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The Granite State is one of my favorite places to visit any time of year, but New Hampshire in winter is basically a winter lovers dream with unbeatable snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, fat tire biking, snow tubing, and even winter zip-lining!
Not only are there so many fun winter things to do in New Hampshire, but with the amount of snow that NH sees each winter gives lots of opportunity for playing in the snow.
If you’re planning a New Hampshire winter trip, these are the top things to do in New Hampshire in winter.
Tips for Visiting New Hampshire in Winter
Come prepared for the weather! It gets COLD in New Hampshire, with a lot of snowy, icy precipitation so warm clothes and good footwear is a definite must. If you are driving your own vehicle to New Hampshire in winter, be sure you’ve got proper tread on the tires and your vehicle can handle the winter roads.
Things to Do in New Hampshire in Winter
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
If you’re spending Christmas in New Hampshire, skip burning the evergreen scented candle this year and leave your artificial tree in the closet! Channel your inner Goldilocks as you evaluate each tree’s height, width, fullness, color, etc., until you find the one that is just right.
If you go the live tree route, I offer two suggestions: 1) know how tall your ceilings are, and 2) have a vacuum handy.
There’s so much more to New Hampshire Christmas tree farms than just the trees, however!
As you pull up to Mt Hunger Christmas Tree Farm and Gift Shoppe, you’ll see their dozens of acres of trees standing tall, sprawled over the countryside. Friendly faces greet you over a bonfire, offering hot cocoa and warm apple cider. No need to worry about tools – they’ve got you covered with hand saws, carts and free wrapping to get your tree easily back to the car! Their gift shop is not to be missed, with every ornament and winter decoration you can think of and more.
Headed a little further north? Check out The Rocks in Bethlehem. A conservation and education center, this beautiful and historic farm is nestled into the foothills of the White Mountains, and isn’t to be missed. Thousands of people head there for their annual Christmas tree, but if you can’t make it in the winter, check out their maple syrup tours, nature trails, and formal garden later in the year!
Cozy up in a New Hampshire Cabin
There are some many adorable cabins all around New Hampshire, so you’ve got your pick of great spots to stay in during your winter trip to New Hampshire.
Is there anything cozier than staying in a gorgeous cabin with a fire crackling inside while the snowflakes swirl around outside the window? Nope, probably not.
Comfy, cozy respites from the cold are an essential addition to New Hampshire winter getaways. Snuggling up in a NH cabin after a day spent having New Hampshire winter fun is the perfect cap to the day!
Hop into a horse drawn sleigh
Sleigh rides in the snow? Yes, please! This is probably the best way to enjoy a winter romance.
It can either be the perfect romantic New Hampshire winter escape or a fun afternoon family adventure to be pulled through the snow adorned paths on a horse drawn sleigh ride.
Want to cuddle up under a blanket and let yourselves be led by the clop-clop of the horses’ hooves? Why watch a Hallmark movie, when you could star in your own?
Charmingfare Farm, Candia NH | Coppal House Farm, Lee NH | Silver Ranch Stables, Jaffrey NH | Nestlenook Farm, Jackson NH
Give dog sledding a try
Ever want to complete your own Iditarod? There are a few places to go dog sledding in New Hampshire that can help you achieve your dreams with the help of their furry four legged friends.
Most New Hampshire dog sledding places offer a chance to learn about the history of dog sledding, meet the dogs, and go on a fantastic dog sledding adventure. Belly rubs (for the four legged staff) are often encouraged. Sled dog rides are one of those bucket list winter activities, for sure.
In fact, you can even attend one of the oldest and largest dog sledding races in the country in New Hampshire! The Lakes Region Sled Dog Club puts on the World Championship Sled Dog Derby in February each year, and there are lots of great vendors and activities for viewers to enjoy in between the races.
It’s called the Greatest Show on Snow for a reason! This is definitely a unique flavor of winter fun in New Hampshire.
World Championship Sled Dog Derby 2024 Info February 16, 17, and 18, 2024 Absolutely no pets allowed, do NOT bring your pup with you!
See incredible snow sculptures
Check out master snow sculpture artists at work at the annual Jackson Snow Sculpting Competition in…you guessed it, Jackson, NH. These master snow sculpture artists from all over the Northeast will turn a giant 8 foot by 4 foot snow tube into a masterful work of snowy art by the end of the weekend – you just have to get there before it melts!
There are also other fun things to do onsite like a scavenger hunt for the kiddos. These aren’t your neighborhood snowmen – prepare for some awesome additions to your instagram feed. Depending on weather, the sculptures usually last around one week in New Hampshire in the winter.
January 26 – 28, 2024, beginning at 7 am each day
Go snowmobiling in the NH woods
If you’re looking to really get off the beaten path, the North Country awaits with some of the best snowmobile trails in New Hampshire!
Renting a snowmobile from a spot like Tall Timbers will allow you to travel miles and miles through snowy trails with scenic mountain views of Vermont, Maine, Canada and New Hampshire.
You’ll ride through both public and private land (even some maple syrup farms!), and over roads inaccessible to vehicles. This is a great way to get some impressive views of New Hampshire!
On behalf of the local residents, it’s important to obey the rules of the trail. Finish the night over dinner and a bucket of brews at The Buckrub Pub, and you might even be able to catch a glimpse of a moose on the way home!
Stand in awe of New Hampshire’s Ice Castles
Channel your inner Ana and Elsa at the larger than life Ice Castles that take over social media every winter in the White Mountains region.
Thousands of icicles and lights combine to make a wintertime wonderland filled with tunnels, slides and more. You can even add a sleigh ride on to your NH ice castle experience. It’s a truly magical experience and one I highly recommend you add to your New Hampshire winter bucket list!
With both daytime and nighttime options, the Ice Castles can be both family friendly and a romantic getaway/winter in New Hampshire experience.
Hit the slopes
Of course, no list of the best things to do in New Hampshire in the winter would miss this!
A classic New England wintertime activity, the ski and snowboarding options abound from southern NH to the Lakes Region. The ski season in New Hampshire typically runs from late November to early April, so you’ve got plenty of time!
Mount Sunapee, Cannon Mountain, Attitash, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Bretton Woods, and Loon Mountain offer something for all wintertime adventure seekers, with a variety of trails for every skill level and state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities that ensure there’s always snow to play in!
If you’re looking for the best places to go snow skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast, New Hampshire skiing has a strong reputation! In fact, there are plenty that argue that NH is the best place to ski in New England.
Don’t have equipment, or need a brush up on some skills? The mountains have you covered. Call ahead or double check the websites for New Hampshire ski rentals and lesson availability.
Shop tax free
For those who aren’t as excited to jump onto a ski lift, take advantage of tax free shopping! Shopping the Outlets in Tilton, North Conway, and Merrimack offer great deals nearby to all the best winter adventures. Whether you need an extra pair of gloves or an entire wardrobe, you’ll find it.
Honestly, this is always one of the best things to do in New Hampshire for me! Winter tax-free shopping? Heck yes!
Go ice fishing
Ever caught a fish on Lake Winnipesaukee? How about through 12 inches of ice?
Check out the Ice Fishing Derby in Meredith on February 9-10. The Rotary Club’s annual event is a fun opportunity to hang out on the ice and compete for prize and bragging rights if you bring in the biggest catch. The Tackle Shack can get you set up with equipment and a fishing license!
If ice fishing isn’t your style, still take a drive by to check out the festivities. It’s always fun to see the bob houses on the iced-over lake with snowy mountains in the background. When it comes to things to do in winter in NH, ice fishing is classic.
Take the SnowCoach tour
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider “climbing” Mount Washington in the Mt. Washington SnowCoach!
As the highest peak in the Northeast, this can be quite the trek. Outfitted with four tracks instead of wheels, the Mount Washington SnowCoach takes guests up to the treeline (about 2/3 of the way up) of the mountain, offering incredible views along the way.
It’s about a 1 1/2 hour trip and it is weather dependent. Some of the worst weather in the country happens on Mount Washington!
Visit New Hampshire Breweries
Looking for indoor things to do in the winter in New Hampshire? Check out a brewery!
New Hampshire is home to several great breweries just waiting to be discovered by you on a winters day.
Are you in the NH Seacoast area? Visit Portsmouth Brewery in Portsmouth and Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton. Both are basically institutions when it comes to NH breweries!
As for breweries in the White Mountains, add Twin Barns Brewing Co in North Woodstock NH and Schilling Beer Co in Littleton NH to the list.
Are you more interested in hard cider than beer? Visit Contoocook Cider Company at their Tasting Room at Gould Hill Farm, where you can find cider tastings, food, and live music. Be sure to check their website for more info!
Of course, if it’s something even harder you’re in the mood for, you can find that too. Cathedral Ledge Distillery in North Conway NH has some great seasonal offerings, too, like ginger-infused vodka and maple liqueur. A visit here would be the perfect addition to your list of things to do in North Conway in the winter!
Go snow tubing
Whether you’re three feet tall or six, nothing beats the wholesome thrill of sliding down a snowy hill on an inflated tube!
There are plenty of places all around the state that offer classic New Hampshire winter activities like this one, and places like Pats Peak has you covered for hours of tubing on their groomed hills made for everyone to have fun.
Plus, you can warm up with hot chocolate and one of their famous giant cookies in the warming hut when you’re finished! Heads up, snowtubing tickets at Pats Peak must be purchased online in advance.
Other popular New Hampshire snow tubing spots include King Pine Meadows Tubing Park, Bonneville Family Snow Tubing Thrill Hill at McIntyre Ski Area, and Granite Gorge Ski Area. Once known for their Cosmic Snow tubing, today Granite Gorge is a popular place for family snow tubing in NH.
Tubing is great for people of all ability levels, it’s a pretty accessible way to enjoy winter snow fun!
Take the kids to Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village in Jefferson NH is one of the most popular holiday-themed amusement parks in the country.
With all the classic rides and a great holiday theme that lends itself oh so well to some pretty fantastic holiday puns and witticisms like the Chimney Drop and the Yule Log Flume. You can also feed and pet real, live reindeer!
Santa’s Village is open on select weekends until New Years when it takes its annual winter break, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly if Santa’s Village is on the list of things you want to do during your trip to New Hampshire in winter.
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 31, 2023 Tickets sell out fast for the winter season, get yours here! 🎅
Eat Well
New Hampshire isn’t necessarily known for its diversity of fine foods, but you can count on its honesty and good home cooking. If you’re craving Irish food, prepare to wait for a table at May Kelly’s Cottage in North Conway – it’s well worth it.
If its pancakes for breakfast, try Polly’s Pancake Parlor in the mountains, or Parker’s Maple Barn with their selection of fresh maple syrup. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Cotton has a fabulous dinner menu where everyone can find something they’ll like, and you’ll only hear fabulous things about the Common Man restaurant family all over the state. In my years at college in New Hampshire, Common Man was always an essential spot to take visitors!
Go Cross Country Skiing
There are some fantastic XC skiing trails in New Hampshire, whether you’re a pro or you’re just starting out.
In fact, Waterville Valley Resort offers incredible beginners packages for Nordic skiing lessons, so if you’re just getting started cross-country skiing, they’re a great place to start.
Jackson Ski Touring Foundation and Great Glen Trails are two other popular places to go for XC skiing in New Hampshire.
Whether you’re a fan of beautifully groomed trails or you prefer backcountry skiing, there’s something for you.
Fat Tire Bike
Biking on New Hampshire’s snowy trails can only be done with a fat tire bike, but don’t worry if you don’t already have one! There are plenty of places around the state where you can ride trails and rent a fat tire bike:
- Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation
- Great American Ski Renting Company
- Franconia Inn XC-Ski Center
Where to Stay: Winter in New Hampshire
Omni Mount Washington Resort Hotel, Bretton Woods NH
Perhaps the most iconic hotel in the state, the Mt Washington Resort’s grandeur attracts folks from all over for its classic Currier and Ives style and superior accommodations. While you’re there, don’t forget to reserve a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Nearby one of the top rated ski resorts in the world, Bretton Woods promises days worth of challenging and fun ski adventures and views. You can even go winter ziplining here!
❄️ Click Here to Check Prices & Book! ❄️
Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield NH
Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa is one of those NH hotels that offers the perfect fusion of historic charm with modern amenities. You’ve got stellar dining, a movie theater, game room, indoor pool, and their incredible Tower Spa, just to name a few!
Tower Spa offers stunning scenic views from the top floor of the resort right alongside a comprehensive list of massage services, facial and body treatments, and more. Gifting a visit here could be a lovely part of a holiday gift for the person you love most.
With gorgeous rooms and suites to provide a comfy and cozy place to stay during your NH winter getaway, this could be the perfect place to host your winter stay.
❄️ Click Here to Check Prices & Book! ❄️
Final Thoughts on Winter in New Hampshire
Whether you’re coming for a family adventure or a romantic getaway, New Hampshire has winter activities to appeal to everyone. Winter in New Hampshire is a sight to see!
Read these next:
- Fun Things to Do in Vermont in Winter
- 9 of the Coziest and Best Winter Getaways in New England
- 18 Magical New England Christmas Towns that are Straight Out of a Hallmark Movie
- 10 of the Merriest, Memory-Making Christmas Celebrations in New England
