How to take a weekend getaway to the “North Pole” of New Hampshire
While New Hampshire is an amazing state full of adventures for all ages, this itinerary is geared to younger children.
What to do in the White Mountains
All aboard the Journey to the North Pole! Go back in time, riding a real passenger train all the way to the North Pole, where you’ll be a guest in Santa’s workshop and get a sneak peak of the holiday rush before Christmas Eve! There are two departure stations for the event: North Conway and Lincoln. Pajamas are the encouraged attire for kids and adults alike – a big hit for both my kiddos. We made an event of picking out special jammies for the journey. My kids were so smitten with the idea of pajamas in public that both asked to wear them the next day!
The two-hour adventure started as soon as we entered the train station. My 4-year old could hardly contain his excitement as we waited in line. He made sure to introduce us all to the station master and the train conductor, who then kindly ushered us to our train car. Once seated, chefs delivered hot cocoa and locally-made treats to all the guests; it was quite magical. My youngest was in awe of all the people and decorations inside the old-fashioned train car. The excitement and anticipation was palpable as the train rolled through local villages on its journey to the North Pole. It’s an amazing feeling as a parent to witness your children’s imaginations come to life as they prepare to meet Santa at his workshop.
Slowly, the train came to a stop at the bottom of a hill adorned with Christmas lights. Elves carrying lanterns arrived to help navigate our walk up to the workshop. With wide eyes, we stopped on the way at the post office where all the children dropped their letters to Santa. An excited elf read aloud a few of the letters and the gifts requested. Once inside the heated theater, families enjoyed singing Christmas carols, listening to a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas and finally, seeing the man of the hour! A rousing rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas had my youngest up dancing her little heart out; the song was later added to our playlist for the ride home.
The event happens rain or shine, so make sure to dress for the occasion. Long Johns under your pajamas and boots with traction for the outside trek are recommended. All of the event’s net proceeds go to fund the Believe In Books Literacy Foundation’s local programs.
Both stations offer two trips on each departure day; the early train leaves at 4:30 p.m. while the late train leaves at 7:00 p.m. Cost of tickets: $47-$67/person.
KidTripster Tip: Most tickets for this event sell out before the season begins, but a few last-minute tickets can be purchased. Some local hotels and inns offer special packages that include tickets to Journey to the North Pole, but those sell out quickly, too. For more information on the event or to snatch up those few remaining tickets, click here. Next year’s tickets go on sale in the spring, so plan ahead!
KidTripster Tip: Sit on left side of train as that’s the side where you’ll be able to see the North Pole as you approach.
About an hour north of either train station, you find Santa’s Village, a year-round theme park in Jefferson, but we find it most enchanting during the Christmas season. Santa’s Village is open weekends from mid-November through mid-December. From the moment you drive in parking lot, there’s a smell of peppermint and fresh fallen snow in the air, even when there’s no snow at all! Our first stop is always the monorail, where the kids get a bird’s eye view of the park. After that, scoot over to Reindeer Rendezvous where you can introduce yourself to one of the famed flying reindeer. They’re more than eager to eat a few baby carrots from your child’s hand. My 4-year old’s favorite ride is the antique cars; my tiniest daredevil recommends the fast-moving Himalaya ride. Don’t forget to stop into Santa’s home and visit with him and Mrs. Claus. They’ll have a fire going and offer you hot beverages on most days. And grab a dozen homemade, fresh-from-the-oven “doe-nut” bites to snack on while walking around and then buy another bag on your way out for the ride to the hotel. You’ll be glad you did!
My husband and I always reminisce about how, as children, each of our families made trips to Santa’s Village and now, as adults, we are creating our own memories together here. Cost: Youth (3 and under) Free with paying adult; Other (4 and up) $33.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re looking for a lunch spot, I’d recommend Nick’s Pizza Emporium in the park, our family’s favorite, but save room, too, for the gingerbread cookies that you can decorate yourself at the Sugar n’ Spice Bake Shop.
KidTripster Tip: Sundays tend to be less busy in the park, which means shorter lines. The park is also open rain or shine, so dress warmly and prepare to spend the day.
Where to stay in the White Mountains
Located just 15 minutes from downtown North Conway sits the quaint town of Jackson, home to the iconic Jackson Covered Bridge and Flossie’s General Store. That’s where you’ll find the aptly-named Christmas Farm Inn and Spa, offering families of all ages and sizes comfortable accommodations and wholesome fine dining. Budget-conscious family will be pleased with the affordable traditional inn rooms or modern family suites. The loft conversion studios in the beautiful historic barn add even more charm and character to any trip. Families with a need for more space can opt for the family cottages.
With two active toddlers, the Blacksmith Cottage was ideal for us. Two bedrooms made sleeping with two toddlers comfortable. Additionally, we didn’t need to worry about being too loud with no neighbors right next door. My tiny book lover enjoyed the cozy fireplace where she could sit and read, while my son found the king-sized beds had plenty of room to play cars.
The Inn offers nightly outdoor fires, a large swing set, and gorgeous mountain views. Inn guests are invited to a complimentary breakfast in the restaurant. Fluffy omelets, perfectly-cooked Belgian waffles, and fresh fruit are just a few of the delicious offerings. Rates start at $189/night.
KidTripster Tip: During the winter months, packages are offered for families attending Journey To The North Pole that include a dinner at the Inn with Mrs. Claus and welcome gifts for the children in addition to event tickets. There are also great packages offered for adventure-seeking families that include lift tickets to local ski mountains at discounted rates. You can enjoy tubing and snowshoeing, too.
KidTripster Tip: Book early! Many families make a tradition of staying at the Inn every season.
Where to eat in the White Mountains
Before or after you ride on Journey to the North Pole, plan to have lunch or dinner at the Muddy Moose. As soon as you enter, you’ll be transported to the coziest lodge this side of the North Pole. The large fieldstone fireplace crackles, while you peruse a diverse menu offering several delicious options for even the pickiest of diners! The Moosini Vegetini is a vegetarian’s dream with penne noodles tossed with fresh tomatoes, sweet red peppers, mushrooms, scallions, garlic, and feta cheese – all in a white wine and basil pesto sauce. For the meat lover, there are prime-cut meats, racks of fall-off-the-bone ribs, and mouth-watering chicken. And what tiny tot doesn’t love a melty, grilled cheese or perfectly-portioned burger for little hands? The kids are kept busy admiring all the animal décor and coloring their placemats, while dinner is quickly prepared. Both tired from the train, my kids sat quietly and watched the fire burn in the hearth; at one point, it was suggested that we build one in our home.
Kidtripster Tip: Muddy Moose doesn’t take reservations. If you’re headed to the train station after your meal, make sure to let your waiter know for quicker service.
Right on Route 16 in Jackson, Red Fox Bar and Grille is a parent’s dream for both a great meal and entertainment for the little ones. As soon as we sat down, the server mentioned a playroom for the kids, fully equipped with a little movie theater. My husband and I were happy to view the kids from the table as they giggled and built towers with blocks. It was hard to pick our meals as there were so many choices on the menu that sounded divine. I ended up with a wood-fired pizza (which everyone had to sample), while my husband swooned over the smokehouse maple scallops. My 2-year old went with tried-and-true mac and cheese, while the other asked for the all-American hot dog. If your little ones have more refined tastes, the kids’ menu also offers organic, grilled Shetland salmon with jasmine rice and broccoli. Everyone left with full bellies and requested to come back the next day for lunch!
How to get to the White Mountains
It’s a beautiful drive through the White Mountains. Both North Conway and Jefferson are about a 3-hour drive from Boston.
Visiting the White Mountains during the summer? Click here.
Sarah Thayer lives in Eastern Maine with her husband and their two children. As a local reporter, she once found herself interviewing presidential candidates. Now her title is domestic engineer and small business owner. When she isn’t blogging about her misadventures in motherhood, she can be found wandering the aisles of Target.
This writer received a complimentary stay plus some activities and meals for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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