New Hampshire’s top 9 events this weekend (Dec. 29-31)

New Hampshire is full of activities to ring in the new year this weekend, from concerts and performances to workshops and light displays.

Check out our top nine recommendations for the upcoming weekend: 

Merrimack Valley

Make a cozy blanket

Bedford, 6:30 p.m.

Participate in crafting a cozy blanket entirely with your hands—no knitting tools necessary! This essential item is perfect for staying warm during those cold New England nights. Choose either one color for a solid blanket or two colors for a striped appearance. Receive five  skeins of yarn (140 yards), resulting in a blanket measuring approximately 40″ x 60″, depending on the tightness of the knit. No previous knitting experience is required, and the workshop is expected to last around two to three hours.

Labelle Lights Display 

Seasonal, 4:30 p.m. 

Derry

Immerse yourself in the magic of winter at LaBelle Lights. Stroll along a path adorned with over a million twinkling lights, transforming the surroundings into a festive outdoor spectacle. Admission covers access to special theme weeks, such as this weekend’s ugly sweater theme. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 4:30-9:30 p.m. through Jan. 7. 

Lakes

Celebrate the new year with jazz vocalist Ashley Warwick 

Dec. 30, 7 p.m.

Meredith 

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable evening at Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery! Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by doors opening at 6 p.m for a dinner and drinks experience. The show, featuring jazz vocalist Ashley Warwick, kicks off at 7 p.m.

White Mountains

Holiday Exhibitions 

Seasonal, 10 a.m. 

Bethlehem

Visit this gallery of fine arts and crafts—nestled in the White Mountains—with handmade gifts at all price points, now through Dec. 31. $10 from each gallery sale will go toward local food security organizations. 

Seacoast

33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest 

Seasonal, 10 a.m.

Portsmouth

Join the Portsmouth Historical Society in celebrating 400 years of Portsmouth’s history with gingerbreads appearing all over town, designed to represent the people, places, and events of yesterday and today. The event runs now through Dec. 30. Shop in the downtown retailers to participate in the Gingerbread House Scavenger Hunt.  

Take a candlelight walk through decorated historic homes

Seasonal, 4 p.m. 

Portsmouth

Visit the Puddle Dock neighborhood where, amidst the glow of candle lanterns, guests travel between historic houses and are greeted by musicians and performers reviving traditions of yesteryears. You’ll find costumed roleplayers portraying families from the waterfront neighborhood. Drink hot apple cider, warm up near a bonfire, indulge in old-fashioned holiday shopping at Pickwick’s at the Banke, and be captivated by Ice Dance International’s Currier and Ives Vintage Skaters with performances each night (Fridays and Saturdays at 6 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 and 6:30 p.m.)

Check out a pop-up performance on the ice

Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

Portsmouth 

Ice Dance International (IDI) is set to present a “NYE House Rave Party on Ice” at Labrie Family Skate, Puddle Dock Pond on Dec. 29 7-7:25 p.m. World-class skaters, including U.S. Champion Alissa Czisny, Themi Leftheris, Fire Skater, and International Team Members Karina Manta, Alex Martin, and Joe Johnson, will grace the ice for this (almost) New Year’s Eve celebration. Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, situated at Strawbery Banke Museum, will be the backdrop for this extraordinary performance.

Party like it’s 1774

Dec. 30, 6 p.m.

Exeter 

Step into the past at the American Independence Museum’s Revolutionary-style celebration at Folsom Tavern. Wander through the rooms of Exeter’s high-end establishment and indulge in food, drink, and colonial pastimes with fellow history enthusiasts. Delight in an array of pies, both sweet and savory, courtesy of Harvey’s Bakery in Dover. Savor hot beverages such as cider, coffee, and tea during the event. Engage in live period music, participate in a colonial card tournament, embark on a scavenger hunt, and partake in other immersive activities. Experience the charm of 1774 in this historical celebration.

Take a new year’s eve sleigh ride

Dec. 30, 10 a.m.

Candia 

Embark on a journey this New Year’s Eve by climbing aboard a charming sleigh of choice. The horses will guide everyone to a festive celebration, offering a lively 40-minute ride under the bright holiday lights. Once there, settle in for a meal prepared by the dedicated staff. Indulge in grill specialties, homemade chicken noodle soup, and assorted chocolate treats while sipping on hot cocoa or bottled water. Engage in various activities, from enchanting horse-drawn rides to exploring the holiday trail, encountering reindeer, and embracing the cozy vibes of a campfire. 

Read more: Where to ring in the New Year in NH