New Hampshire's White Mountains are Open for the Holidays
North Woodstock, NH (PRWEB) December 05, 2015 -- Mountain ridges turn white and villages start to twinkle with festive lights, as the excitement of the upcoming holiday season builds. In preparation, the attractions and towns throughout New Hampshire’s White Mountains have planned seasonal events through the rest of this year.
Santa Claus loves to ride the rails, and will be a regular aboard many of the train excursions in the region. The Conway Scenic Railroad and the Hobo Railroad welcome the jolly old man on their Santa’s Holiday Express Trains running weekends through December 23. More is in store at the Conway Scenic during the holiday vacation week when trains run twice daily for one hour trips from December 26 through January 1.
Climb aboard for a magical Journey to the North Pole! Based on the classic children’s book, this annual event brings passengers on a two hour holiday journey that includes a train ride, steamy hot chocolate, singing with the elves, a visit from Santa, plus a special treat. Trains depart from Lincoln and North Conway through December 22.
The attraction that celebrates Christmastime year round, Santa’s Village in Jefferson, operates every weekend through December 20. Santa is available to hear wish lists while Mrs. Claus welcomes guests with a cup of warm wassail. Many of the popular rides will be operating, and park-wide lighting displays cheerfully warm the nights throughout the holiday season. On December 31, Santa’s Village will turn the clocks ahead 3 hours so young guests can ring in 2016 at the New Year’s Eve “Partybration” at 9 pm with a visit from Father Time, good food, good family fun and fireworks.
For the thrill-seeking enthusiast looking for off-slope adventure, the zip lines in Lincoln at Alpine Adventures and Loon Mountain are open this winter. Both locations offer spectacular views of the White Mountains and the surrounding valleys and peaks as you soar through the trees and crisp winter air. For tubing and the Mountain Adventure Park, head over Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway.
Beginning in mid-December, the Mt. Washington Auto Road will provide a unique 75 minute tour aboard their SnowCoach. Departing from Great Glen Trails, the snowy journey up to tree line is filled with memories and photography of one of the most amazing mountains on the planet.
At the Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, horse drawn wagon rides, shops brimming with gifts and decorations, and the aroma of fresh balsam envelope those in search of the perfect Christmas tree. The estate is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm through December 24.
The sound of sleigh bells fills the air in the Christmas-card town of Jackson during the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour on Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Participants snuggle in a horse-drawn sleigh as they make their way through the Village of Jackson stopping at shops and country inns to receive specially prepared chocolate treasures. Everyone is presented with a jingle bell and festive holiday bag. Sleigh rides are also available at the Franconia Inn, the Stables by the River B & B in North Conway, and Purity Spring resort in Madison.
Shoppers in North Conway can get into the spirit during Settlers’ Green Holiday Festival of Lights on Saturday, December 5 from 10 am to 2 pm. Live caroling, festive trees decorated by local residents, complimentary hot chocolate & candy canes, horse-drawn wagon rides with Santa and Cranmore Mountain Resort’s miniature snow tubing park complete a fun-filled afternoon.
Step into the holiday season by stepping back in time at the historic Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth during their Homestead Christmas event on Saturday, December 5. Costumed interpreters add to the festive feel while visitors can participate in craft and open-hearth cooking activities plus sample Victorian Christmas cookies. The Captain Enoch Remick house will be decked out in holiday style and will be open for tours from 12 to 3 pm.
Snow means skiing and riding and the White Mountains are home to an array of premier ski resorts. Dropping temperatures have made for favorable snow-making conditions, allowing ski areas to open for business including Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, Cranmore Mountain, Loon Mountain, Wildcat Mountain, and Waterville Valley. Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett will begin welcoming guests in mid- December.
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About the White Mountains Attractions Association
The White Mountains Attractions Association was founded in 1958 as a co-operative marketing association for the region. In 1983, it was also designated the State's official Regional Association for the White Mountains of New Hampshire, able to assist the press and visitors with information about the region. For more information on the White Mountains, visit http://www.VisitWhiteMountains.com.
Charyl Reardon, White Mountains Attractions Association, http://www.visitwhitemountains.com, +1 6033156529, [email protected]
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