Christmas Vacation Week in Waterville
Christmas Vacation Week is right around the corner, and there’s no better place to enjoy an authentic New England winter getaway than Waterville Valley! Whether you’re chasing great early-season snow conditions or looking to indulge in the après lifestyle, there’s fun for all ages in Waterville this holiday season. Let’s break it all down!
Alpine Advent Holiday Market
This holiday season, Town Square has transformed into an authentic Holiday Market with Alpine Advent. All week long, peruse the rustic wooden chalets filled with the sights, scents, and sounds of the season. Shop handcrafted goods from New Hampshire’s finest artisans, savor seasonal treats, and warm up with hot cocoa or glühwein (mulled wine) as you explore each of the twelve wooden chalets filled with holiday spirit and celebration.
Vacation Week Hours:
Dec 22–23: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dec 24 (Christmas Eve): 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dec 25: Closed
Dec 26 (Boxing Day): 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dec 27–30: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dec 31: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (with fireworks at 7:00 PM)
Live Music at the freestyle lounge all week long!
There’s no better way to cap off a day on the mountain than grabbing some drinks and food with your friends and family with live music at the Freestyle Lounge! From December 26th through the 31st, live music will bring the vibes in Freestyle from 3-6pm. Several local artists will be performing throughout the week and you won’t want to miss it!
Looking to try a different spot? There are plenty of other après options on the mountain, including T-Bars, located directly beneath the Valley Run Quad, and the Schwendi Hütte at the summit. And of course, there are even more great places to explore in town!
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NYE Fireworks
On New Year’s Eve at 7pm sharp, our annual fireworks show will light up the night sky, reflecting over Corcoran Pond in Town Square. Ring in 2026 and wrap up your vacation with a hot cocoa in hand! Be sure to finish any last-minute shopping at Alpine Advent before the show—the market will close at 8pm until next holiday season.
Adventure in town
Thanks to the early-season snow we’ve received over the past few weeks, the Nordic Center is open, with more trails added daily! Nordic lessons are available for those interested, along with trail passes, rentals, retail, and more.
You can also try out fat biking or snowshoeing—there are so many ways to get out on the trails and experience the magic of winter in Waterville! The Nordic Center offers several trails designated for fat biking, and all the Nordic trails are open to snowshoers and winter walkers as well.
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New To Town Square: Waterville Alley & Arcade
Open daily from 10am to 9pm, the Alley & Arcade is designed to be a gathering place where families, friends, and groups can play, relax, and make memories together. Featuring 4 bowling lanes, a diverse selection of classic and modern arcade games, and plenty of space to hang out with friends and family, Waterville Alley & Arcade brings a fresh burst of energy to the heart of the Valley.
Dining & Shopping
Waterville Valley is home to a variety of restaurants, charming cafés, and sports bars! You’ll find plenty of options in Town Square and throughout the Valley, offering everything from breakfast at La Tasse Café, creative and modern favorites at Coyote Grille, and takeout pizza and more at Olde Waterville Pizza Co., to flavorful dishes at Kalki Indian Cuisine and steakhouse dining at the Valley Chop House. All of this, and more, is within walking distance of all lodging options in town.
In addition to great dining, Town Square offers a variety of shops perfect for window shopping or picking up any last-minute vacation needs and gifts for everyone in the family. For Waterville Valley merchandise, head over to the Welcome Center, Sport Thoma (in Town Square or on the mountain), or Dreams & Visions Gift Shop. Jugtown Country Store is your one-stop shop for groceries, beer, wine, and other novelty items.
Looking to keep your pet happy while you enjoy an action-packed day on the slopes? Visit The Clever Critter, which has everything your furry friend could dream of—from treats and toys to a convenient dog-wash station!
Winter Lodging
The Valley offers a variety of lodging options to suit every style of stay. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lodge, a condo in the heart of Town Square, or a full-service hotel, your home base will be just a short walk from all the action.
Book your stay just steps aways from the all new Alpine Advent Christmas Market and enhance your weekend trip for less - stay two nights at Town Square Condos or Silver Fox Inn and get the second night 50% off! Perfect for a festive weekend getaway and includes an exclusive keepsake gift!