What’s on in 2026

The season starts after dark with our Black Friday Preview Night on November 27. Then make a weekend of it: the market is open every Saturday and Sunday from November 28 through December 27, with special openings on Valley Monday, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Visitors walking between lit chalets toward the Christmas tree at night

Events

A shopper at a glowing chalet hung with handmade hats at dusk

Friday, November 27 · 4–8 pm

Black Friday Preview Night

First pick. First peek. First taste of the season. Explore the chalets and get a head start on your holiday shopping before the weekend begins.

Fireworks over the lit tree, the chalets and the clock tower in Town Square

Saturday, November 28

Opening Day: Tree Lighting & Fireworks

The chalets open at 1 pm. Come evening, join the countdown as the Christmas tree lights up Town Square and fireworks fill the sky. Tree lighting and fireworks times announced in November.

Families and a dog gathered at lit wooden chalets under strings of lights in a snowy Town Square, Waterville Valley

November 27–30 · Opening weekend

Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports Chalet

Our opening weekend is dedicated to Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports. Stop by their chalet to pick up WVAS gear and learn about the program, and kids can decorate a wooden ornament right next door. On Saturday, warm up here after the Cold Turkey Plunge, then stay for the tree lighting.

Looking up at the lit Christmas tree and its canopy of string lights in Town Square

Monday, November 30 · Noon–5 pm

Valley Monday

One more day after opening weekend. Artisans open their chalets, the square fills up, and the lights come on at dusk. Everyone is welcome.

A family and their golden retriever stopping at a chalet on a snowy afternoon in Town Square, Waterville Valley

November 28–December 27 · Saturdays, 1–7 pm · Sundays, noon–5 pm

Weekend Markets

Find a gift with a story. Meet the artisans who made it. Follow a cup of mulled wine with a wander through the chalets as dusk settles and the lights glow. Make it your weekend tradition.

Fresh wreaths of evergreen and magnolia leaves from Belknap Landscape Co., ready for the chalets

December 12–13 · Wreath workshop Saturday, food drive all weekend

Giving Weekend: Wreaths for Circle Program

Make a fresh wreath to take home at our Come Full Circle wreath workshop on Saturday, December 12. Wreaths are $50, and every dollar goes to Circle Program, a New Hampshire mentoring program for girls. Session times coming soon.

All weekend, bring nonperishable food to the market for the Nourish New England food drive.

A child waving to Santa on a chairlift bench in front of the snowy tree

Sunday, December 13 · 1–5 pm

Santa by the Tree

A chairlift bench. A Christmas tree. A very special guest. Join Santa by the tree for wish lists, big smiles, and a photo you’ll want to keep. Bring your camera. No sign-up needed, just walk up.

Two children sitting with Santa on the bench by the snowy tree

Sunday, December 20 · From 1 pm

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Santa is back, and this time he’s bringing Mrs. Claus. Stop by the tree to say hello, share a wish list and take a photo together. No sign-up needed, just walk up.

Shoppers trying on handmade hats at a lit chalet on a snowy evening in Town Square, Waterville Valley

Thursday, December 24 · Noon–4 pm

Christmas Eve at the Market

Last-minute can still be thoughtful. Find a gift straight from the artisan who made it and take a little time to enjoy Christmas Eve in the valley.

Fireworks over the lit tree and the crowd on New Year's Eve

Thursday, December 31 · 4–8 pm

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

One last evening among the chalets. One more reason to look up. Close out the market season with fireworks over Town Square, a Waterville Valley tradition.

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