Oh what fun it is to ride in a horse drawn sleigh in the White Mountains

What’s even better than walking through ice castles? Taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the icy winter wonderland, of course! At Ice Castles, you can walk or sleigh-ride along an enchanted forest path, marveling at the ice sculptures that, with their embedded lights, seem to be glowing from within. This award-winning return attraction, safe for all ages and set to open in early January, includes breathtaking thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides and fountains – all sculpted by artisans from over 20 million pounds of ice. Music and twinkling lights (and fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights) make the atmosphere even more magical. Sleigh rides can take groups of up to 12 people, and kids 3 and under are free.

The Franconia Inn has a great way to cap off your winter getaway in the White Mountains: go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride! Wrap yourselves in a snug blanket and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from a picture-perfect red antique sleigh pulled by a very handsome Belgian draft horse. The sleigh from Franconia Notch Stables will pick you up right across the street from the inn, and you’ll go dashing through the snow for a 30-minute group or private two-person ride. (Their champagne toast rides can also be a great way to propose!) There’s a discount for guests of the inn, which also offers a Jingle All the Way package that includes a private sleigh ride for two, a travel mug of hot cocoa and dinner for two at the inn.