The most wonderful time of the year is here, and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is getting into the holiday spirit!

With twinkling lights, festive markets, Christmas concerts, and plenty of opportunities to visit with Santa, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition, check a few names off your holiday shopping list, or simply soak up a little Christmas cheer, you’ll find plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

We’ve rounded up some of the best holiday events and seasonal festivities happening throughout the Lakes Region and beyond in November and December 2026. Grab your calendar, gather your favorite people, and let the holiday fun begin!

Christmas at the castle – castle in the clouds

When: November 20–22, November 28–29, and December 5–6, 2026 (select events and times)

Where: Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, NH

There’s something extra magical about Christmas at a castle! This beloved holiday tradition returns to Castle in the Clouds, where the historic Lucknow Mansion gets dressed up for the season with beautiful decorations created by local businesses.

The festivities begin with a special Preview Party on November 20, featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, carolers, and an Artisan Fair. On select weekends, families can explore the decorated mansion, shop for locally made gifts, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with Santa. For an extra-special experience, book a Twilight Tour to see Lucknow Mansion illuminated by holiday lights as the sun goes down.

Event Details:

• Preview Party: November 20, 4–7 p.m. ($100 per person)
• Christmas at the Castle: November 21–22, November 28–29, and December 5–6, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ($25 adults, $15 ages 5–17, free ages 4 and under)
• Twilight Tours: November 21–22, November 28–29, and December 5–6, 3–5:30 p.m. ($50 per person; advance online tickets required)

Get Tickets

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS AT PRESCOTT FARM

When: November 21–December 19, 2026 (select Saturdays)

Where: Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, NH

Get creative this holiday season with a series of hands-on workshops at Prescott Farm! Whether you’re hoping to make something special for your home or try your hand at a traditional seasonal craft, these workshops offer a fun way to slow down and enjoy a little holiday creativity.

Start with handmade pies just in time for Thanksgiving, then return in December to create nature-inspired ornaments, festive winter wreaths, or handcrafted bayberry candles. You might even come away with a new holiday tradition!

Workshop Schedule:

• November 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Handmade Pies
• December 5, 10 a.m.–noon: Nature-Based Geodesic Mobile Ornaments
• December 5, noon–3 p.m.: Winter Wreath Making
• December 12, noon–3 p.m.: Winter Wreath Making
• December 19, 1–3 p.m.: Bayberry Candle Making

GIFT OF LIGHTS AT NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

When: November 26, 2026–January 3, 2027

Where: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106 N, Loudon, NH

Turn up the Christmas music, pile into the car, and get ready for a dazzling holiday adventure! Gift of Lights returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway with its popular drive-through light show, bringing a little extra sparkle to the season.

Perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves a good holiday light display, this festive experience lets you enjoy the magic of Christmas without ever leaving the warmth of your car. The display is open nightly throughout the season, so there’s plenty of time to make it part of your holiday plans.

Hours:

• Sunday–Thursday: 4:30–9 p.m.
• Friday–Saturday: 4:30–10 p.m.
• December 20–27: 4:30–10 p.m. nightly

Get Tickets

SANTA EXPRESS TRAINS – GRANITE STATE RAILWAY

When: November 27–December 23, 2026 (select dates and times)

Where: Granite State Railway, 64 Railroad Street, Lincoln, NH

All aboard for a Christmas adventure! The Santa Express Train invites families to enjoy a festive 60-minute journey through New Hampshire’s winter woods, complete with twinkling decorations, Christmas music, chocolate chip cookies, and cheerful elves.

As the train travels along the Pemigewasset River, little passengers can look forward to a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. With opportunities to share Christmas wishes and capture a few memorable family photos, it’s a holiday experience that’s sure to delight kids of all ages.

Train Schedule:

• November 27: Noon and 2 p.m.
• Fridays in December: 2 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays: Noon and 2 p.m.
• December 22–23: 2 p.m.

Get Tickets

Advance reservations are required. Premier, First-Class, and Coach seating options are available.

TREES & TRIMMINGS EXHIBIT – REMICK COUNTRY DOCTOR MUSEUM & FARM

When: November 28–December 24, 2026 (Thursdays–Saturdays)

Where: Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, Tamworth, NH

Take a trip down memory lane with a little old-fashioned Christmas cheer at Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm! The annual Trees & Trimmings Exhibit fills the Museum Center with beautifully decorated trees, vintage ornaments, miniature holiday villages, and nostalgic decorations that celebrate Christmas traditions through the years.

Discover the history of glass ornaments, admire the holiday touches throughout Doc and Marion’s mid-century apartment, and enjoy seasonal music as you explore. Don’t forget to stop by the outdoor pens to wish the farm’s newest goats and working steers a Merry Christmas!

Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. The museum will also host a Holiday Open House on December 5, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., featuring a Victorian Christmas card-making workshop with the Arts Council of Tamworth. Pre-registration is required for the workshop.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWS – BROOKFORD FARM

When: November 28–29, December 5–6, and December 12–13, 2026, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: Brookford Farm, Canterbury, NH

Who says Christmas celebrations are just for people? At Brookford Farm, the cows are getting in on the holiday fun, too!

Inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets of Dresden, Christmas with the Cows brings festive cheer to the farm with caroling, tractor rides, a cozy bonfire, and plenty of hands-on activities for the whole family. Browse specialty gifts, make your own candles or wreaths, and treat yourself to farm-fresh food, including German favorites like goulash, bratwurst, and Dresdner Stollen. It’s a unique way to celebrate the season while enjoying fresh country air.

Admission: $14 for ages 13+ and $9 for ages 4–12 when purchased online; $15 and $10 at the door, respectively. Children 3 and under are free. No pets permitted.

More Information: Brookford Farm

LOON CENTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

When: November 28, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Where: The Loon Center, 183 Lee’s Mill Road, Moultonborough, NH

Looking for a little free family fun this holiday season? The Loon Center is opening its doors for a festive Holiday Open House filled with activities for all ages!

Little ones can meet St. Nick, make loon-themed holiday crafts, and watch colorful creations come to life at the balloon-twisting station. Horse-drawn wagon rides and seasonal refreshments add to the fun, making this a lovely opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer together.

Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.

CELEBRATE LACONIA LIGHTS FESTIVAL

When: November 28, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m.

Where: Downtown Laconia, NH

Downtown Laconia is getting all dressed up for the holidays, and everyone’s invited to celebrate! The annual Celebrate Laconia Lights Festival brings a full day of festive activities, local shopping, delicious food, and holiday entertainment to the heart of the city.

Kick things off with the Santa Shuffle 5K Run/Walk benefiting the Greater NH Children’s Auction, then spend the afternoon exploring the Christkindl Mart, grabbing a bite from local food trucks, and enjoying family-friendly activities throughout downtown. The celebration continues with the Holiday Parade at 4:30 p.m., while the City on the Lakes Holiday Walk keeps the seasonal spirit going with decorated trees through early January.

Event Highlights:

• Santa Shuffle 5K Run/Walk: 9 a.m.
• Christkindl Mart: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Food Court on Canal Street: Beginning at 11 a.m.
• Lights Festival Holiday Parade: 4:30 p.m.
• City on the Lakes Holiday Walk: November 28–January 2

HOLIDAYS AT THE LAKE ESTATE ON WINNISQUAM

When: December 1–11, 2026 (select dates and times)

Where: The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, NH

The holiday season is looking especially festive at The Lake Estate on Winnisquam! Throughout December, the estate is welcoming guests for a series of seasonal celebrations, creative workshops, and special experiences.

Gather in the Grand Lobby for the lighting of the indoor Christmas tree, complete with live music, hot chocolate, and cookies. Treat yourself to a little pre-holiday relaxation at Spalidays, with mini spa experiences, seasonal refreshments, and festive shopping. Or get creative with a winter-themed Sip & Paint evening and a Sugar Cookie Decorating Workshop led by Chef Emilee Viaud.

Event Schedule:

• December 1, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Indoor Tree Lighting
• December 2: Spalidays at The Lake Estate
• December 3: Spa Talk Luncheon
• December 4, 4–6 p.m.: Sip & Paint ($85 per person)
• December 4, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting featuring the Belmont High School Band
• December 11, 6–8 p.m.: Sugar Cookie Decorating Workshop ($75 per person)

More Information: The Lake Estate

603 WINTER FUN FESTIVAL & FESTIVAL OF TREES

When: December 5–6, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Where: Belknap Marketplace, Belmont, NH

Shop local, spread some holiday cheer, and support a wonderful cause at the 603 Winter Fun Festival! Hosted by 603 United, this two-day celebration combines a Winter Craft Fair with a festive Festival of Trees, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to find unique gifts and enjoy the season.

Browse handmade creations from local artisans and small businesses, then admire beautifully decorated Christmas trees filled with decorations and special prizes. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to take home an entire tree, with proceeds benefiting 603 United’s inclusive social programs for adults with and without intellectual disabilities.

The Festival of Trees raffle drawing takes place Sunday, December 6, at 2 p.m.

CATCH A HOLIDAY SHOW IN THE LAKES REGION

Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit quite like a holiday performance! From classic Christmas stories and beloved seasonal music to lively concerts and family-friendly entertainment, theaters and performance venues throughout the Lakes Region and surrounding communities have a festive lineup in store for 2026.

Whether you’re planning a date night, a family outing, or an evening with friends, there’s a show for just about everyone.

The Colonial Theatre, Laconia, NH

The Colonial Theatre is bringing an impressive lineup of holiday entertainment to downtown Laconia, with everything from The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol to festive orchestral performances and seasonal concerts.

• November 22, 5 p.m.: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
• November 29, 4:30 p.m.: Safe Haven Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
• December 3, 7:30 p.m.: Sara Evans: Holiday Road Tour
• December 4, 7:30 p.m.: Lúnasa: Irish Winter Solstice Celebration
• December 5, 7 p.m.: Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops!
• December 10–13: Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative Presents A Christmas Carol
• December 12, 7:30 p.m.: Fezziwig’s After Dark
• December 15, 7 p.m.: Hometown Holiday Concert
• December 17, 7:30 p.m.: Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas Caravan
• December 18, 7:30 p.m.: Canadian Brass: Wonderful Time of the Year
• December 20, 5 p.m.: Irish Christmas in America

Hermit Woods Winery, Meredith, NH 

Pair your holiday entertainment with a visit to Hermit Woods Winery, where intimate musical performances bring a festive soundtrack to the season.

• November 29, 5:30 p.m.: Heather Pierson’s Charlie Brown Christmas
• December 3, 7 p.m.: Christmas with the Christine Fawson Quartet
• December 10, 7 p.m.: Vintage Vocal Quartet Holiday Show

Lakeport Opera House, Laconia, NH

The historic Lakeport Opera House is getting into the holiday spirit with two festive performances perfect for a seasonal night out.

• December 4, 7 p.m.: Jingle Bell Jive
• December 19, 2 p.m.: A Holiday Concert with Clay Cook

Capital Center for the Arts, Concord, NH

Just beyond the Lakes Region, the Capital Center for the Arts offers even more holiday entertainment, with seasonal concerts, family-friendly performances, and classic Christmas favorites at the BNH Stage and Swope Theater.

• November 17, 7 p.m.: An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story
• November 27, 4:30 p.m.: Safe Haven Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
• November 29, 2 p.m.: Sister’s Christmas Catechism
• December 6, 3 p.m.: NH Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert
• December 12, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Dan & Claudia Zanes Holiday Sing-A-Long
• December 13, 2 p.m.: A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas
• December 15, 7:30 p.m.: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
• December 17, 7 p.m.: Buzz Ball
• December 19, 11 a.m.: Mr. Aaron’s Holiday Bash
• December 20, 3 p.m.: Capital Jazz Orchestra: Holiday Pops
• December 20, 4 p.m.: Safe Haven Ballet Presents How the Grinch Stole Christmas

MAKE THE MOST OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE LAKES REGION

There’s no better time to experience the warmth, charm, and holiday traditions of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. With so many festive happenings on the calendar, you might just find yourself starting a few new traditions of your own!

Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or celebrating close to home, we hope you’ll make time for a little seasonal fun. Explore more things to see and do throughout the Lakes Region.