Experience the joy of the festive season in Nashua! Our guide has all the top exciting events. For Nashua residents and newcomers, our guide is your key to the festive season.
Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with the enchanting Holiday Stroll, where downtown Nashua transforms into a winter wonderland. Dive into handmade creations and unique crafts at the Winter Holiday Craft Fair, a local favorite for gift shopping. And don't forget to lace up your sneakers for the Santa Fund Run, a spirited event promoting community and cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Nashua
- Holiday Stroll
- Winter Holiday Craft Fair
- Santa Fund Run
- Breakfast with Santa
- Festival of Trees
- Holiday Pops Concert
- Gingerbread House Contest
Nashua Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Handcrafted items from local artisans
Description:
Artisans from across New Hampshire converge at Nashua's Winter Holiday Craft Fair, showcasing their finest handcrafted wares. The event celebrates the region's rich tradition of craftsmanship, with many artisans using techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of intricate woodcarving, a skill that has been practiced in the area since colonial times. The fair hums with creativity, offering everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to locally sourced wool knitwear. You'll find one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the essence of New England craftsmanship.
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Nashua Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa Fund Run
What to Expect:
Charity run in Santa costumes
Description:
Runners don Santa suits and dash through Nashua's streets in the annual Santa Fund Run. This spirited event combines fitness with philanthropy, raising funds for local children in need. Participants create a sea of red and white, bringing cheer to onlookers as they sprint past historic landmarks. The run follows a route that showcases Nashua's industrial heritage, passing by former textile mills that once drove the city's economy. Spectators can join in the fun by cheering on runners and contributing to collection points along the course.
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Nashua Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
Nashua's Holiday Pops Concert strikes a harmonious balance between classical favorites and contemporary holiday hits. The symphony orchestra, joined by local vocalists, fills the concert hall with a rich tapestry of sound. This event continues a tradition of holiday concerts in Nashua that dates back over a century. Audience members can participate in a sing-along segment, becoming part of the performance. You'll experience the thrill of live music as the conductor leads both musicians and audience through a journey of beloved holiday melodies.
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Nashua Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Downtown transformation into a winter village
Description:
Nashua's downtown transforms into a bustling winter village for the annual Holiday Stroll. Streets come alive with twinkling lights and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. Visitors can enjoy ice sculpture demonstrations, a tradition dating back to the event's inception in 1994. The stroll showcases local businesses and artisans, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant community spirit. You'll discover unique gifts and treats while exploring the charming historic district, which boasts architecture from the 19th century.
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Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with Santa
Description:
Santa Claus himself hosts a morning of merriment at Nashua's Breakfast with Santa event. Children delight in hearing holiday tales directly from St. Nick, a tradition that began in the 1950s. The air fills with the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, a local favorite. Families can capture memories with professional photos and participate in holiday-themed crafts. You'll experience the joy of seeing children's faces light up as they share their wishes with Santa, creating lasting memories in this intimate setting.
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Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
Nashua's Festival of Trees transforms the city into a forest of creativity, with uniquely decorated trees by local organizations. Each tree tells a story, reflecting the diverse community and causes in the area. Visitors can bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The event harks back to the Victorian-era tradition of elaborately decorated Christmas trees, first popularized in the region in the mid-1800s. You'll marvel at the ingenuity displayed in each tree's theme, from whimsical to elegant.
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Gingerbread House Contest
What to Expect:
Architectural-inspired gingerbread creations
Description:
Nashua's Gingerbread House Contest elevates the art of edible architecture to new heights. Participants draw inspiration from the city's diverse architectural styles, recreating local landmarks and imagining fanciful structures in gingerbread form. The contest pays homage to Nashua's baking heritage, which flourished during the 19th-century mill era. Visitors can vote for their favorite creations and learn about the intricate techniques used in gingerbread construction. You'll be amazed by the level of detail and creativity displayed in these sweet masterpieces.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Festival of Music (Amherst)
What to Expect:
Diverse musical performances in historic venues
Description:
Amherst's Holiday Festival of Music resonates through historic venues, showcasing a diverse array of musical talents. From classical orchestras to contemporary choirs, the festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of New Hampshire. Performances take place in centuries-old churches and halls, some dating back to the Revolutionary War era. Attendees can explore the town's preserved colonial architecture between concerts. You'll be transported through time as melodies both familiar and new echo through these storied spaces, connecting past and present through the universal language of music.
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Holiday House Tour (Hollis)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Hollis opens its doors for a self-guided Holiday House Tour, showcasing beautifully decorated historic homes. Each residence on the tour boasts unique architectural features, some dating back to the 18th century. Homeowners share stories of their properties, offering glimpses into the area's rich colonial past. Visitors can admire intricate holiday decorations that complement each home's individual character. You'll step back in time as you explore these preserved pieces of New England history, each dressed in its holiday finest.
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Christmas Village (Merrimack)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed attractions
Description:
Merrimack's Christmas Village brings North Pole charm to New Hampshire with its array of interactive holiday-themed attractions. Visitors can embark on a polar express train ride, a nod to the region's railroad history. The village features live reindeer, connecting guests with the wildlife of the north. Children can participate in elf workshops, creating their own toys and decorations. You'll feel transported to a different world as you explore the various themed areas, each offering a unique holiday experience rooted in New England traditions.