Top Winter Festivals in New Hampshire (2024/2025)

Winter in New Hampshire is an exciting time! First, there are loads of Thanksgiving events, packages, and activities, followed by Christmas, and then the rest of the winter festivals to enjoy the peak of the season. 

From sports and outdoor activities to snow sculpting, there’s something for everyone. Here are all the festivals we’re looking forward to this winter. Come visit! 

Planning a Trip to New Hampshire’s Winter Festivals

New Hampshire is filled with amazing winter festivals, but planning is crucial before you go. From your lodging to to weather, here are a few considerations:

• Decide which dates you’re going to New Hampshire. This may depend on your available time off or you can match your dates with the festival you want to attend. Check out New Hampshire’s event calendar for 2024 to help you decide. 
• How are you getting here? If you have time, New Hampshire has tons of scenic drives and it’ll be an excellent road trip! If you’re strapped for time, you might want to fly instead. 
• After you decide which festivals you want to attend, find nearby lodgings that can also double as a base for other activities. Check out the state’s list of lodgings from hotels to specialty lodgings such as cottages. Of course, our cozy vacation rentals at Gidana Getaways are also available to welcome you! 

Fall to Winter Crossover Festivals in New Hampshire

Saying bye to fall is always a little sad, but these festivals don’t just say bye, but they also celebrate the arrival of winter!  

New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival

Enjoy the start of winter by attending the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival in downtown Laconia. Events include live music and performances, a pumpkin carving competition, a dance party, a karaoke contest, various workshops, food trucks, face painting, and a Halloween masquerade ball. The event is held every last weekend in October and it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to fall and welcome winter. 

Keene Pumpkin Festival 

If you want something simpler, try attending the Keene Pumpkin Festival. It’s a community-based, family-friendly festival to celebrate and say goodbye to fall. The town-wide event has plenty of activities, from theater performances, pumpkin carving, street performances, trick-or-treating, and a costume parade. It’s a more rustic approach compared to the festival in Laconia and it’s held in early October. 

Annual Winter Festivals in New Hampshire

These are the major winter festivals happening this winter. 

Winter Fest Concord 

This family-friendly winter festival is filled with fun activities like outdoor skating, curling rinks, free wine tasting, and an ice carving competition. The festivities start from January 24th to 25th and were initially created to celebrate the opening of Hotel Concord, now becoming an annual event. 

You can also join the ice competition and win some cash and a free stay at the Hotel Concord. For those who prefer to stay out of the competition, check out the food trucks instead or join fun outdoor winter activities. 

Keene Ice & Snow Festival 

Another annual winter festival in New Hampshire is the Keene Ice and Snow Festival. Similar to Concord’s Winter Fest, the event’s main attraction is the ice carving competition. 

Suitable for all ages, the many unique activities include vintage train rides, roasting s’mores, scavenger hunts, and hot cocoa stations. The event will be held on 1st February 2025 this season at downtown Keene, and it’s free entrance for all visitors. 

Dartmouth Winter Carnival

If you prefer sports and active outdoor events, attend Dartmouth Winter Carnival, which first started in 1922 with the popular 50-meter ski jumping event. There’ll be a figure skating exhibition, live music, talk shows, ski races, polar plunge, human dog sled race, ice carving, parties, and refreshments throughout the festivities. 

The celebration is usually held on a weekend in February, and this season it will be from 6 to 9 February. Admission is free for Dartmouth students and children under 12 years old but US$5 for adults.

World Champion Sled Dog Derby

If you’re a dog lover, this is a must-visit festival. Held in Laconia, the first World Champion Sled Dog Derby was in 1929. The event is of international level, with mushers from all over the world competing. The race will begin in downtown Laconia to Laconia Club, the shore of Paugus Bay on Winnipesaukee, and then along Route 106 Parade Road. 

The best spot to view the race is from Parade Road, but make sure you steer clear of the trail and stay safely out of the way. This season, the event will be held from February 21 to 23, 2025. 

Candlelight Stroll Portsmouth

Held in the Strawbery Banke Museum, you’ll be stepping into the past and experiencing 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock Neighborhood. You’ll find costumed players and decorated historic houses, accompanied by hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights. 

There’s also some hot apple cider, a bonfire, and a dance performance on the pond. The event is free for members and children under 3, US$32 for adults, and US$16 for children ages 3-17. The event will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays of the first three weeks of December. 

Christmas-Themed Festivals in New Hampshire

Christmas is a magical time of the year and New Hampshire is the epitome of a white Christmas! 

Gift of Lights Loudon 

The Gift of Lights is a unique holiday where you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind drive-thru. It’s where you’ll find Christmas-themed and holiday spirit displays crafted entirely out of lights. The show takes about 45 minutes, and they’re open through all major holidays. 

This season, the show will be from November 28th, 2024, to January 25th, 2025. There’s one catch, though: you’re going to have to bring your car because tickets will be charged per vehicle. For a car, it’s US$35, and for a bus/limo/RV, it’s US$60.  

Christmas in Bethlehem

The annual festival began in 2009, and it features music, a visit from Santa and the Grinch, a bonfire, free food and drinks, and a fireworks display at night. There are also nostalgic games and entertainment for you and your family to immerse yourselves in. 

The white Christmas atmosphere with stunning views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Mountains make this festival a must-visit for traditional Christmas lovers. The penultimate event is the Illumination Parade, where floats are adorned with dazzling lights. What’s even better, this event is completely free thanks to generous donations. If you happen to be in Bethlehem on December 7th, this is the place to be.  

Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, Jackson

If you’re a fan of chocolate, this fun festival will be your dream come true. You’ll board a horse-drawn carriage from Snowflake Inn and ride through Jackson Village. Along the way, you’ll receive home-made chocolate treasures from Nestlenook Estate, Christmas Farm Inn and Spa, The Riverwood Inn, the Inn at Jackson, the Wentworth, A White Mountain Hotel, the Eagle Mountain House and Golf Club, J-Town Deli and Country Store, and the Snowflake Inn. 

The fee is US$45 for each passenger, children who don’t require extra space can ride for free. The Chocolate Tour will be held on 23 and 24 November 2024 this season. 

Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm

Take your kids to the North Pole and meet Santa at Charmingfare Farm. To reach Santa’s house, you can choose to ride on a tractor, a communal sleigh, or a private horse-drawn carriage. You’ll find Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, live reindeer, barnyard animals, campfires, a holiday gift barn, and of course - Santa’s house. 

Tickets start at US$39 per person and include sugar cookies and hot cocoa. The event starts from late November to Christmas Eve. 

Vintage Christmas, Portsmouth

Vintage Christmas was a partnership between the Strawbery Banke Museum and the Music Hall in Portsmouth. Together, they transformed the picturesque New Hampshire town into the Christmas capital of North America. 

The town-wide festivities include the holiday lights parade, gingerbread house decorating competition, musical shows, the Christmas trolley ride, market square, ice skating, shopping, and food. The event is held throughout December and it’s free for all to visit.  

Final Thoughts 

New Hampshire is a bustling hive of activity in winter, and there are loads of unique festivals to enjoy the season. If you’re thinking of a visit, drop us a note at Gidana Getaways. We love winter in our Granite State, and can’t wait to share it with you! 

FAQ

What are the best winter festivals in New Hampshire for families?

The best winter festivals for families include Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm, Christmas in Bethlehem, World Champion Sled Dog Derby in Laconia, Ice and Snow Festival in Keene, and Winter Fest in Concord. 

Where can I find unique winter activities in New Hampshire?

One unique experience is the Candlelight Stroll in Portsmouth, where you’ll be taken through decorated historic places accompanied by candles and string lights - almost like you went back 350 years. Another unique activity is the World Champion Sled Dog Derby in Laconia.  

When is the Gift of Lights in Loudon?

This season, the Gift of Lights in Loudon will start on November 28th, 2024 to January 25th, 2025

Are there any free winter festivals in New Hampshire?

Yes, you can visit Winter Fest Concord, Ice and Snow Festival in Keene, World Champion Sled Dog Derby in Laconia, Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, and Christmas in Bethlehem for free.

Is the World Champion Sled Dog Derby open to spectators?

Yes, it’s open to spectators. The best spot to watch it is from Parade Road. 

What winter festivals are near popular New Hampshire tourist attractions?

Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth gets you close to several tourist attractions, such as ski areas, nature walks, snowshoeing, and plenty of cultural activities. Another one is the Jingle Bell Tour in Jackson, which is located in the White Mountain National Forest, making it easy for you to reach outdoor winter attractions in the region. 

How can I stay updated on New Hampshire’s winter festival dates and times?

If you'd like to stay updated on the winter festival dates, try going on the state's event calendar and checking it regularly or closer to your departure dates.