10 Exciting Events to Experience This Winter in New Hampshire
January in New Hampshire brings a wealth of activities to help you embrace the season. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a creative spirit, or a wine connoisseur, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 must-see events to add to your winter calendar in the new year:
1. Recycled Percussion
When: January 1, 3-5, and 10-12, 2025
Where: Palace Theatre, Manchester, NH
Get ready for an electrifying experience as legendary New England drumming group Recycled Percussion returns to the Palace Theater in Manchester! After wowing audiences on America’s Got Talent, performing at the Super Bowl, and bringing their Emmy-winning show “Chaos & Kindness” to TV, they’re back in their home state with multiple shows. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a loyal fan, don’t miss the high-energy performance full of surprises and crowd favorites that made them Vegas stars!
2. Art ‘Round Town Gallery Walk
When: January 3, 2025
Where: Portsmouth, NH
Held on the first Friday of every month, this free event celebrates Portsmouth’s vibrant art community, blending its historic charm with an exciting contemporary art scene. Stroll through downtown’s galleries, where you’ll find works from artists across the globe, including Europe, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as local talent.
3. Holly Jolly Journey at Mel’s Funway Park
When: Through January 12, 2025
Where: Litchfield, NH
If you didn’t have a chance to experience New England’s most exciting walk-through lights display at the Holly Jolly Journey in December, you’ll still have plenty of chances in January. This magical trail stretches over two-thirds of a mile, featuring millions of lights that illuminate whimsical areas like the Zoo of Lights, Candy Cane Forest, the Ice Cave, and the North Pole. Enjoy holiday music, photo opportunities, and festive treats such as hot cocoa, cocktails, and s’mores by the fire. It’s a heartwarming way to extend the holiday magic into the new year.
4. Full Moon Snowshoe at Birch Ridge Community Forest
When: January 13, 2025
Where: Birch Ridge Community Forest, New Durham, NH
Experience the serene beauty of a full moonlit evening while snowshoeing through Birch Ridge Community Forest. This event is geared towards those with some snowshoeing or winter hiking experience. If snow conditions aren’t ideal, the adventure will shift to a winter night hike.
5. Vision Board Party
When: January 16, 2025
Where: Vine 32 Wine + Graze Bar, Bedford, NH
This fun and creative event is your chance to visualize your future success in a supportive environment. Create your own vision board with provided materials—magazines, craft markers, cork board, and more—while enjoying the company of like-minded individuals. Each attendee will also receive a tote bag, goal tracker planner, and five raffle tickets.
6. Upcycled Mittens Workshop
When: January 18, 2025
Where: Enfield Shaker Museum, Enfield, NH
Breathe new life into old sweaters by turning them into cozy mittens at this hands-on workshop. Led by Carol Williams and Peggy Mitchell, you’ll learn how to create fleece or flannel-lined mittens from felted sweaters. Bring your own sewing machine and materials, or use the small selection of sweaters provided. Advance registration is required, with proceeds supporting the museum’s educational mission.
7. 19th Annual New England Winter Wine Spectacular
When: January 23, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, Manchester, NH
Wine lovers, this one’s for you! Sample exquisite wines from around the world experience over, paired with delicious bites from New Hampshire’s finest restaurants. This must-attend event benefits the New Hampshire Food Bank and offers exclusive meet-and-greets with winemakers, VIP tastings, and a chance to learn more about food and wine pairings.
8. Concord Winter Fest: Ice Carving Competition and Food Truck Festival
When: January 24-25, 2025
Where: Downtown Concord, NH
Celebrate winter in downtown Concord with stunning ice sculptures and delicious food trucks! Watch live ice-carving demonstrations on Friday evening and an ice carving competition on Saturday. Don’t miss the new Food Truck Festival offering warm treats to enjoy while you marvel at icy creations.
9. Dueling Pianos
When: January 25, 2025
Where: Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH
Get ready for a fast-paced, request-driven, high-energy show where you pick the set list! Dueling piano shows are interactive sing-a-long experiences where two talented pianists trade songs and involve the audience in playful rivalries like country vs. rock or men vs. women. With non-stop music, hilarious on-stage antics, and the chance to sing your heart out, this is an evening you won’t forget.
10. Winter Wildlife Tracking Workshop
When: January 31, 2025
Where: Peterborough, NH
Join Wildlife Conservation State Specialist Haley Andreozzi and Community Conservation State Specialist Emma Tutein from UNH Cooperative Extension as they guide you through fields, forests, and wetlands in search of animal tracks and signs. Learn to interpret wildlife behavior and habitat use while enjoying the outdoors in winter conditions.