The holiday season is here, and the Sunapee region is filled with festive events to celebrate! From parades and tree lightings to seasonal markets and family activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re local or visiting, this guide highlights the best ways to soak in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones. We’ve also included a selection of nearby events that are definitely worth the drive, so you can make the most of the season no matter where you are.
Additionally, if you or someone you know is interested in New Hampshire winter getaways in Sunapee, take a look at our recommended Places to Stay in Sunapee post, and plan the perfect New Hampshire holiday escape.
Sunapee Holiday Events 2024
Gallery of Gifts
November 2 - December 21
Show hours: Tues - Fri 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Library Arts Center, Newport, NH
This annual exhibit features unique hand-made crafts during the holiday season, perfect for gift giving! Featuring approximately 100 different artists and artisans, all items are handmade in New Hampshire or Vermont. Learn more here.
Lake Sunapee Turkey Trot
November 28, 8:15 am Chicken Run, 9:00 AM Race Start
Sunapee Harbor
Grab your friends and family (and a costume if you wish!) and join the fun at Sunapee Harbor for the 18th annual Turkey Trot! This super fun 5k is a great way to start Thanksgiving Day.
Warner Holiday Celebration
December 1, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
From traditional caroling to artists, artisans, great food, storytelling and more! Learn more at Main Street Book Ends.
Holiday Open Sugarhouse
December 7, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Harding Hill Sugar House, 545 Stagecoach Rd., Sunapee
Tour Harding Hill's Sugarhouse and celebrate the holiday season! Shop delicious maple products, glass and stoneware, t-shirts and more!
Springfield Holiday Craft Fair
December 7, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Springfield, NH Meeting House and Fire Station
Head over to the Springfield Meeting House for some festive holiday shopping. Visit with Santa from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the First Station. This event is hosted by the Springfield NH Rec Committee.
WCA 2024 Holiday Craft Fair
December 7, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
New London Outing Club's Indoor Center, 14 Cougar Court, New London
This festive holiday craft fair is hosted by Wilmot Community Association. Browse local handcrafted goods, unique gifts, baked goods and more!
Holiday Essential Oils
December 9, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Andover Community Hub, 157 Main St., Andover
Join Tresa Rolando Salters, Holistic Heath and Fitness Coach for a make and take essential oil workshop! Visit the Andover Community Hub Facebook page to learn more.
Winter Wonderettes
December 12 - 14, 7:30 pm
New London Barn Playhouse, The Fleming Center
A seasonal performance featuring 60s versions of holiday classics including Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Jingle Bell Rock and more! Tickets do sell out, so don't delay!
'Twas Just Before Christmas: Newport's Holiday Festival
December 14, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This annual holiday festival is packed with fun for everyone! Enjoy the Chili Walk, indulge in delicious food, and snap a photo with Santa. Gather around the bonfire, take a wagon ride, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy face painting and so much more! Hosted by the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Sunapee Village Christmas
December 14, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunapee Harbor & The Livery
From a holiday parade and visits with Santa to face painting and horse-drawn carriage rides, Sunapee Harbor is the place to be for holiday cheer! Hosted by Project Sunapee.
Indoor Market Days
December 14, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Andover Community Hub, 157 Main St., Andover
Get ready for the holiday with a vendor filled Market Day with local, handmade and homegrown gifts for all. Visit the Andover Community Hub Facebook page to learn more.
Festival of Trees Opening Celebration
December 22 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Whipple Hall, New London
If you're looking for December activities in the Sunapee region, then put this fun celebration on your list! An evening of holiday carols, hot cocoa and holiday card making! Walk through the festively decorated trees and vote for your favorite! Tree viewing hours will be open from December 22nd through the 31st from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. This event is co-sponsored by the New London Recreation Department and the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce.
Regional Holiday Events
A Forest of Lights
Begins November 22
149 Natures Way, Quechee, VT
Journey over to VINS Nature Center and enjoy the enchanted Forest of Lights! After you explore, make sure to cozy up to the campfire and enjoy hot chocolate and snacks. Advanced ticket purchase is required.
Midnight Merriment
December 6, 5:00 pm - 11:59 pm
Main Street, Concord, NH
Take in the lights and sounds of the holidays as you stroll up and down Main Street in Concord. Shop to your heart’s content while savoring s'mores, cocoa, music, and more. Don’t miss the Parade of Lights—new this year! This festive event is brought to you by Intown Concord.
Celebrate the Season in Hanover
December 6, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Downtown Hanover, NH
This family-oriented evening will feature a chili cook-off, extended hours for dining and shopping downtown business, Dartmouth’s tree lighting on the Green and a visit with Santa and friends. Get all the details at Upper Valley Business Alliance.
Illuminated Holiday Parade
December 7, 5:00 pm Tree Lighting, 6:00 pm parade
Market Square, Portsmouth, NH
The festivities kick off with a beautiful tree lighting ceremony, followed by a holiday parade (the 2024 theme is “Let it Glow”). The merriment continues with a “Shop and Stroll” event. Market Square and the surrounding side streets will remain closed to vehicular traffic until 9 pm and retail shops and will be open later! Free Vintage Christmas Trolley rides will run from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm. More information can be found at City of Portsmouth New Hampshire’s website.
Santa Shuffle 5k Race
December 7
2:30 pm Lil’ Elf Runs, 3:00 pm Santa Shuffle, 4:00 pm Christmas Parade
Elm Street, Manchester, NH
A fun, energetic afternoon awaits in Downtown Manchester. Head to Elm Street to see (or be) one of the hundreds of Santa's running and walking in this festive holiday 5k road race. After, stay around for the Annual Christmas parade. Visit Millennium Running to register for the Santa Shuffle.
Finding your Christmas Tree in the Lake Sunapee Region
Whether you prefer a fresh-cut tree or the experience of cutting your own, there are local farms and garden centers ready to help you find the ideal tree to bring holiday cheer to your home.
Beaver Pond Christmas Trees
1047 John Stark Hwy, Newport
Cut your own tree options!
Kathan Gardens
146 Elm Street, Newport
Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Balsam Woods Tree Farm
240 Maple Street, Newport
Cut your own tree options! Weekends only, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Long’s Tree Farm - Cut Your Own Farm
125 Taylor Hill Road, Danbury
Opening day: The day after Thanksgiving, Friday 11/29
Open every weekend: Saturdays, and Sundays through 12/22
Spring Ledge Farm
37 Main Street, New London
Offering Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias and more!
If you know of a holiday event or tree farm that's not listed, send us an email and we'll add it in!
Social Links