Open for the Holidays in the White Mountains
North Woodstock, New Hampshire (PRWEB) November 22, 2014 -- Freshly fallen snow coats the ground and the excitement of the upcoming holiday season is beginning to build. In preparation, the attractions and towns throughout New Hampshire’s White Mountains have planned seasonal events through the rest of this year.
Santa Claus is big fan of trains, and will be a regular aboard many of the train excursions in the region. He’ll be riding the rails of the Mt. Washington Cog Railway during their Family Holiday Weekend, November 28-30, travelling up to the half-way point for a photo stop.
The Conway Scenic Railroad and the Hobo Railroad also welcome the jolly old man on their Santa’s Holiday Express Trains beginning November 28 through December 21. More is in store at Conway Scenic during the holiday week when trains run twice daily from December 26 through January 2 for one hour trips.
The attraction that celebrates Christmas all year round, Santa’s Village in Jefferson, will be in full swing beginning November 22 and then every weekend thereafter through December 21. Santa is available to hear wish lists and Mrs. Claus will welcome 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 2015 at the New Year’s Eve Partybration at 9 pm with a visit with Father Time, good food, good family fun and fireworks.
For the thrill-seeking enthusiast, the zip lines in Lincoln at Alpine Adventures and Loon Mountain are open this winter for you to soar through trees and the crisp winter air. Both offer spectacular views of the White Mountains and the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Beginning in mid-December, the Mt. Washington Auto Road will give the adventurous an opportunity to experience a 4.5 mile snowy journey up to the tree line aboard their Snow Coach. Departures are from Great Glen Trails and for a real adventure, telemark or cross-country ski your way back down!
Littleton’s Annual Holiday Parade will trumpet in the season on November 28 at Noon, and Berlin’s Parade of Lights keeps the festivities going during the evening hours that same day with a 7 pm start time.
It’s not news that Santa arrives on a sled pulled by energetic four-footed friends, but in Waterville Valley, it’s a little different from his usual mode of transportation. On November 29, Santa and his team of sled dogs will speed into Town Square at 3:30 pm. Each child will receive a small gift and candy.
At the Rocks Estate Christmas Tree Farm in Bethlehem, a sleigh ride, mountain vistas and the aroma of fresh balsam envelope those in search of the perfect Christmas tree. With the exception of Thanksgiving Day, 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 November 30 and December 6, 7, 13 & 20. 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 silvery memento of a jingle bell.
Shoppers in North Conway can really get into the spirit during Settlers’ Green Holiday Tree Festival on Saturday, December 6 from 10 am to 2 pm. Live caroling music, festive trees decorated by local residents, complimentary hot chocolate & candy canes, free horse-drawn wagon rides with Santa and Cranmore Mountain Resort’s miniature snow tubing park complete a fun-filled afternoon.
Take a step back in time in a Currier & Ives setting at the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth during their Homestead Christmas event on Saturday, December 6. Costumed interpreters add to the festive feel and visitors can participate in craft and open-hearth cooking activities. The Captain Enoch Remick house will be decked out in holiday style and will be open for tours.
Snow means skiing and the White Mountains are home to an array of premier ski resorts. With favorable snow-making conditions, some of these ski areas have been able to open for business including Loon Mountain, Wildcat Mountain and Bretton Woods. Other ski areas including Cannon Mountain, Cranmore Mountain and Attitash Mountain Resort, will be welcoming guests next weekend and early December.
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 and other events in the White Mountains, visit the WMAA website at http://www.VisitWhiteMountains.com.
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Charyl Reardon, White Mountains Attractions Association, http://www.visitwhitemountains.com, +1 6033156529, [email protected]
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