Holiday Events in the White Mountains

What is there to do during Christmastime in the White Mountains? Quite a bit! Take your pick of Santa train rides, annual events, live performances, throwback orchestras, holiday dinners, and so much more! From lodging specials throughout our region to the best holiday dinners, fireworks displays, and New Year's bashes, our White Mountains holiday happenings offer some of the best family-friendly events in New Hampshire. 

CHRISTMASTIME AT SANTA’S VILLAGE (Jefferson, NH)

There are only a few more weekends left to celebrate Christmastime at Santa’s Village. Feed a reindeer, find your favorite ride, listen to Christmas carols, snap a selfie with an elf, or simply bask in the multicolored lights illuminating this winter wonderland. There are so many magical ways to make the most of it!

Use #yeswhitemountains to share your favorite pictures from the Santa’s Village festivities.

• Dates: Saturdays & Sundays,12/3 through 12/18
• Hours: 10am – 4pm
• Tickets: Available online only. Purchase your “Christmastime at Santa’s Village” passes online.

SANTA EXPRESS TRAINS AT THE HOBO RAILROAD (Lincoln, NH)

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard the Hobo Railroad’s Santa Express Train! This beloved holiday excursion runs weekends through Sunday, 12/18, so if your kiddos have been daydreaming of hand delivering a letter to Santa and receiving a small gift in return, book now. Parents will find the serene riverside views on this train trip almost as sweet as the smiles on their family’s faces.

• Dates: Saturdays & Sundays: 12/10 & 12/11, 12/17 & 12/18
• Departure: 1pm (train trip is 1 hour, 20 mins)
• Tickets: First Class: $33 (all ages 3+) | Coach Class: $25 (all ages 3+) | Ages 2 and under ride FREE

SANTA’S HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD (NORTH CONWAY, NH)

An hour-long adventure aboard a decked-out holiday train is just the ticket to the Christmas spirit! Enjoy milk and cookies, a goodie bag, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on this magical, kid-friendly journey hosted by the Conway Scenic Railroad. There are just a few dates left for Santa’s Holiday Express, so book online today!

• Dates: Saturdays & Sundays: 12/10 & 12/11, 12/17 & 12/18 | Thursday & Friday: 12/22 & 12/23
• Time: 11:30am – 3pm
• Tickets: Admission rates vary, see website for booking details

HOLIDAY EXCURSIONS AT THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD (NORTH CONWAY, NH)

If the holidays have brought you to North Conway, NH, set aside a few hours for a sublime ride aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. You’ll enjoy the sights of the Mount Washington Valley draped in its winter finery, as well as a fun, family-friendly activity that is the stuff holiday memories are made of.

• Dates: 12/26 – 12/31
• Time: 11:30am – 3pm
• Tickets: Admission rates vary, see website for booking details

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE (Lincoln, NH & North Conway, NH)

Have you ever journeyed to the North Pole? Now, you can! On weekends through 12/23, the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation is hosting you chance to Journey to the North Pole.

Take your pick of the Hobo Railroad (Lincoln, NH) or the Conway Scenic Railroad (North Conway, NH). Both options will bring little ones and their family on a magical train trip complete with Christmas treats, busy elves, festive songs, and a visit to Santa’s Workshop to meet the man himself. To top it all off, children will receive a special gift and coloring book for the journey home, while parents will have the gift of knowing their train ticket purchase helps fund the efforts of the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Buy your tickets online ahead of time for this extremely popular event.

• Date(s): December weekends through 12/23/22
• Boarding Time(s): 3:45pm and 6:45pm (for both locations)
• Tickets: $58 Coach, $68 First Class, $78 First Class +PLUS+/Upper Dome

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FLYING MONKEY MOVIE HOUSE & PERFOMANCE CENTER (Plymouth, NH)

Would you rather enjoy the Indigo Girls, a John Denver Christmas Show, take in Tusk (the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute), or see something else entirely just before the New Year? With The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center’s latest lineup of festive events, you don’t have to pick!

• Indigo Girls: Friday, 12/9 @ 7:30pm. Tickets start at $79.
• John Denver Christmas Show: Sunday, 12/11 @ 7:30pm. Tickets start at $29.
• Los Lobos: Thursday, 12/15 @ 7:30pm. Tickets start at $59.
• The Wizards of Winter: Thursday, 12/29 @ 7:30pm. Tickets start at $35.
• Tusk: Friday, 12/30 @ 7:30pm. Tickets start at $35.

WINTER FIRESIDE CHATS AT THE NOTCH HOSTEL (North Woodstock, NH)

Learn something new as you sit beside a cozy fire! The Notch Hostel’s free Winter Fireside Chats kick off on Saturday, 12/10. Guests are invited to attend virtually via Zoom or in-person for these popular outdoors-themed talks, so register today if you’re interested.  

• Dates: Saturday, 12/10 (*additional dates available under New Years Events)
• Times: 7:30pm – 9pm (doors open at 7pm, presentations online and in-house begin at 7:30pm)

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” AT M & D PLAYHOUSE (North Conway, NH)

The holiday season isn’t complete without a viewing of Charles’ Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol”. For a fresh take on this Christmas classic, head to the M & D Playhouse in North Conway, NH! Instead of Ebenezer, expect Ebbie Scrooge this time around, a Victorian woman ready for her own version of a Christmas morning revelation.

• Dates: Thursday, 12/1 through Sunday, 12/18
• Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
• Tickets: $29 for all seats

GLEN MILLER ORCHESTRA AT THE OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT (Bretton Woods, NH)

The world-famous Glen Miller Orchestra takes to the Grand Ballroom at the Omni Mount Washington Resort on Tuesday, 12/20. The theme this year? “In the Mood for the Holiday Spirit”! There will be dancing, fine dining, and Christmas merriment at this enchanting, one-night only event.

Book now if you’d love to attend this sell-out event! To view a full menu as well as complete event details, click here.

• Price: General seating is cruise ship-style seating, perfect for meeting fellow Glenn Miller Orchestra fans. $100 per person.
• Time: 6pm: Doors open for cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres. Cash bar offered. | 7pm: Seating for dinner and first course served. | 8:30pm: Orchestra begins.

WOODSTOCK INN BREWERY (North Woodstock, NH)

Listen to live music or test your own pipes at open mic night. If you stick around ‘til the start of each week, you can show off your smarts with some music bingo! The Woodstock Inn Brewery is always offering great tunes alongside their outstanding food and brews.

• Live Music: Fridays & Saturdays from 8:30pm – 11:30pm, excluding Saturday, 12/24 (Christmas Eve). Early closure at 3pm.
• Open Mic: Sundays from 8pm – 11:30pm, excluding Sunday, 12/25 (Christmas Day)
• Music Bingo: Mondays from 7pm – 9pm

Holiday Dining & Lodging Specials

ADAIR COUNTRY INN & RESTAURANT (Bethlehem, NH)

Is there a better place to celebrate Christmas than a town called Bethlehem? Head to Bethlehem, NH and the Adair Country Inn & Restaurant for some scrumptious Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners. Guests and the public alike are invited to partake but reservations are strongly encouraged.

The Adair Inn is also offering several lodging specials this season. Book a stay any midweek (Sunday – Thursday) for two nights, and the second night is free. If you choose to book any Friday and Saturday night, guests can choose to stay Thursday or Sunday night (again, for free)!

• Dates/Times: Christmas Eve: Saturday, 12/24 (5 – 9pm) | Christmas Day: Sunday, 12/25 (4-8pm)
• Price: Christmas Eve: 4 course, pre fixe: $69 per person. | Christmas Day: 5 course pre fixe: $79 per person.
• Call (603) 444-2600 for reservations

CHRISTMAS FARM INN & SPA (Jackson, NH)

Head to an inn named after one of our favorite holidays of the year, and you just might find one of your favorite dinners as well! The Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson, NH is your cozy host for a plated 3-course Christmas Day dinner. Bon appétit!

• Dates/Times: Christmas Day: Sunday, 12/25 (2 - 6pm)
• Price: Non-refundable payments required in full at the time of booking for everyone in the party.  $59++ (ages 13 and up), $39++ (ages 3 -12). A service charge of 20% and 8.5% tax will be added to your charge. 
• Call (603)383-4313 for reservations

INDIAN HEAD RESORT (Lincoln, NH)

Indian Head Resort’s Christmas Tree Package is just the ticket to get you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit! This special, running through Sunday, 12/18, includes one night of lodging for 2 adults and 2 kids plus a Christmas tree, wreath, and horse-drawn wagon ride at The Rocks, a nearby property run by the Society for Protection of NH Forests. Transportation to The Rocks is not included in this deal, but we’d still call it quite the treat.

• Price: Midweek: Starting at $229. | Weekend: Starting at $259.

Already booked your stay? Add The Rocks experience to any reservation through 12/18 for $100.

INN AT THORN HILL & Spa (Jackson, NH)

Will you be in the Jackson, NH area on Christmas day? Head to Forty at Thorn Hill (inside the Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa) for a delicious dinner with a global twist. Think baked holiday brie and a traditional turkey dinner alongside a vegan Thai noodle bowl, chicken marsala, beef wellington, profiteroles, and more. 

• Date/Time: Christmas Day: Sunday, 12/25, 1pm - 8pm
• Call (603) 383-4242 for reservations

STONEHURST MANOR (Conway, NH)

Take your pick of a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner at the Wild Rose Restaurant at the Stonehurst Manor (North Conway, NH). Either option will present diners with an impressive array of thoughtfully delicious apps, entrees, desserts, and cocktails, as well a special holiday menu just for Christmas Day seatings!

• Christmas Eve: regular menu and pizzas to go offered through 8pm
• Christmas Day 4-Course Dinner seatings: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm
• Price (Christmas Day): $78 per adult (plus tax and gratuity) (4-Course Dinner)| $48 per child 12 years and under (plus tax and gratuity) (2-Course Dinnner)
• Reservations & Additional Information: (603) 356-3113

New Year's Events in the White Mountains

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

Laugh your way into the New Year with comedian Bob Marley. The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center will be hosting 3 sets throughout Saturday, 12/31 so you can easily plan around your other fabulous New Years Eve to-do’s.

• Date: Saturday, 12/31
• Showtimes: 2pm, 5:30pm, 8pm
• Tickets: Starting at $46.50

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT THE NOTCH HOSTEL (North Woodstock, NH)

Can you believe 2023 is almost here? Ring in a fresh start with The Notch Hostel’s seventh annual New Year’s Eve party! Book your stay for the whole weekend and plan for plenty of adventure, including a potluck dinner, White Mountains trivia, beer pong, and fun games on the big night, followed by Philip Garcia’s (aka Finding Philip’s) Fireside Chat on New Year’s Day.

• New Year’s Eve Party: Saturday, 12/31
• Time: 7pm – 12am
• RSVP: Book your stay at The Notch Hostel for two nights to attend all listed events

WINTER FIRESIDE CHATS AT THE NOTCH HOSTEL (North Woodstock, NH)

The Notch Hostel’s Winter Fireside Chats continue into the New Year! Come and listen to the thought-provoking perspectives of hikers who have traversed everything from the entirety of the White Mountains in one summer to the length of the Appalachian Trail. Register on The Notch Hostel’s website to view full program descriptions and save your spot.

• Dates: Sunday, 1/1/23 | Saturday, 1/21/23 | Saturday, 2/4/23 | Saturday, 3/11/23
• Times: 7:30pm – 9pm (doors open at 7pm, presentations online and in-house begin at 7:30pm)

NHSCOT’S HOGMANAY – A NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION (Derry, NH)

Celebrate the start of another trip around the sun with NHSCOT’s Hogmanay, a Scottish celebration complete with a plated dinner, full cash bar, live music from The Rebel Collective, pipes and drums perfect for dancing, fireside smores, Scottish board games and puzzles, and so much more.

Guests are encouraged to don their tartan and dress warmly for this inside meets outside event. Purchase your tickets online ahead of time here.

• Date: Sunday, 1/1/23
• Time: 3 – 7pm
• Entry Tickets: $32 per adult (ages 15 and up) | $15 per child (ages 6-14) | Kids ages 5 and under are free.
• Dinner (separate from entry ticket price): Shepherd’s Pie: $21/per meal OR Lamb Stew: $26/per meal OR Fish & Chips: $28/per meal | Children’s Meal (Chicken Strips and Mac & Cheese): $15/per meal
• Location: LaBelle Winery event venue (Derry, NH)

New Years' Dining & Lodging Specials

ADAIR COUNTRY INN & RESTAURANT (Bethlehem, NH)

A gourmet, 5-course dinner plus fireworks sounds like just the ticket to kicking off the New Year. Snag your reservations for the Adair Inn’s festivities before they’re all booked up! Better yet, add lodging to your plans as well.

Guests booking any Friday and Saturday night (like New Year’s weekend) will have the option to extend their stay through Sunday or arrive early on Thursday with an extra night on the Adair. Who doesn’t love a free night at a fabulous historic inn?

Another lodging special at the Adair Inn: book a two-night stay any midweek (Sunday – Thursday) and receive the second night for free.

• Date/Time: New Year’s Eve: Saturday, 12/31 (7pm)
• Price: 5 course, pre fixe: $79 per person
• Call (603) 444-2600 for reservations

CHRISTMAS FARM INN & SPA (Jackson, NH)

Wrap up 2022 and say hello to the new year with a celebratory plated 3-course dinner at the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson, NH. Think gourmet meets comfort food, plus the charm of a historic inn. 

• Dates/Times: New Years Eve: Sunday, 12/31 (5 - 8:45pm)
• Price: Non-refundable payments required in full at the time of booking for everyone in the party.  $79++ (ages 13 and up), $59++ (ages 3 -12). A service charge of 20% and 8.5% tax will be added to your charge. 
• Call (603)383-4313 for reservations

INDIAN HEAD RESORT (Lincoln, NH)

Keep your celebrations and your lodging in one fun, local spot – Lincoln, NH’s Indian Head Resort! For New Year’s Eve, the resort is offering a 1-night lodging package starting at $399 for two adults (aged 21+). This deal gets you a comfy room and entry to the Indian Head’s rocking NYE party, a midnight champagne toast and party favors, plus a deluxe buffet dinner the morning after.

INN AT THORN HILL (Jackson, NH)

Celebrate New Years Eve in the Mountain Washington Valley with dinner at Forty at Thorn Hill (located at the Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa). Their festive six-course tasting menu includes everything from roasted cinnamon pears with brie cheese and an apricot jam crostini and shrimp madagascar with peppercorn cream to wagyu beef in a savory merlot broth and a selection of tempting gourmet desserts. 

• Date: New Year's Eve: Saturday, 12/31, 5pm - 10pm
• Price: $129 per person
• Call (603) 383-4242 for reservations

STONEHURST MANOR (North Conway, NH)

Welcome 2023 with lifted spirts and a happy belly – reserve your table for New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Wild Rose Restaurant (located inside the historic Stonehurst Manor). A special holiday menu gives you numerous delicious picks for your four-course dinner. What about crab and lobster bisque or scallops wrapped in bacon? Prime rib is certainly a must, although we’d be hard pressed to choose between that and roasted duck. For a full menu, click here.

• Date: Saturday, 12/31
• News Year’s Eve seatings: 6pm or 9pm

• Price: $88 per person plus tax and gratuity
• Reservations & Additional Information: (603) 356-3113

WOODSTOCK INN BREWERY (North Woodstock, NH)

Live music and dinner specials plus local beers is your recipe for a laidback New Year’s Eve celebration. But where to find it? The one and only Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock, NH!

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the White Mountains, NH

All listed fireworks held on Saturday, 12/31.

• Cranmore Mountain Resort (North Conway, NH): 6pm @ base of South Slope
• Cannon Mountain (Franconia, NH): 6:30pm. Includes Torchlight Parade.
• Santa’s Village (Jefferson, NH): Fireworks held during New Year’s Eve Partybration, which runs 4pm – 9pm. Purchase tickets online ahead of time. No ticket sales at gate.
• Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa (Whitefield, NH): 10pm. For resort guests only.
• Waterville Valley Town Square (Waterville Valley, NH): 7:30pm @ Corcoran Pond