Christmas Farm Inn and Spa, Jackson, New Hampshire

The Haunted Legacy of Christmas Farm Inn & Spa, Jackson, NH

Tucked into the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa is often celebrated for its cozy charm, festive spirit, and elegant spa. But behind the seasonal cheer lies a history darker than freshly fallen snow — one that has drawn paranormal investigators, ghost-hunters, and curious guests alike.

A Deep-Rooted Past

The story of Christmas Farm Inn stretches back well over two centuries. The oldest parts of the inn date to around 1778, when the structure served as a farmhouse. Over the years, the property didn’t simply host guests — it was once a jail, a post office, a church, and a family residence.

Such a layered history means the walls of the inn have borne witness to generations of human drama — and, some say, some restless spirits.

Ghost Hunters Come to Call

The inn’s reputation leapt into the paranormal spotlight when TAPS, the team from the TV show Ghost Hunters, paid them a visit. The episode, titled “Ghost of Christmas Past,” explored multiple reports of unexplainable experiences from guests and staff.

TAPS investigators reported:

1. A shadowy figure seen in a first‑floor hallway.
2. The apparition of a woman in old-fashioned clothing, seen in the kitchen, strongly suspected to be Doris Welch, a former innkeeper.
3. In Room 12 (nicknamed the “Drummer’s Drumming Suite,” after the Twelve Days of Christmas), a housekeeper felt watched while making the bed — later attributing her discomfort to a lingering presence.
4. Sounds of children playing and laughing in the Carriage House lounge — even though that building is comparatively modern.

Notably, the Ghost Hunters team also sensed the presence of four children: two boys, a girl, and an infant. They claimed to have cross-referenced those ghostly kids with historical records and even saw apparitions of the children’s parents and grandmother.

The Haunt of Doris Welch

One of the most commonly cited specters is Doris Welch, who ran the inn (along with her husband) from 1946 until 1971. She eventually passed away on the premises. Over the years, multiple guests and staff have reported visions and sensations that they attribute to her spirit — not menacing, but persistent.

An ex-chef claimed that one night, a female apparition walked right through him in the kitchen. Months later, upon seeing a photograph of Doris, he identified her as the very presence he’d felt.

Paranormal Guests: Voices, Motions, and Shivers

Ghostly phenomena at the inn go beyond visual apparitions. Anecdotal accounts from guests include:

1. Beds shaking for no physical reason.
2. Muffled laughter of children heard in the Carriage House, even during quiet late-night hours.
3. A strong, unsettling feeling of being watched, particularly in older rooms.

Several employees, too, have shared their stories. One bartender reportedly saw an apparition while working the night shift.

How Staff and Guests React

Though the hauntings are well-known, they aren’t framed as malevolent. The reported activity is “generally friendly.” According to guests, acknowledging the spirits seems to help — one medium-leaning visitor claimed she avoided all paranormal disruption simply by greeting and thanking whatever presences might be sharing the space.

For many guests, the hauntings add to the inn’s mystique rather than detract from its warmth. Some even book stays hoping for a paranormal encounter, while others find the stories a little unsettling but still part of the inn’s character.

Why the Spirits Linger?

Few places have a more complicated past than Christmas Farm Inn. The combination of its age, previous functions (farmhouse, jail, church), and the deep ties to families like the Welches all contribute to the speculation that spiritual residue might remain.

1. Doris Welch’s Death on Site: Her life and death at the inn provide a natural source for lingering energy.
2. Former Farm and Family Life: The ghost children reported by TAPS suggest that parts of the land once served as home to a family with young children — and that those children may still be “playing” in spirit.
3. Architectural Echoes: The apparition of a woman using non-existent stairs raises the theory that the building’s layout has changed over time, but that spiritual impressions remain tied to its original structure.

Staying There Today: A Spiritual Experience

If you decide to stay at Christmas Farm Inn & Spa, the haunted narrative is part of the charm — but it’s not forced or commercialized. The inn is still very much a haven for rest, romance, and relaxation, with its spa, cozy rooms, and thoughtful hospitality. But for those attuned to the paranormal, there’s a subtle invitation: pay attention, listen closely, and perhaps you’ll feel the gentle brush of history whispering in the halls.

And if you’re feeling brave (or curious), you might book Room 12, where persistent reports hint that the veil between past and present is thinner. Or you could hang out in the Carriage House lounge late at night, and see if you hear the soft laughter of children. Either way, your stay might just become part of the inn’s ongoing ghost story.