What to Do in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
February Edition: Brrr!
Look, we get it, it’s cold out there. Colder than usual, actually. But sometimes you just have to lean into it and remember the downeast adage, “there’s no bad weather, just bad clothes.” So layer up, grab a scarf (or a balaclava) and get out there. The magic of winter in the lakes region is inviting you out! The ice is thick enough for fishing derbies and winter carnivals, the trails are perfect for snowshoeing, and the restaurants are serving comfort food that tastes better when there’s snow on the ground.
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or you’re planning your first winter visit, February offers a particular kind of beauty. There’s a quietness to the landscape that makes everything feel more intentional and an energy at some of these beloved events that is contagious.
Here’s what’s happening this month.
The Big Winter Events
Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby (Feb 13-15)
This is one of those events that draws people from all over New England—and for good reason. Watching sled dog teams race through Laconia is thrilling in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re standing there in the cold, cheering them on. The energy is contagious, the dogs are magnificent, and it’s a reminder that winter here isn’t something to endure—it’s something to celebrate. And after the race, there’s a great selection of pubs and restaurants in Laconia to warm you up.
Alton Bay Winter Carnival (Feb 15)
Alton Bay in winter is a scene straight out of a postcard. The ice runway brings in seaplanes, families gather for ice fishing, and the whole town turns out for the carnival. There’s something deeply community-oriented about this event—neighbors catching up, kids running around, everyone bundled up and in good spirits. It’s the kind of thing that makes you understand why people stay here through the cold months and one of our favorite places to hang out. Tell us what’s cooler than sipping something warm while watching the ice fisherman do their thing and biplanes land and takeoff on the ice?!?
Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby (Feb 7-8)
If you’ve never tried ice fishing, this derby is a welcoming way to start. And if you’re a seasoned angler, it’s a chance to test your skills against some of the best. Either way, there’s something meditative about being out on the frozen lake in February—the stillness, the cold air, the anticipation. Meredith knows how to put on a derby, and this one’s been a tradition for decades.
Family Fun & Community Gatherings
Beans & Greens Winterfest (Feb 21, 9am-6pm, Gilford)
Beans & Greens always knows how to throw a party, and their Winterfest is no exception. This year, it’s benefiting Camp Resilience and the Gilford Rotary—organizations that support veterans and first responders—so your good time also does good. The lineup includes a human sled dog race (yes, people pulling sleds—costumes encouraged), a “Chili Good Time” cook-off where you can enter for free and taste-test to your heart’s content, a silent auction, food and drinks including a hot cocoa bar, kids’ games, and a live K9 demonstration. Local musician Andrea Paquin will be performing. It’s the kind of day where you arrive planning to stay an hour and end up staying all day.
The Human Sled Dog Racing happens from 10am-1pm the same day. Teams of three pull a rider on a sled 50 yards down the course. It’s hilarious, high-energy, and surprisingly competitive. Entry fee is $60 per team, and all proceeds benefit Camp Resilience. If you’ve got a crew and a sense of humor, this is your event. Next year, maybe Keys to the Lakes will participate, who wants to be our third team member?
Princess Weekend at Mill Falls (Meredith, Feb 14-15)
If you have little ones who love fairy tales, this is a weekend they’ll remember. Saturday evening (6pm) kicks off with Story Time with a Princess, and Sunday afternoon (3-5pm) is the Princess Tea, where kids can meet Rapunzel, Belle, and Cinderella. Royal attire is encouraged, which means you’ll see some very serious young princes and princesses walking through Mill Falls. Tickets are $70 for adults, $60 for children, and include entry to both events. It’s sweet, it’s magical, and it’s the kind of thing that makes February feel a little warmer.
Pooh’s Birthday Surprise at Belknap Mill (Laconia, Feb 27, 1-5pm)
This one’s a gem—and it’s free. The Belknap Mill is hosting a live performance of “Pooh’s Birthday Surprise” by the talented teens of Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative. Doors open at 1pm, and before the 2pm performance, kids can make their own birthday hats to wear during the show. Afterward, stick around to meet the cast and do another Pooh & Friends craft. It’s a full afternoon of creativity, storytelling, and birthday fun—perfect for families looking for something special during February break.
Squam Lakes Association Winterfest (Feb 14, 12-3pm, Holderness)
This free, family-friendly event is exactly what a winter afternoon should be. There’s a chili cook-off (bring your own mug—SLA mugs will be sold on-site, or disposable cups available), winter mini golf, sledding, ice skating if the weather cooperates, a campfire with hot cocoa and s’mores, and water quality monitoring demos from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. It’s casual, it’s community-focused, and it’s the kind of thing where you run into neighbors you haven’t seen since summer. If you’re interested in volunteering, email hharrison@squamlakes.org.
Outdoor Adventures
Walk on the Wild Side: Winter Animal Tracks & Signs (Feb 7, 10am-12pm, Squam Lakes Association)
Winter has quieted the landscape, but the wildlife that stays here year-round leaves plenty of clues. This free program with the Squam Lakes Association starts in the Great Room with a short lesson on how to identify common tracks, then heads outside to put that knowledge to the test. You’ll learn what animal signs can tell us about the health of the watershed, and you’ll see winter through a different lens. Hot cocoa, tea, and coffee will be available to keep everyone warm. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Prescott Farm’s Tap into Maple (Laconia, Feb 17 & 19)
Maple season is one of the most anticipated times of year here, and Prescott Farm’s Tap into Maple program is a beautiful way to experience it. These 90-minute sessions walk you through the entire process—from identifying maple trees and tapping them to understanding how sap becomes syrup. You’ll hike to the sugar house (sometimes on snowshoes), ask questions, and taste fresh syrup. It’s hands-on, it’s educational, and it’s deeply New England. Cost is $15 for non-members, free for members. More sessions continue into March.
Food, Drink & Cozy Indoor Spaces
Castle in the Clouds Winter Lunch (Moultonborough, Every Saturday & Sunday)
If you’ve never been to Castle in the Clouds in winter, this is your invitation. The Carriage House Restaurant serves a prix fixe Winter Lunch every weekend—three seatings (11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm)—and the setting alone is worth the trip. Your $40 (adults) or $20 (kids ordering from the children’s menu) includes your choice of starter, entrée, non-alcoholic beverage, tax, and gratuity. The full bar and dessert options are available for purchase. Reservations are required by midnight the night before. After lunch, bundle up and explore the trails. The property in winter is breathtaking—quiet, snow-covered, and all yours.
Hermit Woods Cider Tasting Weekend (Meredith, Feb 6-8)
Hermit Woods is a local favorite, and their cider tasting weekends are a great excuse to get out of the house. Sample their hard ciders, grab some bottles to take home, and support a New Hampshire business that’s been doing this right for years. Their barn setting is cozy, their ciders are excellent, and the people-watching alone is entertaining.
Wine Wednesdays at Lake Estate (Tilton, Every Wednesday, 3:30-9pm)
If you need a mid-week ritual that doesn’t involve Netflix, Wine Wednesdays at Lake Estate deliver. Reservations are required, which means it never feels overcrowded. The views of Winnisquam are lovely even in winter, and the wine list is solid. It’s become a quiet tradition for locals who want a reason to slow down in the middle of the week. We haven’t been yet, but we’ve heard from several clients and friends that it’s amaaazing…so we’re going soon and you should too!
Fire & Ice Fest at Lake Life Pavilion (Moultonborough, Feb 15, 2-5pm)
This one’s exactly what it sounds like—ice carving displays and live demos, a kids’ sledding hill, food and bar trucks, a fire pit to warm your hands, and plenty of community energy. No ticket needed, though you can purchase a $20 Fire & Ice thermal mug that includes a free drink (proceeds benefit local community members needing heat assistance). It’s casual, it’s festive, and it’s a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
April Cushman Dinner & Show at Sap House Meadery (Ossipee, Feb 12)
Sap House Meadery knows how to create an experience. Their dinner-and-show events pair great food with live entertainment in a rustic, intimate setting. If you haven’t been to Sap House, this is a wonderful introduction. Their mead is unique, their vibe is warm, and their events always feel a little special.
First Friday at Belknap Mill (Laconia, Feb 6)
First Fridays at the Belknap Mill have become a staple of Laconia’s arts scene. Rotating exhibits, local artists, live music, and a chance to see one of the oldest continuously operating textile mills in the country. It’s a nice way to ease into the weekend—low-key, creative, and community-focused.
A Note for Relocators
If you’re researching what it’s actually like to live here, February is telling. This isn’t the postcard-perfect lake summer or the blazing foliage of fall—this is the season that asks something of you. But what you get in return is a deeper connection to place. You learn who your neighbors are. You figure out which restaurants become your winter hangs. You discover that winter here isn’t about surviving—it’s about participating.
The events above aren’t tourist attractions trying to fill seats—they’re how people who live here spend their time. They’re how we mark the season, how we stay connected, and how we remind ourselves that February, for all its cold, has its own kind of warmth.
For a full calendar of Lakes Region events, visit lakesregion.org/events.
Here’s to life between the lakes and the mountains.
❄️ Keys to the Lakes
— Jenn & Andrea
