Some of the best Christmas traditions in New Hampshire happen in the historic towns along the Seacoast. Exeter is one of them. Founded in 1638, this riverfront town features historic brick buildings, independent shops, and a December calendar full of holiday celebrations. The first week of December is particularly special, when the Festival of Trees, holiday lights, Santa’s arrival, and the annual parade bring downtown Exeter together.

For guests of Inn By the Bandstand, much of the celebration happens right outside our door. Our historic hotel sits at 6 Front Street, beside Town Hall and across from the Bandstand, putting you within walking distance of Exeter’s biggest holiday events. If you’re planning Christmas in New Hampshire, here’s what to see, when to visit, and how to make the most of a holiday getaway in Exeter.

Exeter’s Holiday Calendar at a Glance

Planning Christmas in Exeter, NH? The first week of December offers several events within walking distance of downtown accommodations, followed by additional holiday activities throughout the Seacoast.

Here are the dates to know for 2026:

Check the events’ websites before you visit for schedule changes, parking updates, or weather-related announcements.

A close up of decorated Christmas trees with balls and garland at the Exeter Festival of Trees, one of the best events to attend during Christmas in New Hampshire.

The Exeter Festival of Trees

One of Exeter’s favorite Christmas traditions takes place right next door to our boutique hotel. Each December, Town Hall fills with beautifully decorated live Christmas trees, each created by a local business, organization, or community participant. In 2026, the Exeter Festival of Trees celebrates its 28th year, with 50 trees decorated and donated for a fundraising auction.

The event supports the Community Children’s Fund, which provides vouchers for warm winter clothing to children throughout the Seacoast. It’s a wonderful example of how Exeter’s holiday celebrations support the local community.

The 2026 festival takes place Wednesday, December 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, December 3, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

We recommend visiting Wednesday if you want more time to admire the decorations, or Thursday evening to combine the festival with the downtown Holiday Block Party. You can also purchase raffle tickets for a special tree filled with gift cards and certificates donated by local businesses.

For anyone wanting to attend a festival of trees in NH, Exeter’s celebration is convenient because it takes place in the center of town, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Santa, Lights and the Holiday Block Party

Thursday, December 3, is one of the most festive evenings of the year in downtown Exeter. Beginning at 4 p.m., the Holiday Block Party brings together residents and visitors for music, crafts, downtown shopping, and the annual town lighting. Each year, Santa arrives at the Bandstand to help illuminate downtown and visit with children.

The Bandstand itself deserves a closer look. Officially known as the Swasey Pavilion, it was designed by Henry Bacon, the architect responsible for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Completed in 1916, it remains one of Exeter’s most recognizable landmarks. During the Christmas season, its decorations and lights make it a favorite spot for holiday photographs.

Just down Front Street, the Exeter Congregational Church hosts the annual Gingerbread House Competition. The 2026 theme is “A Christmas Time Machine: Past, Present & Future,” and entries will be displayed on December 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visitors can vote for the People’s Choice Award, with creations submitted by children, families, community groups, and local businesses. The competition also supports the Community Children’s Fund.

If you’re staying with us, you can visit the Festival of Trees, see the gingerbread houses, browse downtown shops, and return to the Bandstand for the evening festivities without moving your car.

The Exeter Holiday Parade

The Exeter Holiday Parade is one of the biggest celebrations of the Christmas season. On Saturday, December 5, 2026, the parade begins at 5:30 p.m., bringing decorated floats, marching bands, community organizations, and holiday music through downtown.

This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes and Holiday Lights,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. The parade begins on Portsmouth Avenue and continues through downtown Exeter, passing the Bandstand area.

For guests staying at Inn by the Bandstand, the location couldn’t be more convenient. The parade passes through downtown, so you can enjoy the festivities just steps from your room.

A few things to know before attending the Exeter Holiday Parade:

For anyone planning Christmas in Exeter, NH, the parade is a good reason to spend the entire weekend in town rather than making a quick evening visit.

A wreath on a light with snow on the trees in Portsmouth, one of the best places to spend Christmas in New Hampshire.

A Candlelit Evening in Portsmouth

One of the Seacoast’s most popular holiday traditions takes place about 25 minutes from Exeter at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

The museum’s annual Candlelight Stroll invites visitors to explore the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood after dark. Candlelit walkways connect historic homes decorated with greenery and dried flowers from the museum’s heirloom gardens. Inside, costumed interpreters introduce visitors to holiday customs and everyday life across more than 350 years of local history.

The 2026 theme, “Welcome, Neighbor,” celebrates the people and communities that have called Puddle Dock home.

The Candlelight Stroll takes place over three weekends in 2026: December 4–6, December 11–13, and December 18–20.

Friday arrival windows begin at 5:30 and 6 p.m., Saturday windows at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., and Sunday windows at 2 and 3 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended, especially for Saturday evenings.

Ticket prices vary by date, age, and membership status. Check the museum’s official website for current rates and availability.

The event has no general on-site parking. Visitors should use public parking in Portsmouth and walk to the museum or take the free Vintage Christmas trolley, which runs on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you’re visiting Exeter during parade weekend, we recommend attending Candlelight Stroll on Friday evening or Sunday afternoon. That way, you can enjoy both holiday traditions.

How to Plan a Christmas Weekend in Exeter

If you’re deciding between Christmas towns in New Hampshire, Exeter makes a particularly convenient destination for a long weekend. Its major holiday events take place within a few blocks of one another, and Portsmouth is close enough for an evening outing.

Here’s how we’d recommend spending December 3–6.

Thursday, December 3: Arrive in Exeter by midafternoon and settle into your room at one of the best historic hotels in New Hampshire, Inn By the Bandstand. Walk next door to Town Hall for the Festival of Trees, then visit the Gingerbread House Competition at Exeter Congregational Church. Spend the evening enjoying the Holiday Block Party, shopping downtown, and watching the town light up for Christmas. Afterward, return to the Inn for dinner at Ambrose, our on-site restaurant. We recommend making dinner reservations in advance.

Friday, December 4: Start the morning with breakfast at the hotel, then explore downtown Exeter. Water Street is home to independent shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, making it an enjoyable place to spend a few hours Christmas shopping. Browse the shops, stop for coffee, and take time to explore the town’s historic streets. In the evening, head to Portsmouth for Strawbery Banke Museum’s Candlelight Stroll.

Saturday, December 5: Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Inn, then take a walk along Swasey Parkway or spend more time exploring Exeter’s shops and restaurants. Return downtown well before the 5:30 p.m. parade begins. From our historic hotel, you can step outside to watch the floats and marching bands pass through downtown, then return to your room before heading out for dinner.

Sunday, December 6: Enjoy another breakfast at the Inn before checking out. If you have time for one more holiday activity, consider stopping in Portsmouth for an afternoon Candlelight Stroll before heading home.

If your schedule doesn’t allow for a visit during the first weekend of December, Exeter is still worth visiting later in the month. Downtown shops, seasonal decorations, and nearby Portsmouth attractions offer plenty of reasons to plan a Christmas getaway.

For additional ideas, explore our Exeter travel guides for more things to do throughout the New Hampshire Seacoast.

One of the best historic hotels in New Hampshire, featuring a guest room with a bed by a fireplace.

Where to Stay for Christmas in Exeter

When you’re visiting Exeter for the holidays, staying downtown makes a difference. At Inn by the Bandstand, you can walk to the Festival of Trees, watch the holiday parade just outside our front door, and enjoy Exeter’s shops and restaurants without worrying about finding parking throughout the weekend.

Our Inn is housed in a Federal-style mansion built in 1809, making it a distinctive choice among historic hotels in New Hampshire. We offer eight individually decorated guest rooms and suites, seven with fireplaces. Accommodations range from queen rooms to spacious suites, including options with separate sleeping areas. Throughout the Inn, beautiful antiques, fine furnishings, and original artwork reflect the property’s history.

After an afternoon exploring downtown Exeter, it’s appealing to return to a historic guest room with a fireplace. Our accommodations also include private bathrooms, fine Matouk linens, bathrobes, complimentary Wi-Fi, and parking.

In the morning, guests can enjoy an à la carte breakfast in our dining room, with options ranging from lighter selections to heartier morning favorites. It’s a wonderful way to begin the day before heading out to explore the Seacoast.

Dining is another reason to stay with us. Our on-site restaurant, Ambrose, serves contemporary cuisine prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes, wine, and craft cocktails in an elegant dining room with a fireplace. During a busy holiday weekend, having an excellent restaurant just downstairs is especially appealing.

With only eight guest rooms and several major Christmas events just outside our doors, we recommend booking well in advance.

Book your Christmas getaway at Inn by the Bandstand. We’d love to welcome you to Exeter for the holidays.

Christmas in Exeter: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Exeter Holiday Parade in 2026?

The Exeter Holiday Parade takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The parade travels from Portsmouth Avenue through downtown Exeter. The event is free and scheduled to take place rain or shine, subject to safety-related cancellations.

When is the Exeter Festival of Trees in 2026?

The Exeter Festival of Trees takes place Wednesday, December 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, December 3, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Exeter Town Hall. Admission is free, and proceeds from the fundraising activities benefit the Community Children’s Fund, which helps provide warm winter clothing for children in the Seacoast area.

What is the most Christmassy town in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has several towns worth visiting during the Christmas season. Jefferson is home to Santa’s Village, while Portsmouth is known for its Vintage Christmas celebrations and Strawbery Banke Museum’s Candlelight Stroll. Exeter is another excellent choice, particularly for visitors who enjoy historic downtowns, local traditions, holiday shopping, and walkable Christmas events. Its Festival of Trees, Holiday Block Party, and annual parade make the first week of December especially festive.

Is Exeter a good place for a Christmas getaway in New England?

Yes. Exeter is an excellent destination for couples, history enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys traditional New England Christmas celebrations. The town’s major holiday events are concentrated around its historic downtown, making it easy to explore on foot. Exeter is also about 25 minutes from Portsmouth, so visitors can enjoy additional Seacoast holiday attractions. Staying at Inn by the Bandstand puts you within walking distance of Exeter’s most popular seasonal festivities.

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