The Best Events Happening in January

It’s easy to sit indoors by a cozy fire, but if you’re feeling a little too warm and hankering for some outdoor adventure, look no further. In these frigid months, grab a warm coat and mittens and head out to experience the frozen Granite State.

Guided Snowshoeing Tours, Intervale, Saturdays throughout January and February   

Spend a few hours of your morning with a relaxing guided snowshoeing walk along the East Branch and Saco rivers. Learn about the trees and wildlife, and search for animal tracks while brushing up on basic snowshoeing technique and bushwhacking skills. crosscountryskinh.com

Ice Castles, North Woodstock, Open January through March

Ice Castles in North Woodstock is an unforgettable winter creation that brings fairy tales to life. The structure is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles “grown” by professional artists. The castle includes LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, carved ice tunnels, slides and fountains. Opening and closing dates depend on the weather. Read our full story on Ice Castles here. icecastles.com

SnowCoach Tours, Gorham, Throughout January and Febraury

SnowCoach drivers will take you to the Mount Washington treeline to witness incredible scenes. SnowCoaches use four tracks opposed to wheels to attack the snowy elevation and provide unforgettable views. Even though you will be in a heated van, it is recommended that you dress warmly should you want to get out and take pictures. Times and pricing vary. Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham. (603) 466-3988; greatglentrails.com

Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, Through January

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard month, where mountains and Nordic centers from around the state offer deals on lessons, tickets and rentals for beginners. Now is the time to finally find out if skiing or riding is for you. Visit skinh.com/learn/learn for more information or to find participating locations.

Ice Skating at Strawbery Banke’s Puddle Dock Pond, Portsmouth, Through winter

The entire family will enjoy skating at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink at the heart of the 10-acre living history museum. Bring your skates or rent your own and bask in the winter cheer. strawberybanke.org

Ice Skating at Victorian Skating Park, Jackson, Through winter

Enjoy the age-old sport of ice skating at the three-acre Victorian Skating Park at Nestlenook Farm. Skate along Emerald Lake, and then warm up next to a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate in the enclosed warming center. This is the largest and most breathtaking outdoor skate park in the Mount Washington Valley. Don’t miss it. $7-$15. Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nestlenook Farm, 66 Dinsmore Rd., Glen. (603) 383-7101; nestlenookfarmsleighrides.com

Recycled Percussion, Manchester, January 1 through 7

Legendary New England drumming group Recycled Percussion is back. They’ve made appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” performed in Las Vegas, opened the 2017 Super Bowl and hosted their TV show “Chaos & Kindness.” Don’t miss this Manchester show packed with surprises and crowd favorites in a turbo-charged performance. $35-$45. Times vary. The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

Disney on Ice “Find Your Hero,” Manchester, January 5 through 8

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy take audiences on an adventure filled with tales and heroism from classic Disney stories. Discover that courage, determination and heart are all part of your inner hero as Disney on Ice brings characters to life through impressive figure-skating, meticulous costumes and elaborate set designs. Times and pricing vary. SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. (603) 644-5000; snhuarena.com

Ice Fest 2023, Hooksett, January 12-14

Dan Lagueux and his wife Valerie Vanasse, owners of New England’s Tap House Grille in Hooksett are celebrating 10 years of business with Ice Fest, an outdoor celebration at their sister location Oscar Barn Wedding Venue. Ice Fest takes place on January 12 through 14 from 6-10 p.m. and includes a range of outdoor winter-themed activities.taphousenh.com

“Guys & Dolls,” Plymouth, January 18 through 22

Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, “Guys and Dolls” ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks and Oliviers. Frequently revived, the show has been done with numerous all-star casts, including productions/concerts featuring Ewan McGregor, Jane Krakowski, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Jessica Biel. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, “Guys and Dolls” is an oddball romantic comedy. Nathan Detroit tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breath down his neck. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they’ve been engaged for 14 years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. “Guys and Dolls” takes audiences from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City. $25-$35. Times vary. The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

NH Sanctioned & Jackson Invitational Snow Sculpting Competition, Jackson, January 27 through 29

Sculptors from around the Northeast transform cylinders of snow into works of art for this annual contest. Watch the artisans at work and don’t forget to take pictures because these sculptures won’t last long. jacksonnh.com

Winter Fest, Concord, January 27 through 29

Winter Fest is back for a fifth year and held in conjunction with a longstanding winter favorite — the Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament. Take advantage of the free shuttle service ferrying people between the hockey tournament in White Park to the festival activities in downtown Concord. Big attractions include an ice-carving competition and demonstrations, plus four themed ice bars with a luge on the patio at O Steaks and Seafood. There will also be games and activities for kids and families, such as a cornhole tournament, warm-up stations with hot cocoa and s’mores, the chance to meet an NHL player and more. Time and pricing vary. Downtown Concord. intownconcord.com