There’s something truly magical about New Hampshire during the holidays. From festive markets and sparkling tree displays to concerts, parades, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Granite State comes alive with seasonal cheer. These events capture the heart of New Hampshire during the holidays, offering something for visitors and locals alike: festive experiences that create lasting memories and showcase the warmth, community, and holiday spirit that make the state shine.
Alpine Advent, Waterville Valley
November 28 – December 31, 2025 (weekends and daily Christmas week)
Waterville Valley’s Town Square transforms into a charming European-inspired Christmas market during Alpine Advent. Twelve wooden chalets line the snow-dusted pathways, each filled with New Hampshire artisans offering handcrafted gifts, specialty foods, and alpine-inspired treats. Visitors can sip warm Glühwein, sample seasonal bites, and browse unique holiday finds as twinkling lights spill down from a 20-foot Christmas tree. With its timeless mountain ambiance and cozy, old-world charm, Alpine Advent makes the White Mountains feel like a storybook holiday village.
Christmas at The Castle, Moultonborough
November 22 – 23, 29 – 30, December 6-7, 2025
A beloved Lakes Region tradition, Christmas at the Castle invites visitors to step inside the historic Lucknow Mansion and Carriage House, beautifully transformed each year with an all-new holiday theme. For 2025, “Season’s Greetings” celebrates the charm of vintage holiday cards, inspiring decorators, volunteers, and community partners to create stunning displays throughout the estate. Guests can explore the festively adorned rooms, enjoy a cozy meal at the Carriage House Restaurant, browse a local artisan craft fair, and savor complimentary cookies and hot cocoa—plus a cheerful visit with Santa. Proceeds from the event support the preservation and interpretation of the Castle in the Clouds’ historic grounds, helping ensure this magical tradition continues for years to come.
Great New England Holiday Craft Market, Derry
November 28 & 29, 2025
Kick off your holiday shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving at LaBelle Winery Derry’s Great New England Craft Market. This two-day event fills three expansive spaces with talented artisans offering fine handmade goods—perfect for finding unique gifts for everyone on your list. After browsing the market, make a full day of it by enjoying a magical winter stroll through LaBelle Lights, the winery’s outdoor holiday light show that transforms the grounds into a sparkling seasonal wonderland.
35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Portsmouth
November 28 – December 30, 2025
Head to the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 35th Annual Gingerbread House Exhibition, where creativity takes center stage. This year’s theme, The Great Gingerbread Experiment: Where Gingerbread Meets Imagination, inspires an array of inventive and whimsical designs. The halls are transformed into a winter wonderland filled with dozens and dozens of homemade gingerbread creations, crafted by local businesses, artists, families, and children. Visitors can admire the incredible designs and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice competition, making it a sweet and interactive holiday tradition for all ages. It’s a delightful way to celebrate community, craftsmanship, and the magic of the season in historic downtown Portsmouth.
Holiday Open House at The Loon Center, Moultonborough
November 29, 2025
The Loon Center marks the Loon Preservation Committee’s 50th anniversary with a festive Holiday Open House perfect for families. Guests can enjoy classic horse-and-wagon rides, make seasonal crafts, sample holiday treats, and browse the gift shop for nature-inspired items that make great early presents. And of course, Jolly Old St. Nick will be on hand to spread cheer. It’s a warm, community-minded celebration set against the beautiful backdrop of New Hampshire’s lake country.
Gary Hoey’s Ho! Ho! Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour, Derry
December 5, 2025
Kick off the holiday season at Tupelo Music Hall when guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey brings his Ho! Ho! Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour on Friday, December 5. This high-energy holiday tradition blends festive favorites with electrifying rock ‘n’ roll, creating a show that’s as fun for families as it is for devoted music fans. A fan favorite across New England and beyond, the concert delivers holiday cheer, incredible musicianship, and pure rock energy—making it the perfect way to start the season at one of New Hampshire’s beloved live music venues. Be sure to check Tupelo Music Hall’s calendar for more festive holiday shows and events throughout the season.
Christmas in Bethlehem, Bethlehem
December 6, 2025
Experience the magic of the season at Christmas in Bethlehem, the North Country’s beloved holiday celebration. This free, family-friendly festival draws visitors from across New England to enjoy live music, visits from Santa and the Grinch, craft workshops, and complimentary food and drinks. Surrounded by snow-covered balsam trees with stunning views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, Bethlehem transforms into an old-fashioned Winter Wonderland. New this year, is the Illumination Parade featuring a dazzling display of twinkling lights among floats and vehicles decorated with holiday cheer. The day wraps up with a spectacular fireworks finale over the White Mountains. Christmas in Bethlehem is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season while soaking in the crisp mountain air and warm, homespun holiday spirit.
Trees & Trimmings, Tamworth
December 13, 2025
Step back in time and celebrate the season at Trees & Trimmings at the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth. Guests can stroll through the Museum Center, where each area features a uniquely decorated Christmas tree inspired by the surrounding exhibits. From handcrafted rustic styles to mid-century charm and sparkling delights, every tree offers its own festive flair. The Hearth Room, with its cozy glow, candles, and historical touches, invites visitors to soak in the holiday spirit. Sip on warm mulled cider as you wander through this nostalgic holiday celebration, perfect for families and history lovers alike.
Cocoa and Cookies with Santa at the Summit, North Conway
December 19 – 22, 2025
Make holiday memories at Cocoa and Cookies with Santa at the Summit of Cranmore Mountain in North Conway. Guests begin the fun by loading the chairlift, then watch Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand arrival on a snowcat groomer. The evening continues with cookie decorating, festive holiday music, and story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the cozy Meister Hut. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite festive attire, making this a sweet and spirited way to celebrate the season.
The Midwinter Revels: A Scottish Celebration of the Winter Solstice, Lebanon
December 20 – 21
Celebrate the magic of the season with The Midwinter Revels: A Scottish Celebration of the Winter Solstice at the Lebanon Opera House on December 20 and 21. This festive performance blends traditional Scottish music, dance, and storytelling to honor the winter solstice in a warm, lively, and immersive way. It’s a unique holiday experience that brings the rich heritage of Scotland to New Hampshire, offering audiences of all ages a memorable way to mark the season’s turning.
North Conway Village New Year’s Eve, North Conway
December 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year with family-friendly fun at North Conway Village New Year’s Eve on December 31st. The festivities kick off with a Village Passport scavenger hunt from noon to 8:30 p.m., where visitors can collect stamps from local businesses for a chance to win prizes. Throughout the day, enjoy live music in village restaurants, hot cocoa and NYE-themed specials. The evening culminates with a prize drawing at 8:45 p.m. in Schouler Park, followed by the park lights turning off at 8:59 p.m., leading into a spectacular 9:00 p.m. fireworks display. A memorable way to celebrate the season in the heart of North Conway Village. If you’d prefer earlier evening, stop by Cranmore Mountain where the slopes will light up at 6:30pm for a special early family friendly fireworks show.
