Press Kit

Good News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – October 27, 2015

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org

November & December ushers in Harvest to Holiday time in Mt Washington Valley, NH

Mt Washington Valley’s also gearing up for another fabulous ski season

North Conway, NH – All eyes turn toward the holidays and ski season in Mt Washington Valley during the months of November and December.  The events calendar is filled with wonderful ways to celebrate the cooler temps and get ready for winter.  From tax-free shopping to venturing out again on skis and snowshoes, here’s what’s in store for November through December events in Mt Washington Valley.

November 3 & 17: Forgotten Arts: Fiber Arts Group at Remick Country Doctor Museum: From 9:30 AM–12:00pm fiber artists and/or interested onlookers are welcome to join the Happy Weavers & Friends group to learn the historic art of weaving, spinning, sewing, quilting, and more. Bring your own project to work on, if desired. This group meets monthly on an every other Tuesday schedule at Remick Museum & Farm in Tamworth Village. FREE. (Does not include access to the Museum.) 603-323-7591.

November 6-8:  Bring A Friend Weekend at Settlers Green Outlet Village: This is the event that Shopping Divas wait for all year, three days of some of the best deals of the season. Free goodie bags will go to the first 2,000 shoppers starting at 8:00am, "on the green" near Timberland on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Bags are stuffed with coupons from participating stores and select bags will include free products and more. One select bag will include a $500 Shopping Spree to Settlers' Green, you may just be the lucky one! Additionally, enjoy special Store Hours for Bring A Friend Weekend, and Sunday, Shopping Bag Giveaway on Saturday at 8:00am, raffle prizes every 30 minutes on Saturday and Sunday starting at 11:00am. Ongoing entertainment and activities throughout the weekend.  Info: Click here.

November 8:  Military Appreciation Day at Conway Scenic RR: Celebrate Veterans Day a little early as the Conway Scenic RR honors the sacrifices made by our veterans as well as those who continue to serve our country.  Vets and active military personnel who present proof of service ride FREE. Info: www.ConwayScenic.com.

November 12:  Waterford Ambassador Signing Event at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village: Meet Master Glass Blower Gerard Treacy who began his career with Waterford Crystal as an apprentice glass blower in 1979.  Gerard Treacy will be visiting the Waterford Wedgwood store from Ireland and will personally autograph any pre-sold Waterford pieces.  The perfect holiday gift! Info: 603-733-5540.

November 13-14: Eastern Slope Ski Club Sale: The Eastern Slope Ski Club (ESSC) will be hosting its 45th annual gear sale at the North Conway Community Center on Friday, November 13th (3pm-8pm) and Saturday, November 14th (9am-2pm). Plan on dropping off your clean and ‘modern’ Alpine, Cross Country and Snowboard gear you’d like to sell at the North Conway Community Center on the evenings of Wednesday, November 11th and Thursday, November 12th between 6pm-8pm. Each item requires a tag ($1 each), which will be available for purchase when you are dropping items off. Info: Click here.

November 13-15:  Bring A Friend Weekend Too: Because the first one is such a success, the popular Bring A Friend Weekend will come back for a debut. While the "original" Bring A Event* will take place November 6-8th, there will be plenty of great sales and giveaways for shoppers gearing up for the holiday shopping season. Look forward to raffle prize giveaways every 30 minutes starting on Saturday at 11:00am, and on-going activities throughout the weekend.  Please note: Bring A Friend Shopping, Too" will not include the bag giveaway. That will only take place on Saturday, November 7. Info:

November 14:  13th Annual Ski Swap & Sale at Jackson Ski Touring: Bring the gear you are no longer using, upgrade your equipment and get ready for the upcoming season. The event runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Items can be dropped off at the JXC office Monday-Friday from 8:00am -5:00 pm.  Purchase $1 registration tags for your items. The staff organizes and presents items for the sale. The Foundation retains 15% of the price of all items sold and will cut you a check for the balance. Or you can donate items for sale with 100% of the proceeds to benefit JSTF.  Info: www.jacksonxc.org .

November 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 + weekends through Dec 20:  Christmastime at Santa’s Village: Santa greets every child, and listens 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. If you visit, be sure to stay 'til after dark when the beautiful lighting throughout the park displays 40,000 lights and 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. Up to 17 rides are operating and the festivities are all geared to Christmas. Plus the 3-D show entitled "A Tinkerdoodle Christmas" will leave you laughing at the antics of L. Fastidious Tinkerdoodle as he prepares Santa for his yearly journey on Christmas Eve. Shops are open for the Christmas shoppers. Info:  Click here.

Weekends starting November 21:  Journey to the North Pole: Join us on the family adventure of a lifetime aboard the magical Journey to the North Pole! The Journey to the North Pole offers a truly unique experience that only happens here in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Journey to the North Pole is a two-hour round trip adventure based on the popular children’s book The Polar Express. .Board the Journey to the North Pole train and be served delicious hot chocolate by our magical chefs, along with Santa’s favorite chocolate nougat with centers as white as snow!  When you arrive at the North Pole, you will depart from the train and follow the elves up to Santa’s Toy Workshop where the little boy from the book, who has grown old, will read about his Journey to the North Pole.  Then, Santa will take a break from his busy schedule to pay you a visit!  This Journey will make true believers of all, reminding us that the gift of giving is truly the most cherished gift of all!  All ticket proceeds benefit Believe in Books Foundation Literacy Programs. Info, tickets, schedules: http://www.journeytothenorthpole.org/event-info.html.

November 21:  Children’s Craft Faire at White Mtn Waldorf School: The WMWS School Store will be stocked and the jump rope maker will be cranking!  Students will be giving choral performances, faculty will be putting on puppet shows and student art work and lesson books will be on display.  Be sure to take a Nature Walk on one of the many beautiful trails, visit King Winter in the Crystal Cave and search for the Pocket Lady!  Also, come hungry for delicious food prepared by many parent volunteers...from coffee and muffins on arrival to the best comforting soups in the mountains at lunch time!  Info: www.whitemountainwaldorf.org.

November 21:  Black Mountain Snow Dance:  Come join other snow-worshipers around the huge bonfire at Black Mountain starting at 4:30pm and help convince the snow Gods to be generous for the upcoming season.  As always, they’ll have snow dancers on hand to help convince the powers that be to offer up plenty of snow this year.  Info www.BlackMt.com.

November 27-28:  Warren Miller’s “Chasing Shadows” at Bretton Woods: "Chasing Shadows” the latest ski and snowboard film from Warren Miller Entertainment, is 66 years in the making. This November, watch top athletes as they pursue turns on the mountains of our dreams: from Utah's Wasatch to the mighty Himalaya. There’ll be raffle prizes too! Movie tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for hotel guests, $5 for ages 4-12, and children under 4 are free. Each ticket includes a raffle entry and extra raffle tickets can be purchased throughout the event.  This event takes place at the Bretton Woods Base lodge on November 27 and at the Omni Mt Washington Hotel on November 28^th. Doors open at 6:00pm, showing is at 7:00-9:00pm.  Info: Click here.

November 27, 28, 29: Ride The Cog with Santa and his elves: On Thanksgiving Weekend, Santa and his elves will be joining passengers on the Mt Washington Cog Railway for an exciting ride through the winter wonderland of Mount Washington. Children will even receive a small gift from Santa, if they have been good! Back at Marshfield Base Station, complimentary hot cocoa and homemade cookies plus holiday games & activities such as “Pin the Nose on the Snowman” will be underway. Send a letter to Santa, make your own ornament and more! Hot cocoa, coffee and cookies will be available from 9:30- 4:30. Activities will be hosted from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Booking in advance is recommended for the Cog’s trains and can be done online at www.thecog.com or by calling 603.278.5404. Santa Trains depart  10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

November 27-December 18:  Traditionally Yours Celebration:  Friday November 27th is the official start of the Jackson Area Christmas and holiday season with Businesses offering Open Houses, Holiday Drink Tastings, Story Telling, Fondues and so much more. On Saturday November 29th, Santa's first visit will take place at 4:30 PM at the Jackson Village gazebo. Be sure to come early so you can see Santa as he arrives in his horse drawn sleigh. Then on Sunday, November 29th join in the annual Ole' Fashioned Tree Lighting Ceremony with a special invite back to the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa for their annual open house at the Barn. The first 20 guests will receive a special Christmas hat. This Christmas and Holiday Celebration continues over the next four weekends where you'll be invited to Craft Fairs, Wine and Holiday Drink Tastings, Cookie Decorating, Jingle Bell Chocolate Tours, Breakfast Buffets, and more. For a brochure and info, visit www.jacksonnh.com/event/968/Traditionally-Yours.

November 27, 28, 29, Dec weekends through Dec 23:  Santa’s Holiday Express on Conway Scenic RR: Santa is on board the train with his mischievous elves who will be sharing their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone. They'll take your picture, too, if you ask nicely, so be sure to bring your camera.  Enjoy photos, cocoa and cookies with Santa while enjoying a holiday train tradition. Info:  www.ConwayScenic.com.

November 27:  Black Friday in North Conway:  In the true shoppers’ tradition, stores throughout North Conway will open as soon as the clock strikes midnight and Thanksgiving is over! Some may even open earlier. All stores in Settlers’ Green Outlet Village will be open early on Friday, November 27th.  Store hours will vary from store to store.  Shops in North Conway Village will also open early (times vary by store) Additionally, special sales and additional information on Black Friday deals will be posted on the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

November 28:  Small Business Saturday in North Conway Village:  Join independently owned small shops and boutiques as they celebrate Small Business Saturday with sales, refreshments, tastings, demonstrations and more. 

November 28:  Great Glen Trails Craft Fair:  More than 30 crafters will be offering hand-made goods perfect for that hard to shop for person on your list.  Browse over three floors and enjoy demonstrations, a bake sale and raffle too, all taking place in the Base Lodge.  Info and a list of crafters here.

November 28: Tree Lighting in Schouler Park:  Get ready to culminate a year-long celebration of the town of Conway’s 250th Anniversary with an old fashioned Christmas celebration in Schouler Park, North Conway Village.  It all starts with traditional holiday tree lighting with Santa, then the Angels and Elves walk to Eastern Slope Inn for story time, hot cocoa and s’mores. North Conway Village stores will offer sales and special in-store celebrations too. Info: http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/events/conwaycelebration.cfm.

November 28:  Skiers Homecoming at Cranmore Mountain: Kick off the ski season with Cranmore’s annual Homecoming on Saturday, November 28^th at Zip’s Pub. Homecoming will feature a local brew fest, trail sign auction and live music from 3-5pm from Ryan St. Onge, followed by a showing of the latest Warren Miller film, Chasing Shadows at 6:15pm. Info: click here.

December 2, 5, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30:  Free Waxing Clinic at Jackson Ski Touring: Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (JSTF) hosts a free waxing demonstration every Wednesday and Saturday from 12-1 pm. Sessions take place in the touring center and are hands on. Participants will learn how to maintain waxless and waxable skis - Classic and Skate. JSTF also offers a free wax room to skiers. For more information: info@jacksonxc.org, 383-9355 or www.jacksonxc.org. 

December 5: Town of Conway Holiday Parade and Celebration: It starts at noon with Story Time at the Conway Public Library, followed by the Festival of Trees taking place throughout the day and photos with Santa from 1:00-3:00pm at the Salyards Center. Don’t miss the Holiday Parade through downtown Conway kicking off at 4:00pm with a tree lighting at the Conway Information Booth following.  The Annual Holiday On Ice Show at Ham Arena will get underway at 5:15pm including an ice skating performance by Mount Washington Valley Skating Club members followed by free skating for those in attendance. All activities are no charge courtesy of Community Celebrations Committee. Info: Click here.

December 4: Skiers Homecoming Party at Red Parka Pub:  Starting at 7pm, learn about what’s new at the region’s ski resorts and XC Centers from reps at resorts and ski shops. They’ll tell you what’s hot for the ski season, and there’ll be raffles and giveaways too.  All proceeds benefit the Eastern Slope Ski Club, offering learning opportunities to kids at Mt Washington Valley ski resorts.  This is where we have reps from the ski areas, touring centers & ski shops come & talk about the upcoming season & what's new for the season.  We will also have raffles with proceeds going to ESSC. Info: http://www.redparkapub.com/events-calendar/.

December 5: Homestead Christmas Celebration at Remick Country Doctor Museum. From noon to 3:00pm, celebrate the holidays and winter season and the rich history of homesteading. Special tours of the historic Captain Enoch Remick House, along with samples of Victorian Christmas cookies and syllabub, a historical beverage will be offered. The museum will feature seasonal exhibits, holiday crafts and plant medicines in the Apothecary. Foodways demonstrations will include 19th-century open hearth cooking and woodstove cooking. Farmhouse Kitchen baked goods will be for sale along with many locally made items in the Museum Store. $5/person; ages 4 & under, FREE. No registration required.  Info: 603-323-7591.

December 5:  Festival of Lights at Settlers Green:  The holiday lights officially start tonight at 6pm, as luminaries are light throughout the Courtyard along with the big Christmas tree. You can purchase a luminary for $1 to add to the large display at the Gazebo. Free hot chocolate, photos with Santa, caroling and more. Plus from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Cranmore will host tubing on their own mini-hill set up behind the Nike outlet, with appearances by C-More and Santa Claus. Info: Click here.

December 11 – 24:  Military Appreciation Days at King Pine: Active United States Military personnel and their dependents can ski/ride for FREE until Dec. 24th. Retired US Military personnel can ski/ride free until Dec. 24th. Military I.D. card must be presented.  

December 12:  All Things Merry & Bright Garden Club Sale: All Things Merry and Bright, the Mountain Garden Club’s Holiday Boutique Sale, begins at 9:30 am and continues till most items are gone… or till 11:30. This very popular annual sale features beautiful arrangements and unique gifts for public sale; proceeds support all club projects. Come early for the best selections! North Conway Community Center, 2628 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH. Info: www.mountaingardenclub.org.

December 12-13:  19^th Annual Mt Washington Valley Inn to Inn Cookie Tour: Mark the calendar for the 19^th Annual Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour in Mt Washington Valley, December 12-13, 2015, 11am-4pm.  Visit 11 inns all dressed in their holiday finery; taste scrumptious holiday cookies and take home a collection of scrumptious holiday cookies and candies. You’ll also view beautifully decorated inns and take home some holiday decorating ideas for your own home.  Stay at one of the inns and receive a custom-made keepsake ornament.  Two night packages including two nights’ accommodations, breakfast each morning, two tour tickets, and a colorful recipe collection, collectors’ ornament are available too, and offer the best way to insure cookie tour tickets.   All tickets must be reserved in advance. Info: 800-338-1356 or 603-356-2642 or www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com

December 19, 20, 26, 27:  Guided Snowshoe Tour at Jackson XC: Jackson Ski Touring Foundation guides will show you places along the trails and off the system that most people would never get to find.  This is a fun and interesting tour led by snowshoeing experts who will also give technique tips along the way. Pre-registration suggested. Info: 603-383-9355,
www.jacksonxc.org.

December 19:  Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at King Pine: Wear your ugly Christmas Sweater, get into the holiday spirit. Registration is available at the Events Desk. Get your photo taken, visitors will be voting on the photos between 10am & 12pm! Prizes and winners will be announced in the Tavern at 2pm. Info: Click here.

December 20:  Shred the Solstice at Cranmore: The Cranmore Terrain Park crew will host a free, informal rail jam, Shred the Solstice open to skiers and riders of all ages and abilities, with a valid lift ticket or season pass.  Registration begins at 9:30am on the third floor of the main base lodge. The rail jam will begin at 1pm. Info: click here.

December 26-Jan 1:  Holiday Trains on Conway Scenic RR: Enjoy an old fashioned train ride on Conway Scenic RR twice daily throughout Christmas week.  Trains leave at 11:30am and 1:00pm.  Info: www.conwayscenic.com/events/event/holiday-week-trains/.  

December 31:  New Year’s Eve in Mt Washington Valley: To kick off 2016, Cranmore will host a New Year’s Eve themed Cranapalooza complete with family friendly celebrations, including live entertainment from a fire dancer from 5pm-6pm and fireworks at 6:30pm on the last day of 2015.  Fireworks (at 9:30pm) and a family-friendly celebration will also be held in Schouler Park hosted by Community Celebrations. Restaurants throughout Mt Washington Valley will serve special New Year’s Eve dinners. For more information click here.

Now is the time to start planning your Harvest to Holidays getaway.  For complete vacation planning information, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) to talk to a vacation planning concierge.  To learn more about visiting New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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