Winter in New Hampshire is one of the best times to get outside, explore the White Mountains, and enjoy the mountain towns. From snowy hikes and scenic drives to ice castles and warm places to eat after, here are some of the most fun things to do in New Hampshire this winter.

Best Things to Do in New Hampshire in Winter

Every activity listed below is something I personally did during my own winter adventures around the state

1. Visit the New Hampshire Ice Castles

One of the coolest winter experiences I had in New Hampshire was visiting the New Hampshire Ice Castles in Lincoln.

The entire attraction is made of towering ice walls, glowing tunnels, and frozen chambers.

It honestly feels like walking through a real ice castle.

I went around 6:30 PM and had almost no wait getting in.

From carved ice passageways to the ice slide that both kids and adults can ride as many times as they want.

The Mystic Forest Light Walk was also a highlight, with colorful lights shining through the snowy trees.

Making an evening time slot especially worth it.

2. Hike to Diana’s Baths in Winter

Hiking to Diana’s Baths in winter was one of my favorite simple outdoor stops in New Hampshire.

This easy trail near North Conway leads through the woods to a series of small waterfalls and frozen cascades.

The hike is only about 1.1 miles round trip with very little elevation gain.

So it’s a great option if you want something scenic without a huge climb.

3. Go Arctic Snow Tubing at Cranmore Mountain Resort

Trying Arctic Snow Tubing at Cranmore Mountain Resort was one of the most fun activities I did in New Hampshire this winter.

It’s perfect if you want something outdoors that doesn’t require any skiing experience.

You just grab a tube, ride the conveyor lift to the top, and fly down one of the colorful tubing lanes.

Everything felt really well organized, and because you can go as many times as you want during your time slot.

It’s easy to relax into the experience and keep going back up for another run.

The hill is especially fun in the evening when it’s lit up with the bright Arctic lights.

4. Drive the Kancamagus Highway in Winter

Driving the Kancamagus Highway in winter was one of the most peaceful and scenic parts of my New Hampshire trip.

This iconic 34.5-mile mountain road runs through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway.

And, it feels completely different in the colder months without the fall crowds or busy pull-offs.

Even though many overlooks and trailheads are closed or snowed in during winter, the drive itself is still beautiful.

There are a few stops that are easy to access like the Albany Covered Bridge and Hancock Overlook.

5. Hike to Champney Falls in Winter

Hiking to Champney Falls in winter was one of the most memorable trails I did in the White Mountains.

The hike is about 3.3 miles round trip with a steady uphill climb, but in the winter, it feels more peaceful and completely different with snow-packed trails.

When we reached the falls, they were completely iced over and absolutely stunning, with huge sheets of ice and icicles covering the rock face.

We even saw people ice climbing while we were there, which was such a cool surprise and made the stop feel even more unique.

It’s a great winter hike to add if you’re already driving the Kancamagus Highway and want something scenic with a rewarding finish.

6. Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad Snow Train

Riding the Conway Scenic Railroad Snow Train was one of the most relaxing and unique winter experiences I had in New Hampshire.

This short seasonal train ride takes you through the snowy Mount Washington Valley.

It is a relaxing way to enjoy the winter scenery without having to plan anything stressful.

We booked tickets in advance and chose Dome Class, which was absolutely worth it for the panoramic glass windows.

The ride is about 55 minutes round trip, making it an easy addition to a winter weekend in North Conway.

Especially if you want something scenic that feels cozy and different from the usual outdoor activities.

7. Eat Breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill

One of the best food stops I made in New Hampshire this winter was breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill.

This iconic spot near the White Mountains has been serving made-from-scratch pancakes since 1938!

The pancakes come with real New Hampshire maple syrup and their famous maple spread, and the sampler is such a fun way to try a few different batters in one meal.

It’s a classic New England experience, and the perfect warm stop before heading out for a scenic drive or another snowy adventure nearby.

8. Walk Through the Albany Covered Bridge in Winter

Stopping at the Albany Covered Bridge was one of my favorite easy winter moments along the Kancamagus Highway.

This historic covered bridge dates back to the mid 1800s and sits tucked into the snowy White Mountains, with the Swift River flowing beneath it.

The walk from the parking area is short, and once you step inside the bridge, it feels quiet and peaceful.

We brought microspikes because the parking lot and paths were icy, and it was such a simple but beautiful stop to stretch your legs.

9. Hike the Flume Gorge Trail in Winter

Hiking the Flume Gorge Trail in winter was one of the most unique outdoor experiences I had in New Hampshire.

Located in Franconia Notch State Park, this popular summer trail turns into a true winter scenery walk.

With snowy forest paths, frozen waterfalls, and wooden bridges along the route.

The loop is about 2.2 miles, and while the gorge itself is closed to regular hikers in winter, you can still hike most of the trail and enjoy the icy views from the base.

The bright red covered bridge along the way is also an iconic photo stop, especially with snow on the roof.

It’s a great winter hike if you want something scenic, manageable, and completely different from visiting during the warmer months.

10. Drink Craft Beer at Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton

Stopping at Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton was one of my favorite foodie moments in the White Mountains this winter.

This European-inspired craft brewery sits right by the Ammonoosuc River and feels especially welcoming in the colder months.

We ordered wood-fired pizza and tried a bratwurst on a pretzel twist, and everything was so flavorful and perfect after a day of exploring.

Littleton itself is such a charming town to walk around in winter, and pairing it with craft beer at Schilling makes for an ideal stop during a White Mountains road trip.

11. Take a Winter Walk at Wallis Sands State Beach

Visiting Wallis Sands State Beach in winter was such a peaceful way to experience the New Hampshire coast.

Located in Rye, this beach feels completely different in the colder months, with wide open sand, crashing waves, and hardly anyone around.

It’s a simple stop, but walking along the shoreline with the winter ocean air is refreshing and a nice change of pace from mountain hikes.

If you’re spending time near Portsmouth or doing a Seacoast day trip, it’s a beautiful place to slow down and take in New Hampshire’s coast in winter.

12. Do a Self-Guided Foodie Tour in Portsmouth

Spending a day eating my way through Portsmouth was one of the most delicious things I did in New Hampshire this winter.

This coastal town has such an underrated food scene, and it’s easy to build your own walking tour.

I loved trying pastries, coffee, and local bites all within a few minutes of each other.

I started with donuts at Lovebirds, tried warm popovers with maple butter, and grabbed a latte at a cozy German cafe.

For all of my stops, read Portsmouth Foodie Guide: Best Eats on a Self-Guided Food Tour.

It’s the perfect winter day trip if you want something walkable and full of great food in one of New Hampshire’s prettiest small cities.

Explore More of New Hampshire

New Hampshire is such a fun place to explore in winter, and these were my favorite stops from this season.

Whether you’re planning a weekend in the White Mountains or a day trip to the coast, I hope this list gives you a few ideas for your own cold-weather adventure

For fall, here are the Best Places to See New Hampshire Fall Foliage in 2026.

Read all of my New England Travel Guides!