It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Ice Castles are back again for its tenth season in New Hampshire. Since 2014, the famous Ice Castles have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors every winter to explore over 20 million pounds of frozen features. With a permanent location in North Woodstock, Ice Castles are the perfect winter attraction for families and couples now and for years to come. Kids of all ages will love its slides, mazes, thrones, and frozen archways and the magical enchanted forest!
There’s a ton of fun things to do with the whole family in the Western White Mountains, so when you visit the Ice Castles, stay for a weekend, or the entire week. The Western White Mountains are home to two of the best ski areas in the White Mountains with Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain just minutes away. We know that skiing isn’t for everyone, but don’t worry, there’s so much more to do!
Get Creative with the Family
Too cold for an outdoor activity? Bring your kids to Chutters candy shop in Lincoln or take a drive through the notch to Littleton to their flagship store, holding the world record for the longest candy counter at 112 feet. Make a stop at the New England Ski Museum, located in Franconia Notch State Park, to learn about the history of skiing, the local “firsts” and area native Bode Miller’s ski career, all for free! Afterwards, unleash your inner artist at Fired on the Mountain Pottery Store and have your creations shipped home.
Experience Winter on the Mt. Washington Cog Railway
Looking to experience the Western White Mountain’s famous winter weather and dramatic landscapes? Look no further than the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world! Throughout the winter, their trains terminate at their newly redesigned and expanded Waumbek Station. Located in an alpine meadow at roughly 4000’, clear conditions provide spectacular panoramic vistas from the southern Presidentials to the Canadian border. Passengers leave the train for about 25 minutes to enjoy complimentary hot refreshments, warming huts and a fire pit. A truly unique experience.
Zip Away!
Fly above the trees on one of the three zipline courses at Alpine Adventures. If that’s too much thrill and you’d prefer to keep it on four wheels, sign up for their off-road tour in a six wheeled Pinzgauer. They offer guided snowshoe tours, a Big Air Bag stuntzone and an aerial adventure park. They’ve got all kind of adventures to get your heart rate pumping.
Celebrate a Special Occasion
Celebrate your next anniversary, engagement, birthday, or just schedule a romantic date night with your other half at one of the many delicious restaurants in Lincoln and the North Woodstock area. The Woodstock Inn Brewery has been voted the White Mountains favorite restaurant for eight years. With an extensive food and beer menu, you’ll find something delicious to eat.
Cheers to Wine Tasting & More
Send the kids to ski school or the movies and head over to the Seven Birches Winery tasting room located within the RiverWalk Resort. You can sip on a variety of red, white, and everything in between wine varieties. Enjoy wine by the glass, wine flights, and New Hampshire-made snacks. Plus you’ll love trying their locally sourced and produced Rhythm Cider.
This winter, come for the Ice Castles but stay for the dozens of family-friendly fun attractions, restaurants, and activities in the Western White Mountains.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
Copyright (C) 2025 Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
