Here are 5 of the best holiday day trips to do without leaving NH

Looking for a fun holiday activity that isn’t baking seasonal goods or searching for the perfect gift?

You don’t have to go far – in fact, you don’t even need to leave the state. New Hampshire has plenty of festive attractions perfect for a day trip this holiday season. From light shows at a Christmas-themed amusement park to picturesque sleigh rides through the snowy mountainside, the state is sure to have the right activity for everyone in the family to get in the holiday spirit.

Here are five of the best holiday day trips to do without leaving New Hampshire this year.

Take a festive train ride

It may not be the Polar Express, but the Conway Scenic Railroad offers various winter excursions through snowy Conway. “Santa’s Holiday Express,” the company’s holiday-themed journey is an hour-long festive trip that features a cast of characters certain to put everyone in a jolly mood, including Santa himself.

Tickets start at $27 for adults and $21 for children ages 4-12, with first-class and premium seats available for an additional charge. For the rest of the season, Santa’s Holiday Express will run at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30p.m. on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20-21, as well as 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 and Dec. 17.

Shop at a holiday market

Want to get some holiday shopping done? Head to the Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village, a festive open-air marketplace featuring goods from over 50 local craft makers and artisans. Browse through unique gifts, handcrafted goods and seasonal treats while taking in the magic of twinkling lights.

The Holiday Shoppes’ December hours are 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday or 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Go on a sleigh ride

Holiday sleigh rides are offered all throughout the snowy mountains of New Hampshire, with popular options including Charmingfare Farm in Candia and Franconia Notch Stables in Franconia.

For a special treat, take a sleigh ride in Nestlenook Farm, where Jingle Bell Chocolate Tours’ horse-drawn sleighs stop for passengers to collect homemade chocolates from four different locations around the scenic winter town of Jackson Village. Sleigh rides run hourly from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 22 through Dec. 21. Tickets, which cost $45 per person, can be booked by calling 978-580-0905.

Visit Santa’s Village

It’s always Christmas at Santa’s Village, a year-round holiday-themed amusement park perfect for young adventure lovers. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed rides, Christmas gift shops, visits with Santa and after dark, Santa’s Christmas Light Show.

Santa’s Village is open for the holiday season on Saturdays and Sundays in December through Dec. 21, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday or 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission, which includes access to all rides, shows, visits with Santa and other attractions, costs $57 for all-day, $44 for Saturday after 3:30 p.m. or $27 for Sunday after 3 p.m. Tickets are date-specific and must be bought online.

Hit the slopes

For those who love winter sports, there is no better place in New Hampshire than the White Mountains. Often regarded one of the country’s best skiing regions for its natural peaks and plentiful snow, the White Mountains has dozens of resorts and trails for skiing, as well as cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. It’ll make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie.

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