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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Create your holiday itinerary in Merrimack! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a Merrimack regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide unlocks the city's festive potential.

One shining highlight of the season is the Gift of Lights, a delightful drive-through display that transforms the night into a glittering spectacle for families to enjoy. For those seeking a more traditional atmosphere, the Dover Christmas Wonderland offers a charming holiday market filled with handmade crafts and local delicacies. And don’t forget the Claremont Christmas Lights Market, which brings together festive lights and seasonal cheer in a unique community setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Merrimack Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Drive-thru holiday light display with over 60 scenes and 3 million lights.

Description:

The Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway is an incredible drive-thru holiday light display featuring over 60 scenes and 3 million lights set up along a 1.5-mile pathway through the Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway. This event is a family-friendly community experience filled with magic and wonder, offering a unique holiday experience each year.

Where: Dover | More Info: Dover Christmas Wonderland

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What to Expect:

Dazzling 2.5-mile drive-thru light show with over 3.5 million lights.

Description:

Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway features 3.5 million twinkly LED lights, a 150-foot RGB Tunnel of Lights, arches, toys, and numerous scenes including the popular 12 Days of Christmas. Crews spend over 650 work hours setting up more than 520 displays and 80 different scenes. Featured attractions include fan-favorite 130-foot-long infield entrance and exit tunnels with over 25,000 lights, as well as opportunities to roast marshmallows and toast s’mores over open fire pits.

Where: Loudon | More Info: Gift of Lights

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What to Expect:

Over 1 million LED lights in a 1-mile drive-through display.

Description:

At the Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights, guests can drive through a dazzling display of over 1 million LED lights, featuring the longest tunnel of lights in New England. The event is held at Mann Orchards Riverside Farm in Methuen, MA, and offers a unique holiday experience with synchronized music and festive decorations.

Where: North Andover | More Info: Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights

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What to Expect:

Immersive holiday light displays in historic gardens.

Description:

Winterlights features three beautiful garden properties in Massachusetts, adorned with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Visitors can enjoy festive music, seasonal treats, and time outside among the trees and snow.

Where: North Andover | More Info: Winterlights

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Merrimack Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique blend of local artisans and specialty foods.

Description:

The Merrimack Holiday Artisan Show features 165 exhibitors showcasing high-quality, handmade products, including artisan foods, candles, soaps, jewelry, and metal art. Enjoy live music, demos, food trucks, and door prizes in a festive atmosphere.

Where: Merrimack | More Info: Merrimack Holiday Artisan Show

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What to Expect:

Local artisans showcase their talents with handmade crafts and treats.

Description:

Salem's Festive Artisan Night is an event where local artists and businesses showcase their talents, offering a variety of handmade crafts and treats. The streets are filled with lights, music, and warm holiday vibes, making it a great way to enjoy the festive season while supporting local artisans.

Where: Salem | More Info: Salem’s Festive Artisan Night

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Merrimack Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday traditions in historic settings.

Description:

Step into the past and experience 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Historic houses are adorned with handmade decorations created from greens and dried flowers from the Museum’s heirloom gardens. Visitors call upon the many families who once lived in the waterfront neighborhood, portrayed by costumed roleplayers, who share stories, customs, and seasonal traditions. The glow of hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights illuminate the way as guests enjoy seasonal greetings from wandering musicians and performers who recreate the traditions of times past. Additionally, enjoy hot apple cider, a warming bonfire, an old-fashioned holiday shopping experience at Pickwick’s at the Banke, and Ice Dance International’s Currier and Ives Vintage Christmas Skaters for several performances each night.

Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Candlelight Stroll

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Merrimack Holiday News

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