Warm and Inviting: Celebrating Winter Magic at the Chocorua Winter Fest

New England winters can feel endless, but locals have mastered the art of making the cold months something to celebrate. One of the brightest traditions is the Chocorua Winter Fest—a community-powered event hosted each year by the Chocorua Lake Conservancy in partnership with the Tamworth Outing Club, the Tamworth Otters, and The Preserve at Chocorua. It’s a winter gathering that brings together adventure, music, food, and the unbeatable charm of this beautiful region.



Each year festivities begin with a Tamworth Otter swim – a true polar plunge. This time, the event took place on Chocorua Lake, where volunteers began the day by cutting through 16 inches of solid ice to carve out a 10‑foot square opening. The resulting blocks formed a dramatic icy border around the swim area, a stark reminder of just how cold the water really was.



A new addition made this year’s plunge a bit more enticing: White Mountain Sauna Haus brought a large portable sauna and set it up conveniently close to the opening in the ice. With temperatures peaking at only 20°F, the warm retreat made a noticeable difference. Two years ago, only about eight brave souls ventured into the water when the swim was held along the Chocorua River—this year, organizers estimate around twenty‑five participants, including several young couples. The sauna clearly boosted both morale and turnout.





The rest of the festival takes place at The Preserve at Chocorua, a beautiful historic farm turned event venue. It’s the perfect setting, and the various areas of the property are put to full use throughout the day.


The Barn—rebuilt in 2018 after a fire—stands out as a highlight. Its balcony wraps around three‑quarters of the interior and is furnished with cozy antique couches, armchairs, and dining tables which were stocked with games and puzzles for the festival. It’s both inviting and functional, though by evening it becomes clear that the space can barely contain the energy of the dance crowd.


Nearby, the Pavilion offers a warm, intimate setting for performances. Storyteller Andy Davis drew listeners to its large stone fireplace, with space heaters, lap blankets, gas fire tables, and even a s’more station making it a haven from the cold.


The hill between the old farmhouse and the road creates the best sledding hill I’ve ever seen. The natural layout ensures kids can’t slide into traffic, and the varied slopes cater to all ages: gentle runs on the left for younger children, a mid‑hill bump on the right for those seeking a challenge. The flat area between the farmhouse and the slope creates an excellent space for a warming area with woodfire and those ever-popular s’more stations.

This year brought a new experience for me: Winter Songs of Joy and Connection, held first inside the house and later repeated in the Pavilion.

Throughout the festival, I overheard talk of snowshoeing and cross‑country skiing, though I didn’t encounter either during my wanderings.




Inside the barn, local nonprofits filled the space with creativity and community spirit. The Arts Council of Tamworth led Valentine card‑making with hand‑stitched hearts, the Tamworth Community Nurse Association hosted a winter hydration station, and the Tamworth History Center demonstrated rag‑rug crafting. Warm drinks and treats were never far away.

The Silent Auction ran from 1 to 7 p.m., offering handmade gifts, unique experiences, and the opportunity to support both the Chocorua Lake Conservancy and the Tamworth Outing Club


My last event of the day was the Traditional Dancing, accompanied by the lively Winter Festivarian Band—featuring accordion or cello, fiddle, and acoustic guitar. Dancing began at 7:30 p.m. under the guidance of caller Jennifer McHone Villalobos. Though I was tired by then, I stayed long enough to photograph a few joyful dances before heading home, tired but grateful for a day filled with community, tradition, and winter magic.

Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:

  • Connect Kate with organizations that might benefit from my photography. You can check out the HodgePodgeImage Portfolio website at https://HodgePodgeImages.com

Thanks!

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