Holiday tradition lives in classic mountain town

Dec. 1-2: Traditional Christmas, Stowe, Vt. — The town of Stowe, tucked just below the resort, is as classic as a mountain town can get. The town embraces that with a two-day holiday celebration including

HILL HAPPENINGS Moira McCarthy

a lantern parade with carols, tree lighting, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, wagon rides, reindeer to pat and more. The events are Friday 2-7:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (both days perfect for après ski). www.stowevibrancy.com Dec. 2: Ski For Hunger Food Drive and Homecoming Day, Cannon Mountain, N.H. — Head to Cannon with at least four nonperishable food items for local charities and you’ll ski for half price this day. There’s more fun too, with a Yeti cornhole contest with prizes, photo ops with the Yeti and an après party with live music. www.cannonmt.com Dec. 3: 18th Annual Santa Sunday, Sunday River, Maine — Sign up to be a Santa or show up to get the best photos ever of 250 skiers and riders fully dressed in Santa attire as they make their way down the main trail at Sunday River. All funds from registration go to The Sunday River Community Fund. And if you don’t get one of the coveted spots, head up any way for all the fun and make a donation while you are there. www.sundayriver.com Dec. 5: Starry, starry après night, Bretton Woods and the Omni Mount Washington Hotel, N.H. — Up north where there is so little light pollution, the stars just feel closer and look more lovely. Learn all about them at a stargazing lecture from 8-9 p.m. An expert will teach you all about them and show you using telescopes. www.brettonwoods.com Plan ahead, Dec. 28: Ugly Sweater Day, Mount Sunapee Resort, N.H. — Hold onto that ugly sweater you needed for your work party or the event at your friend’s house because on Dec. 28, Sunapee invites you to show them off while skiing. There will be a group run from the summit, and all kinds of fun prizes.

www.mountsunapee.com