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You don’t have to travel far or look too hard for ways to celebrate the holiday season in the Lakes Region! Year after year, annual events and brand-new experiences pack the calendar – from holiday festivals to community tree trimmings and classic live performances, there’s no shortage of holiday magic around here. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite ways to kick off the holiday season and get the whole family in the spirit.

Get in the Spirit

Christmas at Castle in the Clouds

Castle in the Clouds annual Christmas tradition is back! See the historic Lucknow Mansion transform into a winter wonderland, complete with an Artisan Fair, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and vintage trolley rides to the Carriage House Restaurant! The event kicks off on Sunday, November 20th, and carries over into the following weekend from Friday, November 25th – Sunday, November 27th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Purchase your tickets online ahead of time.

2022 Clough Tavern Farm Christmas

Make your list and check it twice before heading over to the Clough Tavern Farm Christmas event. Browse the over 30 local vendors and artisans sharing their quality art and antique pieces for purchase! Tackle your holiday shopping list and shop small from Friday, November 25th through Sunday, December 4th!

Loon Center Holiday Open House 

This season’s Holiday Open House at the Loon Center features festive entertainment for all ages on Saturday, November 26th, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Face painting, balloon animals, crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a visit from Santa are sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit.

Hypnotizing Lights

Laconia Lights Festival

Get in the holiday spirit with Laconia’s Lights Festival! On November 27th from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., take part in this day-long celebration that includes food trucks, activities, tree decorating, a holiday parade, and a holiday walk tree lighting! Register for the City on the Lakes Holiday Lights Walk ahead of time and decorate your tree between November 20-27 to enter to win! 

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Gift of Lights

Drive through 2.5 miles of twinkling Christmas light displays at this family-friendly holiday favorite! Running from November 24th through January 1st, this year’s event will feature a 150-foot Tunnel of Lights, arches, toys, holiday scenes, including the 12 Days of Christmas, and so much more. The 130-foot entrance and exit tunnels hold over 25,000 lights, and guests will also have the chance to roast marshmallows and make s’mores over open fire pits. Tickets are $35 per car and $60 per bus, limo, or RV. 

Catch a Classic

The Nutcracker at Laconia Colonial Theatre

See a classic everyone loves in the theater – the full-length ballet of the Nutcracker comes to The Colonial Theatre of Laconia this holiday season! Presented by the Safe Haven Ballet, this festive performance features all your favorites, from Clara to the Sugar Plum Fairy. See the show on December 4th at 12 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. 

Christmas with The Celts at the Flying Monkey

Experience a lively blend of contemporary and classic holiday tunes like Little Drummer Boy, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and White Christmas performed by Celtic musicians, The Celts. Celebrate on December 2nd from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Flying Monkey in Plymouth!

Hang Out with Santa

Hobo Railroad’s Santa Express Trains

Gather the whole family to experience the magic of Christmas on this 80-minute roundtrip train ride in Lincoln, NH! Beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving at 1 p.m. and running through December 18th, your ticket will get you a scenic ride with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as holiday treats! Tickets are $25 for Coach and $33 for First Class.

Christmas at Kellerhaus 

Santa and Mrs. Claus are making an appearance at Kellerhaus in Laconia on Friday November 25 from 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cookies and juice will be served and guests will have the chance to shop Black Friday deals and get up to 50% off all purchases!

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