Holiday wagon, carriage, and sleigh rides offer a slower way to experience New England during the winter season. From snowy mountain resorts to working farms and countryside properties, these rides give families and couples a chance to enjoy the landscape together without building the entire outing around skiing or another high-energy activity.
Notable options include Omni Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire, Woodstock, Vermont, and The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort in Richmond, Rhode Island.
At The Preserve, wagon rides can be incorporated into seasonal events and a broader day that includes dining, outdoor experiences, holiday photos, or an overnight stay.
What Makes a Holiday Wagon or Carriage Ride Special?
Part of the appeal is its simplicity.
Passengers can sit together, take in the scenery, and enjoy an outdoor winter experience that does not require specialized equipment or advanced skill.
That makes wagon and carriage rides especially appealing for:
- Families with children
- Multigenerational groups
- Couples
- Friends traveling together
- Visitors looking for a lower-key winter activity
The ride can also act as the centerpiece of a larger outing. Brunch, dinner, family photos, or another activity can be planned before or afterward without making the day feel overly scheduled.
Which New England Destinations Offer Winter Rides?
Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire offers carriage and winter sleigh rides through the resort grounds, giving visitors views of the White Mountains and surrounding landscape.
In Woodstock, Vermont, Billings Farm & Museum offers wagon and horse-drawn sleigh rides on select winter days, depending on conditions. Woodstock Inn & Resort also highlights these experiences as part of a winter stay in the area.
For travelers farther south, The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort provides a Rhode Island alternative where wagon rides take place within a large countryside property rather than a ski destination.
What Is the Holiday Wagon Ride Experience at The Preserve Like?
The Preserve incorporates wagon rides into its winter programming, giving guests an opportunity to experience the property from a different perspective.
Its current Holiday Brunch and Wagon Spectacular pairs brunch with a wagon ride through the grounds, weather permitting. The 2026 calendar currently lists events on December 6 and December 20.
Outside dedicated holiday programming, The Preserve has also featured wagon rides among its broader experiences.
Because these rides depend on the event schedule and conditions, visitors should check the current calendar rather than assuming rides are offered every day.
What Else Can Families Do During the Visit?
A wagon ride does not need to be the only activity planned for the day.
Depending on current availability, families may also consider:
- Walking or exploring the property
- Equestrian experiences
- Sporting clays
- Archery or other sporting activities
- Current seasonal experiences
- Holiday photography
- A meal together before or after the ride
The goal does not need to be fitting in as many activities as possible. One additional experience can be enough to turn a wagon ride into a full afternoon or evening outing.
Can You Pair a Wagon Ride With Holiday Photos?
Yes. The countryside setting can give families another opportunity to take photographs while they are already together for the day.
Wooded scenery, stone architecture, and other areas around the property can provide a different backdrop from Rhode Island's better-known coastal holiday locations.
The Preserve also offers dedicated holiday photography programming around its Hobbit Houses during the season. Families interested in a formal photo session should review the current Preserve events calendar and confirm photography access in advance.
Where Can Families Eat During the Visit?
Dining can make the outing feel more complete, especially when the wagon ride takes place during colder weather.
Double Barrel Steak is one of The Preserve's primary dining options and can work well for families or groups who want to stay on property for a meal.
The resort also offers other dining experiences, including specialty options that may vary by season and availability.
For the 2026 Holiday Brunch and Wagon Spectacular, the wagon ride is specifically paired with a seasonal brunch, creating a straightforward way to combine the two experiences.
Can You Turn the Ride Into an Overnight Holiday Getaway?
Families coming from farther away may prefer to make the wagon ride part of a one- or two-night stay.
The Preserve offers several accommodation options, including:
- Tiny Homes
- Hilltop Lodge & Spa Suites
- Townhomes on the Green
- Laurel Ridge Homes
Staying overnight gives families more flexibility to spread activities across the visit rather than fitting driving, dining, photos, and the ride into a single day.
Adults may also choose to add time at the Hilltop Spa while other members of the group enjoy a different activity.
What Should You Confirm Before Booking?
Wagon, carriage, and sleigh rides are often dependent on weather, scheduling, and individual event calendars.
Before making plans, confirm:
- Whether rides are operating on your preferred date
- Whether advance registration is required
- Whether the ride is part of a larger event
- Weather policies
- Recommended clothing
- Dining reservations
- Photography rules
- Overnight lodging availability
This is particularly important for winter rides, since operating conditions can change quickly.
Plan a Holiday Wagon or Carriage Ride in New England
New England offers several ways to experience a classic winter ride, from horse-drawn sleighs in the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont to countryside wagon outings in Rhode Island.
For families or couples looking for a southern New England option, The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort combines wagon rides with dining, seasonal events, outdoor experiences, photography opportunities, and overnight accommodations in one setting.
Review the current Preserve events calendar or contact The Preserve to confirm upcoming wagon rides and other holiday programming.
