Here are 5 of this year’s best Christmas light displays in New Hampshire

As December begins, Christmas lights are popping up all across New Hampshire to welcome the holiday season, bringing joy and brightness to the dark, cold days of winter.

Luckily, if you’re a fan of Christmas lights, you don’t have to go far to see them. New Hampshire has plenty of professional Christmas light displays ready to dazzle you this season, including everything from an outdoor light spectacular at a winery to an entire lit town straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Here are five of the best Christmas light displays to check out in New Hampshire this holiday season.

Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke

The Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum invites guests to enjoy a dazzling holiday show with hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights. Along the stroll, guests can step into any of the museum’s historic houses, all of which are adorned with handmade period-specific decorations and filled with costumed role players who share seasonal traditions of the past.

Under this year’s theme “Midwinter Melodies,” visitors can also explore the lives of Puddle Dock families through holiday scenes inspired by classic winter songs. Performances by professional ice skaters and concessions by a bonfire also accompany this holiday event.

Non-member tickets are $35 for adults, $17.50 for children ages 3-17 or free for children under 3. Member tickets start at $17.50 for adults or $8.75 for children ages 3-17, though they can be lower or even free depending on membership level.

When: 4:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday through Sunday from Dec. 5 through Dec. 21

Where: Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth

LaBelle Lights

On winter nights, Derry’s LaBelle Winery turns into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights. The illuminated walking path includes festive designs like Reindeer Family, Snowflake Forest and Candy Cane Lane.

Worked up an appetite walking through the lights in your themed outerwear? LaBelle has four available dining options: the sit-down Americus Restaurant, the Snowflake Snack Shack, the Market and Tasting Room or the all-new Polar Grill Express.

This year, LaBelle is introducing Winterfest, an all new festival on Jan. 2 with ice carving, ice performers, live music, special character appearances and more. The light show will also host visits with Santa on select days throughout the season.

Tickets to this holiday light show cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors ages 65 or older and $10 for children ages 4-12. Half-priced tickets are offered each Tuesday and on select dates in January. It is recommended to buy tickets online to avoid long lines at the door.

When: Every day except Monday from Nov. 14, 2025 through Jan. 18, 2026, excluding Dec. 24-25, Jan. 6-7 and Jan. 13-14

Where: LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry

Santa’s Christmas Light Show at Santa’s Village

As New Hampshire‘s year-round holiday-themed amusement park, Santa’s Village goes all out during their Christmas season. When dusk falls on the park, Christmas carols play in the air and a million lights illuminate the walkways while Santa’s Christmas Light Show plays on Main Street.

Viewing of this light show requires admission to Santa’s Village, which costs $57 for all-day, $44 for Saturday after 3:30 p.m. or $27 for Sunday after 3 p.m. Admission also includes access to all rides, shows, visits with Santa and other attractions. Tickets are date-specific and must be bought online.

When: During the holiday season, Santa’s Christmas Light Show occurs three times each hour beginning at dusk. Holiday park hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday or 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday from Nov. 8 through Dec. 21.

Where: Santa’s Village, 528 Presidential Hwy., Jefferson

Gift of Lights

For those who want to experience the dazzling magic of Christmas lights from the warmth of their car, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway is back for its 15th year with a two-mile-long drive-through light display.

More than three million lights will come together in over 500 festive displays, a rainbow tunnel of lights and iconic holiday scenes turned into illuminated works of art. Exit tunnels on the path give guests the opportunity to enjoy the lights with treat from the concession truck or a s’more by the open fire pit.

Gift of Lights tickets cost $35 per car, and tickets can be bought online or at the gate.

When: 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday or 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27, 2025 through Jan. 4, 2026, with extra hours until 10 p.m. every day from Dec. 19-28

Where: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106, Loudon

Winter Lights at Waterville Valley

For the third year, the New England ski town of Waterville Valley will be transformed into a dazzling winter scene. Twinkling lights will illuminate the ice rink, Corcoran Pond Bridge and the path from the Town Square to the Waterville Valley Tubing Center.

There is no cost to see Waterville Valley’s Winter Lights. While the entire town can be explored for free, certain businesses or attractions that participate in the lights may cost money.

When: Starting with a tree lighting by Santa himself on Saturday, Nov. 29, lights will illuminate the town throughout the winter season

Where: Town Square, 33 Village Road, Waterville Valley

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Catherine Messier.