Fun and Unique Holiday Things to Do in the NH White Mountain Valley

Enjoy an old Fashioned Sleigh Ride at Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, NH

A sleigh ride is a great holiday activity for the family or a romantic outing! The custom built sleighs from Austria will take you through the beautiful lantern-lit forest and along the Ellis River. After the ride, warm up at the bonfire, eat s’mores and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.  Nestlenook Farm also offer nightly accommodations and other winter activities, such as ice skating on an all natural pond, and cross country skiing.

Nestlenook Farm is located at 66 Dinsmore Road, Jackson NH (603) 383-7101

https://nestlenookfarmsleighrides.com/sleigh-rides

Visit a Frozen Waterfall at Diana’s Baths.

At just 1.3 miles out and back, the falls are easily accessible. The short hike is worth it, as you will see the beautiful waterfall covered in ice and snow. The path from the parking lot on West Side Road is easy to follow. While Diana’s Baths is often busy and crowded during the summer, you’ll find peace and quiet there in the Winter season and a great little day hike for the entire family.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/frozen-dianas-baths-nh/

Ride a Christmas Train

Winter in Mount Washington Valley is a magical time of year, with snow-capped mountains all around, and quaint villages decorated with twinkling lights. Journey to the North Pole aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. A two-hour adventure, Journey to the North Pole™ takes you on a magical trip to see Santa, his workshop, and his busy elves at the North Pole! special gift. This is a magical adventure for all ages! The Journey to the North Pole™ Event is a fundraiser of The Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, a Charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

http://www.journeytothenorthpole.org/event-info.html

 Mountain Top Music is hosting “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on December 8

Heather Pierson will be playing piano and singing; Shawn Nadeau plays bass and Craig Bryan drums, will perform Vince Guaraldi’s classic at the Majestic Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 and refreshments will be available in the Majestic Cafe.

 The Boldest And Biggest Meteor Shower Of The Year Will Be On Display Above New Hampshire In December

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled and alarm clocks set for the annual display of the Geminid meteor shower. The Geminids are a shower of slow-moving meteors that are visible from Earth every December, usually between November 19 and December 24. In 2022, it is due to peak on December 13-14. The height of the display will be around 2 a.m. local time. The meteor shower is best seen in the northern hemisphere, so here in New Hampshire we are in luck. From our position on Earth, the meteors appear to emerge from the direction of the Gemini constellation. 

This is a good place to start gazing, but the shower will appear all across the night sky, so be sure to keep looking around. For the best viewing experience, you’ll need to get away from any artificial light pollution and out to a dark rural area. Special gear like a telescope or binoculars may be helpful, but they aren’t required. As long as you can view a wide expanse of the sky, you’re good. Allow at least a half hour for your eye to adjust to the darkness. Then just lie back and enjoy the show. 

This year, the moon is predicted to be quite bright at the height of the shower. While some larger meteors could still be visible, more of the smaller, fainter ones will be difficult to see.

These are some of the highlighted things to do this holiday season! There’s more plays, events and unique outings you can enjoy as well just get out there and start having a great winter!