perfect activity for kids. If you time it just right, you also might be able to attend one of the Aquarium’s awesome daily talks.

Visit the Living Shores Aquarium website for more information, including hours and online tickets. 

Take to the Slopes of the Northeast’s Highest Peak Aboard the MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY (Marshfield Station, NH)

Even if you’ve already taken a ride up the Mount Washington Cog Railway in winter, we’d suggest booking tickets for another adventure. The Cog recently revamped their winter terminus (the ultra-scenic Waumbek Station, located partway up the flanks of Mount Washington), and it is the spot to feel like you’re partaking in a true White Mountains winter. There’s cocoa for all and tons of snow to romp in, plus stellar views to enjoy during your time at nearly 4,000’.

February 23rd through the 28th, 2025 is also Big Kids Ride Free Week at the Cog Railway! With a valid NH ID, everyone (regardless of age) rides to Waumbek Station for the kids' price of $38. To order online, use code "nhvacation". Discount tickets must be purchased at the desk and NH ID must be shown. Don't miss out! 

Visit the Mount Washington Cog Railway website for additional information, including train schedule and online tickets. We strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance for this popular experience.

Tour a Sub-Artic World with a SnowCoach Ride on the MT. WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD (Gorham, NH)

Travel to the eastern side of Mount Washington; the Auto Road awaits! This time of year, there’s no drive yourself option. Instead, you can ride one of the Auto Road’s sturdy, warm SnowCoaches to a little over 4,200’. There will be expert narration and pretty sights, plus the exhilaration of experiencing wintertime at the “home of the world’s worst weather”. Need we say it? If you’d like to hop out and look around at the turnaround spot, DRESS WARMLY.

Visit the Mt. Washington Auto Road website for additional information, including online tickets. We strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance for this popular, regularly sold-out experience.

Snowshoe in a Wintry Woods with ALPINE ADVENTURES (Lincoln, NH)

Forget simply gazing at the White Mountains – get out into them on a guided snowshoe walk. Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, NH is your ticket to our winter wonderland. They’ll provide the snowshoes and expertise, as well as many private, pristine acres to tour; all you have to do is walk and wonder at the beauty of the woods. You might even be rewarded with a visit to a cozy cabin and cocoa at the end!  

If your family is feeling extra daring, you can always opt for an adrenaline-boosting winter zip tour instead. For more information, including booking and what to bring, visit the Alpine Adventures website.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild at ICE CASTLES (North Woodstock, NH)

Ice Castles – it’s only here for a brief, wondrous time each winter. Book your tickets online now to fall in love with the illuminated structures, enchanted forest walk, sleigh rides, and tubing that Ice Castles is famous for, and get ready for a frosty new surprise: an illuminated Ice Bar with thematic cocktails and one-of-a-kind ambience!

We HIGHLY recommend booking your tickets online ahead of time, as Ice Castles is a very popular experience. Visit the Ice Castles website for additional information and to purchase tickets, and read our Ice Castles FAQs.

Photo Credit: Colleen Eliason

Slide & Ski at WAUMBEK GOLF (Jefferson, NH)

Starting February 1st, Waumbek Golf will offer sliding and cross-country skiing on the golf course, weather permitting. Bring your own skis and sliding gear and enjoy the beautiful winter landscape! Afterwards, head to Fenn’s Way for a great meal or a hot beverage.

Sliding hours: Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. | Cross-Country Skiing: Please avoid the staked off areas. IMPORTANT: Please bring your own skis and sliding equipment. This is not provided by Waumbek Golf

CANNON MOUNTAIN (Franconia, NH)

Skiing, a torchlight parade, and a fireworks show spell magic for your family vacation! Cannon Mountain in Franconia, NH is your ski resort to access all three at once. 21+ members of your party can also enjoy après entertainment at the Cannonball Pub prior to the nighttime festivities.

Saturday, 2/22, 3 – 6:30pm. Apres at Cannonball Pub (21+): 3 – 6pm. Huckerbrook skiing open under the lights (conditions permitting): 4:30 – 6:30pm. Torchlight Parade & Fireworks: 6:30pm. For more information and tickets, visit Cannon's website.

CRANMORE MOUNTAIN RESORT (North Conway, NH)

Cranapalooza

Come to Cranapalooza! S’mores, music, and games (plus a potential spotting of C-more the Penguin!) ensure your vacation visit to Cranmore Mountain Resort is a fun affair for all.  (Monday, 2/17 - Friday, 2/21, 2:30pm – 4:30pm)

Cranmore Park Series

Are you feeling freestyle these days? See if you have the skills to wow at Cranmore’s Park Series! And yes, ski and snowboard swag will be handed out to the best of the best. (Saturday, 2/22. Registration: 8am - 9am on the first floor of Fairbank Lodge. Free with a valid lift ticket or season pass. Competitors under 18 must have a parent of guardian present to signa release of liability.)

Cranapalooza & Fireworks

If your family has some early bedtimes to contend with, Cranmore’s fireworks display is a great option for sparkling entertainment. Hit the base of North Conway’s best ski slope on Saturday, 2/22 to salute the last few days of your winter vacation. (Saturday, 2/22, 4:40 - 6:30pm)

For more information and tickets, visit the Cranmore Mountain Resort website.

LOON MOUNTAIN RESORT (Lincoln, NH)

February vacation week at Loon Mountain Resort is a must if you’re after maximum time on the snow.

 In addition to excellent skiing and snowboarding, this ski mountain in Lincoln, NH is hosting a Snowshoe and S’mores Après Party at Camp III where guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and s’mores, then a trek back down the mountain under the evening sky. B4BC (Boarding for Breast Cancer) Love Your Peaks Ride Day makes its return this year too – won’t you join in on raising funds for breast cancer awareness and prevention?

Camp III Snowshoe & S’mores: Saturday, 2/22. Register here. |  B4BC (Boarding for Breast Cancer) Love Your Peaks Ride Day: Saturday, 2/22 & Sunday, 2/23.  Learn more and register here.

GREAT GLEN TRAILS (Gorham, NH)

Guided Snowshoe Tours

Leave the navigating to the experts at Great Glen Trails, and take a guided snowshoe walk through the winter woods of the northern White Mountains! 

Saturdays at 1pm. Price: from $15.

Ski, Shoe & Fatbike To the Clouds 10k Race

Are you an outdoor rec enthusiast with energy to burn? Look into registering for the Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds. Long referred to as “North America’s Toughest 10K”, this ambitious course uses 4k of the Great Glen Trails system and then 6k on the snow covered Mt. Washington Auto Road (with an average grade of 12% and an elevation gain of 2,200 feet!).

Pre-registration required. Sunday, 2/23. Registration fee (online registration closes 2/19 at 5pm): $60.00 (before 2/1/25), $65 (after 2/1/25). NO day-of registration.

Bill Koch League 

For many, vacation week must include some kind of kid-friendly skiing activity. If your kiddo has some experience on cross country skis, get them out on the trail and trying new techniques with the Bill Koch League at Great Glen Trails! 

Sundays through 3/9, 1:30 – 3:30pm. For more information and to register, visit the Great Glen Trails website.

THE FLYING MONKEY MOVIE HOUSE & PERFORMANCE CENTER (Plymouth, NH)

Get in the groove of vacation week with the tunes of Fleetwood Mac. The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center is hosting Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on Saturday, 2/22 and we can’t wait to snag tickets. See you there?

Saturday, 2/22. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 7:30pm. Ages 13+. Tickets start at $25.

NORTH COUNTRY CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT JEAN'S PLAYHOUSE (Lincoln, NH)

Enjoy a night of music in Lincoln, NH, one of the best towns in the White Mountains. Jean's Playhouse is hosting Wooden Horse (showcasing the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and America) on Saturday, 2/22,

Saturday, 2/22.Show starts at 7:30pm.Tickets: $35. Book your ticket on the Jean's Playhouse website. 

FOREST SOCIETY NORTH AT THE ROCKS (Bethlehem, NH)

Join the North Country Chamber Players for "Winter Winds", a concert featuring the works of Beethoven, Taffanel, and Thompson, at the historic Forest Society North at The Rocks property! The sounds of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, piano, and viola will make their Winterlude 2025 repertoire one to remember, as will the gorgeous setting itself. 

Saturday, 2/22 & Sunday, 2/23, 2 - 4pm. Make your free online reservation online, as seats are limited. "Pay What You Wish" ticket pricing. No minimum ticket price required for entry, but the recommended price per guest is $25. Payable at the door. 

WOODSTOCK INN BREWERY (North Woodstock, NH)

Every Friday and Saturday (including vacation weeks), the Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock, NH plays host to some stellar live bands. Leave the kiddos at home and combine a late dinner with one of these acts, and you’ve got the perfect date night! 

Live Band: Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30pm to 11:30pm. 

BRETTON WOODS VACATIONS (Various Locations)

If you’re after February vacation lodging deals in the White Mountains, visit Bretton Woods Vacation’s website to view an amazing array of properties all at 20% off if you book 4 nights or more by 2/20 and check in between Thursday, 2/13 and Friday, 2/21.

For more information, visit the Bretton Woods Vacations website.

BRIARCLIFF MOTEL (North Conway, NH)

North Conway, NH is one of the best towns in our region if you’re after family-friendly fun. Why not make it your basecamp over February vacation? Enjoy a 2-night (or more) stay in the heart of North Conway at the Briarcliff Motel! Along with convenient access to outlets and ski areas, you’ll get 20% off your stay.

Go to BOOK NOW then select the Promotion Code link to access the WINSPEC offer on the Briarcliff Motel’s website.

CHRISTMAS FARM INN & SPA (Jackson, NH)

A Winter Wonderland awaits at the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson, NH, and over February Vacation Week, kids also get free breakfast! Family-friendly activities at the Inn range from complimentary hot cocoa and sugar cookie s’mores to “dive-in” movies at the indoor pool, as well as the bounty of winter activities just a short drive away (like the Jackson Snow Sculpting competition held 1/31 – 2/2, plus alpine skiing, ice skate, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides).

For those enjoying a weekend off minus the kids, check out Jackson Art’s Painting & Snowshoe Winter Retreat with artist Melanie Levitt, running Saturday, 2/22 through Sunday, 2/23.

For more information and to book your stay, visit the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa’s website.

FRANCONIA INN (Franconia, NH)

Book your stay at the Franconia Inn over February vacation for great proximity to Cannon Mountain, as well as their fun Kid’s Winter Package. For an additional $50 on top of your lodging rate, you will receive: 4 quarters to the gaming room, one Shirley Temple or ice cream, a disposable camera, scratch-off postcard, local chocolate, and one day of ice skating or cross country skiing rentals!

Kid’s Winter Package: $50. Book your stay on the Franconia Inn’s website.

SEVEN BIRCHES WINERY (Lincoln, NH)

Looking for ways to get creative over vacation week? Seven Birches Winery is hosting two fun workshops plus something special for dessert devotees. 

First up is a Paint Your Own Pottery and Wine Tasting night on 2/19, where you can enjoy step-by-step painting instruction and sample a wine tasting flight or non-alcoholic mocktail. The next day, it's a Charcuterie Making and Wine Tasting Workshop, with all the components to make a beautiful, themed charcuterie box to take home (plus, of course, wine sampling during the assembly process).

Throughout vacation week, guests can partake in the Delectable Desserts Uncorked event, which includes wine and dessert pairings to be appreciated at the winery tasting room or to-go. 

Paint Your Own Pottery: Wednesday, 2/19 at 5:30pm. $70. | Charcuterie Making and Wine Tasting Workshop: Thursday, 2/20 at 5pm. $70. | Delectable Desserts Uncorked: Runs 2/7 – 2/23. $40 Per Person. Includes: Dessert Box with 5 delectable deserts and wine pairing for each of the desserts and pairing notes describing the reasons for the selections. | Learn more on Seven Birches’ website.