Come Celebrate Thanksgiving in New Hampshire!
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Thanksgiving in New Hampshire is a magical time. Snow-covered mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the spectacular fall colors, the air is pure and crisp, and an endless array of activities await.

Whatever floats your boat this Thanksgiving, New Hampshire has it. From retail therapy and community activities to outdoor fun and intimate Thanksgiving dinners, we have it all! 

If you were looking at visiting New Hampshire this Thanksgiving, here are all of our favorite things to do! Come visit! 

1. New Hampshire Historical Thanksgiving Traditions

For a deep dive into Native American history, come to Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, where you’ll learn more about artistic expressions, traditional values, and contributions of past and contemporary Native American life. You can also participate in their fundraising auction on historical or local artworks and activities, such as beaded amulets, bison hides, and a practice with the Walking Bear singers. You can also visit the Strawbery Banke Museum to enjoy the Three Centuries of Thanksgiving multisensory show. You can meet costumed roleplayers, create a harvest craft, and explore homes from three centuries ago to see how the holiday has evolved. A museum educator will guide you through various Thanksgiving themes throughout its hundred years of existence. 

2. Thanksgiving Shopping Spree

Did you know that New Hampshire is tax-free? This is the perfect opportunity for you to find some Black Friday deals and visit local shopping spots! One popular option is Fox Run, where you can find The Mall and The Crossing. Located just outside of Portsmouth, it’s an enclosed shopping mall with many tax-free outlets. Hit up The Mall to find fashion wear such as JCPenney, LOFT, Macy’s Men’s Wearhouse, H&M, and PacSun. For electronic miscellaneous shopping, hop on over to The Crossing, where you’ll also find arts and crafts stores, sporting goods stores, electronic stores, and kitchen appliances.Another tax-free spot is the Merrimack Premium Outlets in southeast New Hampshire. They have over 100 stores that sell women's and men's fashion wear and home goods. 

3. Volunteer and Community Activities

In the mood to give a little back? Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get engaged with community activities. One option is to join the festivities at The Edgewood Centre in Portsmouth, a facility for the elderly. Another spot that’s great for volunteering is The Common Table at St. John’s Church, where you’ll be serving the local community free Thanksgiving meals for lunch. They also take in volunteers for food preparation and food donations. For more volunteering opportunities, check out the New Hampshire Food Bank and sign up for one of their events. You can also join the Shire Sharing in Manchester, where they’ll be giving out Thanksgiving meals and coats for those in need during the cold winter months. 

4. Join a Thanksgiving Run 

Too much food binging during the reason? Join one of the Thanksgiving Runs all over New Hampshire!  The Dover Turkey Trot is a hilarious 5K run where participants wear their favorite turkey-themed outfits. Another festive Turkey Trot is at the town of Hanover, where you can also join the Annual Turkey Trot Raffle and win local prizes.  

5. Local Farm Visit

Always eat local, they say. Get into the local Thanksgiving experience by visiting the many farms or the  New Hampshire Farm Museum, where you can experience 1863 Thanksgiving meals featuring a living history lunch with role players and a beautifully set Victorian parlor. Stop by the Country Store to purchase homemade and local produce, or join the Barn Scavenger Hunt where you can win prizes.  Another farm that’s worth a visit is the Stonewall Farm where you’ll find over 30 vendors displaying their produce like organic meats, vegetables, breads, jams, jellies, coffee, cheeses, herbs, and honey. Find amazing decorations for your Thanksgiving table by checking out the local artisans’ work, such as centerpieces, pottery, and wreaths. 

Thanksgiving Dinners and Celebrations

1. Enjoy a Sit-Down Dinner and Upscale Dining Experience

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a decadent Thanksgiving dining experience in one of the many top-notch restaurants across the state! In Portsmouth, the Library Restaurant is a fine dining steakhouse that has won awards for its fine dining menu. They serve Traditional Roast Turkey Dinner during Thanksgiving complete with custom floral centerpieces. 

Another option is the Adair Country Inn and Restaurant at the picturesque Bethlehem. Get their Special Prix Fixe four-course Thanksgiving feast for two that’s available for lunch and dinner bookings. With a wood stove burning and a crackling fire, the ambiance is legendary.

2. Get a Casual Buffet-Style Thanksgiving Dinner

For many, Thanksgiving might be a time to eat yourself silly. That’s when buffets come in! One popular choice is the Franconia Inn, which includes turkey, ham, traditional sides, coffee, tea, and a cozy vibe. 

If you want a buffet dinner with a more luxurious feel, try Wentworth instead in Jackson. Another option is the Covered Bridge Farm Table Thanksgiving dinner, featuring farm-to-table dishes with many gluten-free options. 

For an extensive menu, try going to the Mountain Club on Loon, which gives you plenty of sides and dessert options. 

3. To-Go Dinners for At-Home Meals

You can also enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in the peace and quiet of your own accommodation by getting a to-go dinner.  The Mountain Club on Loon offers a to-go menu that features turkey, stuffing, potatoes, mac and cheese, peas, apple pie, and chocolate pie. You can also opt for a Thanksgiving Football Kit for a more casual meal. 

Another restaurant that offers to-go dinners is Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith, offering everything from solo meals to family-sized feasts.

The Common Man is usually closed on Thanksgiving day, but the restaurant offers an amazing to-go dinner in Lincoln. It’s a complete feast with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, green beans, dinner rolls, and any special add-ons you might want.  

4. Thanksgiving Holiday Party 

Party people can head to the big bash at Portsmouth Gaslight Co. The establishment has an all-night Thanksgiving bash on their third-floor nightclub, featuring reggae, top 40s music, and an elaborate dancehall. 

Outdoor Activities 

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

Boasting over 300 miles of slopes and 128 ski lifts, New Hampshire is a paradise for the snow sports enthusiast. Whether you’re a serious shredder or a complete beginner, there’s going to be a slope for you. 

The best places to ski and snowboard would be the Bretton Woods Ski Area, the largest area with 464 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding. Another popular resort is Cannon Mountain with the highest ski area summit in the state and diverse terrain across two mountains. Be warned, Cannon is not for the faint-hearted! 

Lastly, try out Gunstock Mountain for its night skiing under the stars. You can also go tubing or snowshoeing on one of the many well-lit trails. 

2. Dog Sledding

If you’ve ever wanted to mush dogs, New Hampshire has many operators with well-trained, enthusiastic pooches that are just longing for a run. 

Muddy Paw takes you around the Jefferson area in the White Mountains, New England Dogsledding is in Colebrook, and Northern Exposure Outfitters is in Milan, Coos County. From introductory outings to half-day clinics and mushing your own team, there’s something for everyone. 

3. Snowmobiling

New Hampshire has over 7,000 miles of snowmobiling trails! Try the Lake Sunapee Club, which features 85 miles of trails around Bradford, Newbury, and Sunapee. You can also go to the Attitash Mountain Village for a ride around the White Mountains National Forest trail. 

Thanksgiving Hotel Packages

1. Omni Mount Washington Resort

Join the Thanksgiving celebration at the Omni Mount Washington Resort for a full weekend, where you’ll be entertained with live music, a buffet dinner, a craft station, football watching at the Cave, and the Great Turkey Hunt game. 

2. Wentworth Inn

The Wentworth Inn offers a two-night Thanksgiving package complete with a gourmet holiday feast. The dinner features a multi-course meal and gourmet desserts. The Inn also provides snowshoes, ice skating, and passes for nearby ski areas. 

3. Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa  

If you’re celebrating with family, get the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa Family Package. The package features spacious accommodations and a US$200 resort credit that you can use on meals, spa treatments, and exciting outdoor adventures with your family. 

Final Thoughts 

Thinking about heading our way? We, at Gidana Getaways, love New Hampshire, especially in the fall. Drop us a note and let us know how we can help make your Thanksgiving an extra special one! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best places to visit in New Hampshire during Thanksgiving?

Some of the best places to visit are Bretton Woods Ski Area for outdoor activities, Portsmouth for holiday celebration and volunteering opportunities, and Strawbery Banke Museum for a historical role play during Thanksgiving.  

2. Where can I find family-friendly Thanksgiving activities in New Hampshire?

You can try going dog sledding at Jefferson or Milan, skiing and snowboarding at one of the many ski resorts, or visiting a local farm like Stonewall Farm to find fresh produce and fun, family-friendly festivities.  

3. Which restaurants offer Thanksgiving to-go dinners in New Hampshire?

Restaurants that offer to-go dinners on Thanksgiving include the Mountain Club on Loon, Hart’s Turkey Farm, and the Common Man. 

4. What outdoor activities are available in New Hampshire during Thanksgiving?

Some outdoor activities you can enjoy in New Hampshire include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating, dog sledding, zip lining, and snowmobiling.

5. What are the top Thanksgiving dinner spots in the White Mountains?

For a sit-down dinner at the White Mountains, try Adair Country Inn and Restaurant. For buffet-style dinners, try the Franconia Inn, the Wentworth, Covered Bridge Farm Table, or the Mountain Club on Loon. 

6. What are the top community volunteer events for Thanksgiving in New Hampshire?

You can try volunteering at the Edgewood Centre for the elderly, distributing meals at the Common Table at St. John’s Church, cooking and preparing foods at the New Hampshire Food Bank, or the Shire Sharing event. 

7. Which locations offer Thanksgiving packages and holiday events?

Many resorts like Omni Mount Washington Resort and Wentworth Inn offer Thanksgiving packages that include accommodation, activities, and feasts. 

8. Where can I find traditional Thanksgiving feasts in New Hampshire?

Find traditional feasts at the New Hampshire Farm Museum, where you can try a traditional 1863 Thanksgiving feast, including role players and a Victorian setting.