Rochester Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Join the delightful 'Elf on the Shelf' scavenger hunt winding through downtown Rochester. Discover 12 hidden elves, each offering a special ticket and a treat. Collect all your tickets and head to Collec-tiques on North Main Street for a chance to win exciting prizes in the grand raffle. It's a...

Discover a festive holiday shopping experience at the Somersworth Holiday Craft Fair. This large event showcases over 100 of New England's finest crafters, offering a diverse array of handmade gifts, decorations, and artisanal goods. Visitors can enjoy delicious food options prepared by volunteers, making it a perfect outing for finding...

Discover the charm of Strafford, NH, during its 36th annual Christmas celebration. Over 50 local artisans and craftspeople open their homes and studios across approximately 30 locations, offering a unique shopping experience. Browse handmade treasures, enjoy refreshments, and find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Discover a treasure trove of holiday finds at the Dover Holiday Flea Market. Nearly 35 dealers will be on hand, offering a diverse array of antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, and unique items. Explore everything from textiles and jewelry to art and toys, making it the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind...

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Vintage Christmas celebration. This beloved event invites visitors to experience the holidays with a charming blend of historical traditions and festive entertainment. From the enchanting 'Elf The Musical!' and Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' to the magical Candlelight Stroll at...

Portsmouth transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Vintage Christmas celebration. This picturesque New Hampshire town invites visitors to step back in time and experience the holidays with a charming, historic flair. From dazzling theatrical performances and festive parades to the enchanting Candlelight Stroll and outdoor ice skating, there...

Ogunquit's beloved 39th annual Christmas by the Sea festival welcomes the holiday season with a vibrant array of activities. Visitors can enjoy tree and bridge lightings, live concerts, craft shows, and engaging children's activities. The event culminates with a parade, a lively bonfire, and a dazzling fireworks display, with Santa...

The Wolfeboro Festival of Trees returns for its 25th year, transforming The Wright Museum into a winter wonderland. Visitors can marvel at dozens of uniquely decorated trees, browse a festive craft fair, and enjoy special events like Santa Saturday and Pizza in the Pines. This beloved annual tradition raises funds...

Step into 'The Holidaze in Maine' for a delightful holiday shopping experience. This event brings together local artisans and vendors, offering a curated selection of handmade gifts, unique crafts, and festive treats. It's the perfect place to find special presents and soak in the holiday spirit.

Discover unique, handmade treasures and kick off the holiday season at the Great New England Holiday Craft Market. This vibrant event features over 100 exhibitors showcasing artisan-made goods, specialty foods, and delightful treats. Enjoy live music, festive cocktails, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list while supporting...

Downtown Concord transforms into a festive wonderland for Midnight Merriment 2025. This beloved annual event invites shoppers to explore local businesses late into the evening, enjoying the twinkling lights and joyful sounds of the holiday season. It's the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and support the community's vibrant retail...

Experience the magic of the Downtown Holiday Festival, a cherished community event filled with festive cheer. Visitors can enjoy live music and performances on the City Square Stage, witness Santa's arrival by sleigh to light the tree, and capture memorable photos with him. Free cookie decorating at Reilly's Bakery and...

Saco Bucks Saturday is a vibrant downtown shopping event designed to encourage community support for local businesses. Taking place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this event invites shoppers to explore the heart of Saco, discovering unique shops, special promotions, and exclusive discounts. Participants can spend $10 Saco Bucks vouchers, representing...

Discover Winter Wonders, New England's largest and most immersive walk-through light show, featuring over 2.5 million lights across 14 acres. Wander a mile-long trail through an enchanted forest, experiencing unique, interactive light displays and festive winter scenes. It's an ideal opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends during...

Embark on a magical journey through the Gift of Lights, a cherished New England family tradition at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This spectacular 2.5-mile drive-thru light show transforms the holiday season into a dazzling spectacle of festive cheer, running for 39 nights from Thanksgiving through early January.

Charmingfare Farm invites visitors to a magical Santa's Christmas event, transforming into a winter wonderland. Families can embark on enchanting horse-drawn or sleigh rides through a festive Christmas trail to reach the North Pole. There, they can meet Santa Claus, see his live reindeer, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa,...

Experience the magic of Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude, a beloved 11-day festival that transforms this charming Maine town into a winter wonderland. Recognized by national media as a top holiday destination, Prelude offers a heartwarming celebration with over 160 events. From Santa's unique arrival by lobster boat to dazzling tree lightings,...

Step into a winter wonderland with Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Journey through a scenic, wooded campus aboard heated, vintage trolleys adorned with live holiday greens. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by an outdoor fire pit. Explore fascinating exhibits, including a model railroad building...

The Portsmouth School of Ballet presents their enchanting annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic holiday ballet offers a magical experience for audiences, featuring talented dancers from the school. It's a cherished tradition that brings the festive spirit to life.

Concord Dance Academy presents its annual Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling showcase of diverse dance styles and festive holiday music. This one-hour performance, held at the historic Concord City Auditorium, offers an affordable way for families to embrace the holiday spirit. Students rent costumes, allowing ticket sales to fund upgrades and...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Rochester's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join the community as they gather to witness the enchanting first lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Enjoy festive caroling, dance performances, and a special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Kids can delight in cookie...

Experience the festive spirit at the Dover Holiday Parade, a beloved community tradition. This vibrant event features a colorful procession of decorated floats, energetic marching bands, and enthusiastic community groups. It's a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to gather and celebrate the holiday season together.

Join the community for First Night Portsmouth, a cherished New Year's Eve tradition. This alcohol-free celebration focuses on outdoor festivities, featuring breathtaking ice sculptures and a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the new year. It's a time for reflection and hopeful anticipation, bringing people together for a memorable evening.

Experience the magic of the season at Portsmouth's Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved annual event features a dazzling parade with creative floats and marching bands, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of the city's holiday tree. Join the community for a festive evening filled with holiday spirit and...

The 40th Annual Wells Christmas Parade is a beloved holiday tradition sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce. This festive event kicks off at 2:00 PM, with the parade route starting at Wells Plaza and proceeding north to Wells Junior High School. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved event transforms downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland with a dazzling parade featuring creatively lit floats, marching bands, and community participants. Following the parade, the city's holiday tree will be lit, officially...

Lace up your running shoes and don your most outlandish holiday knitwear for the annual Ugly Sweater 5K! This fun-filled event supports a great cause, with all proceeds going towards purchasing holiday gifts for children in the community through local giving trees. Whether you sprint, jog, or walk, it's a...

Experience the magic of winter at the Concord NH Winter Fest, a beloved annual event. Witness incredible ice carving talent as artists transform blocks of ice into stunning sculptures. Warm up with delicious offerings from a variety of food trucks, bringing diverse flavors to the heart of Concord. This outdoor...

Experience the magic of winter at the Concord NH Winter Fest! This exciting event features a captivating ice carving competition and demonstrations by New England's finest sculptors. Warm up with delicious offerings from a variety of food trucks and enjoy unique winter activities. It's a perfect celebration of the season...

Experience the magic of Saco's Holiday Festival & Parade of Lights! This cherished tradition combines joyful daytime festivities, including story time with Santa and live caroling, with a breathtaking evening parade. Watch as Main Street comes alive with glowing floats, energetic dancers, and dazzling holiday displays, creating an unforgettable winter...