Press Kit

Good News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – November 23, 2015

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

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY IS HQ FOR HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

From family memories to girlfriends shopping getaways, Mt Washington Valley fits the bill as the ideal holiday destination.

North Conway, NH – Calling all foodies, fun-loving elf-hunters and outdoor enthusiasts!  Mt Washington Valley, NH is headquarters for all that makes the holidays fun.  From train rides to roller coasters to skiing, you can do it with Santa in Mt Washington Valley.  This is the place to make memories with the kids and discover nature on a ski trail.  For shoppers, the 200 tax-free outlets, stores and boutiques offer up something for everyone on the list, so Dad and the kids can play and Mom can shop or vice versa.  The holiday season is filled with memory-making events and opportunities.  To view most of the holiday happenings all in one place, visit the Spirit of the Holidays online calendar at http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/events/Holiday.cfm.

November 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:  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 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-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: Family Holiday Weekend at The MW Cog Railway: On November 27,28 and 29, Santa and his elves will be joining passengers for a special round trip ride up Mt Washington on The Cog. Riders can take photos of their ride with Santa and enjoy the sweeping panorama of the Presidential Mountains (Children will even receive a small gift from Santa, if they have been good!). Back at Marshfield Base Station, visitors can treat themselves to complimentary hot cocoa and homemade cookies while joining in fun holiday games and activities such as "Pin the Nose on the Snowman", send a letter to Santa, make your own ornament and more! Complimentary hot cocoa, coffee and cookies will be available for guests from 9:30- 4:30. Train Station activities will be hosted from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Santa Trains depart at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Booking in advance for the Cog Santa train online here is recommended or by calling 603-278-5404.

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 27:  Plaid Friday in North Conway Village: Friday, Nov. 27 is the biggest shopping day of the year. Some have dubbed it Black Friday, but White Birch Books in North Conway encourages shoppers to think outside the big box and make it a Plaid Friday, a way of celebrating independents. Stop by White Birch Books in North Conway Village on Friday, November 27th and notice what plaid the staff are wearing for a discount or better yet, wear your own plaid and receive an even bigger discount! The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. You can join in the fun by wearing plaid while shopping at participating retailers on November 27. Info:  www.whitebirchbooks.com , 603-356-3200.

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: An Old Fashioned Christmas and 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 starts at 4:00 – 5:00 with free wagon rides, cookie decorating in the Valley View Room and campfire at The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. From 5:00 – 5:30: Opening Remarks & Group Caroling at Schouler Park with Santa's elves and special carolers. Children to receive a Golden Ticket for a chance to help Santa light the tree. At 5:30 Santa Arrives at Schouler Park for the official tree lighting, chooses child to help light the tree. At 6:00, the Holiday “Parade of Carols” begins from the North end of Norcross Circle to Eastern Slope Inn on White Mountain Highway (Route 16N). There will be a brief stop in front of the library for the Town Librarian to present Santa with the magic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” book. Then at 6:30 Santa will choose another child to help light Eastern Slope Inn Resort.  The fun continues at 7:00 when Santa reads “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse. Cookies and hot chocolate served to all in attendance. Multiple readings will be offered to accommodate event attendees and the night ends from 7:30 – 8:30pm when Santa Claus meets children at Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse

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:  Ski with Santa at Attitash and Wildcat: Old Saint Nick will take a quick break from the North Pole and Christmas preparations to take to the slopes at Wildcat in the morning and Attitash in the afternoon. Santa will make some turns with skiers and riders, pose for pictures and the mountain hosts will hand out some candy cane treats to our young skiers & snowboarders!  Info: Click here.

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 18:  First Annual Valley Christmas Party at Cranmore:  There’ll be a two hour tubing window from 4-9 pm, buffet dinner 6:30 pm (limited to first 200 purchasers). Tickets can be purchased online or via phone. Call 603-356-5543 ext 322.

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 19-20:  Santa Days at King Pine: From 10:00am - 2:00 pm Santa will be skiing on King Pine’s trails passing out candy canes.  Mail your letters to Santa in mailbox at chairlift. Supplies provided in base lodge! Info: 603-367-8896 or click here.

December 19-20:  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 26:  Attitash Jingle Jam: A part of the Attitash Freeride Series, this event is open to all skiers and riders.  Competitors will do their best to impress the judges on a number of different rail and jib elements set up by our freestyle park team.  Athletes compete in their respective discipline, and age division to win top prizes from participating sponsors. Over 35 competed in 2014. DJ Entertainment provided by Rhythm Alliance. Info: http://www.attitash.com/event/jingle-rail-jam/.

December 26:  Evening Snowshoe Tour at Great Glen Trails: From 7:00 – 8:30 pm experience the wonder of a night time winter walk. Join an Appalachian Mountain Club Naturalist on a guided snowshoe walk. You will use your senses (and no flashlights) to navigate the trails while listening for owls calling. Cost: $12 per person over 12, or $35 per family of four or more, free under 12 (minimum age, 8). $10 snowshoe rentals. Info: Click here.

 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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Photos available upon request.