Santa Trains & Major Attractions
Back to Top of ListSANTA’S VILLAGE (Jefferson, NH)
Santa’s Village offers pure joy, family style year-round, but there is something extra special about the holiday season at this beloved attraction. During Christmastime at Santa’s Village, the park is bedecked with millions of glittering lights to better illuminate your adventures after dark. There are also Christmas carols, festive rides, and heartwarming snacks to immerse you in the spirit of the season. If this sounds like a holiday dream come true, snag your Christmastime tickets online ASAP! They move as quickly as Santa’s famous reindeer.
Christmastime at Santa’s Village (2024 Dates): 11/9, 11/16, 11/23 & 11/24, 11/29/2024 & 11/30/2024, 12/1/2024, 12/7 &12/8, 12/14 & 2/15, 12/21 & 12/22. For specific times and ticket prices, visit the Santa’s Village’s website.
Tickets sold online only. Purchase your tickets early for this very popular event.
CRANMORE MOUNTAIN RESORT (North Conway, NH)
Take an after hours summit chairlift ride to the sumit Meister Hut - a magical Yuletide meeting awaits! Cranmore Mountain Resort is hosting Santa plus you for cookies, cocoa, and a holiday story. Book your tickets on Cranmore's website today for this special event (going on sale in late November).
CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD (North Conway, NH)
The Conway Scenic Railroad's Santa’s Holiday Express is a seasonally themed hour and half round trip experience that offers wintry views of the Mount Washington Valley. Upon arrival in Conway young guests can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate capped off by a greeting from Santa.
Santa's Holiday Express Trains (2024 Dates): 11/29 - 12/1, 12/7 & 12/8, 12/14 & 12/15, and 12/21 - 12/23. Departure times at 11am and 1:30pm. All departures are from the North Conway Station. For more information, including tickets, visit the Conway Scenic Railroad's website.
GRANITE STATE SCENIC RAILWAY (Lincoln, NH)
All aboard for a scenic train ride that will get you in the Christmas spirit! If you'd like a meet and greet with Santa plus a special present, book your Premier seats on the Granite State Scenic Railway's Santa Express Train ASAP. (First class and coach seating is also available, but we'd recommend Premier seating if you'd like front of the line access for photos with Santa.) Over 60 magical minutes, you'll enjoy snowy views of the Pemigewassett River and heartwarming, family-friendly merriment.
Santa Express Trains (2024 Dates): 11/29 - 12/1, 12/7 & 12/8, 12/14 & 12/15, 12/21 - 23. Book your tickets online ahead of time.
BELIEVE IN BOOKS LITERACY FOUNDATION (Intervale, NH)
Do you believe in the magic of the holiday season and a good book? Take a “Journey to the North Pole” with the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation! This White Mountains nonprofit is hosting its annual holiday train trip at two different locations: the Granite State Scenic Railway (Lincoln, NH) and the Conway Scenic Railroad (North Conway, NH). Board your train at your location choice and you’ll be whisked along for two hours of festive merriment, including elf sing-a-longs, a visit to the North Pole, and even a meet and greet with Santa Claus himself.
Journey to the North Pole (2024 Dates): Granite State Scenic Railway (Lincoln, NH): 11/29 - 12/1, 12/5 - 12/8, 12/12 - 12/15, 12/19 - 12/23. Departures: 4:30pm, 7:10pm. | Conway Scenic Railroad (North Conway, NH): 11/29 - 12/1, 12 6 - 12/8, 12/13 - 12/15, 12/20 - 12/23. Admission price and departure time varies based on excursion. Buy your tickets online ahead of time.
MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY (Marshfield Station, NH)
The ride up the Mount Washington Cog Railway to Waumbek Station is one of our favorite winter traditions. This year, we're making it extra festive and planning our visit around Santa. Did you hear he's going to be at Marshfield Station, giving out gifts made on-site by the Cog Railway elves and also posing for pictures? Book your tickets online if you'd like to combine your train trip with a Santa visit on the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Santa at the Cog Railway (2024 Dates): 11/29 - 12/1, 12/7 - 12/8, 12/14 - 12/15, 12/21 - 12/22, 12/2. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Cog's website.
Town Events
Back to Top of ListTOWN OF BETHLEHEM (Bethlehem, NH)
It’s about to get downright delightful on Bethlehem, NH’s main street. That’s right, Christmas in Bethlehem is back at it again! Nostalgic events, games, entertainment, and food will make this celebration one to fondly remember throughout the holiday season and beyond. What are we most looking forward to? The Illumination Parade, a new tradition featuring an abundance of festive, twinkling lights.
Saturday, 12/7. Events throughout the day. The parade encourages float participation and vehicle decoration with Christmas lights, and is open to everyone free of charge. Visit the Christmas in Bethlehem website for more information.
TOWN OF GORHAM (Gorham, NH)
What is Christmas without a finely decorated tree? Experience a magical holiday wonderland during Gorham, NH’s Festival of the Trees, and try your luck at winning your favorite fir of them all!
Monday, 12/2 - Friday, 12/6. Raffle tickets available: 3 for $5 (no limit). For more information, visit the Town of Gorham’s website.
TOWN OF NORTH CONWAY (North Conway, NH)
Christmas in North Conway kicks off with a Black Friday visit to Schouler Park. Say hi to to Santa, enjoy a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and delight in a traditional Christmas tree lighting. The backdrop of one of Mount Washington Valley’s most charming towns is just an added bonus!
Friday, 1//29. Santa arrives at 5pm; reading and tree lighting to follow.
WATERVILLE VALLEY TOWN SQUARE (Waterville Valley, NH)
Wondering where to see Santa in the White Mountains? Save space in your calendar for the last Saturday in November; a festive lineup of events awaits! Waterville Valley Town Square has covered it all for this fantastic celebration: the 12th Annual Cold Turkey Plunge to kick off the day, followed by a visit with Santa in the Waterville Valley Adventure Center, and fireworks and a tree lighting to light up the chilly night skies over town.
Saturday, 11/30, 3:30 – 7pm. Suggested donation of $5 during your visit with Santa.
TOWN OF WOODSTOCK (Woodstock, NH)
The small town of Woodstock is your backdrop to classic Christmas festivies. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, pictures with Santa, scavenger hunts, ice carving, discounts at local businesses, and more at the weekend-long Woodstock Winter Festival.
Friday, 12/13 at 7pm through Sunday, 12/15 at 1pm.
Festive Live Entertainment
Back to Top of ListTHE FLYING MONKEY MOVIE HOUSE & PERFORMANCE CENTER (Plymouth, NH)
This holiday season, finding Christmas events in Plymouth, NH is as easy as taking a look at the The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center's marquee.
Take a magical, musical, wintery tour through the Scottish Highland and the Irish coast with Sean Heely's Celtic Christmas on Sunday, 12/8. Bagpipes, fiddles, kilts, and tartan are all part of this merry, can't-miss show. Up next on 12/14 is An Olde English Christmas with Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, followed by the singing and dancing extravaganza that is Fairytale of New York - The Ultimate Irish-Inspired Christmas Concert on Sunday, 12/22.
Sean Heely's Celtic Christmas: Sunday, 12/8, 7:30pm. Tickets start at $39. | An Olde English Christmas: Saturday, 12/14, 7:30pm. Tickets start at $69. | Fairytale of New York: Sunday, 12/22, 7:30pm. Tickets start at $39. | Visit The Flying Monkey's website for more information.
INN AT ELLIS RIVER (Jackson, NH)
Cozy up at the Inn at Ellis River for a special reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. As you listen to the inspiring journey of one iconic grump known as Scrooge, you can partake in some scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, hot drinks, and desserts.
Saturday, 12/7, 3pm - 6pm. $35 plus tax (per person). Reservations required. Please call 603-383-9339.
M & D PLAYHOUSE (North Conway, NH)
A Christmas Carol is one of the most treasured stories of the holiday season, and we always love watching a retelling. This season, the place to see Charles Dicken’s classic work is onstage at the M & D Playhouse, so if you have a hankering to say hey to Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge, and three very timely ghosts, don’t delay! Call the box office today.
12/5 - 12/8, 12/12 - 12/22. All seats $29. For showtimes and more, visit the M & D's website.
NORTH COUNTRY CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT JEAN'S PLAYHOUSE (Lincoln, NH)
Who doesn't love another wonderful opportunity to see these classic characters come to live on stage? NCCA at Jean's Playhouse will be presenting their musical re-telling of A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story. This adaption of the Dickens tale brings original music and an imaginative retelling of the story by director Joel Mercier.
Friday, 12/13 – Sunday, 12/15. Adults: $32, Senior: $28, Junior: $25. Reserved seating. Rated PG. For more information and tickets, visit the Jean's Playhouse website.
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT (Bretton Woods, NH)
Glad tidings and good music go hand in hand, and particularly so with the Omni Mount Washington Resort’s "In the Mood for Holiday Spirit" featuring the Glen Miller Orchestra. Follow the swinging sounds of this legendary big band as you make your way to the grand ballroom. Once inside, you can drink, dine, and dance the night away with a cocktail receiption and 3-course dinner.
Thursday, 11/14. Doors open at 6pm; seating for dinner and first course begin at 7pm; show begins at 8:30pm. For tickets, menu, and more information, visit the Omni's website.
WEATHERVANE THEATRE (Whitefield, NH)
This Christmas, the Weathervane Theatre is hosting a holiday playbill to remember.
First up, there's a reimagining of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis' fantastical, family-friendly adventure that has been revised for the stage in this two-actor adaptation. Then, it's Who's Holiday!, an adults only comedy centered on Cindy Lou Who, a gal who is all grown up and now living in a trailer park. Get ready to laugh as she retells her run in with the Grinch and what's she's been up since then. If you're after something classic, however, we'd recommend booking your tickets to A North Country Christmas. This festive fireside frolic includes music and merriment for all ages.
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe: Sunday, 12/1 & Sunday, 12/8 (peformance held at Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield).
Who's Holiday!: 12/1, 12/4, 12/6, and 12/7 (performances held at Mountain View Grand Resort and Medallion Opera House in Gorham, NH). Recommended for adults only. 75 minute run time with no intermission.
A North Country Christmas: 12/2 - 12/4 (performances held at the Mountain View Grand Resort).
For more information, including online tickets, visit the Weathervane's website.
Holiday Shopping
Back to Top of ListADAIR INN (Bethlehem, NH)
WREN’s Holiday Fair is back at the Adair Inn, and it’s perfectly timed to coincide with Christmas in Bethlehem! This holiday pop up located inside a charming local inn will show you that the season of shopping is anything but humdrum – in fact, connecting with and supporting local artists can be downright magical.
Saturday, 12/7, 11am - 3pm.
ENFIELD SHAKER MUSEUM (Enfield, NH)
Discover the arts and crafts scene of New Hampshire's Upper Valley at the Enfield Shaker Museum's Holiday Gift Fair. You'll find everything from Shaker reproductions and Shaker-inspired baked goods to raffle baskets and dried herbal and floral arrangements.
Saturday, 12/7 (10am - 4pm) & Sunday, 12/8 (12pm - 4pm).
FIG TREE NORTH (North Woodstock, NH)
Celebrate the holidays before the busy Thanksgiving weekend with a visit to Fig Tree North in North Woodstock, NH. This whimsical shop is hosting a Holiday Open House, and we are so excited to sample some local libations, enjoy special sales and a raffle, and even get some free gift wrapping while we’re at it. Come show your support for shopping local – we’ll see you there!
Saturday, 11/16, 12pm – 5pm. Free event.
GREAT GLEN TRAILS OUTDOOR CENTER (Gorham, NH)
If a bit of shopping mixed with some sightseeing sounds like your perfect way to spend the last Saturday in November, head to the Holiday Craft Fair at Great Glen Trails. You can show your support for local artisans and crafters, snag some super unique presents for under the Christmas tree, and also enjoy the sights of snowcapped Mount Washington just across the street. Did we mention this craft fair is also a fundraiser for the Bill Koch League kids ski club?
Saturday, 11/30, 9am – 3pm.
SETTLERS GREEN (North Conway, NH)
Add some extra merriment to your tax-free holiday shopping with a visit to Settlers Green this holiday season! Settlers' Merriment Month includes everything from special Black Friday deals to photos with Santa and other holiday experiences, but for us, the big draw remains their Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting on Saturday, 12/7. This extra special day includes a mini tubing park sponsored by Cranmore Mountain Resort, live caroling, a holiday light show and light tunnel, and the aforementioned tree lighting to cap off the day. Might we also add, there’s a chance to win a $500 holiday shopping spree if you stick around ‘til the end?
Settlers Green Merriment Month: 11/29 - 12/24. Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting:Saturday, 12/7, 10am-4pm. Free event.
Did you know the Festival of Trees is also part of Settlers's Merriment Month? The first week of December, one and all are invited to view the 125+ unique trees, mini trees, and wreaths created by businesses and community members. A silent auction and "Community Night Celebration" with live performances and a cocktail party are also part of the festivities, and we can't wait to partake! Register today to enter your own tree in one of the best Christmas events in Mount Washington Valley.
Festival of Trees: 11/29 - 12/7, 10am - 7pm. Community Night Celebration: 12/4, 4pm - 8pm.
THE STORE & GALLERY AT WREN (Bethlehem, NH)
Local art and tidings of joy are all on display at WRENchanted Holidays, featuring the work of over 20 artists and vendors. This magical show is on display through December 27th, but we say out of any day, the opening reception is not to be missed. Mix and mingle with artists and enthusiasts alike and enjoy festive refreshmants in pursuit of that one-of-a-kind present.
Gallery opening: Friday, 11/8, 5pm - 7pm. Member show runs through Friday, 12/27.
Two great organizations have come together for one amazing artisan fair: the Holiday Craft Fair at The Rocks, hosted by WREN. Come to the little town of Bethlehem (and more specifically, the Carriage House at the historic Rocks estate) for a gathering of local artists and the wares. Did we mention there will also be wreath and christmas tree sales, plus horse-drawn wagon rides too?
Saturday, 11/23, 10am - 4pm. Free to attend. Vendor spaces still available ($100 each); contact juliab@wrenworks.org for more information.
TOWN OF LANCASTER (Lancaster, NH)
Head north of the notches to Lancaster, NH: the Lancaster Shop Hop awaits. As the name suggests, hopping from shop to shop is encouraged. Pick up a shopping passport along the way and get it stamped at each participating location. A free holiday movie at the Rialto Theater is also in the works, so stay tuned!
Saturday, 11/30. Event starts at 10am.
Other Holiday Experiences
Back to Top of ListBALANCED ROCK BODYWORKS (Lincoln, NH)
Treat yourself to a Holiday Open House at Balanced Rock Bodyworks. This Lincoln, NH spa is offering door prizes, refreshements, and trivia, as well as an all natural peppermint body scrub to take home as a special Christmas treat.
Sunday, 12/1, 12 - 4pm.
CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS (Moultonborough, NH)
You’ll be humming “deck the (castle) halls” long after your holiday visit to Castle in the Clouds. This historic estate set high in the Ossipee mountains is hosting Christmas at the Castle, and 2024’s Home for the Holidays theme is sure to delight. View the elegantly decorated rooms sponsored by local businesses, enjoy the Artisan Fair in the nearby Carriage House, and even make a day of it with onsite dining at the Carriage House Restaurant and photos with Santa.
Christmas at the Castle (2024 Dates): 11/23 & 11/24, 11/30 & 12/1,12/7. 10:00am – 4:00pm each day. Adults: $25. Youth (ages 5 - 17): $15. 4 & Under: Free. Tickets will be sold in advance online and in person at the Carriage House until 3 pm each day of the event. Purchased tickets are redeemable for any day of Christmas at the Castle this year.
FRANCONIA INN (Franconia, NH)
“Dashing through the snow”….you know how it goes. Add a one-horse open sleigh ride to your Christmas plans this season, and you will fall in love with the winter wonderland that is the White Mountains in a brand new, breathtaking way. Want a ride? Call the Franconia Inn for more information on this can’t-miss experience made possible thanks to one truly beautiful Belgian draft horse.
30-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride. $160 per sleigh (which holds up to 4 adults). Complimentary hot cocoa included. Add on a champagne toast for an additional fee. Rides are dependent on snow. Call 603-823-5542 to make a reservation.
FOUR YOUR PAWS ONLY (North Conway, NH)
Bring your four-legged pal to Four Your Paws Only to get their picture taken this holiday season! Prep for sending out Christmas cards with a holiday portrait session in early November, or get a special pet photo with Santa Paws (with proceeds benefiting the Conway Area Humane Society) come December.
Holiday Portraits: Sunday, 11/3, 10am - 3pm. Starting at $10. | Photos with Santa Paws: Sunday, 12/8, 12pm - 3pm. $10 per photo. A special bag of holiday treats and a hard copy of your pets photo in a frame is included.
PRESIDENTIAL MOUNTAIN RETREAT (Bethlehem, NH)
Presidential Mountain Retreat is taking part in the Christmas in Bethlehem festivities in their own special way with a Cookies and Inn Tour! Visit one of their cabins and enjoy complementary cookies on your way into town.
Saturday, 12/7, 12 - 2pm.
RIVERWALK RESORT AT LOON MOUNTAIN (Lincoln, NH)
Cookies, cocoa, and Santa – we dare you to name a more iconic trio. If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Lincoln, NH on Saturday, 12/7, make your way to RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain for some games, treats, and Santa visits. Bonus points if you bring your letter to Santa do drop in the North Pole Letter Box!
Saturday, 12/7, 5pm – 7pm. Free event open to the public. Located in the Owners Club.
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT (Bretton Woods, NH)
Looking for Christmas tree lightings in the White Mountains? The Omni Mount Washington Resort is hosting their annual lighting of a 12-foot Christmas tree the last Saturday of November, and you're invited! Get in the holiday spirit with merry music and holiday treats, and enjoy the special way Omni Lights Up the Holidays.
Saturday, 11/30, 5 - 8pm. Free event.
In addition to their special tree lighting in Bretton Woods, the Omni is also hosting The Magic of Holidays every Friday through Sunday in December. Enjoy holiday decorations across the resort and seasonal acitivities for guests like visits with Santa and gingerbread house decorating. For more information, visit the Omni's website.
Fridays - Sundays throughout December 2024.
SEVEN BIRCHES WINERY (Lincoln, NH)
Seven Birches Winery is hosting a series of Handcrafted Holiday sessions in the lead up to Christmas (for more information on that, head to our Events Calendar), but their Charcuterie Making and Wine Tasting is serendipitous timing indeed if you're planning a holiday party. Learn the art of charcuterie and enjoy a cozy, relaxed winery atmosphere as you sample wine tasting flights; at the end, you can ttake home your own board!
Thursday, 12/19 at 5pm. $70 per person. For more information, visit Seven Birches's website.
