From Santa to skiing & shopping – Mt Washington Valley, NH packs the holiday calendar

FROM SANTA TO SKIING AND SHOPPING TOO, MT WASHINGTON VALLEY’s HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR IS PACKED

North Conway, NH – As the holidays approach, the calendar in Mt Washington Valley, NH fills with everything from shopping events to Santa sightings, skiing and the chance to ring in the new year in the White Mountains. It’s a packed holiday calendar with so many reasons to visit Mt Washington Valley you’ll need to plan more than one getaway. Visit one weekend for tax-free shopping and the next weekend for skiing and holiday events. It’s all here in Mt Washington Valley.

November 10-13: 16th Annual Bring A Friend Weekend: Shoppers heading to Settlers Green for the 16th Annual Bring A Friend Shopping Weekend, should expect a four-day lineup of entertainment, store specials, extended hours and ridiculous amounts of fun. This event attracts thousands of shoppers every year and has been cited as the highlight of the holiday shopping season by many. And this year, Settlers Green has upped the benefits with the all-new free wristband offering extra shopping, lodging and dining values. Beyond the 60 outlets and restaurants at Settlers Green, wristband rewards can be found at local partners including Black Cap Grille, Red Parka Pub, Mystery NH, Tuckerman Brewing Co, Shannon Door Pub, Delaney’s Hole in the Wall and many more. The highlight of this event, the highly popular 2000 shopping bag giveaway, takes place at 8:00am with one shopping bag including a $500 Shopping Spree and five other bags stuffed with $50 gift certificates. The first 200 shoppers dressed in team uniforms, such as elf ears, special jackets, custom tights, etc., will be eligible for a free mini cupcake from White Mountain Cupcakery at the photo booth line. Plus, to honor Veterans Day, on Saturday, November 11, Settlers Green will host a live performance of the National Anthem in the Gazebo at 10 am and pass out American flags to all who attend, while supplies last.

November 12: 14th Annual Jackson XC Ski Swap & Sale: From 9:00am – 1:00pm, trade in your good used ski equipment and take advantage of great deals for used and new equipment. Gorham Bike & Ski will be offering early season deals on clothing and gear. A portion of the proceeds to go to the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation. Info: http://jacksonxc.org/events/list-of-events/.

November 12: North Conway Dental Craft Fair: From 9:00am to 2:00pm, shop among crafters from New England at Ed Fenn Elementary School in Gorham. Drawings and more. Benefits American Cancer Society. Info: www.ncdnh.com.

November 13: Margarita Grill Christmas Expo: How does a shop and sip event sound? The annual Margarita Grill Christmas Expo is a celebration of local vendors and artisans with delicious tapas and drink specials available all evening. Come out and enjoy a fabulous night of eating, drinking, shopping, and supporting your local artisans and vendors! A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to local veterans. Info: margaritagrillnh.com.

November 19: Story Time Afternoon with author Eric Pinder at White Birch Books: Author Eric Pinder will be at the bookstore for a Storytime, discussion and book signing of his latest children’s bookHow To Build A Snow Bearat 2:00pm. He will also be sharing his book How To Share With A Bear too. Treats for the kids too. Free. Info: Click here.

November 25: Black Friday in Mt Washington Valley: At Settlers Green, the outlets will open at 5:00am with special sales posted here. Throughout North Conway Village, stores will individually post opening hours. Info: www.ShopMWV.com.

November 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23: Journey to the North Pole: Take the whole family on the holiday family adventure of a lifetime aboard the magical Journey to the North Pole™! It’s a two-hour adventure offering a magical trip to see Santa in his workshop at the North Pole! You and your family will board the Journey to the North Pole™ train at the Conway Scenic RR in North Conway and be served delicious hot chocolate by our magical chefs, along with some of Santa’s favorite treats! Once arriving at the North Pole you’ll be escorted by elves (Santa’s helpers) outside and up to the North Pole Theater. The classic “The Night Before Christmas” poem will be read plus there’ll be a a visit from Santa himself. Each child will receive a special gift on the return trip back home. Net proceeds from the Journey to the North Pole™ Event fund Literacy Programs of The Believe in Books Literacy Foundation. Info: JTTNP.ORG.

Weekends, November 19-December 18: Christmastime at Santa’s Village: From 11:00am to 7:00pm, Thousands of twinkling lights, glittery decorations and 18 Christmas-themed rides await visitors this holiday season at Santa’s Village. Voted one of the nation’s Top 25 amusement parks, Santa’s Village is especially magical in the weekends right before Christmas, when kids can whisper their wishes to Santa, visit his reindeer and elves, take a spin on the rides and marvel at the incredible light displays. If you visit, be sure to stay ’til after dark when the beautiful lighting throughout the park displays a sense of well-being and warmth on those cooler nights. Dress warmly as it gets snuggly cold on the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel. Info: www.santasvillage.com.

November 19: Conway Area Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast: Fuel the day with pancakes from 8:00am to 11:00am at the Pancake Breakfast at the North Conway Community Center on Main Street in North Conway Village. Gluten free options will be available too. Donations are appreciated with proceeds benefiting Starting Point. Each participant is asked to bring a non-perishable food item too. Info: http://www.conwayarealions.org.

November 19: Jackson XC (JSTF) Trail Day: The specific projects vary from year to year, but often involve painting, minor construction projects, building bridges, clearing brush and more. This is fun work, a great way to get to know the JSTF staff, board members and fellow ski enthusiasts. All volunteers receive a JSTF T-shirt and a social lunch afterward. Info: Call 603-383-9355.

November 24: Thanksgiving in Mt Washington Valley, NH: Restaurants throughout Mt Washington Valley will be serving everything from traditional turkey to seafood and more. From casual to fine, choose from a long list of restaurants serving up Thanksgiving Dinner. For a complete listing of Thanksgiving dining options, click here.

November 24: Purity Spring Thanksgiving Day 5K Trail Race: Work up an appetite for your Thanksgiving Feast on the 5K trail race on rolling terrain on Purity Spring Resort’s scenic Nordic trails at King Pine Ski Area. Starting at 9:00am, the fitness walk and kids fun run will take place on trails near the running race. It is open to all ages and abilities. Online or day of registration. Info and online registration: click here.

Weekends, November 25-December 23: Santa’s Holiday Express: Santa is on board the Conway Scenic Railroad with his mischievous elves, who will share their hot chocolate and cookies with everyone. They’ll also take your picture, if you ask nicely, so be sure to bring your camera! There are two train excursions on Saturday and Sunday, both to Conway: 11:30 and 1:30 to (about an hour round-trip). Tickets start at $17 for adults, $12 for kids 4-12 and free for kids under 4. Info: http://conwayscenic.com/events/event/santas-holiday-express/.

November 25: Warren Miller’s Here, There, Everywhere at Cranmore: Kick off the Cranmore ski season with an early screening of Warren Miller’s 67th feature film, “Here, There & Everywhere”. Doors open at 6:45pm and the film begins at 7:30pm. Prizes available in the raffle just for showing up! Grand Prize: The Ultimate Switzerland Ski package for Two! Admission is $12. Tickets available online and at the door. Info: click here.

November 25-26: Bretton Woods Homecoming & Warren Miller’s 67th Annual Feature Film "Here, There, & Everywhere" at Bretton Woods: Welcome in winter at Bretton Woods Homecoming weekend. On November 25, from 4:00-6:00pm there’s a pre-show party and bonfire at the gazebo in the Bretton Woods Ski Area parking lot. At 6:00pm doors open for the Warren Miller feature film in the first level of the Slopeside Base Lodge. The show will run 7:00-9:00pm. Tickets are $15 for those 13 and up, $10 for resort guests and $5 for children 4-12 and available on the night of the event. Look for raffles, prizes and more. Then on October 26th the fun continues with Bretton Woods Annual Homecoming Brew Tasting featuring live, local music, good food and great beer. Bretton Woods Club members will have an opportunity to compete in the Slopeside Sandwich of the Year contest. The winning sandwich will be featured on the Slopeside Pub menu for the rest of the season. Info: http://brettonwoods.com/Homecoming.

November 25: Plaid Friday at White Birch Books: An alternative to Black Friday and designed to celebrate smaller shopping, stop by White Birch Books in North Conway Village and notice the staff’s plaid attire to receive a 10-percent discount. Better yet, dig out your own plaid garb – kilts, scarves, hats or socks – and wear it proudly into the store and receive a 20-percent discount. Info: www.whitebirchbooks.com.

November 26: Small Business Saturday: Celebrated each year the day after Black Friday, show your love for small independently owned businesses and keep your dollars local by shopping some of the smaller, independently owned stores in Mt Washington Valley. Info: www.whitebirchbooks.com.

November 26-27: Holiday Jib Jam at Wildcat Mountain: Wildcat will lay out several features for skiers and riders to enjoy their first “jib session” of the year. Features will be open during early season operating hours. Three cans of food or $3.00 will get you a ‘Hike Only’ ticket. This event is not judged, open to all skiers and riders visiting Wildcat during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. (Subject to weather). Info: Click here.

November 26: Cranmore’s 3rd Annual Brew Fest & Vintage Trail Sign Silent Auction: It all starts with live music from Ryan St. Onge. Participants are invited to taste over a dozen beer samples from local & regional breweries from 3:00-5:00pm. Get your passport stamped by all the vendors – and get $1 off all drinks if you turn it into the bartender. Admission is $15 and the first 100 registrants receive a free Cranmore Homecoming commemorative tasting glass. All proceeds from the silent auction support the Jimmy Mersereau scholarship foundation. Tickets available online and at the door. Info: click here.

November 25-December 11: Jackson’s Traditionally Yours Celebration: For generations, the Jackson area businesses have been perfecting that quintessential New England Christmas celebration. Friday November 25th is the official start of the Jackson Area Christmas and Holiday Season with businesses offering Open Houses, Holiday Drink Tastings, Story Telling, Fondues and so much more. On Saturday November 26th, Santa’s first visit by horse drawn sleigh happens at 4:30 PM at the Jackson Village gazebo. Sunday, November 27 marks the annual Ole’ Fashioned Tree Lighting Ceremony with a special invite back to the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa for their annual open house at the Barn. The first 20 guests will receive a special Christmas hat. This Christmas & Holiday Celebration continues over the next four weekends in Jackson, Intervale, Bartlett and Glen with craft fairs, wine and holiday drink tastings, cookie decorating, Jingle Bell Chocolate Tours, breakfast buffets, and more. For a complete schedule and brochure, go to www.jacksonnh.com .

November 26: Great Glen Craft Fair: Come from 9:00am – 3:00pm as crafters take over the all three floors of the base lodge with gifts and products featuring woodworking, photography, knitting, specialty soaps and lotions, jewelry, wreaths, and much more including live demonstrations. Your purchase supports the Great Glen Bill Koch League Ski Club. Info: www.greatglentrails.com/summer/great-glen-craft-fair/.

November 26: Spirit of the Holidays & Old Fashioned Christmas in North Conway: Events kick off at 4:00 pm with a “Spirit of the Holiday” Parade in North Conway Village starting at Depot Road to the south entrance of Norcross Circle. Santa will depart the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in a horse drawn sleigh and join in the parade, then proceed to Schouler Park to light the Christmas tree there at 4:45 pm. The feeling of an “Old Fashioned Christmas” continues at 5:00 pm when Santa leads the way down Main Street from Schouler Park to Eastern Slope Inn for the lighting of the inn’s traditionally decorated tree. Followers are then entertained with stories read by Santa at the historic Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse, home of Arts in Motion Theater Company. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. It’s all brought to you by the Mt Washington Valley Preservation Association. Info: Click here.

Dec. 3, 2016: Spirit of the Holidays – celebration in Conway Village: Start with photos with Santa at Northway Bank in Conway from 1:00-3:30. Then Santa arrives to lead the Conway Village tree lighting at Conway Village information booth at 4:15 pm. Afterward, take part in caroling with DaCapo, then Santa leads the way to Ham Arena for free cookies followed by a free "Holiday Classics on Ice" show at 5:15. Starting at 6:30pm, there’s free skating for all at Ham Arena. Pizza and refreshments will be available for purchase at the Ham. Info: Click here.

December 3: Festival of Lights at Settlers Green: Celebrate the season and get some tax-free holiday shopping done at Settlers Green’s 60 outlets. In addition, there are free horse-drawn sleigh rides, free snow tubing with Cranmore Mountain Resort, caroling and more! Info: www.settlersgreen.com/events.

December 4, 11, 18: Breakfast with Santa at Omni Mount Washington Hotel: Each Sunday before Christmas in December, Santa makes a special trip the Omni Mount Washington Resort to visit with the girls and boys that visit the hotel. Guests of the hotel and outside guest are invited to experience Breakfast with Santa in the Main Dining Room. A magical morning filled with terrific food and Mr. Claus himself will make a wonderful memory for kids of all ages. Santa visits complimentary with purchase of the Breakfast buffet. Info: click here.

December 10-11: 20th Annual Inn to Inn Cookie Tour: Ten beautifully decorated inns from Fryeburg to Jackson will present the 20th Annual Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour featuring original holiday cookies and candies. Take home holiday decorating ideas as well as scrumptious cookies and candies in what is considered the sweetest day of the year among the Country Inns in the White Mountains. Tour goers will take home recipes for the treats featured on the tour in a Holiday Recipe Cookbook providing a keepsake collection of tested holiday cookies and candy recipes to use at home. In addition, crafters and area artisans will be on hand at each inn offering the chance for a little holiday shopping along the way. Tour tickets are available in advance by reserving a lodging package from participating inns and this is the best way to secure a ticket for a weekend of cookie, candy and holiday fun. Those not wishing to reserve an overnight package may purchase tickets December 1-7, 2016 for $30 per person by calling the Old Red Inn at 800-338-1356 or 603-356-2642. Tickets reserved by phone will be available for pick up at designated pick up locations. Info: Click here.

December 16-24: Military Appreciation Days at King Pine: Active and retired United States Military personnel and their dependents can ski or ride for free until Dec. 24th. Military I.D. card must be presented. Info: Click here.

December 17-18: Santa Days at King Pine: I spy the red-coat guy! Be on the lookout for skiing Santa handing out candy canes on the trails at King Pine Ski Area. Mail your letters to Santa in the mailbox at the summit. Info: Click here.

December 17: Ski with Santa a Shawnee Peak: Hey Kids! Santa is also coming to Shawnee Peak! Come find the Jolly Red Guy in the base lodge at 1:00pm. Then take a few runs with him before he goes back to the North Pole. Info: Click here.

December 17: Breakfast with Santa at Cranmore: Grab breakfast with Santa and C-More before a day on the slopes at Cranmore. Info: Click here.

There’s plenty of tax-free shopping opportunities and skiing to pair up with Mt Washington Valley’s family festivals throughout the holiday season. To plan the perfect holiday getaway, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org for lodging and dining ideas, and www.ShopMWV.com for a complete list of shops, outlets and boutiques in Mt Washington Valley. Then go to www.SkiMWV.com for an update on skiing conditions in Mt Washington Valley. To plan your New Hampshire holiday getaway, go to www.VisitNH.gov for complete vacation ideas and resources.