New Hampshire comes alive during the holiday season with festive markets, sparkling tree displays, holiday concerts, parades, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. From the mountains to the Seacoast, communities across the Granite State offer plenty of ways to celebrate, discover local traditions, and make memories with family and friends.
Christmas at The Castle, Moultonborough
November 20 – 22, 28-29, December 5 & 6, 2026
A beloved Lakes Region tradition, Christmas at the Castle transforms the historic Lucknow Mansion into a festive holiday showcase with a new theme each year. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the decorated mansion, browse a local artisan fair, and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. For a unique experience, take the twilight tour with a visit at sunset and watch the holiday lights come to life as you explore this mountaintop estate.
Alpine Advent, Waterville Valley
November 27; November 28 – December 27 (Saturdays & Sundays); December 24 & 31, 2026
For twelve days this winter, Waterville Valley’s Town Square transforms into a European-inspired Christmas market, with wooden chalets showcasing New Hampshire artisans and their handcrafted gifts. The air is filled with the scent of fresh balsam, while specialty foods, seasonal treats, and warm drinks invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the festivities. Browse for unique holiday gifts, meet the makers and take in the glow of twinkling lights beneath a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree in the heart of the White Mountains.
Great New England Holiday Craft Market, Derry
November 27 & 28, 2026
Kick off your holiday at LaBelle Winery Derry’s Great New England Craft Market. The two-day event fills three expansive spaces with talented artisans offering fine handmade goods, perfect for finding unique gifts for everyone on your list. Make a day of it by exploring the market before heading outside to experience Labelle Lights, where holiday displays illuminate the grounds.
36th Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Portsmouth
November 27–December 30
Get a taste of holiday creativity at the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 36th Annual Gingerbread House Exhibition. This year’s theme: UFOs: Unidentified Frosted Object, invites participants to bring out-of-this-world stories to live in gingerbread, inspired by the exhibition on Betty and Barney Hill. Explore dozens of imaginative creations crafted by local artists, businesses, families, and children and cast your vote for a favorite in the People’s Choice competition. It’s a sweet holiday tradition you don’t want to miss, in historic downtown Portsmouth.
31st Annual Winter Stroll, Nashua
November 28, 2026
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Nashua’s annual Winter Holiday Stroll, a beloved downtown tradition featuring festive performances, music, food vendors, and the lighting of a 25-foot Christmas tree in Renaissance Park along the Riverwalk. Now in its 31st year, the stroll brings the community together for holiday cheer and family fun. Explore downtown shops and restaurants while enjoying the festive atmosphere and seasonal entertainment.
Christmas in Bethlehem, Bethlehem
December 5, 2026
Celebrate the season at Christmas in Bethlehem, a free, family-friendly festival featuring live music, holiday crafts, and visits with Santa and the Grinch. Set against a backdrop of the White Mountains, this North Country beloved holiday tradition includes an illumination parade and a fireworks finale, bringing the community together for a festive start to the holiday season.
Trees & Trimmings, Tamworth
December 5, 2026
Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, where uniquely decorated trees, vintage ornaments, nostalgic holiday displays and seasonal music bring cherished traditions to life. Each room features a tree inspired by its exhibits from rustic designs to mid-century classics to sparkling wonders. Sip hot mulled cider, enjoy a homemade gingerbread cookie, and discover holiday touches throughout the museum for a festive step back in time.
Cocoa and Cookies with Santa at the Summit, North Conway
December 19, 2026
Make holiday memories when you take a festive chairlift ride to the summit of Cranmore Mountain Resort for Cocoa and Cookies with Santa. At the Meister Hut, families can decorate cookies, sip hot cocoa, and listen to a holiday story before watching Santa and Mrs. Claus make a memorable entrance aboard a snowcat. It’s a unique mountaintop holiday experience the whole family can enjoy.
New York Theatre Ballet: The Nutcracker, Lebanon
December 20, 2026
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at the Lebanon Opera House, where Keith Michael’s imaginative reimagining of the holiday classic brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with whimsical characters, elaborate costumes and dazzling choreography. Set in the early 1900s, this lively, one-hour production offers a festive holiday outing for all ages.
