Press Kit

NEWS FROM MT WASHINGTON VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – November 14, 2011

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or info@maynelymarketing.com

HO-HO- HOLIDAY EVENTS MARK THE CALENDAR FOR MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

Ring in the holidays and the new year in Mt Washington Valley with skiing, shopping, sleighrides and Santa-filled events.

North Conway, NH – November and December mark Mt Washington Valley’s Harvest to Holidays period when lodging properties combine overnight stays with shopping survival kits and the calendar is packed with events sparkling with holiday cheer.  From now until the time we welcome in the new year, enjoy a packed schedule of holiday events and adventure for the whole family.

Saturday & Sunday, November 19-December 18: Christmastime at Santa’s Village: Santa greets every child, and listens ever so attentively to all the wishes and wants of the season. Mrs. Claus joins in on the hospitality and offers some warm wassail for all their guests. Be sure to stay 'til after dark when the beautiful lighting throughout the park displays a sense of well-being and warmth on those cooler nights. Dress warmly as it gets snuggly cold on the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel. Fourteen rides will be operating; holiday shows and the festivities are all geared toward Christmas. Info: 603-586-4445.

Nov. 25 & 26, Dec. 2-4, Dec. 8-11, Dec. 15-18, Dec. 22 & 23: The Polar Express:  All aboard for a magical holiday journey to the North Pole! The Polar Express Event of New England® offers this truly unique adventure as a four dimensional interactive experience that only happens in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. With exclusive treats and gifts, this two-hour holiday journey will include a wonderful walk to the North Pole Theater through a welcoming sea of elves, where the little boy in Chris Van Allsburg’s story has grown old, and will read the Polar Express book to explain his journey when he was young. This journey will make true believers out of all ages, reminding us that gift of giving is truly the best gift of all. Afternoon and evening performances. Tickets to this event are largely allotted through a lottery in October, however limited tickets are still available via lodging properties/sponsors and for purchase online at http://www.polarexpress.org/Tickets.html.

November 25, 26, 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18:  Santa’s Holiday Express at Conway Scenic RR: Join Santa on board the train with a small surprise in his bag for each child. Joining him will be Puck & Elvy, two mischievous elves who will be sharing their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone on the train. They'll take your picture, too, if you ask nicely. So be sure to bring along your camera! Fares from $14.50 & up based on seating choices. Infants under 4 are FREE in Coach when not occupying a seat. Reservations suggested - 800-232-5251.

November 26: Cranmore homecoming: The event will feature an overview by Cranmore President, Ben Wilcox on the highlights of the resorts on-going improvements. Light refreshments will be provided and a cash beer and wine bar will also be available. Bid on a recently retired trail sign, with proceeds going to the Jimmy Mersereau Scholarship Fund. The Fund was founded in 2010 in the wake of the passing of Cranmore's long time mountain operations director Jimmy Mersereau and is in support of students interested in ski area operations as a career.

December 3: Holiday on Ice Show at Ham Arena: Come enjoy skaters, young and old, skating to holiday music. It starts at 6:45 p.m. at the Ham Ice Arena.  Info: 603-986-1650 or 207-925-1090.

December 3: Pet Photos w/ Santa Paws, 12-3pm at Four Your Paws Only: Santa Paws is coming to For Your Paws Only again for this popular fundraising event! Stop by with your pets, your kids, or your whole family to meet Santa Paws and help the animals at Animal Rescue League of NH -North. Each pet will also receive a gift from Santa Paws with their photo! Refreshments for humans and canines will be available during the festivities. Donations for photos.  Info: 603-356-7297.

Dec 3: 15th Annual Holiday Tree Festival at Settlers' Green Outlet Village: Live caroling music, festive trees decorated by locals competing for cash awards, free hot chocolate & candy canes, free horse drawn wagon rides with Santa, Cranmore miniature snow-tubing park and much more! Plus, from 11-3pm come tube for free on our miniature tubing hill at Settler's Green Outlet Village in North Conway, NH- Part of their annual Holiday Tree Festival. Meet Santa and grab a photo with Cranmore's own C-More the Penguin. Info: 603-356-7031 ext. 10.

December 5, 12, 19, 26:  Thom's Amazing Waxing Demonstration at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation: The session takes place in front of the fireplace in the Jackson Ski Touring Center and is a hands-on explanation about waxing. Executive Director, Thom Perkins, will teach attendees how to maintain waxless and waxable skis - Classic and Skate – because well maintained skis are more fun and easier to ski on. It’s free! Info: 603-383-9355.

December 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18: A Christmas Carol by M&D Productions:  A time-told story with a twist.  Characters start out as traveling actors and then soon become the iconic personalities of this famous holiday tale.  Performances are at 7pm, except a 2pm Sunday matinee.  Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students & seniors or a $40 family of four pack. Info: 603-662-7591.

December 6, 13, 20: Nordic Warm Up at Great Glen Trails: It’s been months since you’ve been on snow, but you can pick up right where you left off. Join Great Glen Trails Ski School Director and Olympian Sue Wemyss for the Nordic Warm Up, 9:00-11:30 am.   New this year!! Every session from 9:00am-10:00am Sue will have an optional waxing clinic. Ski session to follow 10:00am-11:30am. 3 weeks $50/Single session $20 fees include trail pass. Info: (603) 466-2333.

December 10-11:  15th Annual Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour: View decorations at each participating Inn and taste cookie and candy treats carefully prepared by innkeepers at each inn. Vote on beautifully decorated trees in the tree decorating contest so the area’s non-profit organizations will be rewarded with prizes for the best decorated tree. Pick up ideas for your own holiday decorations and baking fun from 12 of the area’s country inns. Tickets available in advance by purchasing an overnight package from individual inns. Tickets are available to those not staying at an inn December 1-6.  Day tickets are $27 per person.  To reserve lodging packages or tickets call 800-338-1356 or 603-356-2642.

December 18: TD Bank Kids Ski Day at Great Glen Trails: Games and an obstacle course on skis, Trails Tracker scavenger hunt, create a bird feeding ornament, decorate a holiday cookie, and more all take place at Great Glen Trails from 10am-3pm.  Mini-lessons will be offered in both morning and afternoon for first-time cross country skiers. Activities and children’s rental equipment FREE. Trail Pass required for adults and children at a reduced rate of $5. Info: (603) 466-2333.

December 28, 31: Cranapalooza at Cranmore: With festive Saturday night Cranapalooza events that include night skiing, tubing, mountain coaster and giant swing, s'mores, family entertainment and live music there is something the whole family can enjoy! Each week the schedule of events vary.  Ring in the new year on December 31 with fireworks scheduled for 7:30pm.

December 31: 1785 Inn 7-Course NY's Eve Dinner: Ring in the New Year with a special Seven-Course Dinner prepared by the Chefs at 1785 Inn & Restaurant. Reservations required.
603-356-9025.

For more information on events and to learn more about planning a holiday getaway to Mt Washington Valley, NH, please visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) where helpful operators are standing by 9am-5pm Monday – Friday to help answer questions and offer vacation planning advice.

#   #   #

 High and low-res photos available. Contact Marti Mayne at 207-846-6331.