Planning a winter getaway to the North Conway / Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire area for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend (Friday, January 16 through Monday, January 19, 2026)? This is one of the busiest—and most fun—winter weekends in this part of White Mountains of NH and Western Maine. Expect ski days, tubing nights, village strolling, cocoa stops, outlet shopping, a huge selection of dining options and a full “New England winter” vibe.
I’m Bill Barbin, and I’ve spent 20+ years helping buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals in North Conway and the Mt. Washington Valley—from primary homes to second homes and lifestyle moves. If you fall in love with the area this weekend (it happens a lot), you’ll start to notice how different parts of the Valley “live” in winter: village energy, ski access, quieter neighborhoods, and the real-world feel of winter homeownership.
This guide is built for tourists, families with kids, and travelers bringing dogs, with practical, local-first ideas plus flexible backup options for changing weather.
Quick Weekend Game Plan
If you only read one section, use this:
- Friday (Jan 16): Arrive → settle in → easy dinner → short winter stroll or lights
- Saturday (Jan 17): Big outdoor day (ski/tube/snowshoe) → family après / s’mores vibe
- Sunday (Jan 18): Flexible day → village exploring + indoor backup options
- Monday (Jan 19): One last morning activity + brunch → scenic departure
What Makes MLK Weekend Special in North Conway
MLK Weekend is a peak winter travel weekend in the Mt. Washington Valley. That usually means:
- More activity and programming at local ski areas
- More demand for dining reservations and popular time slots
- More traffic on the main corridors (Route 16 / Route 302 / village areas)
- A fuller “winter town” atmosphere in North Conway Village
- Outdoor activities in the woods are your best places to avoid crowds
Local tip: If you plan one anchor activity per day and keep the rest flexible, you’ll enjoy the weekend more—especially with kids (or dogs).
Best Family “Hub” Vibe: Cranmore Mountain
If you’re visiting with kids—or you want a fun, easy home base—Cranmore is a strong choice because it’s close to North Conway Village and tends to feel welcoming for mixed groups. In fact, Cranmore Mountain is the only ski resort actually in “North Conway”. Other very local options with events all weekend are King Pine in neighboring Madison NH, Black Mtn next door in Jackson, Attitash – Bear Peak (Vail properties) in Bartlett and Pleasant Mtn just a short drive away into Bridgton Maine. All of these resorts offer plenty of fun and may be closer to where you are staying, while Cranmore holds the title of being in North Conway and the center of all the action.
Why Cranmore works well for families
- Easy logistics, on-site lodging, including The Fairfield Inn by Marriott, and a friendly base-area vibe
- Good “split-and-regroup” setup if some people ski and others don’t
- Options beyond skiing (like tubing) that still feel like a big winter day
- On site dining options. From pubs to a food court and summit facilities, Cranmore has something for everyone.
Great add-on: Night tubing
Night tubing is a high-reward, low-skill activity—perfect for kids, teens, and tired parents who still want “one more thing” after dinner. The recent addition of “disco” lighting and fun music has taken this activity at Cranmore to a new level.
Local tip: On the MLK weekend, treat tubing like a planned event—go earlier than you think and bundle it with hot chocolate and a warm-up break.
Skiing & Riding: Pick the Right Mountain for Your Group
On holiday weekends, the “best” mountain depends on your group’s style, not just terrain. Attitash – Bear Peak is just 20 min from North Conway Village and is our local “big mountain”. Sure another 30 min West on Rt 302 will get you up and over the mountain to to Bretton Woods, and 30 min North up Rt 16 will get you to Wildcat, but this post is about the valley and how much there is to do without the added drive time.
If you want convenience and family support
Choose a mountain close to town so you can pivot easily if kids get tired, weather changes, or you want a mid-day break. Cranmore, Black Mountain and King Pine are going to be the best options for the little ones, with a family atmosphere and alternative activities.
If you want longer days and a bigger-mountain feel
Plan for extra drive time, earlier arrival, and a parking strategy. Holiday weekends reward early starts. Sunday River is about an hour drive and quite a few hardcore skiers consider that to be worth and early start to get some big elevation and a huge resort. Similarly, Bretton Woods attracts the big mountain skiers, as does Wildcat with it’s big elevation and proximity (views) to Mount Washington’s eastern flank, with Tuckerman’s and Huntington’s Ravines offering spectacular glimpses of a raw winter panorama.
Local tip: If you need rentals or lessons, book those early. Peak weekends fill up.
Winter Fun That Isn’t Skiing
Not every group wants to ski the entire weekend. Some of the best MLK weekends are built around “winter variety.”
Tubing and snow play
- Great for younger kids and mixed ages
- No learning curve
- Keeps the mood light and fun
- Sledding: Oddly hard to find! The best hill might be the snowbank behind your rental… Don’t get frustrated thinking that you are missing out. It just isn’t a thing. The best options within a 20 min drive are in neighboring Fryeburg Maine. The village park has a great, traditional, hill. Scouting out trails like Jockey Cap (Fryeburg) or Diana’s Baths (North Conway) might give you access to some DIY sledding spots just off the trail.
Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing and easy winter walks
If your group likes the outdoors but doesn’t want lifts, a short winter walk or snowshoe loop can be a perfect “Sunday reset.” If you want winter sport adventure without the speed and pace of downhill skiing, The Mount Washington Valley has numerous cross country skiing “centers” as well as miles of trails around town for a less formal experience. Jackson Ski Touring, The Appalachian Mountain Club (Crawford Notch in Carroll NH) and the MWV Ski Touring Association (North Conway – Whitaker Woods) all have trail systems, ski and boot rentals and facilities for every skill level. King Pine offers great trails and is one of the few ski resorts offering both downhill and xcs options.Many local ski shops offer rentals as well, and The White Mountain National Forest has many unmaintained but accessible winter ski and snowshoe trails nearby.
Local dog tip: Keep it short if it’s very cold. Winter paws can get sore fast.
Dog-Friendly MLK Weekend Tips
The Valley is dog-friendly in the winter, if you plan smart.
What works best in winter
- Short outdoor bursts (20–60 minutes)
- Warm-up breaks (car, lodging, or pet-friendly stops)
- One larger outing if conditions are mild and your dog is used to winter
- Local trails that are open year round. PLEASE pick up any dog poop your furry friends leave.
- Diana’s Baths trail, some of Whitaker Woods trails, the Vallay Rec path (paved but not plowed) from Walmart to Cranmore Mountain,
Pack list for dogs
- Paw wax or booties
- Towel for snow/ice cleanup
- Extra water + collapsible bowl
- A backup plan if temps drop (more village strolling, less hiking)
Local tip: Don’t overcommit to long hikes in extreme cold or high winds. Short, happy outings beat “toughing it out.”
Day-by-Day Itinerary You Can Copy
Friday, January 16: Arrival + Easy Winter Magic
Option A (easy): check in → early dinner → village stroll → cocoa + relax
Option B (more active): quick dinner → tubing/night activity → warm-up + sleep
Local tip: Friday night is when travel fatigue hits. Keep it simple. Or not… get on the night skiing train and hit Pleasant Mountain just about 20 min away in Bridgton Maine. They offer the most lit terrain in the area.
Saturday, January 17: Big Outdoor Day + Après Vibes
Plan 1: Ski/ride day → base-area fun → dinner reservation
Plan 2: Tubing + snow play → lunch → village shopping → early night
Night skiing can be a great time as well. Cranmore Mountain, King Pine and Pleasant Mountain offer lit trails and night time action,.
Local tip: Saturday is the day to “go big,” but schedule breaks so everyone stays happy.
Sunday, January 18: Flexible Adventure + Indoor Backup Options
Sunday is the best day to stay flexible.
Option A: snowshoe / short winter walk → warm lunch → shopping
Option B: one medium activity → midday rest → indoor fun → dinner
Indoor backup ideas:
- Family-friendly indoor entertainment
- Shopping + café hopping
- Pool / lodge time if your lodging offers it
Monday, January 19 (MLK Day): One Last Memory
Do one iconic thing in the morning:
- A short winter walk or scenic stop
- A final village stroll
- Brunch or lunch before heading out
Local tip: Plan your departure to avoid the heaviest traffic window if you can.
Ice Skating Note for Winter 2025/26
Visitors often ask about outdoor skating at Schouler Park in North Conway Village. The status of seasonal outdoor skating can change year-to-year due to weather and operations. The rink at Schouler Park is not open this year, but The Ham Arena in Conway Village has open skate times throughout the weekend, along with rentals and assistance “devices” for beginners. Nearby, Bridgton Maine has a public rink, as well as a number of great restaurants and a movie theatre in their village.
Best practice: If skating is a “must-do,” verify with the Ham Arena before building your schedule around it.
Local Real Estate Perspective: Why MLK Weekend Makes People Say “Could We Live Here?”
After 20+ years helping buyers and sellers with North Conway NH real estate and Mt. Washington Valley properties, I’ve seen the same pattern: people arrive for a winter weekend and start asking “lifestyle” questions.
You’ll notice things this weekend that matter in real life:
- How neighborhoods feel in winter. The villages will appeal to some, while others may prefer a mountainside feel in Bartlett and Jackson, or the country feel of East Conway or Fryeburg, or even the lake feel of Bridgton and Naples Maine.
- How convenient (or quiet) different towns are. 1 dining option within 20 min or many choices.
- What winter maintenance looks like (plowing, roof shoveling etc)
- How the village feels at peak season energy
If you find yourself thinking, “We’d do this every year,” you’re already in the early stages of the second-home conversation—and sometimes the primary-home conversation too.
Crowd-Proofing Tips for MLK Weekend
- Make dinner reservations earlier than you normally would
- Pick one anchor activity per day and keep the rest flexible
- Dress in layers and bring extra gloves for kids
- Start early for skiing, rentals, and lessons
- Keep your plan simple: one big thing + one cozy thing per day
Ask Me
If your MLK Weekend visit has you thinking about a future here—whether it’s a second home, a primary move, or just learning which neighborhoods fit your style—I’m happy to help.
I’m Bill Barbin with 20+ years of local experience helping buyers and sellers in North Conway and the Mt. Washington Valley. You can reach me through my contact page on ilovenorthconway.com to talk about:
- neighborhoods that match your lifestyle (village, quiet, ski access, views)
- what buyers are looking for right now
- what makes a property stand out to sell well in this market
FAQ
FAQ
What are the best things to do in North Conway NH for MLK weekend?
The best MLK weekend plan is usually one outdoor anchor activity per day (skiing, tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing), plus village strolling, shopping, and cozy warm-up breaks like cafés and hot chocolate stops. Don’t forget chilling by the fire or woodstove with a book.
Is MLK weekend crowded in North Conway NH?
Yes—MLK weekend is one of the busier winter weekends in the Mt. Washington Valley. Plan for earlier starts, reservations for dining, and flexible timing. Get into nature to avoid the crowds.
What can families with kids do besides skiing?
Tubing, snow play, short winter walks, indoor entertainment options, like Barnz movie theatre and Ryan’s arcade, outlet and village shopping, and family-friendly base-area activities are all strong choices—especially if you want variety.
Are there dog-friendly winter activities in North Conway?
Yes. Dog-friendly options are best as short winter outings (village strolls, brief scenic walks, snow play), combined with warm-up breaks. Bring paw protection and keep plans weather-aware. Visit For Your Paws Only in North Conway for any last minute pet items and be sure to visit their pet treat bakery. Dogs are welcome inside.
Should I make restaurant reservations for MLK weekend?
If you have a preferred dinner time or a larger group, yes—reservations are strongly recommended on holiday weekends. The villages also offer some good “grab and go” with limited seating options. Casa Amigos, Almost There and Revo Casino, at the Conway end of town, offer easy options for (quicker) dining. Cheese Louise, Beef and Ski and Boston Brothers Pizza are good choices in North Conway Village.
If I’m visiting, how do I learn about neighborhoods and real estate options?
Pay attention to how areas feel during peak season—traffic, winter access, and proximity to town. If you want help comparing neighborhoods or exploring North Conway NH real estate options, I can quickly narrow choices based on your lifestyle goals.
A quick tip: North Conway is a sub-section/precinct of the Town of Conway. Pricing tends to run like North Conway is the “Disney” of the White Mountains. Prices (and life) in Disney are magical, but for those that want a quieter and more affordable vacation home, or year round lifestyle, the surrounding town of Conway and the towns around it are more realistic.
