Oct. 7-12, 14-18
New Hampshire Designer Showhouse, Meredith Bay, Laconia – Tours of a home designed by several of New Hampshire’s best interior designers. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. The event is being held to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Lakes Region. For more information, call 279-1210 or visit nhshowhouse.com.
Oct. 9-11
62nd Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival – Share the natural splendor of New Hampshire's vibrant autumn colors while enjoying food, entertainment, carnival rides and fine crafts along the main streets of Warner. For more information, visit wfff.org.
Oct. 9-11
20th Annual Great Pumpkin Festival, Milford – Join in for family activities such as scarecrow making, the haunted trail, a pumpkin catapult, two stages of performances, a craft fair, a Halloween storybook walk and more. For more information, call 672-4567 or visit milfordpumpkinfestival.org.
Oct. 9-12, 15-18, 22-25 and 28-31
Nightmare New England, Litchfield – Over 100,000 square feet of terror awaits you at New England's No. 1 destination for Halloween thrills. The massive 20-acre Scream Park features seven haunted attractions at one monstrous location. Dozens of freakish characters stalk the grounds and roam freely in the woods lining the property. The Monster Midway hosts live music, go-karts, batting cages, two themed mini-golf courses, concessions, restaurant, bar, photo opportunities, gifts and more! For more information, visit nightmarenewengland.com.
Oct. 10
7th Annual Somersworth Pumpkin Festival – A family-friendly event focusing on all things pumpkin will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Somersworth Plaza. The event will feature pumpkin carving and painting, scarecrow making, pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling and much more! The cost is $10 per child and adults are free. The cost covers all activities except the food court. For more information, call 817-9751.
Oct. 10
20th Annual WHEB Chili Cook-Off and Fall Festival, Portsmouth – Sample some of the best chili the Seacoast has to offer at Prescott Park from 11:30 a.m. until it's all gone. The cost is $15, $6 for children 12 and younger. For more information, call 436-2848.
Oct. 10
Mile of Mills Walking Tour, Manchester – Walk the entire Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. Millyard from 9 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be provided at the Millyard Museum at the end of the walk. The cost is $15 for Manchester Historic Association members, $20 for nonmembers. Call 622-7531 to pre-register.
Oct. 10
Rivier College Oktoberfest, Nashua – Join the Rivier College Alumni and Parent Association for a taste of Germany from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Dion Center. The event will benefit student scholarships. Enjoy German-themed food paired with German wines and beers in a festive and fun atmosphere. The cost is $50 per person. For more information, call 897-8521 or visit rivier.edu.
Oct. 10-11
Fall Foliage Festival, Waterville Valley – Two days of family activities, free outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, carnival rides and more! For more information, call 236-8175 or visit waterville.com.
Oct. 10-11
Fall Arts Festival, Walpole – A festival of fine arts will be held each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town Hall on the Common. Admission is free. For more information, call 756-9389.
Oct. 10-11
Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour, Keene area – Preview the work of 16 artists from the Monadnock Region each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and a map of the art studios can be found at fallfoliageartstudiotour.com. For more information, call 357-4382.
Oct. 10-12
Sandwich Fair – Enjoy the rides, food, tractor pulls, horse shows, stage shows and more! The cost is $10, $3 for children ages 8 to 12 and free for children ages 7 and younger. For more information, call 284-7062 or visit thesandwichfair.com.
Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31
Fall Fun on the Farm, Keene – Stonewall Farm will offer hayrides to its pumpkin patch. There will also be pumpkins for purchase, fall treats, Stonewall Farm products, barnyard tours and a “make your own scarecrow” activity every Saturday during October from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 357-7278 or visit stonewallfarm.org.
Oct. 16-18 and 23-25
Pumpkin Patch Express at the Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway – The Pumpkin Patch Express runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and travels to Bartlett or Glen. It makes a stop at White Mountain Cider Company in Glen for children on board to get off a select a pumpkin. Costumes are encouraged. The cost is $13.50, $9.50 for children. To reserve your spot, call 800-232-5251, ext. 12, or visit conwayscenic.com.
Oct. 17
Oktoberfest, Amherst – Enjoy your time from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Salzburg Square while listening to The Mad Bavarian Brass Band play live omm-pa-pa music, tasting delicious German food and joining in the beer tasting. The event will also feature activities for children. Admission is free. For more information, call 732-0098.
Oct. 17
“Peak” Into Peterborough Festival, Peterborough – Welcome fall and have a fun filled day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore Peterborough’s rich history and beautiful scenery while enjoying many events such as hayrides, pumpkin painting, pizza tasting and more. For more information, call 924-7234 or visit peterboroughchamber.com.
Oct. 17
19th Annual Pumpkin Festival, Keene – The tradition continues downtown from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with food, entertainment, contests, fireworks and tons of pumpkins! Admission is free. For more information, visit pumpkinfestival.com.
Oct. 17
Harvest Fair, Wilton – Music, crafters and food vendors will be featured on Main Street. A petting zoo will be located in the police station parking lot. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, call 654-3020 or visit mainstreetwilton.nh.us.
Oct. 17-18
Leaf Peeper Craft Fair, North Conway – More than 100 vendors will offer handcrafted wood items, primitive crafts, candles, books, jewelry, pottery and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 528-4014 or visit joycescraftshows.com.
Oct. 17-18
All Pet Festival, Manchester – See lovable pets of all varieties, shapes and sizes, meet pet service providers and shop for products, services and goods. Entertainment will feature pet demonstrations, dog fashion shows, dog agility, “dancing with the dogs” and more. The festival will be held Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the All Dogs Gym and Inn. The cost is $5, $2 for children ages 7 to 12 and free for children 6 and younger. Due to the large number of animals and wide variety of species on exhibit, please leave pets at home. For more information, call 669-4644 or visit allpetfestival.com.
Oct. 17-18
6th Annual Deerfield Arts Tour – This self-guided tour will welcome the public into 19 resident artists' studios from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Artwork includes stoneware, pottery, watercolors, jewelry, basketry, photographs and much more. For a map, call 463-5626 or visit deerfieldartstour.com.
Oct. 17-18
Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Regatta, Goffstown – The weekend will be filled with games, art, catapulting, a pumpkin cook-off and the famous pumpkin regatta on the Piscataquog River. Admission is free. For more information, call 497-9933 or visit goffstownmainstreet.org.
Oct. 18
Thunderama Classic Thunderbird Show, Canterbury Shaker Village – Thunderama is a classic car show featuring the largest gathering of T-Birds in the Eastern U.S. The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. The cost is $15, $13 for seniors, $7 for children ages 6 to 17, free for children 5 and younger. For more information, call 783-9077 or visit shakers.org.
Oct. 18
Civil War Walking Tour of Valley Cemetery, Manchester – A tour group will be led from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. to the gravesites of Civil War veterans. Stories will be shared about the men buried there. The cost is $5 for Manchester Historic Association members, $10 for nonmembers. To pre-register, call 622-7531.
Oct. 24
Celebrate Samhain, Peterborough – Be entranced by the bewitching music of a gypsy troupe, browse mystical vendors and learn something new in a variety of free talks and workshops from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church. For more information, call 588-4219 or visit celebratesamhain.com.
Oct. 24
Rubber Stamp Workshop, Concord – Learn how to make a Thanksgiving-themed card using rubber stamps at Art Plus. The cost is $20, which includes supplies to make five cards. The class is held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call 225-8080 or e-mail artplusnh@gmail.com to reserve your space.
Oct. 24
Annual Fall Frights Festival, Auburn – Come to the Massabesic Audubon Center between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. and take a guided tour along a lit pathway to learn about the creatures of Halloween. Along the way, you will be entertained with skits, live animals and stories dispelling the many myths about the creatures of Halloween. Learn about native bats and meet a live northern barred owl. Touch a Madagascar hissing cockroach. Howl like a wolf and make Halloween crafts. Toast marshmallows at the campfire and bring a decorated pumpkin to display. Preregistration required. Call 668-2045 to register. For more information, visit nhaudubon.org.
Oct. 25
Annual Fall Festival, Exeter – Hay rides, a magic show, a petting zoo, trick-or-treating at area stores, a pet costume contest, music and more will be featured from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. downtown. Admission is free. For more information, visit exeterarea.org.
Oct. 30
Freaky Fat Loss Workout, Epsom – Stop holiday weight gain before it starts with a workout using pumpkins as weights. The event will be held at Cr8 Health & Fitness. Free, seven classtimes available. For more information, e-mail nancycarlson@cr8health.com or call 344-2651.
Oct. 30
Halloween Howl, Concord – Bring the kids in costume from 5 to 7 p.m. downtown for trick-or-treating, a costume parade and horse-drawn wagon rides! The wagon rides cost $2 per person. For more information, call 226-2150.
Oct. 30-31
Ghosts on the Banke, Portsmouth – Long-dead sea captains, 17th-century shopkeepers and wayward pirates will haunt the streets of Strawbery Banke as you trick or treat from house to historic house. The event will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and is best for children ages 12 and younger. The cost is $6. For more information, call 433-1100 or visit strawberybanke.org.
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Annual Hallow-brew Weekend, Bretton Woods – Dare to samples seasonal brews from local breweries while exploring the ghostly side of the Mount Washington Hotel with a spooky walking tour. Get dressed up for the costume contest and have your tarot cards read. For more information, call 278-3305 or visit mountwashingtonresort.com.
Nov. 7
Merrimack County Artisans Craft Fair, Concord – Come to the Bektash Shrine between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and get a head start on your holiday shopping. Admission is free. For more information, e-mail merifred@comcast.net.
Nov. 7-8
New Hampshire Open Doors, Statewide – Visit and shop the open studios of New Hampshire craftspeople and artisans, local farms, orchards, wineries and retail shops and galleries filled with New Hampshire made products. For more information and locations, visit nhopendoors.com.
Nov. 8 and Nov. 15
Searles Castle Open House, Windham – All are welcome to view the beauty of the castle and enjoy the magnificence of a past era from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served. The cost is $10, $8 for seniors and children 11 and younger. For more information, call 890-0458 or visit searlescastlewindham.com.
Nov. 11
Fall Family Farm Day, Troy – Come The Inn at East Hill farm from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for hands on farm activities. Cow milking, butter making, meeting the animals, egg collecting, pony rides, hayrides and arts are crafts are a handful of events planned for the day. The cost is $25, $15 for children ages 2 to 15. For more information, call 800-242-6495 or visit east-hill-farm.com.
Nov. 13-15
14th Annual New England Craft and Specialty Food Fair, Salem – More than 250 of the regions finest craftsmen and women will display and sell their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rockingham Park Racetrack. Admission is $5. For more information, call 332-2616 or visit castleberryfairs.com.
Nov. 14
Historic Thanksgiving at the Remick Country Doctor Museum, Tamworth – Join in from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an afternoon of good food, a warm fire and a little bit of history. Learn about the harvest festivals and how the foods of the Thanksgiving feast evolved over the centuries. The cost is $5. For more information, call 323-9571 or visit remickmuseum.org.
Nov. 20-22
Portsmouth Garden Club Festival of Trees – Come to the Urban Forestry Center and view more than 90 displays of indoor and outdoor trees and a historic Cape house decorated for the holidays. The cost is $5 and free for children 11 and younger. For more information, call 431-6774 or visit portsmouthnhgardenclub.com.
Nov. 21 and Nov. 27-29 Christmas Time at Santa's Village, Jefferson – Visit Santa, his elves and reindeer. A special holiday show will be performed in the Polar Theater. The cost is $24 and children younger than 3 are free. For more information, call 586-4445 or visit santasvillage.com.
Nov. 27-28
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, Laconia – Come to the Opechee Conference Center and browse crafts from crafters all over the state. The fair will be open both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, call 528-4014 or visit joycescraftshows.com.
Nov. 27-29
Gift in Hand, Canterbury – A three-day festival showcasing the area's most talented artists will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shaker Village. Visitors can shop for handcrafted gifts and see ongoing craft demonstrations. For more information, call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.
Nov. 28
Annual Holiday Celebration, Warner – Ongoing demonstrations, music, storytelling and museum tours will be held at the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum. Browse the gift shop where you will find unique items made by Native Americans. The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 456-2600 or visit indianmuseum.com.
Nov. 28
Winter Holiday Stroll, Nashua – Stroll down Main Street between 5 and 10 p.m. and help Nashua kick off the holiday season. Each year, close to 30,000 people from across New England attend this event. Performances, street vendors and holiday shopping will be featured. Donations of canned goods and toys can be dropped off at city hall. Admission is free. For more information, visit greatamericandowntown.org.
Nov. 28-29
Traditionally Yours, Jackson – Share old and new holiday traditions in the villages of Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and Intervale. Some of the activities include caroling, gingerbread workshops, wreath-making, tree lighting ceremonies and the arrival of Santa. Area inns, shops and galleries will host their annual Holiday Open House celebrations. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and costs $18. For more information, call 383-9356 or visit jacksonnh.com.
Nov. 29
Crowne Plaza Holiday Craft Show, Nashua – Handmade crafts plus musical entertainment will be featured. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5. For more information, call 978-433-8062 or visit millenniumcraftshows.com.
Dec. 1-20
Craftworkers' Guild Holiday Fair, Bedford – Enjoy crafts by more than 50 juried regional artisans from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is free. Crafts include seasonal items, jewelry, children's and doll's clothing, gourmet foods, photography, pottery, home and personal accessories and more. For more information, call 472-8109.
Dec. 3
Full Moon Snowshoe Event, Bethlehem – Enjoy a romantic moonlit evening with a buffet followed by a guided snowshoe tour. S'mores and hot apple cider will be provided after the tour. The cost is $29.95 per person. The buffet begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 444-2600 or visit adairinn.com.
Dec. 3
A Christmas Carol, Concord – Enjoy this holiday classic performed by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan at the Capitol Center for the Arts. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $12.50 to $45. To purchase tickets, call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
Dec. 4
Midnight Merriment, Concord – This event is Main Street’s official kick-off of the winter holiday season. Purchase holiday gifts from the many unique, locally owned businesses downtown. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to midnight. Activities include horse-drawn hay wagon rides, holiday carolers and visits with Santa Claus. For more information, call 226-2150.
Dec. 4, 6, 11-13, 18-20 and 26-27
A Christmas Carol, Manchester – The Palace Theatre has many opportunities for you to watch this holiday classic. The show will be performed at 2 and 7:30 p.m., depending on the day. Ticket prices range from $15-$45. To purchase tickets, call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org.
Dec. 5
Clydesdale Camera Day, Merrimack – Bring your camera between 1 and 3 p.m. and pose with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale. Complimentary tours of the Anheuser-Busch Factory and beer samples for those 21 years of age and older will be available. For more information, call 595-1202 or visit budweisertours.com.
Dec. 5
Old Fashioned Christmas, Hillsboro – Crafts, music, food, a cookie walk and other activities will be featured. A tree lighting ceremony will be held between 5 and 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 464-3812.
Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 Candlelight Stroll, Portsmouth – Take a stroll through Strawbery Banke and experience the sights, sounds and smells of New England's favorite holiday season. The cost is $20, $10 for children ages 5 to 17 and free for children 4 and younger. Fore more information, call 433-1107 or visit strawberybanke.org.
Dec. 5 and 12
Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, Jackson – Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Village of Jackson. The ride will stop at some of the finest restaurants, specialty shops, country stores, B&Bs and inns. Ring your jingle bell and get chocolate concoctions at each stop! The cost is $18 and the rides begin at noon each day. For more information, call 383-9356 or visit jacksonnh.com.
Dec. 5 and 12
Christmas at Canterbury Shaker Village – Canterbury Shaker Village will be decorated for the season. There will be musical performers, a 19th-century magic show, a puppet show and crafts demonstrations. The cost is $17, $8 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children 5 and younger. For more information, call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.
Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20
Santa’s Holiday Express at the Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway – Santa’s Holiday Express runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $13 and up, based on age and seating choice. Santa Claus will make his way through the train to visit the children. A special treat will be given to each child on board. To reserve your spot, call 800-232-5251 or visit conwayscenic.com.
Dec. 7
Songs for the Holidays: A Gathering of Friends, Portsmouth – Three community choruses will gather for a holiday concert at 3 p.m. at The Portsmouth Pearl. The choruses include Women Singing OUT!, Solstice Singers and Harmony. There is a suggested donation of $10. For more information, call 430-2970 or visit portsmouthpearl.com.
Dec. 12
Victorian Christmas, Tamworth – Make crafts, sample homemade treats, take a horse-drawn wagon ride or sleigh ride and see the sights of the Remick Farm and grounds. Tour the Remick Museum and visit the gift shop. The cost is $5. For more information, call 323-7591 or visit remickmuseum.org.
Dec. 12-13
13th Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour, Mount Washington Valley – Holiday revelers will tour area inns and sample their cookies and candies. Gingerbread sculptures will be on display as well as collector's ornaments and recipe collections. The cost is $27 and the tour will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For more information, call 383-9339 or visit countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com.
Dec. 13
Holiday Pops, Concord – Celebrate the season with at an afternoon concert featuring all your favorite holiday music, a sing-along and a guest conductor from the North Pole at 3 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium. For more information, call 224-4776.
Dec. 13
Boston Pops Holiday Concert, Manchester – Come to the Verizon Wireless Arena at 2:30 p.m. to hear renditions of great Christmas classics conducted by Keith Lockhart. Tickets cost $66, $56 and $41. To purchase tickets, call 800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Dec. 18 and 19
The Nutcracker, Concord – St. Paul’s School Ballet Company will perform 7 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Capitol Center for the Arts. This performance is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of ballet theater. Tickets cost $16.50, $12.50 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
Dec. 20
The Merrimack Holiday Pops, Concord – This free concert will be performed at 3 p.m. and features all your holiday favorites. The concert is presented by Merrimack County Savings Bank. To obtain free tickets, call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
Dec. 28-30
Holiday House Tours, Portsmouth – These guided 90-minute tours feature five historic houses and will focus on the evolution of winter traditions over the centuries. The cost is $12, $10 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children ages 4 and younger. The tours begin at 10 a.m. each day. For more information, call 433-1107 or visit strawberybanke.org.
