Ring in the new year in Mt Washington Valley

December is jam packed with excitement in Mt Washington Valley. Take all the holiday events, add in ski resort and XC Center openings, then top it all off with Christmas week vacation and New Year's Eve celebrations and you've got plenty of reasons to visit anytime throughout the month! This issue of the E-Traveler is jam-packed with inside tips on great deals, free fun, and coupon offers, plus insider news from throughout the Valley.

We recently launched a new weekly newsletter called ALL ABOUT THE SNOW focused entirely on skiing and winter adventure in Mt Washington Valley. Did you get it? If not, simply click here and enter your email address then click SUBMIT. Since you have already subscribed to receive the E-Traveler, we'll email you the link to update your profile. When you receive that link in your email box, please access your profile and mark INTEREST SKIING (along with any additional interests you have not already marked). All those interested in skiing will receive the new ABOUT THE SNOW weekly newsletter.

There are few things in life that warm the soul as much as a comforting dessert on a cold winter day. And here in the Mt. Washington Valley, we have plenty of those to go around.

Stop by Delaney's Hole in the Wall for a special homemade dessert created by the owner's wife. She makes everything ranging from creamy peanut butter pie to a delicious mocha crunch cake with homemade whipped cream. The Local Grocer caters to those with Gluten allergies with a nice selection of gluten-free sweet treats. The Met coffee house serves decadent baked goods created by neighboring Vintage Baking Company. While you're at it, it's the holiday season, why not choose a cake from Vintage Baking Company to share with the family. Wine Thyme not only offers delicious desserts, but offers a selection of dessert wines and ports to accompany them. The Oxford House Inn hand-churns their own ice cream with exciting flavors like dark cherry, espresso chocolate chip and green tea. Vito Marcello's Italian Bistro has their own in-house gelateria too. Visit Bavarian Chocolate Haus and watch while chocolate delights are hand-dipped right before your eyes or the 1785 Inn and Restaurant for a flaming dessert served tableside. White Mountain Cupcakery boasts cupcakes with sky high frosting and in more flavors than you could imagine. White Mountain Cider Company not only has delicious homemade desserts, but they make their own donuts and hot cider for you as well! Mt. Washington Snowballs offers gourmet hot chocolate and a snow cone flavor of the day!

All of the fine dining restaurants and Valley Original member restaurants serve up desserts created by talented chefs too. Let's face it, visit any of Mt Washington Valley's wonderful dining establishments and you'll be treated to a great list of yummy desserts.

Click here for a complete list of dining options in Mt Washington Valley.

This month, the focus turns to Santa and a number of Mt Washington Valley's attractions feature the jolly old soul! Join Santa on the Conway Scenic RR; weekends before Christmas for a ride with Santa on the Santa Express; he even carries a special small treat for each child. Make a whole weekend of Santa train trips if you come the first weekend in December when you can ride the Cog Railway with Santa and view panoramic views from 4100 feet up, plus receive treats for the kids December 3-4. The Polar Express takes children on a magical journey to the North Pole weekends before Christmas too. Limited tickets are still available; click here. Santa's Village comes alive at Christmastime with special shows and selected rides, not to mention the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For a complete list of Mt Washington Valley attractions, click here.

This month the Royalty Inn in Gorham, NH offers two perfect packages - one for families and one for couples. The "Santa's Village Christmas Getaway Package" includes one or two nights of deluxe lodging, tickets to Santa's Village, and breakfast each morning. Packages start at $138 for two; rates available for two, three or four. Coming to celebrate New Years Eve? The "Ring in 2012 New Years Package" includes two nights deluxe lodging, meal of your choice, DJ dancing, party favors, champagne toast, and a midnight pizza buffet. This package starts at $239 per couple.

The Royalty Inn features one of the White Mountains largest indoor pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, racquetball, basketball, state of the art health club and game room. All rooms include refrigerator, microwave and free internet. Home to the Wildcat and Attitash "No Brainer" deals with lodging starting at an unheard-of $4 per night, Royalty Inn is a great option for skiing packages throughout the winter too. For more information call toll free 800-437-3529.

For a complete list of hundreds of packages offered by Mt Washington Valley lodging properties, click here. 

December 3: Holiday On Ice Skating Show: Head to Ham Arena for the Holiday on Ice Skating Show which begins at 6:45pm.  Free cocoa and a great way to ring in the holiday season. 

December 3, 4, 10, 17: Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour: Deemed "One of the top five Tasty Tours of New England" by the Concord Insider, this delicious event is a sell out every year. Sleighs run hourly from 11am - 4pm. Board an Austrian horse drawn sleigh then ride through the quintessential New England village of Jackson collecting home-made chocolate treasures along the way. You do not get out at any stop... you just have to ring your jingle bells and the proprietors come to you with chocolate treats. Tickets are $20 each; children 3 or under sitting on a lap and not taking chocolates are free. Reserve tickets early by calling 603-383-9356.

December 7: 3rd Annual LOL Love Our Locals ' Artisan Night" at Delaney's: It's a holiday party and craft show all in one as 12 local artisans showcase their crafts alongside a wine tasting. There'll be food specials and gift card sales too. Dine and shop locally on this special night! Info: 603-356-7776.

December 7: Bowls for Hunger: For just $9, you get your own handmade ceramic bowl filled with soup along with fresh bread to raise funds for the Vaughan Community Service, Inc. food pantry. Ceramic bowls were made by the Kennett High School art students, under direction of art teacher Sandy Hall. This event will be held at Kennett High School in the cafeteria at 5:30pm. Info: 603-356-2324.

December 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18: A Christmas Carol by M&D Productions: A time-told story with a twist, characters start out as traveling actors and then soon become the iconic personalities of this famous holiday tale. Performances are at 7pm, except a 2pm Sunday matinee. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students & seniors or a $40 family of four pack. Info: 603-662-7591.

December 6, 13, 20: Nordic Warm Up at Great Glen Trails: It's been months since you've been on snow, but you can pick up right where you left off. Join Great Glen Trails Ski School Director and Olympian Sue Wemyss for the Nordic Warm Up, 9:00-11:30 am.   New this year!! Every session from 9:00am-10:00am Sue will have an optional waxing clinic. Ski session to follow 10:00am-11:30am. 3 weeks $50/Single session $20 fees include trail pass. Info: (603) 466-2333.

December 10-11: 15th Annual Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour: View decorations at each participating Inn and taste cookie and candy treats carefully prepared by innkeepers at each inn. Vote on beautifully decorated trees in the tree decorating contest so the area's non-profit organizations will be rewarded with prizes for the best decorated tree. Pick up ideas for your own holiday decorations and baking fun from 12 of the area's country inns. Tickets available in advance by purchasing an overnight package from individual inns. Tickets are available to those not staying at an inn December 1-6. Day tickets are $27 per person. To reserve lodging packages or tickets call 800-338-1356 or 603-356-2642 or visit www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com.

December 28, 31: Cranapalooza at Cranmore: Celebrate Christmas Week and ring in the new year with festive Cranapalooza events that include night skiing, tubing, mountain coaster and giant swing, s'mores, family entertainment and live music there is something the whole family can enjoy! Each week the schedule of events vary. Ring in the new year on December 31 with fireworks scheduled for 7:30pm.

December 5, 12, 19, 26: Thom's Amazing Waxing Demonstration at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation: The session takes place in front of the fireplace in the Jackson Ski Touring Center and is a hands-on explanation about waxing. Executive Director, Thom Perkins, will teach attendees how to maintain waxless and waxable skis - Classic and Skate - because well maintained skis are more fun and easier to ski on. It's free! Info: 603-383-9355.

December 18: TD Bank Kids Ski Day at Great Glen Trails: Games and an obstacle course on skis, Trails Tracker scavenger hunt, create a bird feeding ornament, decorate a holiday cookie, and more all take place at Great Glen Trails from 10am-3pm. Mini-lessons will be offered in both morning and afternoon for first-time cross country skiers. Activities and children's rental equipment FREE. Trail Pass required for adults and children at a reduced rate of $5. Info: (603) 466-2333.

Every Saturday: Free Puppy Playgroup at Four Your Paws Only
11am - 12pm - Smaller, Quieter Dog & Puppy Playgroup - This playgroup is for dogs and younger puppies that are calmer, more reserved, a bit shy, or aren't quite ready for the higher energy of older, more rambunctious dogs and puppies.

12pm - 1pm - Larger, More Active Dog & Puppy Playgroup - This playgroup is for dogs and older puppies that are more outgoing, rambunctious, and/or have higher energy.

Note: Playgroups are free and open to the public. All dogs & puppies must be up to date on current age appropriate vaccinations and always on a leash. All dogs & their owners participate at their own risk. For safety reasons, no aggressive dogs please. Playgroups will be canceled if we have an event at the store on a Saturday.