Press Kit

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

A FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS STEERS THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

From Santa to shopping to tree lightings and more, you’ll find the spirit of the holidays in Mt Washington Valley, NH

North Conway, NH – If anywhere there was a group of towns and villages that take the holidays seriously, it’s here in Mt Washington Valley.  Whether it’s holiday shopping or Santa soirees, visitors to Mt Washington Valley will find the spirit of the holidays throughout November and December. 

Holiday Shopping

November 24: Plaid Friday sponsored by White Mountain Independents: An alternative to Black Friday when small, independently owned businesses encourage visitors to shop local.  Citizens wear plaid, while out in the community on Plaid Friday, to show their support for our local economy.  Businesses will be serving as Plaid Friday Hubs and acting as Shift Your Shopping ambassadors while taking photographs of plaid clad shoppers for a Plaid Friday Collage. Find them at; Assets Jean Co., Fields of Ambrosia, The Handcrafter’s Barn, Four Your Paws Only, Ragged Mountain Equipment and White Birch Books. Plaid is the new black!

November 24-26: Black Friday Weekend at Settlers Green:  While shops will be closed so families can enjoy Thanksgiving, they’ll open up again at 6:00am on Black Friday with sales that last throughout the weekend. Stores stay open until 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Stop by Customer Service to receive free gifts while they last, and enter raffles. Click here to learn more.

November 26: Small Business Saturday: White Mountain Independents and small businesses throughout the Mt Washington Valley join in this national endeavor to encourage shopping at locally owned small businesses for the holiday season. 

November 27: Cider Monday:  An alternative to Cyber Monday, White Mountain Independents members invite you to step away from computers and online shopping and stop by for a cup of apple cider.

November 30:  Locals Night at Four Your Paws Only (FYPO): It’s a “howl-i-day” extravaganza including wine tasting with White Mountain Winery, local beer sampling with Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewery, light appetizers and desserts, free drawings every half hour, and everything will be on sale at 15-percent off.  Mingle with the FYPO Dogs…Abbey, Ripley, Haylee, Sawyer & Little Tia and visit with Mr. Bates from Conway Area Humane Society. Info: Click here.

December 2: Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Settlers Green: Enjoy these holiday festivities while shopping at Settlers Green. From 10:00am-2:00pm, Free horse-drawn sleigh loops around Settlers Green every 15 minutes. Jump aboard at the Timberland Factory Store and Kay Jewelers. In addition, free hot chocolate and candy canes will be available at the customer service office, plus free snow tubing at Settlers Green’s own snowtubing hill created by Cranmore Mountain Resort. There will be caroling by local groups and photos with Santa ($12). From 2:00-4:00pm, Join Santa Claus for the Settlers Green Tree Lighting at the Gazebo. Music, free hot chocolate and enter a raffle to win a $500 Shopping Spree. Click here for complete information.

December 9-10: Holiday Crystal Party: Join Waterford Wedgewood Royal Doulton for a Holiday Crystal Party at Settlers Green in North Conway on Saturday, December 9 from 3pm-5pm and on Sunday, December 10 from 1pm-3pm. There will be refreshments, raffles, drawings and extra savings.  Plus, free samples and exclusive discounts from local retailers.

For the Family

November 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 & Saturdays in December through 12/16: 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. If you visit, 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 for the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Christmas Ferris Wheel. As many as 18 rides are operating and the festivities are all geared to Christmas. Shops are open for holiday gifts and the classic 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. Info: Click here.

November 23: Purity Spring Thanksgiving Day 5K Trail Race: A great way to get ready for a day of eating! The 5K course is a trail race on rolling terrain over the beautiful, scenic Nordic trails at King Pine Ski Area, Purity Spring Resort. The fitness walk and kids fun run will take place on trails near the running race. It is open to all ages and abilities. Start time: 9:00am. Kids fun run, free, $20 for 5K (for pre-registered). More info and registration: Click here.

November 24-26, Dec 2 & 3, 9 & 10, and 16-23: Santa’s Holiday Express: Santa is on board the Conway Scenic RR with his mischievous elves, who will share their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone. They’ll also take your picture, if you ask nicely, so be sure to bring your camera! There are two train excursions, both to Conway: 11:30 and 1:30 to (about an hour round-trip).

November 24, 25, 26, December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22 & 23: Journey to the North Pole: A two-hour adventure, The Journey to the North Pole™ takes you on a magical trip to see Santa in his workshop at the North Pole! Board the Journey to the North Pole™ train at the Conway Scenic Railroad, and be served hot chocolate by our magical chefs, along with some of Santa’s favorite treats! Once arriving at the North Pole you’ll be escorted by elves (Santa’s helpers) outside and up to the North Pole Theater having the opportunity to leave your Santa letters at the Post Office, as well as visit with some print shop elves along the way. The classic “The Night Before Christmas” poem by Clement Clarke Moore is dramatically read along with a visit from Santa himself, truly a magical event for all ages! Each child will receive a special gift on the return trip back to New Hampshire. Net proceeds from the Journey to the North Pole™ Event fund Literacy Programs of The Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, a Charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tickets are available through lodging packages or online here. For schedules and more information, go to http://www.journeytothenorthpole.org/.

November 24-December 17: Traditionally Yours Jackson: Celebrate the Christmas and Holiday Season in Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and beyond. November 24th is the official start of the Jackson Area Christmas and holiday season with businesses offering open houses, holiday drink tastings, storytelling, fondues and more. On November 25th, Santa's first visit will take place at 4:30 PM at the Jackson Village gazebo then on November 26th come to 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. The Christmas & Holiday festivities continue 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. Info and brochure: Click here.

November 25: Great Glen Annual Craft Fair: From 9:00am – 3:00pm, the aroma of freshly baked goodies welcomes you at the door, along with a craft raffle! Crafters take over the base lodge and are spread out on all three floors! Woodworking, photography, knitting, specialty soaps and lotions, jewelry, wreaths, and much more—including live demonstrations Your purchase supports our Great Glen Bill Koch League Ski Club. Info: Click here.

November 25: An Old-Fashioned Christmas in North Conway: Festivities begin in North Conway’s Schouler Park at 4:30pm with caroling presented by Da Capo. Children will receive a Golden Ticket for a chance to help Santa light the tree at 5:00pm. From 5:30-5:50, there will be a holiday "Parade of Carols" from the North End of Norcross Circle to the Eastern Slope Inn.

Visitors are encouraged to follow Santa down Main Street to the Eastern Slope Inn Resort for the resort lighting. Santa will be stopping in front of the library to pick up his book,"Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Between 6:00 and 6:30, Santa will read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" again at the Eastern Slope Playhouse. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.

7:00 - Children can meet Santa at the Eastern Slope Playhouse

6:00-8:00 pm - The Mt. Washington Observatory Weather Discovery center will be open for attendees during Santa's reading.

The Old Fashion Christmas events will be supporting the non-profit charity "Angels and Elves" whose mission is to provide holiday gifts to over 600 children who might not otherwise receive one. Click here for more information.

November 25: Santa's Visit in Jackson: Santa will arrive at the Gazebo in Jackson Village by way of the 4 PM Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour. Anyone interested in riding with Santa can book their Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour Tickets separately and will have the opportunity to have a special first visit with Santa. Gather at the Jackson Village Gazebo and watch as Santa arrives in an Austrian Horse Drawn Sleigh. Santa always has a special candy cane for all those who visit with him and Santa promises to stay until the last child has had a chance to share their Christmas dreams with Santa. (If there is inclement weather - a sign will be posted on the Gazebo alerting you to the fact that Santa will be visiting at the Whitney's Community Center.) Info: Click here.

November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23: Cocoa with Mrs. Claus at Omni Mt Washington Resort: Bring the whole family to enjoy cocoa, holiday music and a holiday craft with Mrs. Claus.  Decorate cookies and hear a holiday story read by Mrs. Claus too. Reservations required. $30 per person.  Call Activities Concierge at 603-278-8989.

November 25, 26, December 2,3, 9, 16, 17: Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour: Deemed a must do "Chocolaty Delicious" event by all who ride, each rider receives an average of 10 hand-made chocolates, a festive Christmas holiday bag for any chocolates not eaten on the tour, a Jingle Bell and an Austrian Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride through the Village of Jackson, NH. Sleighs run hourly from 11 AM - 4 PM on the days listed. Each sleigh can hold 10 people. There are at least 4 sleighs that go out per hour. Ticket sales are now open to any visitors booking their stays at one of the Jackson Lodging members Ticket sales for anyone booking a group of 10 or more can book by calling 603-383-9356. Tickets are $25 each and must be reserved. Info: Click here.

November 26: Christmas Holiday Tree Lighting in Jackson: The Jackson Village evergreen tree is a focal point of the Jackson Village Christmas Holiday/Winter Beautification Project. The gathering for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 PM. The first 20 people to arrive will receive a candy cane and their choice of a Christmas Holiday hat. The Jackson Grammar School children and the Da Capo Singers will delight us with Christmas Caroling. Santa will do the honors of lighting the tree at 4:30 PM. Immediately following the Tree Lighting Ceremony an "Open House" at Christmas Farm Inn and Spa will celebrate the beginning of the festive season with your friends and neighbors by the roaring fire in the historic Barn. Enjoy hot chocolate and home-made cookies by the Christmas Tree. Santa will be making an appearance too.  For complete information, click here.

December 2: Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Settlers Green: Enjoy these holiday festivities while shopping at Settlers Green. From 10:00am-2:00pm, Free horse-drawn sleigh loops around Settlers Green every 15 minutes. Jump aboard at the Timberland Factory Store and Kay Jewelers. In addition, free hot chocolate and candy canes will be available at the customer service office, plus free snow tubing at Settlers Green’s own snowtubing hill created by Cranmore Mountain Resort. There will be caroling by local groups and photos with Santa ($12). From 2:00-4:00pm, Join Santa Claus for the Settlers Green Tree Lighting at the Gazebo. Music, free hot chocolate and enter a raffle to win a $500 Shopping Spree. Click here for complete information.

December 2: Holiday on Ice Show & Conway Village Holiday Celebration:  Mount Washington Valley Skating Club will be present its annual “Holiday on Ice” skating show at 5:15 p.m. at the Ham Arena, in Conway Village.  This year's show will feature performances by club skaters, aged 3 to adult, skating lessons for Santa and a guest synchronized skating presentation by the visiting Ice Velvets Synchro Team. Admission is free, courtesy of Community Celebrations Committee, and free fresh baked holiday cookies will be served by parents of skaters and local community members.  Following the performance until 7 p.m. there will be free public ice skating. Rentals and helmets will be available courtesy of Ham Arena. Other refreshments including pizza will be available for purchase.  The Holiday on Ice Show follows a host of other family activities sponsored by the Conway Community Celebrations Committee, including photos with Santa at Conway’s Northway Bank on West Main Street from 12:30-2:30 pm, a tree lighting with Santa in Conway Village at 4 pm that includes hot chocolate and caroling with daCapo choral group. For more information about the Skating Club or Holiday on Ice Show visit mwvsc.org. 

December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23:  A Christmas Carol by M&D Productions:  Enjoy this adaptation of the best known Christmas story every written, as the seemingly heartless Scrooge, haunted by his past, is given a second chance to become the type of person we all strive to be. A Christmas Carol is presented Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, December 7 - 23 at Your Theatre, Willow Common, 1857 White Mountain Highway, North Conway.  All performances begin at 7:30 PM. To reserve seats please visit our website at www.mdplayhouse.com or call (603) 733-5275.

December 9-10: 21st Annual Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour:  From 11:00am – 4:00pm, visit 11 inns all dressed in their holiday finery; taste scrumptious holiday cookies and candy, and take home a collection of scrumptious recipes in a keepsake cookbook, and do a little holiday shopping as inns will feature artisans and vendors. In addition, demonstrations, artisan sales and gift ideas will be featured at each inn. Save your holiday shopping for some unique items on display throughout the weekend. Stay at one of the inns and receive a custom-made keepsake ornament.  Two- night Cookie Tour packages including two nights’ accommodations, breakfast each morning, two tour tickets, recipe collection, and a collectors’ ornament. Lodging packages on sale now and the best way to assure you get tickets. Day tickets go on sale starting November 27, 2017 for $30 each.   All tickets must be reserved in advance. Call 800-338-1356 or 603-356-2642 to reserve day tickets or book a weekend stay with any participating inn.  Info: www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com. 

December 10: Holiday Concert for Kids at MWV Children’s Museum: Come and enjoy a special Christmas concert with Sharon Novak and Santa on Sunday, December 10th for babies and toddlers at 3:00 pm at the MWV Children's Museum. Info: .

December 13: Sweetback Sisters' Country Christmas Swing-Along Spectacular at Medallion Opera House:  This wildly popular show delivers a veritable explosion of yuletide splendor, complete with trivia, prizes and, of course, all the holiday tunes you know and love.  Year-round, the Sweetack Sisters and their band of brothers wow audiences with their precise, family-style harmonies and blazing instrumentals. Show starts at 7:00pm. Tickets:  $20 Advance/ $25 at door available at Gorham Town Hall, White Mountain Cafe, & online at www.medallionoperahouse.org.  Info: 603-466-3322 X3.

December 17: Snowshoe with Santa: Come snowshoe with Santa at the Grand Summit Hotel from 10 am to noon.  Take a walk with Santa while hunting for his reindeer bells. Then warm up with hot cocoa and a treat! Bring your cameras! Santa would love to take pictures with you! This event is free and is sponsored by AbilityPlus Adaptive Sports. Info: www.abilityplus.org.

December 26 – 31, 2017: Conway Scenic RR Holiday Week Trains: Old-fashioned train rides will be offered twice daily December 26 through 31, to Conway:11:30 and 1:30 (about an hour round-trip). Info and schedule, click here.

For more information on planning a holiday getaway to Mt Washington Valley, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org where you’ll find all the lodging, dining and recreation options, not to mention a packed holiday and ski season kick off.  To talk to a vacation concierge, call 1-800-367-3365 (800-DO-SEE-NH).  To plan your New Hampshire holiday trip, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photos available upon request.