It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mt. Washington Valley, and this is one of the most special times of year here. Thousands of white, twinkling lights and beautiful holiday decorations adorn businesses and homes throughout the Valley. The ski resorts and cross country centers are gearing up for another exciting winter, and throughout the Valley the spirit of the holidays infuses everyone with a warm glow. We hope that you'll enjoy a December getaway this year - either before the holidays to unwind and finish your shopping in tax-free New Hampshire, or afterward to ring in the New Year.

We wish you a warm and joyful holiday season, and safe travels on your way up to the Valley.

In this issue ...
	NEWS FROM THE MOUNT OUT AND ABOUT FAMILY FUN

NEWS FROM THE MOUNT

FESTIVAL OF TREES & SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION Businesses throughout North Conway Village will participate in the first soon-to-be annual Festival of Trees. Participating businesses will sponsor beautifully and uniquely decorated artificial trees which visitors or residents can win through purchase of raffle tickets. The trees will be on display through December 11th, when raffle winners will be chosen. Raffle tickets are $1 each and winners will be drawn at the individual participating businesses at 3pm. Participating businesses include aj MOSS - Heritage Lace Gallery, Bum Wraps, Dutch Bloemen Winkel, Eastern Slope Inn, Kearsarge Inn, Luna Gallery, New England Charms & Imports, Northern Charm Gift Shoppe, The Briar Rose Shoppe, The Gilded Cottage, The Met Coffee House, Village Cigar Emporium, Vintage Frame Works and Zeb's General Store. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit White Mountain Preservation Society, a local non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the beautification of North Conway Village through the burying of utilities. Stroll through area businesses and pick out your tree - each will be decorated in a unique theme. On December 11, join North Conway Village Association businesses as they celebrate their annual Spirit of the Holidays with open houses, refreshments, special in-store promotions, and even a visit from the jolly old soul himself! For more information, call The Gilded Cottage at 603-356-6093. MT WASHINGTON VALLEY VILLAGES CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS Many of the villages that make up Mt. Washington Valley offer wonderful festivities to usher in the holidays. Here are a few annual events that make memories for not only children, but parents too. Traditionally Yours Jackson December 4-5The classic White Mountain villages of Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and Intervale invite visitors to join them as they open their doors to share old and new holiday traditions. This year, discover the Miracle at Nestlenook Ledges and the arrival of Santa at 4:30 on Nov. 26. Some of the activities planned include tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, gingerbread workshops, wreath-making, and an old-fashioned ornament swap. Area inns, shops and galleries will be hosting their annual Holiday Open House celebrations and this year Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce will unveil the Enchanted Village Welcoming Center at their office in Jackson, NH. Bid on exciting getaways and more at the silent auction table here. Info: Jackson Chamber of Commerce or 603-383-9356. Conway Village Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting December 4 Join residents and businesses of Conway, NH for a traditional evening holiday parade at 4:00pm followed by visits and pictures with Santa. There's a free movie for the kids at the Majestic Theater, hot cocoa, tree lightings and caroling. Free and open to the public. Also, enjoy the annual Holiday On Ice Show at Ham Arena, starting at 6pm. This annual holiday ice show features performances by members of the MWV Skating Club and guests from clubs in Maine and Massachusetts. Special guests include synchronized skating teams from the Great Bay Figure Skating Club of Dover, NH. General Admission $8, Children 6 and under FREE! Limited Reserved on-ice Seating $10. Info: Conway Village Area Chamber or 603-447-2639.

OUT AND ABOUT

SLOPE FOR SNOW TUBERS AT CRANMORE Cranmore Mountain Resort slides into winter with its top-rated Wild Cherry Pepsi Grand Prix Tubing Park. "The Grand Prix Tubing Park opened with four of its seven lanes - two of which are equipped with radar guns that record speed." says Mountain Operations Manager Erik Nelson. In addition to providing families with easier access between the upper and lower parks, Cranmore has added a warming hut at the base of the park that will serve refreshments and hearty New England fare. The Grand Prix Tubing Park will be operating every Friday and Saturday, as well as holiday and vacation weeks, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Just $15 for 5 rides or 2 hours and $19 for an all day tubing pass, anyone over 42 inches tall can ride a tube of their own. Children fewer than 42 inches must ride with an adult. For more information and opening date, call 1-800- SUN N SKI (786-6754) or visit Cranmore Resort . GREAT DEALS FROM SKI AREAS THIS WINTER Free Skiing at Shawnee Peak for Families of Military Personnel Stationed Oversees! In an effort to support the family members of brave servicemen and women stationed oversees, Shawnee Peak Ski Area in Bridgton, Maine, is proud to offer FREE 2004-05 Family Season Passes to the spouse and dependents of deployed soldiers. To get new or lapsed skiers and riders on the slopes, these families will also receive $10 first-time lessons and $10 rental equipment. Spouses and dependents of soldiers in any of the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves are eligible for this great deal. In the event both parents are oversees, the guardians of the dependents are also included. Interested family members are encouraged to call Shawnee Peak at 207-647-8444 for more information. Deployment orders are required to take advantage of this program. For more information, visit Shawnee Peak. Go Wild this Season with Wildcat's New WildCard! This new product is geared for ages 13+, and is a card that must be presented at Wildcat Guest Services for a lift ticket on ANY three days throughout the 2004/05 season. The total cost for the card is $110, and puts the average cost of a day of skiing Wildcat at $36.66 per day, a savings of close to $20 per day. Combined with Wildcat's $25 next day upgrade, skiers & riders can plan to ski a whole weekend for just over $30 per day, or 3 weekends for under $200! For more information, call 1-888-SKI WILD or visit Wildcat Mountain Ski Area.

FAMILY FUN

Don't miss these wonderful events, perfect for the whole family. Inn to Inn Cookie & Candy Tour December 11-12 Nothing will perk the ears of a child more then the mention of cookies and candy! The Country Inns in the White Mountains will host their 8th Annual tour of 17 inns, all decked in their holiday finery from 11am-5pm. Sample wonderful cookies and take home a keepsake collection of recipes. Two tickets free with two-night stays at participating inns, or tickets available on the day of the tour at The 1785 Inn for $25 each. Info: 603- 356-9625, Country Inns in the White Mountains . Victorian Christmas at Remick Country Doctor Museum December 12From 1:00 - 4:00 pm tour the Captain Enoch Remick House adorned with the toys and festive decorations of the Victorian era. Sample an array of Christmas foods and drinks. Try your hand at making Victorian crafts and see how trees were decorated before electricity. This is the perfect way to show children holiday traditions of yesteryear. Free. Info: 800- 686-6117 or Remick Country Doctor Museum . Winterfest Fun at area ski resorts December 26-31Christmas Vacation Week means festivities at all the regions ski resorts. Choose from Winterfest activities at all of Mt. Washington Valley including skiing and snowboarding competitions, contests and activities for the family, live music and more. Info: 800-367-3364 or Ski in the Mt. Washington Valley . New Year's Festival Dec 31 The Mt. Washington Valley's New Year's Festival is a spectacular event, full of sights, sounds, pageantry designed to bring people of all ages together to publicly greet the new year. The festival encompasses a variety of artistic expressions from outdoor recreational activities to indoor performances including music, comedy, storytelling and an array of art forms presented by local and regional performers. The spirit of the celebration is highlighted in a giant outdoor gathering in the village commons to see a magical Parade of Light, fireworks, spectacular bonfires and finally, showcasing the lowering of the New Year's Eve lighted ball at midnight with a fireworks finale. Info: Monarch Events or 603-447-8914.