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 purchasing, discovering methods to recapture the enjoyment of the vacation amidst the hustle and bustle of the season may be arduous, however now we have made it simpler with this round-up of one of the best Christmas lights, vacation occasions, and Christmas cities in Massachusetts.
From east to west, north to south, and even over to the islands, now we have sought out the cheeriest, merriest, most festive methods to have fun Christmas in Massachusetts.
If you’re keen to journey a bit additional, additionally take a look at my checklist of Rhode Island Christmas occasions and one of the best locations to go for Christmas on the East Coast.
Christmas in Massachusetts – Occasions, Cities, Sights, and Extra!
Word: This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. Should you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Word: We’re persevering with to replace this text as new occasions are introduced. Have one thing you need to see included? E mail me so I’ve an opportunity to test it out.
Christmas in Rockport
If you’re in search of cute Christmas cities in Massachusetts, look no additional than Rockport. I assumed this waterfront enclave on Cape Ann was a stunner in the summertime, however wait till you see the darling little outlets adorned 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 7, 2024, adopted by the Dock Sq. Tree Lighting ceremony. A Menorah Lighting will then be held on December twenty sixth, the second day of Chanukah.
Strolling musician and carolers will entertain you whereas purchasing on Saturday afternoon, December 14. The Christmas Pageant, a dwell nativity re-enactment, takes place on Saturday, December 21. For the purchasing procrastinators, Final Minute Stocking Stuffer weekend is December 21 & 22, when you will get some nice “final minute” offers.
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 stepping into the festive spirit by adorning their storefronts with twinkling lights and artistic window shows.
The place to Keep: Addison Choate is an enthralling boutique lodge in Rockport.
Somerville Illuminations Tour
Annually, the residents of Somerville, simply north of Boston and Cambridge, unfold vacation cheer by reworking their areas and yards with lights, ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy. Prior to now, you may hop on a trolley to see the Christmas lights, however this has been remodeled right into a extra inexpensive and unique bike tour or self-guided tour.
The Somerville Arts Council places collectively an interactive, on-line Illuminations Map of all of the adorned homes, which you’ll be able to observe on a self-guided tour from December 12, 2024, by way of early January. Or, you possibly can be a part of the Illuminations Bike Tour, beginning at Somerville Excessive College’s foremost entrance at 5:45 pm on December 14, 2024, for a guided expertise.
Issues to do Close by: Harvard Museum of Pure Historical past, Harvard Artwork Museum, MIT Museum, purchasing, eating, and leisure (together with LEGO Discovery Middle 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 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025 from 4:00 – 9:30 p.m, 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 each Thursday from 4-8pm, 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 probably be lit on the night of December 5, 2024, adopted by the lighting of practically 80 different bushes all through the Boston Frequent 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 probably be lit for the season on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 5:00 PM
- The Faneuil Corridor Market tree lighting takes place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
- The Annual Ship Lighting in Martin’s Park will probably be on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. This family-friendly occasion options sizzling 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 probably be on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 8:15 PM with the lighting of bushes up and down Commonwealth Avenue.
- Gentle Up Seaport takes place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 5:00 – 9:00 PM on the Seaport Frequent, that includes vacation tunes, a celeb look by Betty the Yeti, and extra.
- The Boston Frequent Menorah lighting is on Wednesday, December 25 at 4:00 pm with a 9-foot-tall Menorah.
Issues to do Close by: Ice skating on the Frog Pond within the Boston Frequent, see The Nutcracker at Residents Financial institution Opera Home, or Rudolph the Crimson-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical on the Boch Middle.
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 areas and delightful gentle shows. You’ll hear tales of Boston’s previous and current holidays from a costumed character information and move by Beacon Hill, Charles Road, Faneuil Corridor, Frog Pond, and extra from the consolation of a heated double-decker trolley.
The tour features a cease at Boston Frequent to take images by the ice rink and Christmas tree and alongside the best way you’ll take pleasure in a marshmallow-filled sizzling 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 purchasing. There’s additionally a tree marketplace for locals in search of 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 at Snowport Offered by Fixed Contact will probably be open seven days every week November 8 – December 29, 2024. Simply notice that the market is closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and December twenty sixth. Hours are: Monday – Thursday 3:00pm – 8:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm, and Sunday 11:00am – 8:00pm.
Issues to do Close by: Institute of Up to date Artwork, Boston Youngsters’s Museum, Boston Tea Celebration Ships & Museum, issues to do in Boston with teenagers
The place to Keep: Intercontinental Boston or Seaport Resort
Competition of Lights at Edaville
Edaville Household Theme Park in Carver, residence to Thomas Land, has been a favourite for households and prepare fans for many years however within the winter it places on one among New England’s oldest Christmas traditions. Competition 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.
Competition of Lights is open Thursdays by way of Sundays from November 8 by way of December 31 (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 proscribed 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
Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich hosts an annual Gardens Aglow occasion annually from late November by way of December twenty third. Gardens Aglow options stunning gentle shows all through the Gardens and enjoyable actions. Tickets promote out very early so plan forward!
Guests can see Santa on the J.Ok. Lilly III Vehicle Gallery in a 1913 Ford Mannequin T and take a look at Heritage’s vintage automotive assortment. On the American Artwork & Carousel Gallery, you possibly can take a trip on the 1908 Looff carousel and consider winter scenes from the Currier & Ives assortment.
Outdoors, stroll by way 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 take pleasure in taking part in with large constructing blocks, making an attempt out garden video games, and watching the mannequin prepare show. Heat up on the hearth desk. Simply keep in mind to buy your tickets early!
You can even pay further for a VIP Expertise with Santa, which incorporates early hen parking, a meet and greet with Santa, story time, a vacation sing-along, craft making, and cookies and sizzling 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 trip. Passengers will relive the magic of the basic story by Chris Van Allsburg on a prepare trip set to the sounds of the movement image soundtrack.
As soon as onboard, the conductor will punch golden tickets for every youngster and dancing cooks and waiters will carry out whereas Christmas carols play, adopted by a studying of the basic kids’s guide, 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 youngster will take residence a memento sleigh bell and memento golden ticket. Scrumptious sizzling chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread cookies are the official onboard deal with, served to every passenger through the trip.
The place to Keep: Hampton Inn Cape Cod Canal
Chatham’s Christmas by the Sea
The vacations come alive within the city of Chatham with a Christmas by the Sea Stroll from December 13-15, 2024. The festivities kick off with a Gentle Parade with Santa, adopted by a tree lighting and vacation cheer on the outlets alongside Essential Road. You can even take pleasure in horse and carriage rides or a go to to Santa’s Workshop. The particular occasions additionally embrace breakfast with Santa and vacation motion pictures.
The place to Keep: Chatham Bars Inn
First Gentle Provincetown
First Gentle Provincetown is the ultimate large pageant of the vacation season. It’s a four-day-long occasion that includes vacation events, occasions, and performances. The most important occasion of the celebration is the fireworks celebration from MacMillan Pier which will probably be held on December thirty first at nightfall. You can even watch the fireworks from close by bars, golf equipment and eating places which have decks and indoor seating. First Gentle Provincetown additionally consists of the Lite Shiny Bike Journey on New 12 months’s Eve and the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New 12 months’s Day.
You should definitely 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
The place to Keep: White Porch Inn
Nantucket Christmas stroll Market
On December 6-8, 2024 from 10:00 am to three:00 pm, the Christmas Stroll Market is ready up on the foot of Essential Road in Nantucket. Should you want an excuse to plan a winter island weekend getaway, right here is your probability.
Get pleasure from yummy meals and drinks as you store from a number of handcrafted items and merchandise bought by native companies and non-profit organizations. You can even go to the Competition of Timber on the Whaling Museum, designed by group 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 Competition Taunton
Taunton has been placing on a vacation gentle present in town inexperienced since 1914, incomes the city the nickname of “The Christmas Metropolis.” The Lights On Competition takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 3:00 to eight:00 pm on the historic Taunton Inexperienced.
This annual celebration options dwell leisure and actions at greater than 30 leisure websites inside the downtown neighborhood. Even after the Competition and Tree Lighting, you possibly can benefit from the vacation lights show by way of New Years Day (parking is free downtown nights & weekends). You can even take complimentary images 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 Competition of Lights
For a extra non secular celebration, go to the Nationwide Shrine at Our Woman of La Salette in Attleboro. The Competition of Lights options over 300,000 twinkling lights that can absolutely amaze the entire household. This non secular lights show additionally encompasses a creche museum, non secular retailer, meals court docket, 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 gentle show not like every other from November 23, 2024 by way of January 5, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. day by day. The occasion consists of s’mores, seasonal drinks, a mannequin prepare, purchasing for vacation items, and enjoyable picture 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 21 – December 29 on Thursdays by way of Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to shut, Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon is remodeled right into a Winter Wonderland that includes 4 million illuminated vacation lights and handcrafted shows. This vacation spectacle consists of eating, purchasing, and charming performances by the Queen of Arrendelle and the Spirit Queen. You possibly can even meet St. Nicholas in Santa’s Barn.
Issues to do Close by: Purgatory Chasm, vacation reveals on the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket, Wrentham Village Retailers.
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 way of the adorned village and alongside the Christmas Tree Path. As a dwelling historical past museum, costumed historians present baking demonstrations, inform tales, and reveal basic Christmas initiatives.
The occasion additionally consists of dwell music, candy treats, mannequin prepare shows, and horse-drawn carryall rides, and images with Previous Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus. Christmas by Candlelight takes place on November 29, 30, and December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to eight:00 p.m.
The place to Keep: Previous Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Household Lodges
Christmas in Worcester
The Metropolis of Worcester is festively adorned for vacation strolls with purchasing, leisure, and vacation treats. The Competition of Lights celebration kicks off with the Annual Tree Lighting on the Worcester Frequent on Friday, December 6, 2024. The lights will then proceed to be lit from Dec. 6, 2024 by way of Feb. 28, 2025.
The tree lighting is a enjoyable night for all ages together with meals vehicles, a beer tent, a go to from Santa, face portray, interactive roving circus performers, hearth performances, and carriage rides. Performances from the Worcester Poets Laureate, the Burncoat Excessive College Quadrivium Refrain, Midland Road Elementary College, the Jo Ann Warren Studio, and the Many Voices: Mechanics Corridor Youth Singers will happen all through the night.
Complimentary ice-skating on the Worcester Frequent Oval throughout Competition of Lights is made doable by Blue Cross Blue Protect of Massachusetts. Skaters might deliver their skates or hire for $6 per pair.
Issues to do Close by: Eco-Tarium, Worcester Artwork Museum, Wormtown Brewery
The place to Keep: AC Resort Worcester
Crimson Apple Farm Winter Lights
Crimson Apple Farm, in Phillipston, residence to among the greatest 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 throughout Winter Lights providing a full menu of sizzling drinks, beer, cider, and wood-fired pizza to be loved across the bonfires. Winter Lights takes place on choose evenings from November Twenty ninth-December thirty first from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
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 way of early January annually and is extra than simply holiday-theming all through the resort and festive Snowland actions.
There are additionally Character Appearances from Wiley and Violet, the Nice Forest Associates Present, animal balloons, Yoga Tails, storytime, crafts, and images with Santa. Every night time youngsters collect within the foyer of their PJs for story time or the Forest Associates 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 possibly can store for the latest fragrances and acquainted favorites, together with residence décor equipment. For the vacations, the corporate has created a Bavarian village indoors replete with a dusting of snow, Grinch-adorned ornaments and workshops the place company can create their very own scented candle whereas exploring the corporate’s Candle Making Musuem.
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
Grinchmas in Springfield
The Springfield museum’s campus, which incorporates The Superb World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss Nationwide Sculpture Backyard hosts a collection of occasions as a part of Grinchmas together with The Grinch’s Grotto on the Merrie Wooden Museum of Springfield Historical past. The cave-like construction features a throne the place a smiling Grinch is perched wanting to greet guests for each selfies and portraits.
The Gingerbread in Toyland exhibit options native bakers’ candy creations impressed by basic toys, books, and festive decorations on show by way of December 31. On Saturdays, youngsters can meet with Kris Kringle and revel in craft items in Santa’s Workshop, in addition to have fun traditions like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with themed programming.
The enjoyable continues over faculty trip week with trivia, snowman-building indoors, and dwell performances from December 27-30, 2024.
Shiny Lights at Forest Park
This yr, Shiny Nights at Forest Park, one of many Northeast’s most beloved vacation gentle shows, celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. Guests of all ages will probably be enchanted by one among New England’s largest vacation gentle shows with greater than 650,000 twinkling lights and eccentric shows that deliver the vacation spirit to life. This milestone yr guarantees much more surprise, making it the proper time to go to this treasured custom.
Along with the magical lighting show illuminating the three-mile drive, Santa’s Magical Forest will probably be welcoming guests to take pleasure in, snacks, souvenirs, and whirl on the carousel. Santa will probably be greeting guests on the entrance on opening night time as properly.
Shiny Nights at Forest Park runs from Wednesday, November 27, 2024 by way of Sunday, January 5, 2025. Wagon and carriage rides are additionally accessible (reservations required) each half hour from 5:30 to eight:30 p.m.
Christmas in Stockbridge
This charming New England village is the real-life inspiration behind Norman Rockwell’s portray, “Stockbridge Essential Road at Christmas (House for Christmas).” Stockbridge, which was established in 1773 as a stagecoach cease, is that quintessential Christmas city adorned 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 Essential Road 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: Crimson Lion Inn
Function picture: Path of bushes, picture credit score Debbie Segreve.
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising government and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged knowledgeable in household journey. Tamara is a member of SATW, NATJA, IFWTWA, and the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and serves on the Board of the Household Journey Affiliation. She can also be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Professionals journey podcast.
