Published December 1, 2025
Why Visit Mount Washington Valley in December?
Why Visit MWV in December?
Holiday Charm
The Valley leans into the festive season with beautifully decorated inns and a classic New England holiday feel.
Family-Friendly Fun
From Santa train rides and cookie tours to skiing and nature walks, there’s plenty for both kids and adults.
Active Winter Adventures
Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities — or unwind with wellness events like yoga and sound healing.
Scenic Beauty
Snow-dusted mountains and winter landscapes make December a spectacular time to explore the region.
December 2025 Events & Activities
Inn-to-Inn Holiday Cookie Tour
Dates: December 13–14, 2025
Website: https://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/annual-holiday-inn-to-inn-cookie-tour/
A self-guided tour of approximately 11 decorated country inns throughout the White Mountains, each offering homemade cookies and candies.
Participants receive a Holiday Recipe Cookbook and a keepsake ornament.
Lodging Packages: https://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com
Charity: Supports End 68 Hours of Hunger — https://indepthnh.org
Cocoa & Cookies with Santa at Cranmore Mountain
Dates: December 20–22, 2025, 4:30–6:30 PM
Website: https://www.cranmore.com
Guests ride the Skimobile Express chairlift to the summit, where Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a snowcat.
Includes cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and holiday story time in the Meister Hut.
Festive, fun attire encouraged — ugly sweaters included.
Tickets: $29; booking early recommended.
Glenn Miller Orchestra Holiday Concert
Date: December 19, 2025
Location: Omni Mount Washington Resort
Event Info: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington/specials/glenn-miller
A dinner + concert evening featuring a three-course meal, big-band holiday music, and dancing.
Doors open at 6:00 PM; performance begins around 8:30 PM.
Lodging packages may be available; dinner + concert tickets can also be purchased separately.
Journey to the North Pole
Date: December 4, 2025, 4:00–7:30 PM
Hosted By: Mt. Washington Valley Kiwanis Club — https://www.mwvkiwanis.org
Supports the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation — https://www.mwvkiwanis.org
A magical family-friendly holiday train adventure perfect for young children.
Schouler Park Tree Lighting & North Conway Holiday Festivities
Holiday festivities continue throughout December in North Conway: decorated shops, cocoa, strolls, and caroling.
More Info: https://www.visitmwv.com
New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 2025): Village Passport scavenger hunt, live music, hot cocoa, and fireworks at 9 PM — https://www.visitmwv.com
Waumbek Wonderland — Santa at the Cog Railway
Santa visits the Marshfield Station on weekends through December 21, 2025.
Details & Packages: https://www.visitmwv.com
A lodging + festive train trip that brings families up the mountain to meet Santa.
35th Annual North Conway Christmas Bird Count
Date: December 16, 2025
Event Info: https://www.tinmountain.org/what-we-do/program-and-event-calendar.html/event/2025/12/20/christmas-bird-count/545054
Participants snowshoe, ski, or walk designated areas to count winter birds in the Valley.
Skiing, Snowboarding & Winter Sports
Local ski areas — Wildcat Mountain, Cranmore, King Pine, and others — will be in full swing (weather permitting).
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and guided winter nature walks offer more ways to explore the winter landscape.
Tips & Suggestions
Book Early: Popular events like the Cookie Tour and Glenn Miller concert often sell out.
Dress Warm: December can be very cold; pack layers, waterproof gear, and boots.
Check Weather Conditions: Outdoor events and lift operations can change based on winter storms.
Plan Transportation: Parking and roads may be challenging on busy weekends — allow extra travel time.