Christmas Events

Lake Winnipesaukee is a great place to spend the holidays.  There are so many Christmas events to enjoy and help make it magical for the whole family. 

Are you looking for handmade gifts for that special someone? Check out the Sant Bani School's Holiday Catalogue. You'll find a variety of handcrafted items for that perfect gift.

Here are some of my favorite activities to do in the area.

Salvation Army's Turkey Plunge

Help raise money to help the Salvation Army.  It takes place at Endicott Rock Park at Weirs Beach from 10-2.  To become a plunger call 524-1834 or visit any Meredith Village Savings Bank or the Citizen for a brochure.  There's music, activities for kids and a chili/chowder lunch.

Holiday House

Each year the Zonta Club holds a holiday house tour in the lakes region.  This is an annual fundraiser for local charities.  Every year, a different house is used as the setting.  It's beautifully decorated and truly gets the holiday season started.  Attendees can take a tour and purchase ornaments, etc. to take home.  The cost is $10 a person and is held on Saturday, November 17th from 10-4 and Sunday, November 18th from 10-2.  This year's house is located at 86 Lucerne Ave., Laconia, NH.  There is no parking at the residence.  Access only via free shuttle from parking area at Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach at the Mount Washington Dock Area.

Gingerbread Showcase

Canterbury Shaker Village, Friday November 23- Sunday, November 25, 2006

The Gingerbread Showcase is a fun event for the whole family.  Visitors can decorate gingerbread people, tour the village, make Christmas ornaments, listen to children's stories and view a gingerbread village.  For more information call 603-783-9511.

Holiday Open House at the Loon Center

Visit the Loon Center at Lee's Mills Road in Moultonboro.  Mr. Phil will be there making balloon figures, Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids activities, exhibits, food, shopping and more.  This event takes place on November 24th.  Call 476-5666 for more information.

Lakes Region Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

Winnipesaukee Expo Center, Laconia.  Start some holiday shopping with these fine crafts.  The craft fair is open Saturday 9:30-4:00pm and Sunday 10:00-3:00pm with Free admission.

Christmas Parade in Wolfeboro

This annual Christmas parade is a fun event for the whole family.  It takes place on Saturday, November 24th from 3-4pm.  After the parade there's a tree lighting  and Santa at Cate Park at the Town Docks.  For more information, contact the Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce at 603-569-2200.

Holiday Parade and Santa Train

This is one of our favorite Christmas events.  The annual holiday parade in Laconia takes place on Sunday, November 25th, at 1pm.  This is a fun parade for all.  Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there.  After the parade, there's the Santa Train at Veteran's Square for the kids.  Admission is one unwrapped toy or article of clothing per child.  Of course, there's always the hot cocoa and cookies available in the rotunda.  Train rides are scheduled for 2:00pm, 2:30pm and 3:00pm.  For more information contact the Greater Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce at 603-524-5531.

Christmas Village

Laconia Community Center - Thursday Nov. 29 from 6-8pm, Friday, Nov. 1 from 6-8pm, Sat. and Sun. Dec. 1 and 2nd from 2-5pm.

One of the most enchanting Christmas events is Christmas Village.  This is a must for young children and families.  The Community Center is transformed into a Christmas wonderland.  Every detail is thought of from the decorations to the elves helping out.  You start off with a sleigh ride, check out the trains, choose a wooden decoration and have cookies and a drink.  This all leads up to the visit with Santa at the end.  The children will surely feel the magic of Christmas.  This event is free.  Donations are gladly accepted.

Annual Trees for the Holidays

Come and visit Belknap Mill's annual trees for the holidays.  There are 18 beautifully decorated trees with the public judging the winners.  The trees are on display from December 1st through December 31st at the Belknap Mill in Laconia.

Yuletide in Alton

Join in the festivities and the lighting of the town tree at the town hall on December 1st from 5:00pm-6:30pm.  Santa, crafts and more will be there.

Holiday Open House

This event takes place on December 2nd from 1:00pm -4:00pm at the Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith.  Come and join the festivities with Father Christmas.  There are horse and wagon rides, refreshments and more.

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees

From December 8th to December 16th at the Wright Museum, 77 Center Street, Wolfeboro.  The Wolfeboro Festival of Trees is a charity benefit featuring more than 60 decorated trees.  Visitors will also be able to tour the museum.  The festival will be held on weekends Dec 8th and 9th and Dec. 15th and 16th with hours on Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sundays from 12:00pm to 3:00pm as well as Wednesday December 12th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  Tickets are $5 per adult, children 8 and under $2, family price of $12.

Annual Festival of Trees at Annalee Doll Museum

December 1st and 2nd at the Annalee Doll Museum in Meredith.  Come and view the beautifully decorated trees.  Each one is decorated differently. 

Santa's Calling

This event is held on Tuesday, December 11th from 6-8pm.  On this special night, Santa calls the kids of Laconia.  You need to pre-register your child by Dec. 10th.  Free for ages 2-7.  The kids love it.  To pre-register, call 603- 524-5046.

Picture with Santa and Candy Cane Hunt

Of the many Christmas events taking place in the Lake Winnipesaukee region, this is a fun one.  It takes place on December 8th, from 10am - 12noon at Opechee Park. 

Have your pictures taken with Santa in an old-fashioned fire truck.  Afterwards go on a candy cane hunt.  Bring a stocking to fill it up with candy canes.

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees

Come and visit the beautifully decorated trees at the Wright Museum.  Different merchants display their creativity when decorating the trees.  There will be refreshments and entertainment.  The Festival of Trees is one of the favorite Christmas events in Wolfeboro.  This event takes place on Sat. Dec. 9th from 10-4, Sun. Dec. 10th from 12-7, Wed. Dec. 13th from 5-8pm, Sat. Dec. 16th from 10-4, Sun. Dec. 17th from 12-3.

Gilford Community Band Concert

Join the Gilford Community Band while they perform a wonderful Christmas concert.  There are over 50 fine musicians performing a selection of Christmas songs.  This event takes place on December 16th at 3:00pm at the Gilford High School Auditorium.

Wolfeboro's First Night

Wolfeboro is the only town in New Hampshire that celebrates First Night.  Come and and fun.  The parade starts at 5:30pm.  There's plenty of food and entertainment and fireworks at midnight.

Gunstock's Magic Mountain Eve

Come join the fun and ring in the new year starting on December 31st at 6:00pm.  Your ticket will include skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, horse drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, dancing, dinner, bonfire, midnight fireworks and more.  For more information call 1-800-GUNSTOCK.