Winter in New Hampshire delivers world-class competition, iconic traditions, and community celebrations, offering visitors an abundance of ways to embrace the season. From international freestyle skiing to historic winter carnivals and seasonal festivals, this sampling of events showcases some of the best of winter across the Granite State.
2026 Intermountain Health Freestyle Cup – Waterville Valley
January 15–16
Waterville Valley Resort welcomes elite freestyle skiers from around the world for the 2026 Intermountain Health Freestyle Cup, marking the third consecutive year the resort has hosted this international freestyle competition. This event carries added significance as the final qualifying stop for athletes aiming to compete in the 2026 Winter Games. Spectators are invited to enjoy discounted lift tickets of $26 for full mountain access, while watching top athletes compete, making it easy to pair world-class sport with a winter getaway in the White Mountains.
Concord Winter Festival – Concord
January 24
Concord embraces winter with a celebration featuring outdoor activities, local food and drink, and family-friendly events that highlight the capital city’s vibrant downtown and community spirit. The event attracts some of the region’s most talented ice carvers for demonstrations and an ice carving competition in front of the Statehouse.
Jackson Snow Sculpting Competition – Jackson
January 30
This beloved White Mountains tradition brings expert carvers from all over the Northeast to the Mt Washington Valley to transform massive cylinders of snow into detailed works of art. Plan a weekend getaway to watch the event unfold in an idyllic New Hampshire winter setting.
Keene Ice & Snow Festival – Keene
February 7
The Monadnock Region plays host to this annual winter tradition: the Keene Ice & Snow Festival. Downtown Keene comes alive with ice sculptures, winter activities, and community events that showcase the city’s arts culture and walkable downtown during the heart of winter.
Newport Winter Carnival – Newport
Celebrating its 110th year, Newport’s Winter Carnival returns with the patriotic theme “Red, White, & BRRR,” aligning with America’s 250th anniversary. One of the oldest winter carnivals in the country, this multi-day event blends time-honored traditions, outdoor fun, and community pride in a festive nod to both local and national history.
Squam Lakes Winter Fest – Holderness
February 14
Set in the scenic Lakes Region, this winter festival offers guided hikes, nature programs, and seasonal activities that invite visitors to experience New Hampshire’s outdoors in a quieter, more serene season.
Alton Bay Winter Carnival – Alton
February 15
Held on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, this classic winter carnival features family-friendly activities, games, and community traditions set amid the backdrop of one of the Lakes Region’s most iconic winter landscapes. Weather permitting, visitors may even catch a rare sight as small planes land on Alton Bay’s ice runway—the only ice runway in the lower 48 states.
Mt. Washington Valley Chocolate Festival – Mount Washington Valley
February 22
Closing out February on a sweet note: the Mt. Washington Valley Chocolate Festival celebrates all things chocolate. Known by many as the ‘Sweetest Day on the Trails,” this is the perfect day to indulge in chocolates and creative confections, guilt free as participants cross-country ski, snowshoe or drive the network of trails to local businesses throughout the region.
Parade of Lights – Pittsburg
March 7
Rounding out the winter season in the Great North Woods is Pittsburg’s Parade of Lights. The annual event features illuminated vehicles and creative displays that light up the winter night on Back Lake. This unique community tradition offers a memorable way to experience the season’s final stretch in one of the state’s most scenic and remote regions.
For more information on winter events, travel inspiration, and trip planning ideas, visit
VisitNH.gov.
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