Solstice and Snowfall
December Events to Warm You Up
By mid-December, the Lakes Region starts giving off serious “we live in a snow globe” energy. The air goes crisp, the twilight arrives early, and every porch, shop, and steeple seems to glow a little warmer. And yes — the lakes look frozen. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. With this arctic early-winter snap, you may feel like you could walk straight across Lake Wentworth…but please don’t test that theory just yet.
This is the season where our small towns come alive with music, light, makers’ markets, cozy food, and winter traditions old and new. Here’s a selection of what’s happening for the rest of the month. Did we miss your favorite tradition or event? Let us know in the comments!
Bundle up. Wander out. Let’s celebrate what makes winter between the lakes and mountains so magical.
🎄 HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES & EVENTS
Gift of Lights — NH Motor Speedway, Loudon
Open nightly through Sunday January 4
A two-mile drive-through holiday spectacle with tunnels, animated displays, and enough LEDs to warm even the grumpiest Scrooge. Bonus: it’s a fundraiser for local community needs.
Santa Express Trains — Meredith & Lincoln
Weekends through December 22
Hot cocoa, holiday stories, and a visit from Santa — all aboard a festive ride through the lakes and mountains. The Meredith trips are especially magical at dusk.
Candlelight Strolls & Solstice Gatherings
Gilford Candlelight Stroll — Saturday December 13, 5-7
Lanterns, cocoa at the library, carolers, carriage rides, and Santa. It gives old-fashioned charm.Winter Solstice (Dec 21)
Several churches and yoga studios across the region typically host meditations, labyrinth walks, or candlelight gatherings — check locally for listings.
Know of one? Drop it in the comments so neighbors can find it!
Holiday Markets, Sip-and-Shops & Craft Fairs
Meredith Holiday Craft Fair — Dec 13
Wolfeboro Festival of Trees - through December 14
Sip-and-Shop Nights in Farmington, Center Harbor, Alton Bay, Wakefield & Wolfeboro
These small, warm gatherings are perfect for last-minute gifts (or “gifts for me because I survived another year”). Facebook events is the best source for up to date information as these often change due to weather.
🎭 THEATER & LIVE PERFORMANCE
Jack and the Beanstalk: A Traditional English Panto
Winnipesaukee Playhouse – Meredith
Runs December 19, 2025 – January 1, 2026
It’s campy, family-friendly, a little mischievous, and full of the witty humor the Playhouse is beloved for. If you’ve never seen a holiday Panto, it’s like stepping into a sparkly British tradition with jokes for both kids and adults.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story
The Colonial Theater – Laconia
Runs December 11-14
Reimagined with a fresh, spirited adaptation by New Hampshire’s own Joel Mercier. Expect a lively score, a few clever twists, gorgeous period costumes, and just the right amount of ghostly mischief — all while honoring the heart of Dickens’ original tale.
A true Lakes Region holiday tradition, brought to life by Granite State performers of all ages, this production is the kind of storytelling that ushers you straight into the spirit of the season.
A Holiday Concert with Clay Cook
Lakeport Opera House – Laconia
December 20 at 7 pm
When Clay Cook is not road touring with Zac Brown Band, he’s a Lakes Region resident. This singer/songwriter has an affinity for all things Christmas Music during the holiday season.
This holiday concert will feature a talented multi-instrument musician in a festive atmosphere encompassing the magic of the season with Clay’s original material and cherished holiday favorites.
🏔️ WINTER SPORTS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Gunstock Mountain Resort — Gilford
Open throughout December (weather permitting)
Skiing, boarding, tubing, night skiing…and yes, skijoring for the brave souls whose dogs are more athletic than they are. (Seriously, you can ski with your dog!)
Snowshoeing & XC Skiing
Prescott Farm — guided programs
Castle in the Clouds — stunning ridge views
Ahern State Park — lakeside and peaceful
Ice Fishing, Pond Hockey & Early Ice Season
The lakes are starting to stiffen up — but again, don’t trust the ice yet. When it’s safe, you’ll see shanties, skaters, and pond hockey across the region. For now, enjoy the anticipation…and the Instagram photos taken safely from shore.
Winter Hiking
Red Hill, Mount Major, Weeks Woods — quiet, crisp, glorious.
🔥 INDOOR & COZY FUN
Funspot — Laconia
Bowling, arcades, retro games — warm, nostalgic fun with zero exposure to wind chill.
Belknap Mill, American Classic Arcade Museum
Make a day of it with a little history, a little whimsy, and a stop for cocoa on the way home.
Candle-Making Workshops
Offered in Laconia (228 Grant Street Candle Co.), Meredith (Prescott Farm), and Alton (The Bob House & The Reel ‘N Tavern) — perfect for gifting or simply pretending you’re living your best hygge life.
🐴 UNIQUE & ONLY-IN-THE-LAKES EXPERIENCES
Carol with the Cows at a German Style Christmas market at Brookford Farm on December 13-14. Family friendly crafts, candle making, sleighrides, and singing.
Moose Mountain Recreation Lodge Events — trivia nights, winter dinners, community gatherings. Find them on facebook!
Winter Farmers Markets in Wolfeboro, Milton, Wakefield, and beyond
Alton Bay Winter Carnival (preview season!) — early sign-ups and vendor calls often start now for the February event: https://www.visitnh.gov/things-to-do/events-calendar/alton-bay-winter-carnival-2026
💬 Your Turn: What Should We Add?
Some events publish early — many don’t. Some happen every year — but the dates live only on a handwritten flyer taped to a library door.
What’s happening in your town between now and New Year’s?
Caroling night? Church concert? Winter solstice circle? Sip-and-shop your cousin is hosting? Tell us below and we’ll update this guide so everyone across the Lakes Region can join in.
And remember — the lakes may look ready for skating, fishing, or pond hockey…
But trust us: admiring early ice is free; falling through it is expensive and really, really cold.
Here’s to life between the lakes and the mountains.
❄️ Keys to the Lakes
— Jenn & Andrea
