This month brings a variety of events, from concerts to craft fairs to winery and chocolate tours
LaBelle Lights at The Links at LaBelle Winery, Derry, Tuesdays through Sundays November 14 -January 7
Experience the enchanting ambiance of Derry’s dazzling light extravaganza! Over 500,000 twinkling lights illuminate the night at The Links, situated within the picturesque Labelle Winery. Immerse yourself in a captivating walking tour through carefully designated paths across the scenic golf course. Indulge in delightful sweet and savory treats, complemented by a selection of warm non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, all conveniently available for purchase at LaBelle Market. For a more substantial dining experience, Americus Restaurant offers a hearty fare perfect for a pre or post-walk meal. Discover the magic at labellewinery.com
Gift of Lights, Loudon, November 23 – December 31
Relive the nostalgic joy of those family van rides to admire neighbors’ Christmas lights, but on a grander scale! Explore over 400 dazzling light displays, 60 enchanting holiday scenes, and a breathtaking two million LED bulbs transforming New Hampshire Motor Speedway into a winter wonderland. Embrace the magic by driving through the meticulously crafted route, which includes the tunnel and a portion of the track’s road course. Immerse yourself in the festive spectacle and create lasting memories. For more information, contact (603) 783-4931 or visit nhms.com
Wolfeboro Festival of Trees, Wolfeboro, December 2-10
Discover the enchantment of the Wolfeboro Festival of Trees, an eagerly awaited annual charity event that showcases over seventy creatively adorned holiday trees. These unique masterpieces are thoughtfully crafted by community organizations, businesses, and individuals, adding a touch of festive magic to the Wright Museum across two levels. Despite the museum’s winter closure, attendees can still explore captivating exhibits during the Festival.
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with continuous entertainment and enjoy light refreshments as you stroll through the festive displays. As a special treat this year, anticipate a visit from Santa Claus and explore a delightful Craft Fair, enhancing the joyful atmosphere of this heartwarming celebration. Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the season’s cheer at the Wolfeboro Festival of Trees!
(603) 948-5504; wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com
5th Annual NH Jingle Bells Winery Tour Bells Tour, Lee, November 18 – December 17
Participants will have the opportunity to visit seven festive wineries throughout New Hampshire over the course of five weekends ending on December 17th. This is a self-guided tour through New Hampshire wine country. The self-guided traveling tasters will have from November 18th through December 17th to receive a wine (or spirits at winery/distillery locations) tasting at each location accompanied by light hors d’oeuvres (available on weekends only). Along with the tastings, festivities will include a unique holiday ornament from each winery, music, and a Holiday Spirit contest. The Holiday Spirit contest will feature the 12 wineries and how they best display their holiday cheer. (603) 659-2949;
A Cold River Radio Christmas, Conway, December 10
Don’t miss the grand finale of Cold River Radio’s season, featuring a stellar lineup of beloved and extraordinary guests! Prepare for unforgettable performances by acclaimed artists such as Cassandre McKinley, Grammy-nominated guitarist Jon Butcher, Maine folk troubadour Dan Blakeslee, the dynamic duo Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards, The DellaValla Bluegrass Trio, and the incredibly talented 7-year-old Pierce Party. Additionally, acclaimed author David McPhail will grace the event.
Your hosts for the evening are the charismatic Jonathan Party and the fabulous Cold River Radio Band, featuring the exceptional talents of David Mattacks on Drums, Todd Baker on Double Bass, Mike Sakash on Soprano Sax, and Joseph “Sonny” Barbato on Piano. Join us for a night of unparalleled entertainment and musical magic at Cold River Radio’s season finale!
“A Christmas Carol” at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, November 24 – December 23
Watch your favorite Charles Dickens Christmas novel come to life on the stage at the Palace Theatre. Follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve, accompanied by lively song and dance, actors from all over the country and a live orchestra. Don’t miss out on a chance to see an old miser forever changed by holiday joy. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org
Journey to the North Pole, Locations vary, November 24 – December 23
Embark on the enchanting family adventure of a lifetime aboard the whimsical Journey to the North Pole™! This magical experience unfolds exclusively in the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire, with departures from North Conway and Lincoln throughout the Thanksgiving season and holidays annually.
A two-hour odyssey, Journey to the North Pole™ transports you to a world of wonder as you journey to visit Santa, explore his bustling workshop, and witness his diligent elves in action!
Upon boarding the Journey to the North Pole™ train, you and your family will be treated to Santa’s exclusive delights by our enchanting chefs. Arriving at the North Pole, Santa’s Helpers will guide you to the Workshop on the hill, passing by the North Pole Post Office where you can leave your letters for Santa and explore the Print Shop. Inside the Workshop, enjoy quality time with family and friends, entertained by the lively Elves, a dramatic reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” elf sing-alongs, and a warm welcome from Santa himself!
As you return on the train, each child will receive a special gift and an exclusive “Journey” activity/coloring book, creating lasting memories for all ages. This magical adventure is not only a festive experience but also a fundraiser for The Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Join us and make a difference while creating cherished moments!
Christmas with the Celts, Plymouth, December 23
Step dancers, vocalists and a rollicking band combine with Irish instruments such as the bodhran and uilleann pipes to create an evening of classic holiday music from both sides of the Atlantic. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com
Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm, Candia, December 8-10, 15-17, 20-23
Charmingfare Farm in Candia hosts this annual Christmas extravaganza where timeless traditions will please the whole family. It all starts with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Christmas Trail, which features 12 charming holiday scenes to decorate the way to the North Pole. Santa will wait for families in the Reindeer Barn where the kid can hand off their Christmas letters and feed the live reindeer. Be sure to visit Mrs. Claus for sugar cookies and hot cocoa too. (603) 483-5623; visitthefarm.com
26th Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie & Candy Tour, White Mountains, December 9-10
Nine country lodges open their doors for visitors to taste their best holiday cookies and candies and snag some recipe and décor ideas. Stay at one of the participating inns and you will also receive a keepsake ornament. (603) 356-2642; countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com
NH Gingerbread House Festival, Concord, December 9-10
You know the NH Home Builders can build houses of wood, wait until you see what they can do with gingerbread. Over 25 handcrafted gingerbread houses will be on display (and given away). There will also be a People’s Choice Award decided by you. In addition to the homes, there is a hot chocolate station and Santa’s Workshop where you can make your own paper gingerbread house to take home. (603) 969-7077. nhgingerbread.com.
The Greg and The Morning Buzz Christmas Ball, Concord, December 14
The Greg and The Morning Buzz Ball is Back. Join Greg and the Morning Buzz Team as they host an all-star cast of musicians, performers, comedians and special guests. A portion of the proceeds go to Lend a Helping Can – a 501c3 Charity that serves 11 Soup Kitchens in New Hampshire. ccanh.com
Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, Jackson, December, various days
Find enchantment on a magical sleigh ride through the snowy mountains of Northern New Hampshire, plus enjoy delicious chocolate treats from local chocolatiers. The Austrian horse-drawn sleigh makes its way to Jackson Village, halting at various stops for tastes of homemade sweets. riverwoodinn-jackson.com
Holly Jolly Craft Fair, Nashua, December 9
Procrastinators, this one’s for you! The last event of the year from Joyce’s Craft Shows, this fair carries both stocking-friendly small gifts and larger items including quilts, gourmet food and holiday floral arrangements. (603) 528-4014; joycescraftshows.com
Holiday Pops Concert, Manchester, December 9
The Boston Esplanade Orchestra visits SNHU Arena for their cherished Holiday Pops concert. The magical music will be the highlight of your holiday season by capturing the special winter charms of New England. Listen and delight to their signature “Sleigh Ride,” as well as other holiday classics and new seasonal arrangements, joined by Metropolitan Chorale and an appearance from the Man in Red during the finale. (603) 644-5000; snhuarena.com