How does New Hampshire celebrate the holidays? Let’s start with chocolate tours, holiday lights, festivals, shows and seasonal attractions! New Hampshire is a magical place this time of year and there’s no shortage of holiday events and celebrations to help get you in the spirit of the season. So gather family and friends together, and make fun-filled memories this holiday season in New Hampshire.
Please note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the following events may be subject to cancellation at any time. Please be sure to check with event organizers for complete details prior to attending any events.
Enjoy a classic Seacoast holiday tradition: Strawbery Banke’s annual Candlelight Stroll. Hundreds of candle lanterns set the open-air museum aglow, lining paths that wind through the museum’s festively decorated historic homes. Listen to holiday carols and let the scent of woodsmoke guide you to the celebratory bonfire. Explore the furnished homes and be greeted by costumed role-players who will regale the traditions of holidays in years past!
Dates: December 4th-5th, 11th-12th & 18th-19th 2021.
La Salette of Enfield will be twinkling in all things holiday when the Festival of Lights returns to the Shrine this season. This year’s theme “Mary…Uniting all Cultures!” celebrates the 175th anniversary of the September 19, 1846 apparition that was witnessed by two small shepherd children tending cows high in the French Alps. This year also marks the 70th anniversary for the Shrine’s formal dedication in 1951. This popular holiday event opens 5pm Thanksgiving Day. Look for the lights from 5pm to 9pm Wednesday through Sunday until January 2, 2022. Pending Covid Protocols there maybe concerts & Caroling, the Nativity Display, and a train display.
Dates: Wednesday through Sunday 5pm to 9pm until January 2nd. No lights Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Image over 4 million festive holiday lights all in one place. No need to image it, that’s what you’ll experience at New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights! More than 400 displays decorate the 2.5 mile long drive, where more lights than you can imagine illuminate the track and send you on a festive journey. Start your adventure by driving through the tunnel of lights! Check the schedule for days of operation when planning your trip.
Charmingfare Farm in Candia hosts an annual Christmas extravaganza where timeless traditions will please the whole family. It all starts with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Christmas Trail, which features 12 charming holiday scenes to decorate the way to the ‘North Pole!’ Santa will wait for families in the Reindeer Barn where the kid can hand off their Christmas letters and feed the live reindeer! Be sure to visit Mrs. Claus for sugar cookies and hot cocoa too!
Dates: December 3-5th, 10-12th, 17-19th and 23rd.
Simply stated, there’s something magical about visiting Santa’s Village during the holiday season. With Christmas carols heard throughout the park, the possibility of snow on the ground, and about a million lights to illuminate the park at dusk, a visit during this time of year is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from November 13 – December 19 (also open the day after Thanksgiving)
The holidays in New England are cozy and beautiful, and Portsmouth is no exception. Take a holiday tour around town, or drive through Portsmouth and its neighboring towns for Christmas lights sight-seeing and wintertime fun. Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth is a month-long celebration of the season. Join us for shows, strolls and shopping!