🎄 Best December Events in New Hampshire: Seacoast, Lakes, & White Mountains

December in New Hampshire is pure holiday magic — historic charm, festive entertainment, and snow‑covered landscapes create the perfect backdrop for seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re visiting the Seacoast, Lakes Region, or White Mountains, there’s something for everyone.

🌟 Seacoast Holiday Highlights

Candlelight Stroll — Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth

A quintessential NH holiday tradition. The museum comes alive with candlelit historic homes, costumed role‑players, carolers, and seasonal musicians. Don’t miss the Dow Group Christmas Tree at the tree grove when you visit!

• Dates 2025: Dec 5–7, 12–14, 19–21
• Times: 4:30 PM & 5:30 PM (evening strolls), plus Daylight Stroll Dec 14, 2–4 PM
• Tickets & Info: Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll

Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Celebrate downtown Portsmouth on Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 with the parade and 35‑foot blue spruce tree lighting. Fun for the whole family!

• Tree Lighting: 5:30 PM, Market Square
• Parade: 6:00 PM, route through Congress & Pleasant Streets
• More Info: Portsmouth Chamber

Button Factory Studios — Open Studios

Explore local arts & crafts at Button Factory Studios, 855 Islington St., Portsmouth. Perfect for holiday gifts and festive browsing.

• Dates: Dec 5–7, 2025
• Hours: Friday 5–8 PM (resident artists), Saturday & Sunday 11 AM–5 PM
• Info: buttonfactorystudios.com

Other Seacoast Ideas

• Holiday concerts, local theatre shows, and downtown shopping make for a full day of festive fun. Combine Button Factory browsing with evening holiday lights for an unforgettable Seacoast outing.
  
  

🌊 Lakes Region Holiday Highlights

The Lakes Region delivers cozy, old‑New‑England holiday charm.

• Gilford Village Candlelight Stroll – Dec 13, 5 PM onward, glowing candles, horse‑drawn wagon rides, and seasonal music. (thelaker.com)
  
  
• Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra — “North Pole Playlist” – Dec 6 (Laconia), Dec 7 (Meredith), featuring classic holiday tunes. (thelaker.com)
  
  
• The Colonial Theatre Holiday Shows (Laconia) – Seasonal performances for families and music lovers. (thelaker.com)

Tip: Many Lakes Region lodges offer winter packages with lodging, dining, and activities — ideal for a multi-day holiday getaway. (lakesregion.org)

🏔 White Mountains Holiday Events

For snowy winter wonderlands and classic holiday cheer:

• Santa's Village, Jefferson – Thousands of lights, festive decorations, rides, and family activities. (brettonwoodsvacations.com)
  
  
• Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, Tamworth – Dec 13, “Trees & Trimmings” event with decorated trees, Victorian crafts, and old-fashioned holiday charm. (nhmuseumtrail.org)
  
  
• Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods – Fridays–Sundays in December, enjoy holiday décor, seasonal treats, and visits with Santa. (visitwhitemountains.com)