santa visits portsmouth

Santa Claus will ride through Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth in annual event

It takes more than COVID to keep Santa down. 

Jolly Old St. Nick will be roving through Aquidneck Island neighborhoods on a trailer again this December, accompanied by music, lights and (if you’ve been good) treats.

In Newport, Santa’s Ride Through the Neighborhoods is scheduled for December 7, 9, 14 and 16 starting at 5 p.m.; watch for route updates on the Newport RI Fire Department Facebook page.

Santa will be visiting Middletown weekdays from December 6 to 17 starting at 5 p.m., sharing good cheer (and projectile candy canes). For route information, check the Facebook pages for Town of Middletown, RI or Middletown RI Firefighters Local 1933 .

Santa’s socially distanced cruise through the streets of Portsmouth lasts eight days (in honor of Hanukkah, perhaps?) and begins between 5:30 and 6 p.m. nightly, starting December 1. (No tour on Sunday.) For updates, visit Santa’s Tour - Portsmout h on Facebook, where you’ll also find numbered maps corresponding to each night’s tour. 

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Where To See Santa In Portsmouth This Christmas Season

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Portsmouth families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. Around Rhode Island, kids have several chances to see Santa: Providence Place pictures with Santa: You can book a reservation for Santa pictures for your child, or even your pet. Breakfast with Santa: Dave & Buster's at Providence Place will hold a breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. Dec. 10. Sing-along with Santa: Bring the whole family to Blithewold in...

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Joyful Holiday Events in Portsmouth, Virginia

November 11, 2021.

Join the Festivities November 19-December 31, 2021

Bring the whole family out to the holiday celebrations in Portsmouth.  In this article, learn more about special events and activities, shopping specials, musical events, events for adults only, and even what’s planned for New Year’s Eve.

Annual Tree Lighting – November 19

This festive holiday event kicks off the season.  The Holiday Tree Lighting includes Sugar Plum Fairies dancing, a message from Father Christmas, carols from the Olde Towne Arts & Music Children’s Chorus, and even a little snow!  It all takes place on the Middle Street Mall at 5:30 p.m.

Olde Towne Holiday Open House & Crafter’s Market – November 19

More Ways to Shop

Peace & Grind Wellness, at 313 High Street, will be hosting a community shopping event with other local business from 10am-3pm and 5pm-10pm on November 27 th .  There will be doorbusters and other freebies available!  Then, come back to Peace & Grind December 21-23 from 10am-8pm for a holiday-themed Winter Market.  Arts, crafts, and gift wrapping services will be available as well!  Decorate a gingerbread man or make your own DIY Christmas ornaments.

Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday and Museum Store Sunday

Every day is Shop Small in Portsmouth.  While we love our Walmart, Lowes, Kroger Marketplace, and other big box stores, Portsmouth is really known for its small boutiques, antique, and specialty stores.  These are the places where you often find the owners behind the counter and where families depend on you shopping local this year.  The Olde Towne merchants have come together to make Shop Small Staurday a special event.  Skip those Black Friday crowds and ENJOY Shop Small Saturday in Olde Towne Portsmouth! Look for the Olde Towne Business Association tent at the Portsmouth Welcome Center. The first 50 shoppers will get a swag bag. Mary Veale and the Colonials will provide strolling historic interpreters. We will have holiday music including a violinist. The KOMI Art Market will be set up with local artists on the corner of High & Court Streets.  troll our brick sidewalks and visit our 16 beautifully decorated shops. Treat yourself to a relaxing lunch or dinner in one of our 26 chef-owned restaurants! Come join us in celebrating the places we love!

On Museum Shop Sunday , the local musuem shops will offer 25% off to members and 15% off to the general public.  You can shop the Children’s Museum of Virginia Gift Shop, The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum Gift Shop, and the Portsmouth Welcome Center’s Gift Shop to receive this special discount.  Just a hint, if you shop small Saturday and stop by one of these gift shops, you can still get the discount.

Shopping for the Kids (No Parents Allowed)

Special Exhibits and Activities

Over at Monumental Methodist Church on Dinwiddie Street, the the Coleman Collection’s very special Nativity Scene is on display.  The exhibit is open for the Olde Towne Open House on November 19th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.   Regular viewing is on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. starting November 27th and closing on December 19th.

Inside the Children’s Museum of Virginia, don’t miss the special Holiday Planetarium Show called Santa’s Secret Star.  The show airs Wednesday through Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2:15 p.m, with a special showing on Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m.  In addition to the show, the Children’s Museum of Virignia offers a number of holiday themed workshops throughout the holiday season.  Look for information on the website .

Multicultural Holdiays

Joyful Holiday Musical Events

On December 3 rd at 7:30pm, the Tidewater Concert Band performs holiday music at Churchland High School for the 50 th year!  Tickets are $25 per person.  The concert is sponsored by Portsmouth Community Concerts , and organization dedicated to music and music education since 1938.  Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Last but not least, Portsmouth’s signature holiday event is the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival taking palce from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. on and around High Street on December 11th.   The event features performances by the Rhondels, Southsie Community Concert Band, Dixieland Strollers, Colonial Carolers, Michael Clark Band, Better by Tuesday, the Doorway Singers, Tidewater Concert Band, and many more.  You’ll find entertainmern on the streets, in the shops and restaurants, and even in the historic churches.  There’s a kids area and marshmellow roasting stations on the corners.

Fo Adults Only

New Year’s Eve Traditions

New Years Eve for kids

Countdown to Noon at the Children’s Museum of Virginia starts at 11 a.m. and  while the ball drops at noon, the kids are entertained with projects and activities until 2.

Make sure to check back with our events page for the latest information here .

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Where To Find Santa Claus On Seacoast This Weekend

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Santa Claus will be traveling across the Seacoast this weekend in order to plan his route for Christmas Eve.

Here's where you'll find the big man as he visits various cities and towns this weekend:

Santa Claus is planning to be in Portsmouth on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., touring various neighborhoods along with the Portsmouth Fire Department.

Rumor is that Santa Claus has taken an interest in the Portsmouth Holiday Lights contest and will be making a point to check out some festive decorations.

In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, Santa Claus will postpone his visit to Sunday.

After visiting Portsmouth, Santa Claus is expected to take a stroll around Dover alongside Dover Fire & Rescue from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday.

The City of Dover recommends listening for the fire truck; it may mean Santa Claus is headed your way!

Santa Claus will also be in Kittery beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

How can he possibly be in two places at once, you ask? How do you think he gets everything done on Christmas Eve?

Do you know of any other Seacoast municipalities where Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance this weekend? Let us know!

From there, Santa Claus will take his annual ride through Seabrook beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the Seabrook Fire Department.

Santa Claus will also be making some appearance at the toy drive for the Seacoast Area Firefighters Toy Bank out of Rye.

CHECK THEM OUT: 100 years of Christmas toys, gifts and fads

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Community Corner

Plan your weekend: santa visits, spirit of christmas at st. philomena, happy friday there are holiday happenings everywhere you look in and around portsmouth this weekend. here are five things to get you started on the fun, but make sure you check our complete patch calendar of events for more ideas, mary alexandre , patch staff.

• It should be a nice weekend ahead for you to enjoy all the festivities with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching the low 50s, says the National Weather Service .
• The Common Fence Music Series features The Spring Standards, a Brooklyn-based indie trio, on Saturday night. Doors open at 7 pm; the show starts at 8 pm.  
• Santa is a busy guy this weekend, visiting around Portsmouth each evening, and Santa and Mrs. Claus stopping at the United Methodist Church Saturday to visit and take pictures with the children.
• Find the Spirit of Christmas at St. Philomena School this Saturday, with nearly 50 vendors and artists showcasing their work at an art and craft fair.
• If you feel like traveling out of town to see some holiday spirit, this Sunday is Bristol's Christmas Festival , with activities all day long starting with a Breakfast With Santa event at the high school, culminating in the tree lighting festivities in the evening, downtown. It's also the annual Ben Wilkie Tree Spree in Little Compton on Sunday, with dozens of theme decorated trees to view and family activities planned. The Little Compton Children's theatre presents holiday performances of The Bremen Town Musicians , and Tiverton's tree lighting is also this weekend.

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Where To See Santa In Hampshire 2023

Wondering where to see Santa In Hampshire? There are some great Santa’s Grottos and different experiences with Santa in Hampshire for 2023 if you’re looking for places to see the big man.

Hayling Island Winter Wonderland

The Seafront, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0AG

Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 14th – 24th December 2023

Hayling Winter Wonderland has over 40 displays featuring animations and hand crafted scenes. You can even walk through Gingerbread Town. There are over 3 miles of lights and tonnes of snow to create the most magical Christmas experience in Hampshire. 

Visit Father Christmas in his house and receive an early Christmas Gift

More information

Santa At The Brickworks Museum

Swanwick Lane, Bursledon, SO31 7HB

Date: 26th November 2023 – Brickworks Christmas Festival

Date: 10th December 2023 – Children’s Christmas Special

Father Christmas will be taking a couple of days out from his very busy December schedule and arriving at the Brickworks Museum to hand out gifts to his smallest fans. Bring the family, bring the dog and enjoy the magic of Christmas at the Brickworks.

Father Christmas At Marwell Zoo

Dates: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 23rd 2023

Visit Marwell Zoo on selected dates in December to meet Father Christmas in his festive woodland cabin. Tickets for Father Christmas must be purchased on the night at his cabin and cannot be booked online in advance.

Santa At Milestones Museum

Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG

Dates: 2nd – 23rd December 2023

See Santa in his festive grotto deep in the heart of Milestones to receive a very special Christmas gift.

Breakfast With Santa At Harvester Restaurants

Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 21st – 24th December 2023

Why not enjoy breakfast with Santa at your local Harvester. He’s making his way on his sleigh from the North Pole specially to spend time with you and your little ones and he can’t wait to see them and enjoy a breakfast together.

Santa is a busy man, so he’ll be appearing on selected dates in December. Pre-booking is essential.

A Christmas to remember from £9.99 per child and £10.99 on Christmas Eve. Local Harvester restaurants in Hampshire include :-

• The Ham Farm , Twyford Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4LF
• Harvester Swan Centre , Unit L1B, The Swan Centre, Wells Place, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5FX
• Whiteley Shopping Centre , Unit E1-E2, Whiteley Shopping Centre, Fareham Hampshire, PO15 7LJ
• The Buccaneer , 14 The Avenue, Fareham, Hampshire,  PO14 1NS
• The Stag And Hounds , Winchester Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 6HN

Breakfast With Santa At Toby Carvery Restaurants

For just £9.99 (£10.99 on Christmas Eve), your little one’s can meet Father Christmas, and enjoy a cooked breakfast and a juice!

Santa’s sleigh will be visiting on selected dates in December from 9:30am. Pre-booking is essential.

Toby Carvery restaurants in Hampshire include:-

• Bishopstoke , Fair Oak Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 6LD
• Hilsea , Copnor Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5HS

Ember Inns Breakfast With Santa

The Village Inn, 67 Botley Road, Southampton, SO31 1AZ

Join Santa for breakfast on selected dates in December. 2022 dates TBA

All children receive a small gift from Santa as well as enjoying their breakfast. The cost is £6.99.

Visit Santa At Dobbies Garden Centre

There are some great opportunities to meet Santa in Hampshire at Dobbies Garden Centres. There’s the traditional Santa’s grotto, as well as a quiet grotto for children with additional needs.

You can also enjoy afternoon tea with Santa in Hampshire and breakfast with Santa too. Also if you wish to include your dog, then there are opportunities to enjoy a Santa Paws visit as well.

Dobbies Garden Centres in Hampshire include

• Havant – Barton’s Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5NA
• Andover – Salisbury Road Andover SP11 7DN
• Cadnam – Southampton Road Cadnam SO40 2NB

Santa Cruises On The Basingstoke Canal

Dates: 28th November – 23rd December 2023

Aboard the boat Rosebud, you’ll take a gentle cruise to the start of the tinsel trail in the woods. Then it’s time to follow the trail to find Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special gift!

Cruise back to the Centre and head into Santa’s Workshop for Christmas colouring activities, warm drinks & mince pies for all.

Spaces can be purchased either over the phone on 01252 370073 or in person at the Canal Centre.

Christmas Canoe Paddle

Bailey’s Hard, Bailey’s Hard Lane, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YF

Dates: 9th, 10th, 16th – 23rd December 2023

Join New Forest Activities for a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa this Christmas. Enjoy a 90 minute guided tour of the river’s beautiful nature reserve, with the river offering up some of its more stunning sights on a fresh Winter’s day.

You’ll set sail in stable and safe, Canadian style canoes with the added excitement that you’ll be meeting Santa on the river in his boat full of Christmas gifts! All children will receive a gift from Santa and there’ll be toasty hot chocolate available to keep you warm. Great for all ages from 18 months and upwards, all equipment provided. 

Breakfast With Santa At The Spinnaker Tower

Dates: 2023 TBC

Santa returns to the Spinnaker Tower this Christmas and he’s tucking into breakfast to make sure he’s full of energy for a busy day of festive preparations. Join him and his elves in the Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar for some festive fun!

Families will enjoy a continental style breakfast, served in the spacious Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar overlooking the bustling harbour and hosted by Santa and his merry elves.

Children can write their letters to Santa, sharing their Christmas wish list, before popping it into the post box and chatting with the main man himself. There will be an opportunity for a photo with Santa, and an official souvenir photo can be purchased. All children will receive a gift from Santa.

The additional Toymakers Packs, with the opportunity to build-your-own cuddly toys with heart charm and birth certificate are available on a first come, first served basis. The package includes admission to the Spinnaker Tower, where you will be wowed by the 350° panoramic views and the amazing glass Sky Walk. There are two sessions each day at 9am and 10.30am.

Longdown Activity Farm

Deerleap Ln, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH

Father Christmas will be returning on his tractor sleigh to Longdown Activity Farm. Look out for the Festive Lodge and enter a magical world of twinkling trees, snow and sparkling lights. Father Christmas will be waiting to give the children a jolly wave and an extra special “Ho-ho-ho”.

Father Christmas’ Flying Visit

Hawk Conservatory Trust, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

Date: 21st – 22nd December 2023

Father Christmas and more of his magical team of owls will be stopping at the Trust for this special family event. Find out what mischief Evergreen the Elf is up to and watch the magical owls fly.

Girls and boys will meet Mother Christmas, who will share some freshly-baked treats from her kitchen for the children to enjoy whilst she tells them about the magical owls.

Father Christmas’ elves will have a special present to give out to every good girl and boy too!

Finkley Down Farm Father Christmas

Dates: 2nd – 24th December 2023

Magical Christmas tickets include all-day entry to the farm. Your Christmas journey starts at Mother Christmas’ Kitchen before you make your reindeer food, collect your Christmas passport and so much more.

Santa At Paultons Park

Back for 2023 there’s also the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto. Book your timed slot with your park tickets and every child will receive a cuddly plush toy in a gift bag, along with a complimentary photograph.

Santa Specials On Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway

Dates: 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th December 2023

Your Santa train ride around the park includes a visit Santa when you return. All the children will receive a present from Santa and everyone will get refreshments from the cafe.

Meet Santa In John Lewis

There is magic in the air at John Lewis & Partners Southampton this Christmas. They’re with LEGO to make sure the whole family can experience the magic of Christmas in store at John Lewis. Each child will receive a wonderful Lego or Duplo gift and have the option to buy a photo taken with Santa.

Don’t forget to check out these Christmas events in Hampshire as well as all the great Christmas markets in Hampshire.

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Santa Claus is coming to Portsmouth starting Friday

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PORTSMOUTH — He’s making a list, checking it twice, and getting ready to pass out candy canes to Portsmouth children all over. 

Santa’s tours by tractor will begin Friday, Dec. 1, and run every night for eight nights — except Sunday.

You can find out when Santa is coming to your neighborhood by checking out the maps posted on the “Santa’s Tour-Portsmouth” Facebook page .

The tours are weather permitting, so any cancellations will cause a delay in the schedule. Updates will be posted on the Facebook page.

Prudence by copter

Santa will also be making a special visit — by helicopter — to the Prudence Island Lighthouse from 2:50-3:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3.

The event is hosted by the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department.

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Holiday Lights, Tours & Events

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.  

Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke , Portsmouth

Currier and Ives Cookie Tour , Monadnock Region

December 9, 2023 There’s nothing like holiday sweets to make it feel like the holiday season.  Get your fill along the Currier and Ives Cookie Tour! This year marks the 18th annual holiday event, where local restaurants, inns, B&B’s, breweries and gift shops in the Monadnock Region open their doors to share the magic of the holidays. Stop in for the cookies, recipes and perhaps you’ll get a little holiday shopping done too.  

Gift of Lights , Loudon

Inn to Inn Cookie Tour , Mt Washington Valley

Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour , Jackson

November 18-19, 25-26 & December 2-3, 9-10, & 16-17, 2023 What a way to usher in the holiday season: handmade chocolates, and a ride in a horse drawn Austrian sleigh! The Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour takes visitors through the Mt Washington Valley village of Jackson, stopping along the way to receive sweet treats made by local chocolatiers. This is an incredibly popular holiday event, so don’t wait to book your tickets. The tours will take place 5 weekends in November and December.  

LaBelle Lights , Derry

Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm , Candia

Santa’s Village , Jefferson

Winter Lights at Waterville Valley , Waterville Valley

All Winter Season Experience the magic of winter in a quintessential New England ski town at Waterville Valley's Winter Lights! With no admission fee, these lights are free and open to the public all winter long! Lights extend throughout Town Square, Town Square Disc Golf Field, and Corcoran Pond Beach, so it's a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit while rambling through a snow-covered pedestrian village, twinkling under enchanting hues of festive lights.  

Vintage Christmas , Portsmouth

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Charming, quaint and rustic. We must be talking about cozy NH breweries. When you’re looking for a great craft beer to while away a winter day, head to NH!

Ice Fishing in NH: The Beginner’s Guide

Awesome indoor winter attractions, 8 favorite expert ski trails.

Christmas in New Hampshire: 15 Festive Events, Towns & Things to Do 🎄 2023

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Are you planning to spend Christmas in New Hampshire? The Live Free or Die State is a wonderful New England Christmas vacation destination with holiday festivals, sparkling twinkle lights and decorations, gorgeous snowscapes, and oh, so much New Hampshire Christmas charm!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Visiting New Hampshire in December

• Winter in New Hampshire is typically very, very cold. One of my best pieces of advice for anyone traveling to NH for Christmas is to dress in lots of layers and pack solid footwear! Expect snow on the ground, a good piece of boots is an absolute must.
• Check the tread on your tires. This is an important bit of safety advice for anyone planning to drive on snowy New Hampshire roads!

Christmas in New Hampshire: Best Things to Do

Participate in vintage christmas in portsmouth.

Pretty Portsmouth has a lovely Christmas tradition called Vintage Christmas , where this historic seacoast town hosts an entire month of festive holiday fun that includes performances, a downtown scavenger hunt, a gingerbread house contest, and more! There’s even outdoor ice skating at Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock Pond to really get you feeling the holiday spirit.

Downtown Portsmouth is beautifully decorated for the holidays and has so many great things to do , including Christmas shopping on its charming cobblestone streets.

One of the best holiday things to do in Portsmouth includes a visit to Strawbery Banke Museum for their Candlelight Stroll , where role-players dressed up in period holiday wear bring the beautifully decorated space to life with handcrafted wreaths and candle lanterns.

These are the times for the 2023 Candlelight Stroll:

Fridays, December 8 & 15, 5-9 PM Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16, 2023, 5-9 PM Sundays, December 3, 10, & 17, 2023, 4-8 PM

Portsmouth is also home to awesome vacation rentals and hotels, like the historic Hotel Portsmouth , making this historic seaside town an excellent New Hampshire Christmas getaway spot!

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!

Have a Merry Concord Christmas

Concord, New Hampshire has many Christmas festivities throughout the season, but this is one you’ll definitely want to catch:

Have holiday shopping left to do? The first Friday of December is Concord’s Midnight Merriment event that runs from 5pm to midnight. Enjoy holiday fun like Christmas music, s’mores, hot chocolate, and more while you support some of Concord’s favorite shops!

There are lots of great places to stay in the capital city of NH, but boutique Hotel Concord’s downtown location puts you right in the middle of all the Christmas fun and could be the perfect hotel for your Christmas vacation!

Go on the Currier & Ives Cookie Tour

The Currier & Ives Cookie Tour is a unique New Hampshire Christmas shopping event takes place in the Monadnock Region on Saturday, December 9 from 11am-4pm.

The stops include bed and breakfasts, inns, restaurants, boutiques, inns, and more, and in addition to freshly baked cookies, you’ll also find cookie recipes and unique shopping opportunities!

It’s a clever community Christmas event that offers a chance to think outside the box and shop local when it comes to your holiday shopping.

Take a Christmas Skication

New Hampshire has some excellent ski resorts, so the biggest hurdle will be choosing which one is right for you and yours!

One of New England’s favorite ski resorts is in lovely Lincoln: Loon Mountain Resort . With 61 trails, 6 terrain parks for boarders, 370 skiable acres, and the only Superpipe in New Hampshire, Loon Mountain Resort is an excellent choice for those looking to catch some air for Christmas!

Loon Mountain Resort also has snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more, so there’s plenty of ways to have fun in the snow. The River Walk Resort at Loon Mountain has a spa and winery on site, so you can properly pamper yourself after a long day out on the slopes!

If your idea of the perfect Christmas getaway involves a lot of action-packed fun in the snow, Christmas in New Hampshire has plenty of options!

Spend a day at Santa’s Village

That’s right, Santa’s Village; this Santa’s Village is in Jefferson NH and is a Christmas-themed amusement park that’s perfect for the little ones!

This festively fun park has rides of all kinds, with a Christmas spin, of course. You’ve got options like the Reindeer Carousel, Santa’s Express Train, Chimney Drop, and the Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree swings. There are also shops, games, and plenty of places to eat onsite, too. You can check out our guide to Santa’s Village here.

Christmastime 2023 dates & hours:

Friday, November 24, from 11am-7pm

Saturdays, November 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23, from 11am-7pm

Sundays, November 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17, from 11am-6pm

A visit to Santa’s Village puts you near some awesome New Hampshire places to stay, too, like Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa . This gorgeous resort offers lots of fun outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, and more, and then you can come in and warm yourself by the roaring fire and sip on some hot cocoa. Doesn’t that sound like a lovely Christmas in New Hampshire?

Go on a New Hampshire Sleigh Ride

What could be more of a classic Christmas experience than going on a sleigh ride in the snow? For the ultimate New Hampshire Christmas experience, look for the nearest sleigh ride near you for a winter experience that is pure, wholesome fun.

Check these NH sleigh ride options out:

Attitash Mountain Village Sleigh Rides , Bartlett: Complimentary hot cocoa!

Charmingfare Farm Sleigh Rides , Candia: So many options, including romantic sleigh rides, group sleigh rides, and more.

Nestlenook Farm Sleigh Rides , Jackson: How about a Christmas sleigh ride through a lantern lit forest? Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary cup of hot coca as you warm yourself by the fire – perfection!

Take Part in Santa’s Christmas

Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm in Candia is a delightful New Hampshire Christmas tradition that’s great for the whole family!

Beautiful holiday scenes and holiday festivities like horse drawn sleigh rides, making delicious treats like s’mores, and even feeding reindeer. Everyone in the family will love this cute NH Christmas event at Charmingfare Farm, but you do have to buy your tickets online in advance .

Dates for December 2023:

Friday, December 8, 15, 22

Saturday, December 2, 9, 16, 23

Sunday, December 3, 10, 17, 24

Have a Glad Town Christmas in Littleton

Nicknamed “Glad Town” after the author of the optimistic Pollyanna book character that hails from Littleton , this adorable New Hampshire town is a great place to visit any time of year, but come Christmas, this little town serves up a hefty dose of New Hampshire Christmas charm! The Littleton Christmas Parade down charming Main Street is always a Christmas crowd-pleaser.

Littleton Opera House hosts a Polar Express movie night, holiday craft fair, and the Littleton Festival of Trees, so you can enjoy this gorgeous opera house with its halls all decked for the holidays!

If you’re looking for a little more razzle-dazzle for your Christmas in New Hampshire, look into all the Christmas fun at the nearby Omni Mount Washington Hotel:

Gingerbread House Decorating

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Elf Tuck Ins (One of Santa’s elves will personally deliver warm cookies and milk and a reading of the Night Before Christmas to your room!)

Head North to North Conway

North Conway is already an adorable vacation destination, but once the twinkle lights and fresh garlands are hung around town, North Conway transforms into something out of a storybook!

There are so many great things to do around town, and with wholesome events like Santa’s Holiday Express train ride at the Conway Scenic Railroad and the dedicated-to-all-things-Christmas Christmas Loft , North Conway makes for a fantastic family Christmas destination.

Santa’s Holiday Express runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 24-December 23

As an added bonus, just a few minutes up the road is the town of Jackson , another absolutely charming New Hampshire town! Stay at the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa , one of my favorite places to stay in New Hampshire.

Jackson hosts a Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour on weekends during December, and of course, Christmas Farm Inn participates!

P.S. Look out for the covered bridge that’s featured in Hallmark’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!”

Stay in a Cozy Cabin

What could possibly offer a cozier Christmas in New Hampshire experience than booking a beautiful cabin to enjoy a beautiful winter in NH. There are so many gorgeous cabins all around the state , whether you’re looking for a White Mountains Christmas getaway or beyond, there’s the perfect Christmas cabin in New Hampshire for you!

Visit a NH Christmas Tree Farm

When you think of a quintessentially quaint Christmas experience, what comes to mind? For many of us, it involves a trip to the local Christmas tree farm, or at least those distinctive scents of fresh-cut Christmas trees that make their way into all things Christmassy!

You don’t have to be shopping for your Christmas tree to visit a Christmas tree farm in New Hampshire , you can go in search of a great, wholesome Christmas in New Hampshire experience and not have to leave with an evergreen strapped to the roof of your car.

Glove Hollow Christmas Tree Farm in Plymouth offers a viewing tower you can climb to get a better view, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate, and handcrafted holiday wreaths. It’s a really pretty Christmas tree farm.

Noel’s Tree Farm in Litchfield offers a fantastic weekend experience with marshmallows to be roasted over outdoor fire pits, and Santa visits every Sunday with hayrides and hot chocolate. There are also lots of beautiful hand-crafted holiday decorations that would make for a fantastic souvenir of your New Hampshire Christmas vacation!

 See the Largest Parade in New Hampshire

Vibrant Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire, so it only makes sense that their Christmas Parade would be the largest in the state, too! There are several great Manchester New Hampshire Christmas events, and the Manchester Christmas Parade is the first Saturday of December, with festive floats, live entertainment, vendors, and of course, Santa, making the event special for all those who attend.

There are so many great things to do in Manchester , like catching a holiday show at the historic Palace Theatre venues , eating at local restaurants , and shopping at the downtown Holiday Market where you can buy artisan-made, handcrafted goods.

There’s outdoor ice skating at Dorr’s Pond at Livingston Park and oh, so many great places to stay in Manchester, but if you’re in the mood to splurge, travel a few minutes up the road to The Bedford Village Inn and Grand Boutique Hotel where you will be in for an absolute treat of luxury and comfort… there’s an onsite spa, too!

PS on December 21, they host a traditional Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes !

Enjoy an Exeter Christmas

The quaint seacoast town of Exeter is one of the cutest small towns in New Hampshire, and when it comes to Christmas charm, they’ve got more than their fair share!

The Exeter Holiday Parade takes place on the first Saturday of December, and this sweet small-town parade features cleverly decorated floats, music, lights, and of course, the Big Man in Red himself.

Downtown Exeter is lovely when its storefronts are decorated with twinkle lights and handcrafted wreaths, making holiday shopping all that is Merry and Bright. With small-town Christmas activities like the Festival of Trees and the placing of luminaries on Christmas Eve, Exeter is a charming holiday destination.

Consider a stay at the lovely Inn by the Bandstand so you can have a perfect view of the beautifully lit and decorated downtown bandstand.

Drive Through the Gift of Lights

The Gift of Lights (formerly Loudon Lights) is one of the most exciting drive through Christmas light events in New England, offering a fantastic Christmas in New Hampshire experience.

Located at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, this mesmerizing holiday light drive through experience through lighted tunnels, arches, and attractions. You’ll also find open fire pits for roasting marshmallows and s’mores – yum!

2023 Gift of Lights, Loudon:

Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, December 31, 2023

Have Hanover Host your Christmas Vacation

Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College, and this college town is an excellent Christmas vacation destination.

Hanover’s Downtown Festival of Lights is reminiscent of European open-air Christmas markets, with storefronts delightfully dressed with twinkle lights and fresh garlands, and food kiosks serving up Hanover staples and holiday treats like fresh cider doughnuts and hot cocoa. The initial lighting takes place the first Friday of December, but the festival continues for the first three weekends of December and in the days leading up to Christmas!

There is plenty of fun to be had in Hanover, but during the holiday season, the downtown is even more of a visual treat, with illuminated holiday trees and a menorah to commemorate the winter holidays.

Plus, just a few minutes up the road is The Lyme Inn , the historic inn that makes for an absolutely gorgeous spot to settle in for a charming Christmas in New Hampshire getaway.

New Hampshire 2023 Christmas Events

Winter Holiday Stroll , Nashua – November 25, 4pm-9pm

Santa Express Train , Lincoln -November 24, 25, 26 and December 2, 3, 9 & 10, 16, 17, 23

Christmas in Bethlehem , Bethlehem – December 2

Where to Stay in New Hampshire for Christmas

Christmas Farm Inn & Spa , Jackson – I had a spa-cation here with my sister and it was fantastic! This place gets a 5/5 for comfy, cozy vibes.

Omni Mount Washington Resort , Bretton Woods – if you are looking for a Christmas vacation spot where you won’t even have to leave the grounds for memorable holiday fun, this is an excellent option.

Wentworth by the Sea , New Castle – this is a gorgeous property all year round, but it goes all out while decorating for Christmas! The decor here is pure Christmas magic!

Christmas in NH Wrap-Up

Christmas in New Hampshire is a sight to see, with plenty of great holiday activities so it’s likely that wherever your holiday New Hampshire getaway takes you to, you’re going to be in for a great treat!

You might also like:

• 10 Merriest Christmas Celebrations in New England
• 18 Magical New England Christmas Towns that are Straight out of a Hallmark Movie
• 25+ New England Gifts: Locally-Sourced & Regionally-Inspired