North Conway, NH – Those looking to celebrate the holidays with lights, Santa and jolly activities can head to North Conway Village this season. Santa and his friends at the Town of Conway and the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce have organized plenty of merriment in a town recently named a finalist in the Hallmark Channel’s Merriest Christmas Town contest. Highlights range from a classic tree lighting on Black Friday to a new Village-wide storefront decorating contest and a double fireworks display with train rides on New Year’s Eve.

Light Up the Tree with Santa on Black Friday

After digesting turkey and hitting the Black Friday sales, families are invited to Schouler Park on Friday, November 27, for the tree lighting.Santa arrives in Schouler Park at 4:30 p.m. to a soundtrack of Christmas carols. After reading "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (Twas the Night Before Christmas), Santa, with the help of children in attendance, will use the Christmas Spirit to light the giant spruce tree in front of the Conway Scenic Railroad.

After the tree lighting, Santa will stay and take photos with children and families in front of the tree.

The Schouler Park Christmas tree will be merrier than ever this season, thanks to a local community effort recently that raised over $1,000 to improve its lighting.

Afterward, visitors can stroll North Conway Village, take in the decorated storefronts and vote for their favorites in the new Light Up North Conway contest.

Light Up North Conway Contest

North Conway Village businesses are competing a “glow-up” this holiday season! The North Conway Village Association invited businesses to decorate their storefronts and enter its “Light Up North Conway” contest. The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber will host a digital map of official displays with online voting for a People’s Choice award. An Overall Award combining the votes of the public and a panel of judges will also be given. 

Voting begins on Black Friday, November 27, and continues through December 31. Every voter is entered into a prize drawing on New Year’s Eve, when the awards will be announced. The drawing will take place at Saco River Brewing in Norcross Place, but you don’t have to be present to win.

On December 5, acapella singers DaCapo will carol in the Village, making it an especially fun time to stroll and vote. 

“The storefronts in North Conway Village are always a treat this time of year, and this contest gives everyone a reason to get out and see them,” said Chris Proulx of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Walk the Village, vote for your favorite, and you could win a prize on New Year’s Eve.”

North Conway Village NYE

The Village’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2026, is the finale of the Light Up North Conway contest, and visitors are encouraged to keep voting for the most festive storefront. Meanwhile, there will be live music in Village restaurants like Saco River Brewing, and kids can look for free glow sticks being passed out.

The night culminates with a spectacular 7:30 PM fireworks display in Schouler Park. Train aficionados can ride the rails once again with Conway Scenic Railway after the fireworks. The New Year’s Eve Late Special is a one-night-only event with on-train entertainment, boarding at North Conway on the evening of December 31, 2026. See the website for details: https://www.conwayscenic.com/

Prefer an earlier fireworks display? Cranmore Mountain lights up the slopes at 6:30pm with a special early, family-friendly show.

For more information, visit the holiday page at MWVholidays.com.