From charming small cities to large metropolis lights, picturesque harbors, and bedecked points of interest, Christmas in Massachusetts is one thing particular. In between the vacation events and Christmas procuring, discovering methods to recapture the enjoyment of the vacation amidst the hustle and bustle of the season will be laborious, however we’ve got made it simpler with this round-up of the perfect Christmas lights, vacation occasions, and Christmas cities in Massachusetts.
From east to west, north to south, and even over to the islands, we’ve got sought out the cheeriest, merriest, most festive methods to have fun Christmas in Massachusetts.
In case you are prepared to journey a bit additional, additionally try my record of Rhode Island Christmas occasions and the perfect locations to go for Christmas on the East Coast.
Christmas in Massachusetts – Occasions, Cities, Points of interest, and Extra!
Notice: This publish might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. When you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Notice: We’re persevering with to replace this text as new occasions are introduced. Have one thing you need to see included? Electronic mail me so I’ve an opportunity to test it out.
Christmas in Rockport
In case you are on the lookout for cute Christmas cities in Massachusetts, look no additional than Rockport. I believed this waterfront enclave on Cape Ann was a stunner in the summertime, however wait till you see the darling little outlets embellished for Christmas.
Christmas in Rockport is a vibe, with a full month of vacation actions in December. Santa arrives by lobster boat at T-Wharf on Saturday, December 2, 2023, adopted by the Dock Sq. Tree Lighting ceremony. A Menorah Lighting will then be held on December seventh, the primary day of Chanukah.
The Annual Vacation Buying Night time in Rockport is Friday, December 8 and you may get your passport stamped at numerous companies for an opportunity to win prizes. On Saturday, December ninth, strolling musicians and carolers will entertain you when you store.
The Christmas Pageant, with a reside nativity re-enactment, takes place on Saturday, December 16 and procrastinators can discover offers throughout “Final Minute Stocking Stuffer Weekend”. The month-long celebration reaches its peak on New 12 months’s Eve with a full evening of leisure from 4:00 pm till the ball drops at midnight.
Issues to do Close by: Take a day journey to Newburyport or Gloucester and revel in Cape Ann’s Annual Winter Lights, the place over 100 native companies all through Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are entering into the festive spirit by adorning their storefronts with twinkling lights and artistic window shows.
The place to Keep: Addison Choate is a captivating boutique lodge in Rockport.
Somerville Illuminations Tour
Annually, the residents of Somerville, simply north of Boston and Cambridge, unfold vacation cheer by remodeling their areas and yards with lights, ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy. Previously, you can hop on a trolley to see the Christmas lights, however this has been reworked right into a extra reasonably priced and unique bike tour or self-guided tour.
The Somerville Arts Council places collectively an interactive, on-line Illuminations Map of all of the embellished homes, which you’ll comply with on a self-guided tour from December 9, 2023, by means of early January. Or, you possibly can be a part of the Illuminations Bike Tour, beginning at Somerville Excessive Faculty’s predominant entrance at 5:45 pm on December 16, 2023, for a guided expertise.
Issues to do Close by: Harvard Museum of Pure Historical past, Harvard Artwork Museum, MIT Museum, procuring, eating, and leisure (together with LEGO Discovery Heart Boston) and Meeting Row.
The place to Keep: Cambria Resort Boston Somerville
ZooLights AT THE STONE ZOO
The Stone Zoo in Stoneham actually shines through the holidays. From November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024, the Stone Zoo’s ZooLights expertise transforms the zoo’s 26 acres into a fascinating winter wonderland, full with 1000’s of glowing lights, reindeer, and even visits with Santa.
Visits with Santa can be found from December 3 – 5, 10 – 12, 17 – 19, and 22, simply keep in mind that superior registration is required.
Issues to do Close by: BodaBorg Boston
The place to Keep: Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston / Woburn
Tree Lighting in Boston
Boston’s official Christmas tree, which hails from Nova Scotia, will likely be lit on the night of November 30, 2023, adopted by the lighting of almost 80 different timber all through the Boston Widespread and Public Backyard. However that’s not the one place you possibly can see vacation lights in Boston! Different shows embrace:
- The photogenic trellis in Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park will likely be lit for the season on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 5:00 PM
- The Faneuil Corridor Market tree lighting takes place on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
- The Annual Ship Lighting in Martin’s Park will likely be on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. This family-friendly occasion options scorching cocoa, caroling, and vacation enjoyable because the picket play ship at Martin’s Park is illuminated with blue and white lights.
- The Commonwealth Avenue Mall lighting will likely be on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 8:00 PM with the lighting of timber up and down Commonwealth Avenue.
- Mild Up Seaport takes place on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 5:00 – 9:00 PM on the Seaport Widespread, that includes vacation tunes, a celeb look by Betty the Yeti, and extra.
- The Seaport Menorah lighting is on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM with a 9-foot-tall Menorah.
Issues to do Close by: Ice skating on the Frog Pond within the Boston Widespread, see The Nutcracker at Residents Financial institution Opera Home from November 24 – December 31, 2023, or Rudolph the Pink-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical on the Boch Heart from November 24 – 26, 2023.
The place to Keep: The Newbury Boston (and splurge on a room with a wood-burning fire!)
Boston Vacation Lights Trolley Tour
Soar on the Previous City Trolley Boston Vacation Lights and Festive Sights Trolley Tour to see Boston’s festive places and exquisite mild shows. You’ll hear tales of Boston’s previous and current holidays from a costumed character information and move by Beacon Hill, Charles Avenue, Faneuil Corridor, Frog Pond, and extra from the consolation of a heated double-decker trolley.
The tour features a cease at Boston Widespread to take pictures by the ice rink and Christmas tree and alongside the best way you’ll get pleasure from a marshmallow-filled scorching chocolate and cookie. The tour ends with a present bag and a memento to take residence.
Issues to do Close by: Columbus Park Trellis, Faneuil Corridor Christmas tree, New England Aquarium, or a North Finish meals tour.
The place to Keep: Boston Marriott Lengthy Wharf
Snowport within the Boston Seaport
The Vacation Market at Snowport within the Boston Seaport options over 120 makers for all of your vacation reward procuring. There’s additionally a tree marketplace for locals on the lookout for an actual tree, a winter want wall, and festive decor all through, together with a mistletoe arch.
Make a night of it with a customized cocktail bar from Tuscan Kitchen and savory and candy bites from over a dozen cooks. The Vacation Market is held Monday-Thursday from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday-Saturday from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm from November 10 by means of December 31, 2023. Simply notice that the market is closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and December twenty sixth.
Issues to do Close by: Institute of Modern Artwork, Boston Youngsters’s Museum, Boston Tea Social gathering Ships & Museum
The place to Keep: Intercontinental Boston or Seaport Resort
Pageant of Lights at Edaville
Edaville Household Theme Park in Carver, residence to Thomas Land, has been a favourite for households and prepare lovers for many years however within the winter it places on one among New England’s oldest Christmas traditions. Pageant of Lights at Edaville options steam trains, 250,000+ Christmas lights, meals, native companies and crafters, go to from Santa, classic amusement rides, and extra.
Pageant of Lights is open Thursdays by means of Sundays from November 9 by means of December 31, 2023 (however closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.) Hours are Thursdays 4:00-8:00 pm, Fridays 4:00-9:00 pm, Saturdays 2:00-9:00 pm, and Sundays 2:00-8:00 pm. House is restricted so purchase your tickets on-line upfront!
Issues to do Close by: Plimoth Pawtuxet Museums, downtown Plymouth
The place to Keep: John Carver Inn, Plymouth (with an indoor pool and slide)
Gardens Aglow, Heritage Museum & Gardens
Notice: Gardens Aglow is bought out for 2023! Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich hosts an annual Gardens Aglow occasion annually from late November by means of December twenty third. Gardens Aglow options lovely mild shows all through the Gardens and enjoyable actions.
Guests can see Santa on the J.Okay. Lilly III Car Gallery in a 1913 Ford Mannequin T and take a look at Heritage’s vintage automobile assortment. On the American Artwork & Carousel Gallery, you possibly can take a journey on the 1908 Looff carousel and look at winter scenes from the Currier & Ives assortment.
Outdoors, stroll by means of the lighted gardens, roast marshmallows, go on a reindeer scavenger hunt, and revel in seasonal treats from Lilly’s Café and the Cape Cod Donut Truck. Little ones will get pleasure from enjoying with big constructing blocks, attempting out garden video games, and watching the mannequin prepare show. Heat up on the hearth desk. Simply bear in mind to buy your tickets early!
You may also pay additional for a VIP Expertise with Santa, which incorporates early fowl parking, a meet and greet with Santa, story time, a vacation sing-along, craft making, and cookies and scorching chocolate.
Issues to do Close by: see issues to do on Cape Cod within the low season
The place to Keep: Sea Crest Seaside Resort
Polar Categorical on Cape Cod Railroad
The Polar Categorical on the Cape Cod Central Railroad leaves from Buzzards Bay for a 90-minute spherical journey prepare journey. Passengers will relive the magic of the traditional story by Chris Van Allsburg on a prepare journey set to the sounds of the movement image soundtrack.
As soon as onboard, the conductor will punch golden tickets for every baby and dancing cooks and waiters will carry out whereas Christmas carols play, adopted by a studying of the traditional kids’s e book, The Polar Categorical.
Santa and his elves board the prepare on the North Pole to greet passengers and every visitor is given the primary reward of Christmas. Every baby will take residence a memento sleigh bell and memento golden ticket. Scrumptious scorching chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread cookies are the official onboard deal with, served to every passenger through the journey.
The place to Keep: Hampton Inn Cape Cod Canal
Holly Folly in Provincetown
Holly Folly is Provincetown’s annual LGBTQ+ holiday-themed competition, going down December 1 by means of 3, 2023. The signature occasion is the Jingle Bell Run, the place guys wearing Santa hats and Speedos run by means of city. The complete weekend is crammed with shoping and leisure with a vacation market, Champagne Brunch, dance events, sing-alongs, and drag bingo.
Make sure to additionally take within the lights of the Pilgrim Monument and the Provincetown Lobster Pot Christmas tree!
Issues to do Close by: Store in downtown Provincetown or the month-long Vacation Market at The Canteen, Holly Folly Gallery Stroll
The place to Keep: White Porch Inn
Nantucket Christmas stroll Market
On Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 10:00 am to three:00 pm, the Christmas Stroll Market is about up on the foot of Primary Avenue in Nantucket. When you want an excuse to plan a winter island weekend getaway, right here is your likelihood.
Take pleasure in yummy meals and drinks as you store from a choice of handcrafted presents and merchandise bought by native companies and non-profit organizations. You may also go to the Pageant of Timber on the Whaling Museum, designed by neighborhood members, native retailers, nonprofit organizations, artists, artisans, and schoolchildren.
Issues to do Close by: Whaling Museum, Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, Cisco Brewers
The place to Keep: Brass Lantern Inn
Lights On Pageant Taunton
Taunton has been placing on a vacation mild present in town inexperienced since 1914, incomes the city the nickname of “The Christmas Metropolis.” The Lights On Pageant takes place on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 3:00 to eight:00 pm on the historic Taunton Inexperienced.
This annual celebration options reside leisure and actions at greater than 30 leisure websites inside the downtown neighborhood. Even after the Pageant and Tree Lighting, you possibly can benefit from the vacation lights show by means of New Years Day (parking is free downtown nights & weekends). You may also take complimentary pictures with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 5:00 to eight:00 pm on the Taunton Inexperienced. Victorian Carolers additionally stroll the Taunton Inexperienced on weekend evenings.
The place to Keep: Hampton Inn Raynham-Taunton
La Sallete Shrine Pageant of Lights
For a extra spiritual celebration, go to the Nationwide Shrine at Our Woman of La Salette in Attleboro. The Pageant of Lights options over 300,000 twinkling lights that may certainly amaze the entire household. This spiritual lights show additionally includes a creche museum, spiritual retailer, meals courtroom, youngsters actions, and extra.
Issues to do Close by: Emerald Sq. Mall, Wrentham Village shops, ice skating at Patriot Place
The place to Keep: Hampton Inn and Suites North Attleboro
Night time Lights at New England Botanic Backyard
The New England Botanic Backyard at Tower Hill in Boylston places on a Night time Lights: Starry Skies mild show in contrast to some other from November 24 by means of December 31, 2023 from 4:00 to 10:00 pm day by day. The occasion contains s’mores, seasonal drinks, a mannequin prepare, purchasing for vacation presents, and enjoyable photograph alternatives.
Issues to do Close by: Snowboarding and snow tubing at Ski Ward, Worcester Artwork Museum, Eco-Tarium
The place to Keep: The Rose Cottage Mattress and Breakfast
Winter Wonderland at Southwick’s Zoo
From November 18 by means of December 31, 2023, Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon is reworked right into a Winter Wonderland that includes 4 million illuminated vacation lights and handcrafted shows. This vacation spectacle contains eating, procuring, and charming performances by the Queen of Arrendelle and the Spirit Queen. You may even meet St. Nicholas in Santa’s Barn.
Issues to do Close by: Purgatory Chasm, vacation exhibits on the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket, Wrentham Village Shops.
The place to Keep: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Franklin
Christmas by Candlelight at Previous Sturbridge Village
Throughout Christmas by Candlelight at Previous Sturbridge Village, guests can stroll by means of the embellished village and alongside the Christmas Tree Path. As a dwelling historical past museum, costumed historians present baking demonstrations, inform tales, and exhibit traditional Christmas tasks.
The occasion additionally contains reside music, candy treats, mannequin prepare shows, and horse-drawn carryall rides, and pictures with Previous Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus. Christmas by Candlelight takes place on November 24-26 and December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-23, 27-30, 2023.
The place to Keep: Previous Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Household Lodges
Christmas in Worcester
The Metropolis of Worcester is festively embellished for vacation strolls with procuring, leisure, and vacation treats. The Pageant of Lights celebration kicks off with the Annual Tree Lighting on the Worcester Widespread on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 4:30-9 p.m.
This can be a enjoyable night for all ages together with particular lighting shows, meals vehicles and distributors, carriage rides across the Widespread, reside performances all through the evening from Worcester Public colleges choral teams, Los Cantores De La Montaña, and dance performances with hearth and LED lights curated by Cirque de Mild. Prime it off with ice skating on the 12,000 sq. ft. Worcester Widespread Oval within the coronary heart of downtown below competition lights and a go to from Santa with face portray, balloon animals, and extra.
There’s additionally a community-wide Hanukkah Occasion at Polar Park on December 14, 2023 and a Vacation Stroll by means of the Canal District of December 2nd.
Issues to do Close by: Eco-Tarium, Worcester Artwork Museum, Wormtown Brewery
The place to Keep: AC Resort Worcester
Pink Apple Farm Winter Lights
Pink Apple Farm, in Phillipston, residence to among the finest apple cider donuts within the state, places on a Winter Lights show with greater than 200,000 lights all through its orchard together with a “unicorn tunnel.” The restaurant and Cidery is open supply a full menu of scorching drinks, beer, cider, and wood-fired pizza to be loved across the bonfires. Winter Lights takes place from November 24 to December 31, 2023.
Issues to do Close by: Wachusett Mountain snowboarding
The place to Keep: Nice Wolf Lodge New England
Snowland at Nice Wolf Lodge
Snowland on the Nice Wolf Lodge runs from late November by means of early January annually and is extra than simply holiday-theming all through the resort. You may reserve a specifically embellished Snowland Suite, organize a milk and cookie supply from Wiley the Wolf, and revel in festive Snowland actions.
There are additionally Character Appearances from Wiley and Violet, the Nice Forest Mates Present, animal balloons, Yoga Tails, storytime, crafts, and pictures with Santa. Every evening youngsters collect within the foyer of their PJs for story time or the Forest Mates present with a particular shock of snow on the finish.
Issues to do Close by: Snowboarding at Wachusett Mountain
Christmas Village at Yankee Candle
The Yankee Candle retailer in Deerfield is the unique location and it’s greater than a retail retailer, it’s a vacation spot. You may store for the latest fragrances and acquainted favorites, together with residence décor equipment. There’s additionally a restaurant, scorching wax studio for candle making and different artwork tasks, together with a full Christmas Village.
Issues to do Close by: Eric Carle Museum of Image E-book Artwork, Dr. Seuss Museum, and different issues to do close to Springfield
The place to Keep: Deerfield Inn
Christmas in Stockbridge
This charming New England village is the real-life inspiration behind Norman Rockwell’s portray, “Stockbridge Primary Avenue at Christmas (House for Christmas).” Stockbridge, which was established in 1773 as a stagecoach cease, is that quintessential Christmas city embellished with vacation wreaths and festive lights for the season.
On the primary weekend in December, the city pays homage to Norman Rockwell’s idyllic depiction of village life through the holidays with a reenactment of the spirit of Norman Rockwell’s well-known vacation scene Stockbridge Primary Avenue at Christmas.
Roger the Jester and the Victorian Carolers carry out on one finish of the road whereas horse drawn rides, a Makers Market, kids’s crafts and visits with Santa take place on the opposite finish.
Issues to do Close by: Norman Rockwell Museum, The Mount, Namkeug, Hancock Shaker Village, snowboarding at Jiminy Peak
The place to Keep: Pink Lion Inn
Characteristic photograph: Path of timber, picture credit score Debbie Segreve.
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