Start a new tradition this holiday season, using our top things to do in the White Mountains during Christmastime as your guide!

 

Take a sleigh ride.

When the winter weather shows up early, our region is transformed into a snow globe kind of world. Our crystalline peaks look extra beautiful against bright blue skies, and the winds whipping across the fields carry glittering snow with them. What better way to enjoy winter at its finest than with a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride in the White Mountains? Bundle up in your warmest layers and bring a wool blanket to drape across your lap as you enjoy being out in the elements, minus the exertion. Remember to tip your driver with cash and your steed with treats (if allowed)!

Where to book a sleigh ride in the White Mountains:

Omni Mount Washington Hotel Sleigh Rides

Courtesy Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa

 

Ski down a snowy mountain - or along forested trails.

As you might imagine, the White Mountains region is a mecca for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Our ski resorts offer the classics, like convivial chairlift rides, great scenery, and slopeside pubs, alongside unique amenities like mountain coasters, summit towers, and inimitable views of Mount Washington. Take your pick of humble hills such as Mt. Eustis, or test your mettle at the legendary likes of Cannon Mountain.

But if racing past the trees is not your speed, consider cross country skiing – it’s a great workout and typically more peaceful than downhill skiing.

If you are new to either sport, consider booking a lesson or participating in a beginner ski clinic. For more information, visit the website of your ski mountain or ski network of choice.

Where to go downhill skiing in the White Mountains:

Where to go cross country skiing in the White Mountains:

Loon Mountain Resort - chairlift ride in winter
Courtesy Loon Mountain Resort

 

Meet Santa at a theme park, on a train, or on top of a mountain!

There are so many ways to meet Santa in the White Mountains.

Start with Christmastime at Santa’s Village – if you’re willing to stand in line for a little bit, you can get a photo with Santa in one of the coziest and cutest cabins in all the land (and, afterwards, skip over to Santa’s Reindeer Barn to give his antlered friends some snacks to fuel up for Christmas Eve).

Or, take you seat aboard a Santa train like Santa’s Holiday Express at the Conway Scenic Railroad (North Conway, NH), the Santa Express Train at Granite State Railway (Lincoln, NH), or Journey to the North Pole (North Conway, NH and Lincoln, NH) – but grab your tickets now! This is one of the most popular ways to meet Santa in the White Mountains.

Other unique ways to say hi to Santa? Enjoy Cookies & Cocoa at the top of Cranmore Mountain Resort (North Conway, NH) and watch Santa & Mrs. Claus ride in on a snowcat or bring your pup along for photos with Santa Paws at Four Your Paws Only (North Conway, NH).

Where to meet Santa in the White Mountains (Date-specific, click to learn more):

Santa at the Hobo Railroad

Courtesy Granite State Railway

 

Cut your own Christmas tree.

That fresh scent of Balsam fir mixed with crisp mountain air…the crunch of snow beneath your feet…the zip of the saw cutting through a tree trunk. Getting a Christmas Tree in the White Mountains is one of the most immersive holiday experiences around.

There are several Christmas tree farms in the region you can visit for a DIY experience (like The Rocks in Bethlehem or Windy Ridge Orchard in North Haverhill) or you can purchase a pre-cut tree if you are short on time at Fadden’s General Store (Woodstock, NH) – but, we’d be remiss not to mention one of the most exciting options: cutting your own tree within White Mountain National Forest!

With just $5, you can get a Christmas tree permit from a National Forest Ranger Station. Bring your own saw and dress in weather appropiate layers that you don’t mind getting dirty – while it might take extra time and effot to harvest your own tree from the National Forest, the memories are well worth the effort.

Where to Get a Christmas Tree in the White Mountains (2025 Dates):

  • The Rocks (Bethlehem, NH): Through Sunday, 12/14/25 (10am - 3pm). For additional information regarding wagon rides, food trucks, and FAQs, visit the Forest Society's website. 
  • Windy Ridge Orchard (North Haverhill, NH): Open weekends (11/28 - 11/30, 12/6 - 12/7, 12/13 - 12/14), 10am - 4pm. Call Windy Ridge at (603) 728-9325 for a weekday appointment. 
  • Fadden’s General Store (Woodstock, NH): Open seven days a week (9am - 5pm on weekdays, 9am - 7pm on weekends). 

White Mountain National Forest Christmas Tree Permit Locations (2025):

  • Androscoggin Ranger Station: 300 Glen Road, Gorham. (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9am - 4pm)
  • Pemigewasset Ranger Station: 71 White Mountain Drive, Campton. (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9am - 4pm)
  • Saco Ranger Station: 33 Kancamagus Highway Conway. (Thursdays - Sundays, 8am - 4:30pm, and Mondays, 9am - 4:30pm)White Mountains Visitor Center: 200 Kancamagus Highway No. Woodstock. (Saturdays and Sundays, 9am - 3:30pm)
White Mountain National Forest - Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (Woman Pulling Fresh Cut Tree Through the Snow)

WMAA Staff Photo 

 

Find Christmas presents to delight at holiday markets and local shops.

Our region is filled with plenty of great places to shop, whether you’re after outlet village deals or one-of-a-kind wares at a small boutique.

This year, Waterville Valley is also hosting a brand-new shopping experience: Alpine Advent! This European-inspired Christmas Market will include twelve heated wooden chalets, artisan vendors, seasonal food and beverages, and festive décor on select dates through New Year’s Eve. Weihnachtsmarkt, a one-day holiday market hosted in Schilling Beer Co.’s Littleton, NH biergarten, is also a must-visit this holiday season.

Stumped on what to gift? We’d suggest a taste of the region (like maple syrup from Fuller's Sugarhouse, pancake mix from Polly’s Pancake Parlor, or souvenirs from a local brewery, winery, or distillery), something handmade (like a painting of a favorite mountain range or a cozy hand thrown mug for cocoa), or outdoor gear (including anything from Burgeon Outdoor). If none of that seems quite right though, check out our Holiday Gift Guide for even more ideas.

Outlet Centers in the White Mountains:

Local Shops in the White Mountains

 

Feeling inspired? Tag us with #whitemountains and #yeswhitemountains if you post photos from your holiday adventures!