2026 will be the tenth Thanksgiving hosting guests at Bray Hill House. The house is the perfect setting for a multi-generational family with the grandparents, children, and grandchildren. Our guests describe it as happy, cozy, and comfortable for everyone and such a great way to begin the holiday season with a day trip to Santa’s Village only five miles away.
There’s usually snow on the ground already this time of year, making the mountain and forest sparkle. The tree in front of the house is lit up in the evenings, and the scene is magical for young children. Hot chocolate and a bottle of wine, gratis by us, make playing games in front of the fireplace relaxing and memorable in the company of family and loved ones. Several seasonal and traditional movie favorites also make quality time with the kids easy, especially Polar Express, The Muppet Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving all in our DVD Library.
The chef’s kitchen with two ovens and three sinks make it easy for you to prepare a personal feast of turkey with all the fixings, plus pies! YouTube music from the kitchen smart speaker makes changing the music no problem at all even while mashing potatoes. Just say, “Hey Google, play All Things Bright and Beautiful.” A highchair for the little ones makes space for everyone at the table. After dinner, there are plenty of recliners and couches where you can relax, talk, read, or watch the football game on the Smart TV or Roku. (bring your own subscription passwords)
And when the kids have too much energy, walking the wooded trails and sledding on the hill quickly tucker them out for the evening. If you are skiers, Bretton Woods has been open by Thanksgiving nine out of the last ten years, meaning getting in some turns before or after Turkey Day is also possible.
And on your way back South, it’s the perfect time to pick out a Christmas tree to decorate at home. White Mountain National Forest Christmas Tree Permits are available for $5. Don’t forget to bring your own ax or handsaw! Or go to a farm like The Rocks Estate where they have horse drawn sleigh rides and sustainably grown forests of Christmas trees to pick from. Either way, it will be the perfect seasonal souvenir of your trip to the Bray Hill House in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and a memorable start to winter and the Christmas season.
We hope you make it a Thanksgiving tradition.
Review by Lorraine P. of Rhode Island - Perfect Mountain Home for Thanksgiving!
"Israel’s home exceeded my expectations! The moment we walked through the door, we felt right at home. The complimentary bottle of wine, extensive DVD collection, kids’ books and toys, and chef’s kitchen were just a few of the amenities we enjoyed during our Thanksgiving stay. Instructions and a helpful handbook made navigating the house and its appliances very easy. Every time we turned around, we said, “Israel really thought of everything!” We enjoyed the breathtaking view of the mountains from the gorgeous windows next to the cozy fireplace. Absolutely the best home I have ever rented. We will be back next year!!!"
