Celebrate 2012's Arrival in NH's Lakes Region

Online, December 22, 2011 (Newswire.com) - There's not much time left to party like it's 2011, so be sure to make the final night of the year count, advises the Lakes Region Tourism Association.

The tourism group says there are plenty of activities planned in central New Hampshire for a variety of ages and interests. And with New Year's Eve falling on a Saturday this year, now's the time to plan and book a weekend getaway in the Lakes Region.

The Margate Resort promises elegance and romance during its celebration. Dine on a five-course meal, dance to a classic rock cover band and raise champagne glasses for a traditional midnight toast. Overnight packages also include a hot breakfast buffet on New Year's Day, and they begin at $239. The Margate is at 76 Lake St., Laconia.

Wolfeboro First Night is a nonprofit, alcohol-free event, ensuring fun for the whole family. This 16th annual event includes a puppet parade, performers, ice sculptures, fireworks, visits from the Wildlife Encounters Traveling Zoo and the McAuliffe-Shepard Planetarium Discovery Center, and much more. Admission is $7 before Dec. 25 and $15 after; children 10 and younger are free. The celebration takes place in downtown Wolfeboro.

Keep the party going in Wolfeboro at the Wolfeboro Inn! Its New Year's Eve two-night package includes dinner each night, breakfast/brunch, admission to Wolfeboro's First Night, and admission to the inn's own New Year's celebration, which includes music, hors d'oeuvres, party favors, champagne toast and watching the town fireworks at its private beach. The inn's party has a $10 cover charge; the New Year's Eve package begins at $289 per night. The Wolfeboro Inn is at 90 N. Main St., Wolfeboro.

Watch the fireworks in Meredith, with the display beginning at 10:30 p.m. It takes place over Meredith Bay, allowing visitors to see the fireworks' reflections for twice the spectacle.

Opt to ring in the new year at the Historic Belknap Mill. The Holbrook Bell will be rung at midnight - a tradition going strong for more than 40 years. The bell was cast in 1823 by George Holbrook, an apprentice to Paul Revere, and is rung on special occasions such as this. Light refreshments will be offered. Free and open to the public. The Historical Belknap Mill is at 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia.

Choose to celebrate at the New Year's Eve Gala at Church Landing over two nights. The formal year-end event includes a champagne toast, horse and wagon rides, dinner and dance music. Packages begin at $319. The Inn & Spa at Mill Falls is at 312 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith.

Head to the New Year's Eve Bash at Indian Head Resort. The two-night package begins at $209, and its Dec. 31 party features champagne and a midnight breakfast buffet. There will be live entertainment, as well as an exclusive party just for teens. Indian Head Resort is at 664 Route 3, Lincoln.

The new Inn on Main is also planning a New Year's Eve party and specials to ring in 2012. The inn is at 200 N. Main St., Wolfeboro.

Many area ski resorts are also offering a night of entertainment for New Year's Eve:
- "New Year's Eve at the Summit," Cannon Mountain, 9 Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia: Reception, dinner, entertainment, tram ride. $100 per person; reservations required.
- "Gunstock Rocks New Year's Eve," Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford: Enjoy skiing, riding, tubing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, fireworks and more. Adults/teens, $48; children 6-12/seniors 65+, $38.
- "New Year's Eve Family Celebration," King Pine Ski Area & Purity Spring Resort, 1251 Eaton Road, East Madison: Skiing, riding, music, games, parade and fireworks. Adults, $24, juniors, $16. Package rates begin at $279 for two nights.
- "New Year's at the Bunyan Room," Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln: Dancing; proper dress required. $25; reservations required.
- "New Year's Eve Celebration," Ragged Mountain Resort, 620 Ragged Mountain Road, Danbury: Details to be announced soon!
- "Town Square New Year's Eve Celebration and Fireworks," Waterville Valley Resort, 1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley: Family events throughout the day, games, sleigh rides and more. Reservations required.
- "Starry Nights and Sunnyside Timberlodge," Waterville Valley Resort: Dinner, entertainment and skiing. $120; reservations required.
- "Dinner and Dancing Gala," Waterville Valley Resort: Dinner, entertainment and midnight toast. Kids Bash for children Adults, $75; children 4-12, $20; reservations required.

For more information on these and other New Year's weekend events in the Lakes Region, visit the Events Calendar on the LRTA website. To learn more about restaurants for New Year's Eve dining options, visit the Where to Dine page.

The Lakes Region Tourism Association is the official tourism board of the region, representing close to 100 communities, 273 lakes and ponds, and more than 400 businesses in central New Hampshire, including area attractions, restaurants, retail establishments and accommodations. For more information or visitors guides, visit http://www.LakesRegion.org, http://www.facebook.com/NHLakesRegion or follow on Twitter. The LRTA office is at Exit 20 on Route 3 in Tilton, and it can be reached by calling (800) 60-LAKES.