Wrap Up the Year in Style

During December plan a visit to Northern New Hampshire, where our shops are brimming with gifts for everyone on your list, outdoor recreational opportunities abound — we have our fingers crossed for lots of snow! — and the pace of life is a bit more relaxed during this hectic season.

Bring the kids for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Village, curl up by the fire with a cup of cocoa or opt for some snowmobiling at Tall Timber Lodge, and browse the beautiful handcrafts at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Littleton Fine Craft Gallery. We’ve also put together a selection of Holiday Shopping ideas to help you find the perfect gift for all your family and friends.

NH_Grand_Tall_Timber_Lodge_SnowmobilingWinter Is Better at Pittsburg’s Tall Timber Lodge

Generations of guests have made themselves right at home at Tall Timber Lodge, a “Northwoods Tradition” since 1946. Be part of that tradition this winter. Come for the snowmobiling and some backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, or just to kick back and relax. Settle in with comfortable lodging, along with exceptional dining in the award-winning Rainbow Grille & Tavern while you explore the region’s many activities.

Eight cozy lodge rooms await guests, or choose from one of the handsomely furnished one- to four-bedroom cottages overlooking Back Lake, some with gas fireplaces and two-person Jacuzzis. Porches and decks afford incomparable views.

With its extensive trail system Pittsburg rightly claims its place as New England’s Snowmobile Capital. Guests are encouraged to bring their sleds or rent one at Tall Timber. Those looking for a quieter pace can choose to explore the beautiful backcountry region on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Snowshoes are available for Tall Timber guests at no charge and OHRV registrations are available onsite for snowmobiles.

leagueofNHCrafts_edited-1Shop the League of NH Craftsmen Gallery in Littleton for Unique Gift Items

Begin or continue a cherished tradition and gift yourself or someone special with the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s annual Christmas ornament.  The expansive gallery highlights the state’s finest craftsmen working in jewelry, clay, glass, fibers, wood, metal, photography, baskets, printmaking and mixed media. Browse the gallery’s well-curated selection of items to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list in every price range. Or give a gift certificate to the Littleton Studio School, which offers a variety of art and craft classes in clay, jewelry, metals, mixed media, painting, basketry and more, including classes for kids.

Santa feeds Prancer!
Santa feeds Prancer!

A Magical Time of Year to Visit Santa’s Village

You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to visit Santa and his elves this Christmas season, because the jolly old elf always takes time out of his busy schedule on December weekends to travel to Santa’s Village in Jefferson to meet all the boys and girls and listen to their heart’s desires.

The elves have been busy, and the park glimmers and glows with over 500,000 colorful lights and glittering holiday decorations.

Snuggle in for a ride on the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel, take a spin on the SS Peppermint Twist or the Christmas Carousel, or experience the thrill of the Chimney Drop. Up to 18 rides will be operating (weather permitting).

Need a break from a whirlwind of rides? Settle down for a jolly good time at “A Tinkerdoodle Christmas,” a 3-D show that will leave the whole family laughing at the antics of L. Fastidious Tinkerdoodle as he prepares Santa for his yearly journey on Christmas Eve.

Warm up with some wassail, grab some grub at the heated seating areas, do some holiday shopping, be amazed by the choreographed lighting shows, visit Santa’s reindeer, and stroll around the winter wonderland that is Santa’s Village. You’ll take home memories that you and your children will never forget.

Santa’s Village also celebrates New Year’s Eve in style with a huge Partybration bash from 4 to 9 p.m. on December 31, when the clocks are turned ahead so youngsters can celebrate ringing out the old year and ringing in the new. Admission includes food, soft drinks and all of the wonderful rides and displays throughout the park, capped off with a blazing fireworks display. Reservations must be made online.