Exeter wraps you in small town sparkle the moment you step onto its brick sidewalks. Historic homes glow with window candles, the river mirrors twinkling lights, and everything feels within an easy stroll. You can wander from a cozy cafe to a Federal era doorway to a green where carols drift on the cold air. If timeless holidays are your thing, this little New Hampshire town gets it exactly right.
Lantern Walk Along the Swasey Parkway
Bring a hand lantern, wrap your scarf tight, and follow the curve of the Swasey Parkway where the river tucks against town. Candlelit windows blink across the water while snow hushes the footsteps, and every breath hangs like a ribbon. You can hear church bells carry, soft and steady, guiding you past frost dressed elms and benches crowned with powder.
Pause near the bandstand, then watch the lamplight mix with moonlight on the Exeter River. Folks swap cookie tins and thermoses, trading recipes and quick stories about first snows, lost mittens, and the year the river skimmed with ice overnight. Local volunteers sometimes lead a small carol stop, nothing formal, just voices threading a simple tune.
Keep walking until town lights gather into a cozy constellation. On the way back, dip into a cafe for hot chocolate and warm hands, then head out again to catch that last sparkle. The path feels like a postcard you get to inhabit, steady and bright, returning you gently to Main Street.
Historic Doorways and Candle Boxes DIY Tour
Grab a simple map, lace your boots, and make your own candlelight tour through Exeter’s historic streets. Start where clapboards meet brick, and count door knockers shaped like shells, pineapples, and eagles. Every doorway tells a story, with candle boxes glowing like tiny beacons set against crisp paint and frosted panes.
Wreaths hang low, sometimes wired with cranberries, sometimes tied with repurposed ribbon from a family trunk. You can spot hand forged hinges and latched shutters, little details that whisper how winter used to feel. Neighbors wave, proud of their careful decorations, and you get to admire without rushing, pausing to sketch a profile or snap a quick photo.
Make it playful. Pick your favorite green door, vote on best brass, invent a backstory for the house with the bowed glass. Finish near the town green, pockets full of notes and cheeks warmed by walking. When twilight deepens, those candle boxes bloom brighter, and the whole street seems to slow to greet you.
Pop Up Riverfront Choir and Cocoa Swap
Show up with a thermos and your favorite cocoa mix, then trade sips with neighbors as a pop up choir gathers by the river. No stage, no pressure, just harmonies floating under string lights while the water slips by. You can hum along or hold the cookie plate, and both roles feel perfect.
Someone brings cinnamon sticks, someone else a vegan peppermint twist, and suddenly your cup tastes new and bold. The choir moves through carols and a few surprise songs, turning the walkway into a living room with stars for a ceiling. Kids shake sleigh bells, dogs wear scarves, and the cold sharpens every note.
When your cheeks tingle, tuck into a pocket of warmth beside a brick wall. Swap recipes on a scrap of paper and promise to meet again next year, same spot, same glow. On the walk home, the town’s quiet streets feel close and kind, like you have been let in on a gentle secret.
American Independence Museum
Stepping into the American Independence Museum feels like traveling back in time. Imagine walking through its hallowed halls, dimly lit by flickering candlelight, and soaking in the essence of history.
The museum showcases artifacts that tell stories of America’s earliest days. Each room offers a glimpse into colonial life, dressed with holiday wreaths and garlands that evoke a sense of warmth.
Did you know? The museum hosts special holiday events where visitors can explore its treasures after dark. It’s a festive experience that beautifully marries history with the spirit of the season.
Sea Dog Brewing Company
Step into the inviting warmth of Sea Dog Brewing Company, where the scent of freshly brewed craft beer fills the air. This local favorite offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
With its rustic wooden tables and glowing fireplace, it’s a haven for both locals and visitors. Enjoy a pint of their seasonal ale, brewed to complement the holiday spirit.
Did you know? Sea Dog Brewing Company is renowned for its creative brewing techniques, ensuring every sip is a delightful surprise. A visit here is a must for any beer enthusiast.
Class of 1945 Library
The Class of 1945 Library is an architectural gem that beckons visitors with its colonial elegance. Surrounded by snow-draped landscapes, its warm glow invites you inside. The library’s interiors are filled with historic treasures and books that whisper stories of the past.
Walking through its aisles, you can almost hear the echo of history in its walls. The library hosts periodic candlelight readings, creating an intimate atmosphere where literature comes alive.
Did you know? The library’s foundation stones date back to the town’s early settlers, adding a touch of antiquity to its charm.