Laconia sits in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and several smaller lakes. In summer, the area is a classic New England vacation destination — boats, beaches, and boardwalks. In winter, the lakes freeze, the mountains fill with snow, and an entirely different set of activities takes over. Laconia in winter means skiing at Gunstock, sled dog racing through town, ice fishing on frozen Winnipesaukee, and the kind of cold, clear New Hampshire days that make indoor attractions like the world’s largest arcade feel like a welcome refuge. Here are 14 things worth doing.
1. Ski or Snowboard at Gunstock Mountain Resort
Gunstock Mountain Resort in neighboring Gilford — roughly five minutes from downtown Laconia — is the anchor winter attraction in the Lakes Region. The resort offers 49 trails across 227 skiable acres, seven lifts, and some of the best night skiing in New Hampshire with 21 lit trails. Terrain ranges from beginner slopes to expert glades, and the mountain’s relatively modest size (2,300-foot summit) makes it manageable for families and intermediate skiers. Panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the upper trails are a highlight that bigger, more remote mountains can’t match.
Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding, Gunstock operates a 10-lane, lift-serviced snow tubing hill — one of the best in the state and a hit with families and groups who want the thrill of speed without the skill requirement of skiing. The Gunstock Nordic Center offers groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Fat tire biking on snow is also available. The mountain typically operates from December through late March or early April, depending on conditions.
2. Watch the World Championship Sled Dog Derby
Laconia hosts the World Championship Sled Dog Derby, one of the oldest sled dog races in the Northeast, dating back to 1929. The race is organized by the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club and typically takes place over a weekend in February, with teams from across the United States and Canada competing on a 15-mile course that winds through Laconia, along the shores of Paugus Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee, and through surrounding fields. The Unlimited class race runs all three days.
Watching sled dog teams launch from the starting line and race through a New Hampshire winter landscape is a genuinely thrilling spectacle — the dogs are visibly excited, the mushers are intensely focused, and the whole event has the feel of a community tradition that has survived nearly a century. Spectator viewing is free along various points of the course. Check the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club website for exact dates and course routing, which can vary based on snow conditions.
3. Go Ice Fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee
Ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee is a central New Hampshire winter tradition. When the ice is thick enough (typically January through March), bob houses (ice fishing shacks) dot the frozen surface of Meredith Bay and other sections of the lake, creating a scene that looks like a Currier and Ives print. Species caught through the ice include lake trout, landlocked salmon, pickerel, yellow perch, and cusk.
The Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, held in early February, is the biggest organized ice fishing event in the area, with cash prizes (including a $15,000 grand prize) drawing anglers from across the region. Even if you don’t fish competitively, the derby weekend has a festival atmosphere with food vendors and crowds on the ice. A valid New Hampshire fishing license is required. Ice conditions vary year to year — always check ice thickness before venturing out.
4. Watch Pond Hockey on Meredith Bay
The New England Pond Hockey Classic takes place on frozen Meredith Bay (about 10 miles from Laconia) in late January or early February, featuring roughly 275 teams competing in over 500 games across 26 outdoor rinks plowed into the lake ice. It’s one of the largest pond hockey tournaments in the country and has become one of the biggest winter attractions in the Lakes Region, with food vendors, music, and thousands of spectators lining the frozen bay.
Even if you’re not playing, watching hockey on a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains is a quintessential New England winter experience. The event depends entirely on ice conditions — in thin-ice years, alternative formats are used. Check the event website for current dates and status.
5. Ice Skate at the Merrill Fay Arena
The Merrill Fay Arena in Laconia is an indoor ice rink that offers public skating sessions throughout the winter, including free skate times. The arena also runs learn-to-skate programs for beginners. It’s a reliable indoor option when outdoor ice conditions are uncertain, and the controlled environment makes it comfortable for families with young children. Check the arena’s schedule for public skate hours, which vary by day and season.
6. Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe at Bolduc Park
Bolduc Park, located on Route 106 in Laconia, operates as a Par 3 golf course in summer and converts to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in winter. The terrain is gentle and the trails are well-maintained, making it an accessible option for beginners or families who want to try Nordic skiing without committing to a full backcountry outing. Equipment rentals are available on-site. The park is open year-round.
7. Explore Funspot — the World’s Largest Arcade
Funspot in Weirs Beach was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest arcade. Originally established in 1952, the complex now houses over 300 arcade games (including a significant collection of classic games from the 1970s and 1980s), an 18-hole indoor mini golf course, a 20-lane ten-pin bowling alley, cash bingo, and a driving range. It’s an ideal indoor activity on a cold or snowy day when outdoor options are limited, and its sheer size means you can easily spend several hours here. Funspot operates year-round.
8. Visit the Belknap Mill
The Belknap Mill in downtown Laconia is one of the oldest unaltered brick textile mills in the country. Built in 1823, the mill played a significant role in the region’s Industrial Revolution history and now operates as a museum, cultural center, and event space. Exhibits cover the mill’s history, the knitting and hosiery industry that defined Laconia’s economy for over a century, and broader themes of New England industrial life. The Powerhouse exhibit is particularly well done. Admission is free; hours and programming vary seasonally, so check before visiting.
9. Warm Up at Patrick’s Pub and Eatery
Patrick’s Pub and Eatery on Weirs Road has been a Laconia institution since 1987 and has won multiple local and regional restaurant awards. The menu runs from pub standards to more substantial dishes — Baked Stuffed Haddock, Short Rib Mac and Cheese, and their Untraditional Shepherd’s Pie are local favorites. In winter, the pub hosts live music, open mic nights, and other events that make it more than just a place to eat. It’s the kind of reliable, warm, unpretentious spot that every New England town needs in winter.
10. Browse the Laconia Antique Center
The Laconia Antique Center occupies over 22,000 square feet and houses more than 150 dealers selling everything from furniture, glassware, and vintage maps to war memorabilia, nautical items, and curiosities you didn’t know you wanted. On a cold winter day, browsing through the center is a pleasant way to spend an hour or two. The in-house snack shop, Connie’s Country, sells sandwiches, cookies, and ice cream. The center is open year-round.
11. Dine at Tavern 27
Tavern 27 is a piano bar and Americana tapas restaurant in Laconia that operates out of a property that includes an organic garden, fruit trees, and grapevines. The kitchen uses locally sourced and handcrafted ingredients, with Louisiana-influenced flavors running through the menu. It’s one of the more distinctive dining options in the Lakes Region — a step above typical pub food, with craft cocktails and live piano to match. The setting feels especially cozy on a winter evening.
12. Walk the WOW Trail
The Winnipesaukee Opechee Winnisquam (WOW) Trail is a multi-use path that runs through Laconia and connects to surrounding communities. In winter, sections of the trail are used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter walking. The trail passes along the shores of Lake Opechee and through wooded areas, offering a peaceful winter walk within easy reach of downtown. It’s flat and accessible, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
13. Visit the Lakeport Opera House
The Lakeport Opera House on Union Avenue in Laconia is a recently restored historic performance venue hosting live music, theater, comedy, and community events throughout the year, including winter. The intimate setting and restored period details make it a charming spot for an evening out. Check their calendar for upcoming performances — winter programming tends to include holiday concerts in December and a mix of local and touring acts through the colder months.
14. Take a Day Trip to Gunstock for Tubing and Night Skiing
This gets its own entry because Gunstock’s evening offerings deserve separate consideration from the daytime skiing. Night skiing at Gunstock runs on 21 lit trails with six operating lifts — one of the most extensive night skiing setups in New Hampshire. The atmosphere after dark is different: smaller crowds, quieter runs, and the surreal experience of skiing under floodlights with the frozen lake visible below. The snow tubing hill also operates during evening hours, and the combination of night tubing followed by hot chocolate in the lodge is one of the most family-friendly winter experiences in the Lakes Region.
Practical Notes
Laconia is roughly 100 miles north of Boston via I-93, about a 1.5-hour drive in good conditions (longer during snowstorms or ski traffic). New Hampshire has no sales tax, which makes shopping — whether at Tanger Outlets in nearby Tilton or at the Laconia Antique Center — noticeably cheaper than in neighboring states. Winter temperatures in Laconia typically range from highs in the low 30s to lows in the teens (Fahrenheit), with significant snowfall from December through March. Dress in layers and bring proper winter footwear for any outdoor activity.
For more New Hampshire and New England winter planning, see our guide to Lake Winnipesaukee winter activities. If you’re visiting in warmer months instead, our Cape Cod guide covers another classic New England destination.
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