New Hampshire feels like a living postcard in December; quiet snow-covered streets, mountain towns waking up for ski season, and seacoast walks wrapped in cold blue light. Whether you’re planning festive outings or looking for things that aren’t holiday-centric, the state has a perfect mix.
Since our crew serves southern, central, and seacoast New Hampshire, this list highlights real, specific, local places you can visit without digging around online.
Here are 21 things to do in New Hampshire in December brought to you by C.M.L – your favorite roofing company in New Hampshire and Maine!
21 Fun Things to Do in December in New Hampshire (2025)
From frozen waterfalls to festive light shows, here are 21 fun things to do in New Hampshire in December 2025 that are worth getting bundled up for.
1. Visit the Ice Castles (North Woodstock)
Ice Castles is one of New Hampshire’s most iconic winter attractions with glowing tunnels, frozen thrones, archways, LED-lit sculptures, and slides. Everything is built by hand using thousands of icicles, and it looks completely different each year. Arrive a little before your time slot so you can explore both the golden-hour glow and the nighttime lighting.
- Location: 24 Clark Farm Road, North Woodstock, NH
- Dates/Times: Late December–late February; evening visits recommended
- Entry Fees: ~$20–$30 per adult
2. Visit the Budweiser Clydesdales & Holiday Lights at the Merrimack Brewery
The Anheuser-Busch Merrimack Brewery puts on a festive December display featuring the famous Clydesdale horses, twinkling lights, and tours of the brewery grounds. It’s a fun, low-key outing that mixes holiday charm with a bit of local New England history, making it one of the most unique things to do in New Hampshire in December. Indoor tasting rooms make it a reliable choice even if the weather turns cold or snowy.
- Location: 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH
- Dates/Times: Select dates in December (holiday lights + Clydesdale meet-and-greets)
- Entry Fees: Free to visit; brewery tours and tastings vary
3. Go dog sledding at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel
Muddy Paw offers an authentic dog sledding experience, complete with musher-led rides and the chance to meet rescued and retired sled dogs. It’s peaceful, educational, and great for families. Book early in the season as December dates fill quickly, especially weekends.
- Location: 32 Valley Road, Jefferson, NH
- Dates/Times: December–March
- Entry Fees: ~$100–$200 per person
4. Wander historic downtown Portsmouth
Portsmouth NH mixes coastal charm, boutique shopping, and great dining, making it easy to fill an afternoon with simple winter exploring. The decorations around Market Square add a cozy feel. Swing by The Music Hall to check for last-minute tickets; their holiday programming is excellent.
- Location: Downtown Portsmouth, NH
- Dates/Times: Daily
- Entry Fees: Free
5. Drive through the Gift of Lights (NH Motor Speedway)
This large-scale drive-through display features themed scenes, light tunnels, and millions of LED bulbs. It’s relaxing, festive, and ideal for kids who want something magical before bedtime. Weeknights tend to be quieter if you want to avoid long entry lines.
- Location: 1122 Route 106, Loudon, NH
- Dates/Times: Mid-November–December
- Entry Fees: ~$30–$35 per vehicle
6. Take a historic walking tour in Concord
Concord’s self-guided tour covers the State House, 19th-century architecture, and quiet winter streets. It’s simple, calm, and surprisingly scenic in the snow, making it one of the more relaxed things to do in New Hampshire in December. Stop into The Works Café afterward for a warm drink and local baked goods.
- Location: Downtown Concord, NH
- Dates/Times: Year-round
- Entry Fees: Free
7. Snowshoe or hike to Diana’s Baths
A short, manageable trail brings you to frozen cascades surrounded by quiet woods. The ice formations change throughout the winter, making every visit unique. Bring microspikes as this is one of the most popular frozen-waterfall walks in the White Mountains.
- Location: Bartlett, NH
- Dates/Times: Dawn to dusk
- Entry Fees: $5 parking
8. Enjoy a sleigh ride at Nestlenook Farm
Nestlenook Farm offers classic horse-drawn sleigh rides complete with lantern-lit paths, snowy bridges, and winter views of Jackson Village. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and extremely photogenic. Dress in layers – the ride is peaceful but can get chilly on still evenings.
- Location: 66 Dinsmore Road, Jackson, NH
- Dates/Times: December–March
- Entry Fees: ~$25–$40
9. Ice skate at Puddle Dock Pond (Strawbery Banke)
Puddle Dock Pond is one of New Hampshire’s most charming ice rinks, surrounded by historic homes and twinkling lights. Evening sessions feel especially magical. Skate rentals go fast on weekends so arriving early helps secure your size.
- Location: 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH
- Dates/Times: December–March
- Entry Fees: ~$12–$20
10. Warm up at the Currier Museum of Art (Manchester)
The Currier’s galleries offer high-quality art, rotating exhibits, and access to two Frank Lloyd Wright homes (book separately). It’s a perfect indoor day when the weather turns icy and one of the best things to do in December in New Hampshire if you want something warm and inspiring. Keep an eye out for seasonal workshops since the museum often hosts holiday craft or art events.
- Location: 150 Ash Street, Manchester, NH
- Dates/Times: Wed–Sun
- Entry Fees: ~$15 adults
11. Visit LaBelle Winery for tastings
LaBelle’s Amherst and Derry tasting rooms are warm, elegant, and great for winter afternoons. Seasonal wine flights and craft cocktails make it a fun outing with friends. Their Derry location also hosts holiday-themed events and concerts throughout December.
12. Go snow tubing at Cranmore Mountain Resort
Cranmore offers lift-served tubing lanes that are fast, fun, and perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s one of the easiest winter activities to enjoy without gear. Evening tubing with the lights on adds a fun, upbeat vibe to the experience.
- Location: North Conway, NH
- Dates/Times: December–March
- Entry Fees: ~$35–$45
13. Try a guided night snowshoe at Great Glen Trails
Great Glen’s guided snowshoe tours offer a peaceful, starlit view of the White Mountains. Beginners are welcome, and gear is available to rent. Check the forecast – clear nights offer incredible views of Mount Washington under the winter sky.
- Location: Gorham, NH
- Dates/Times: Select evenings
- Entry Fees: ~$30–$50
14. Explore the Exeter Holiday Parade
The Exeter Holiday Parade is a beloved local tradition, filling the downtown with lights, music, and small-town New England charm. It’s festive without being overwhelming, and the perfect chance to enjoy one of the most spirited things to do in December in New Hampshire. Arrive a little early to grab a good viewing spot along Water Street.
- Location: Downtown Exeter, NH
- Dates/Times: Early–mid December (annual parade date varies)
- Entry Fees: Free
15. Spend a cozy weekend at Omni Mount Washington Resort
This historic resort has mountain views, fireplaces, restaurants, a spa, and plenty of on-site activities. It’s ideal for a relaxing December getaway. Even if you’re not staying overnight, visiting the grand lobby for hot cocoa is surprisingly memorable.
- Location: Bretton Woods, NH
- Dates/Times: Year-round
- Entry Fees: Varies by stay
16. Explore Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch offers snowy trails, ice-framed lakes, and stunning mountain views all winter long. It’s a great spot for simple walks or photography. The Basin is one of the easiest winter stops and looks incredible with fresh snowfall.
- Location: Franconia, NH
- Dates/Times: Dawn to dusk
- Entry Fees: Free
17. Visit Arethusa Falls
Arethusa Falls becomes a towering blue ice display in winter, and the hike feels adventurous without being overwhelming. It’s one of New Hampshire’s most dramatic frozen waterfalls. Bring proper traction; the trail is popular with ice climbers in December.
- Location: Crawford Notch, NH
- Dates/Times: Dawn to dusk
- Entry Fees: Free
18. Take a winter walk at Odiorne Point State Park
This coastal park offers sweeping ocean views, quiet trails, and rocky shoreline access perfect for crisp winter walks. The scenery is completely different from inland NH, making it a standout choice among new hampshire things to do in december. Pair your visit with a stop at Seacoast Science Center if you’re traveling with kids.
- Location: Rye, NH
- Dates/Times: Daily
- Entry Fees: ~$4–$5
19. Join the Currier & Ives Cookie Tour
This nostalgic tour features decorated inns, holiday treats, and small-town charm across the Monadnock region. It’s a warm, low-pressure holiday outing. Most stops offer unique cookies or small bites you won’t find anywhere else.
- Location: Monadnock region
- Dates/Times: Early–mid December
- Entry Fees: ~$25–$30
20. Go Skiing at One of New Hampshire’s December-Ready Mountains
New Hampshire’s ski season kicks off in December, with mountains like Loon, Bretton Woods, Cannon, and Waterville Valley typically spinning lifts by early to mid-month. Whether you prefer groomers, terrain parks, or family-friendly slopes, these resorts offer reliable snowmaking and festive winter atmospheres. Most mountains also host early-season events, torchlight parades, and holiday-themed activities throughout the month.
- Location: Statewide (Loon, Bretton Woods, Cannon, Waterville Valley, Cranmore, etc.)
- Dates/Times: Most resorts open late November–mid December
- Entry Fees: Day passes typically $60–$150 depending on mountain & date
21. Spa day at Christmas Farm Inn & Spa (Jackson)
This Aveda spa offers massages, facials, and access to the inn’s heated pool and hot tub, all surrounded by mountain views. It’s a cozy winter escape. Their seasonal aromatherapy treatments are especially popular as one of the most relaxing things to do in New Hampshire in December.
- Location: Jackson, NH
- Dates/Times: Year-round
- Entry Fees: ~$80–$200
A Final Word From C.M.L
There’s something about winter in New Hampshire that brings people closer. maybe it’s the snowy trails, the festive lights, or just the way small towns feel extra warm this time of year.
As part of this community, we love highlighting the places and traditions that make our home special. And while you’re out enjoying everything December has to offer, our 5-star New Hampshire roofing team is here to make sure your home stays comfortable, protected, and winter-ready.
