You don’t have to travel to the North Pole or search the Candy Cane Forest to find ways to celebrate the holiday season in the Lakes Region!
Year after year, annual events and brand-new experiences pack the calendar – from dazzling light displays to visits with Santa and classic live performances, there’s no shortage of holiday magic around here. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite ways to kick off the festive season and get the whole family in the spirit.
Get In The Spirit
Christmas at Castle in the Clouds
Castle in the Clouds’ annual Christmas tradition is back! See the historic Lucknow Mansion transform into a winter wonderland, complete with an Artisan Fair, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and vintage trolley rides to the Carriage House Restaurant. The event kicks off on Friday, November 21, with a preview party from 4 to 7 p.m., and continues through the weekends of November 22-23, November 29-30, and December 6-7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Purchase your tickets online in advance.
Christmas with the Cows at Brookford Farm
Ever wanted to carol with cows, build a gnome home, or shop for unique gifts from a classic German Christmas market? At Brookford Farm’s annual holiday event, you can do all that — and more! — in one spot. Also on offer: candle-making, wreath decorating, family photo shoots, and, of course, plenty of farm-fresh foods to savor. The German-inspired holiday event takes place over three weekends (November 29-30, December 6-7, and December 13-14) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Loon Center Holiday Open House
This season’s free-to-enter Holiday Open House at the Loon Center features festive entertainment for all ages on Saturday, November 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Horse and wagon rides, holiday crafts, seasonal refreshments, special event savings in the gift shop, and a visit from jolly old St. Nick himself are sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit.
holiday workshops at prescott farm
This Laconia farm is hosting an array of festive workshops for the holidays. From a holiday yeast breads baking experience and a felted ornament workshop (both held on November 15) to multiple winter wreath-making classes, there’s an experience for everyone. See their website for all event details and to sign up for the workshop of your choice.
Shop Local With Meredith Landing Real Estate
One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit? Shopping, of course! From November 28 through December 14, visit participating retail shops around Meredith and Center Harbor and keep an eye out for a key-themed sign. Then, you’ll discover entry instructions for the chance to win a gift basket, piled high with goodies from local stores! The drawing will be held on December 15 at Meredith Landing Real Estate along Daniel Webster Highway.
603 Winter Fun Festival
The Belknap Marketplace is decking the halls and dressing up in its holiday best for a weekend of unmissable festive fun! From December 5 through 7, the retail center is combining two of its most popular winter events — the Festival of Trees and Christmas Craft Fair — into one winter wonderland. The mall will be filled with twinkling lights, decorated trees, handmade holiday gifts, and bake-sale treats. Santa’s helpers will even be on hand to ensure a memorable, cheerful holiday outing.
Hypnotizing Lights
Laconia Lights Festival
Get in the holiday spirit with Laconia’s Lights Festival, opening November 29! The full day of festivities kicks off at 9 a.m. with a Santa Shuffle 5K Run/Walk, and the holiday cheer continues at noon with a food court pop-up along Canal Street and kid-friendly activities at The Mill — where you’ll find great food, fun, and the chance to decorate your tree. Then, be sure to end the celebrations at the Lights Festival Holiday Parade, starting at 5 p.m., to see festive floats and twinkling lights decorating the city.
New Hampshire Motor Speedway Gift of Lights
Drive through 2.5 miles of dazzling Christmas light displays at this family-friendly holiday favorite! Now in its 15th season, the event will feature a 150-foot Tunnel of Light, toys, and holiday scenes like the 12 Days of Christmas, and more. Admire over 25,000 lights, make s’mores over open fire pits, and join the Yule Light Up the Night Run/Walk on December 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The display will be on view from November 27 through January 4 — enter at NHMS’s South Entrance.
Catch a show
The Nutcracker
Want to incorporate a Christmas classic into your holiday plans? The full-length ballet of The Nutcracker comes to The Colonial Theatre of Laconia and the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord this holiday season! See the acclaimed ballet in Laconia on Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m., or catch a show on Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. in Concord. Both performances are presented by Safe Haven Ballet and will feature the cast of characters you know and love — from Clara to the Sugar Plum Fairy.
holiday pops
The Capital Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Pops performance is a memorable annual event featuring jazz renditions of seasonal favorites and big-band holiday classics — from “Let It Snow” to “White Christmas.” The evening will be narrated by longtime New Hampshire Public Radio host Laura Knoy and will showcase vocalist CJ Poole’s rich crooning. The show takes place at Chubb Theatre in Concord on Sunday, December 14, at 4 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.).
A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story
This year, the spooky, theatrical Lakes Region tradition returns to The Colonial Theatre in Laconia on December 11-12 (7:30 p.m.) and December 12-14 (2 p.m.). Adapted by New Hampshire native Joel Mercier, “A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story” offers clever twists and turns on Dickens’ story, including frightful ghouls and special effects! Tickets range from $18 to $22.
Holiday Concerts at Hermit Woods Winery
For an evening that combines great music, food, and wine, grab tickets to one of Hermit Woods Winery’s holiday concerts. On November 30, the Conway-based Heather Pearson Jazz Trio will play their interpretation of the “A Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack, as well as additional holiday favorites. The winery is also hosting a Vintage Vocal Quartet Holiday Show on December 7, where the musical group will bring the big band era to life with a repertoire inspired by iconic artists like the Nat King Cole Trio, the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Hang Out With Santa
Granite State Railway’s Santa Express Trains
Gather the whole family to experience the magic of Christmas on this 60-minute round-trip train ride in Lincoln! Sit back, savor chocolate chip cookies, and admire the views as you’re whisked through New Hampshire’s beautiful winter woods. These magical train journeys run from November 28 through December 22. Tickets include coach, first-class, and premier options — each offering a scenic ride culminating in a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Moulton Farm’s Christmas Open House and Santa Visit
There are plenty of opportunities to visit with St. Nick this holiday season, including the Christmas Open House at Moulton Farm. Head over to the Meredith farm on December 14 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pay a visit to Father Christmas himself — and maybe pick up some seasonal foods or baked goods while you’re there.