You won’t regret it. In search of religious Christmas light displays? Osterville, Cape Cod. Sandwich, Cape Cod. The Pilgrims actually established the first colony there at Plymouth, and a neighboring town, Salem, held the infamous witch trials. Salem. Tucked in Westford, the snow tubing park boasts 18 lanes, making it the largest snow tubing park in New England. From twinkling lights to holiday happenings and Christmas activities, here are the towns that will definitely be getting on Santa’s nice list this year. Residents are proud of its beauty, especially the Taconic Mountains, which are a breathtaking part of the Appalachian Trail. From coast-to-coast, here are some of the best Christmas lights small towns in America have to offer. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Attleboro's main Christmas celebration is 61 years old and 400,000 lights strong. You’ll definitely want to visit Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, the largest drive-thru light display in New England. Whether we're strolling along a snow-dusted main street beneath twinkling holiday lights, or cozying up by the fire with hot chocolate after a fun day on the slopes, small towns offer the perfect escape from the winter blues. You will receive your first email soon. Best Christmas town in US is located in Massachusetts, according to Country Living. Rockport. Jul 10, 2019 - 12 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Massachusetts This town's saucy and heartfelt Christmas celebrations could cure the worst of grinches. The old colonial homes, cobblestone streets and tinkling bells on the doors of local shops make strolling around downtown Newburyport a true holiday treat. The Top 25 Hallmark Christmas Towns Index Known for their heart-warming cards, Hallmark has capitalized on finding those moments that inspire humility, gratitude and connection. Here's the official website of. There are cookies and hot chocolate for all, and even the option to take the tour on your decorated bike. With a nickname like "Christmas Town USA," McAdenville, a small town outside Charlotte, had better deliver on holiday decor — and it does. Where can I go snow tubing in Massachusetts? For more information on the fun holiday festivities in Taunton, Come Christmastime, Somerville is a semi-urban oasis of holiday lights. New England’s largest city is absolutely beautiful year-round, but during the holiday season, Back Bay sparkles a little brighter (with seemingly endless rows of Christmas lights), the already-stately brick homes of Beacon Hill are given a festive facelift, and Christmas trees dot the city. This holiday season, don't fall into the same pattern of Christmas hibernation (lazing around in a cozy corner of your home all season long). Stockbridge and Lenox. There’s no place like home for the holidays, but multiple Massachusetts towns are outdoing the rest of the country. The Lobster Pot pyramid may be less green than most Christmas trees, but it's an iconic holiday landmark in Provincetown during the month of December. You will receive your first email soon. Woodstock, Vermont. Wellesley. One of the best ways to celebrate the Christmas season is to visit one or more of its many drive-thru light shows in Massachusetts. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and these Massachusetts towns take that proclamation very seriously. Plus, the nearby Christmas tree farm means that the town's holiday trees are fresh and full of that intoxicating tree scent. Visitors can try their hand at holiday crafts, or get toasty in a night-time trolley festooned with sparkling lights. Freelance writer and strawberry eater. This town's celebrations are great if what you're seeking is a family-friendly place to experience the spirit of the season. Taunton's nickname is "The Christmas City", and this place lives up to its name every single year. Deerfield is a historic town that loves to do the holidays to the max. For example, at the beginning of December, there is their famous Christmas Walk. Massachusetts native. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/christmas-towns-ma Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Which Massachusetts town has given you the most sparkling holiday memories? Freelance writer and strawberry eater. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you want the perfect coastal Christmas experience but don’t want to trek all the way down to Nantucket, Kennebunkport puts the perfect New England twist on the holiday. Ahead, the best Christmas towns in the U.S. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. When: Lighting ceremony is on Nov 30, 2018 at 5pm-6pm.Lights stay until Dec 26, Hours are M-F 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Sat and Sun 5:30pm – 11pm. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Hear hymns echoing off the walls of the 1,900-year-old architectural marvel during midnight mass at the Pantheon (December 24 into the 25th). I spent a month in total in New England during fall over a couple of different visits, visiting six states and driving over 1500 miles. You can’t find a better place to visit in wintertime than Massachusetts. Truly a sight to see. So here are six of the best historic Christmas towns, one for each New England state. Stop by Market Square to take in the beauty of the town's Christmas tree, and then stop in for a hot chocolate just around the corner at Souffles. Strolling downtown can't be … It boasts the world's only post office offering a "Santa Claus" postmark. It has a great event going for it: The Illumination Trolley Tour. Main Street at Christmas | Stockbridge, Massachusetts December 4 – 6, 2020 Celebrate Christmas in New England like Norman Rockwell! Thank you! Be sure to check out the glow of Pilgrim Monument, and don't miss out on events like holiday-themed drag bingo, a special Christmas champagne brunch, community gingerbread decorating and lots more. To make these dreams a reality, here are some of the best Christmas towns across the country to visit for some serious holiday cheer. Or, you can go on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting town of Pittsfield to admire its beautifully decorated trees. However, this is one of those Christmasy towns that truly doesn't need much decoration other than a fresh coat of snow. Wethersfield, Conn. Don’t worry about having to climb back up the hill after each run. Pro tip: Embrace the Hallmark card aesthetic of this town by booking your room at the Rabbit Hill Inn, boasting incredible views of the mountains, allow with cozy furnishings like fireplaces and private saunas. 15 Of The Best Christmas Towns In America. Though it may not be a proper town, the community of Wesleyan Grove holds holiday events and celebrates the season in picture perfect style. It is located in the Berkshires, a favored vacation area in the far west of Massachusetts. Dreaming of a trip this Christmas? Over 150 Christmas trees line the streets during the annual Noel celebration, and Christmas Stroll Weekend brings carolers, minstrels, and crafting opportunities to the glowing town. ), sleigh rides, and holiday magic shows. Located on the slopes of Green Mountain, the Berkshires is a quaint rural region in western Massachusetts, about 2.5 hours from Boston. 1 Christmas town in America, according to Country Living "This is what Christmas magic looks like," the publication wrote. Some of the most magical places in Massachusetts at Christmas are found at its many holiday events. Cool Off At The Hidden Swimming Hole In Massachusetts’ October Mountain State Forest, There Are 3 Little Lighthouses Hiding In A Secluded Seaside Park In Massachusetts, The Natural Swimming Hole Off The Appalachian Trail In Massachusetts Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod Melody Tent Is The Only Tent Theater Of Its Kind In America. This Boston-area locale may seem like an unlikely pick for a Christmas town, but hear me out. This rural community is within throwing distance of a number of wonderful Christmas tree farms, and local spots like the Ashintully Gardens and Santarella Gingerbread House make it a fairytale destination for some simple but magical holiday fun. Find what to do today or anytime in May. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Check their website for a schedule of activities and definitely bring your finest top hat. What are the best drive-thru light shows in Massachusetts? They’re Magical. Rockwell made Stockbridge famous in his depiction of the town’s Main Street at Christmas, and the town pays tribute to the beloved painter each year in a weekend-long celebration of vintage holiday cheer. From glittering cities to a few snowy escapes, here are 20 of the best places to go for Christmas. Plus, Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield celebrates Christmas all year round! Here's the official website of, The lighting of the massive wreath on Chatham Light signals the start of an enchanting holiday season in this cozy Cape Cod town. Skip the crowded cities, and spend your Christmas in one of the South’s charming small towns. Visitors should check out the Illumination Trolley Tour, which takes you on a 45-minute journey through the brightest displays in town. This time of the year is also the ideal time for a beautiful road trip. I'm sure the reindeer appreciate the breather. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. A true Christmas city in all its senses, Copenhagen follows some of the best traditions during the celebrations at one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe. ... 7 Bulfinch Place Boston, MA 02114 News Tips: (800) 280-TIPS Tell Hank: (855) 247-HANK Mobile Apps; The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Don't miss Clopper the live nativity donkey! Stop by the official website of, Springfield makes the list due to the town's stunning Bright Nights at Forest Park light display. Stuart Westmorland Getty Images. The lights are live from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Jan 4. Sturbridge. For those who would rather get a bit of cardio while taking in the sights, check out the Illumination Bike Tour. This community features 318 (!) 7 Best Christmas Getaways in Massachusetts - Tripping.com 1. 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Massachusetts One of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts is now also the most populous state in New England. Best Places to See Christmas Lights in New England Fatima Shrine | Holliston, MA. This historic town prides itself on giving visitors a taste of authentic old New England. The annual Santa Parade kicks off with the arrival of the merry man himself via U.S. Coast Guard boat and culminates with a town tree lighting and carols. The sleepy town of Sturbridge in central Massachusetts is home to one of New England's best living history museums, Old Sturbridge Village. It's also home to the Yankee Candle Village, an indoor wonderland where it's always Christmastime, and Santa's influence can be felt year-round. Dec 1, 2016 - The best Christmas towns in Massachusetts seem like they were modeled after Christmas cards. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Here Are The Top 11 Christmas Towns In Massachusetts. Turn up the Christmas carols and wear your favorite Christmas jammies for the miles-long journey through countless shimmering lights. If you're up for the trek to the very tippy-top of Cape Cod, you'll be rewarded with one heck of a Christmas celebration. Christmas is a magical time of year and these picture-perfect towns offer unforgettable holiday experiences. That's 101 years! Acushnet, MA 02743. Take our Christmas Lights Road Trip to see even more enchanting holiday sights. For a twist on the traditional Christmas, consider spending the holidays in this small town 70 miles northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Feb 5, 2016 - These Massachusetts towns have the best holiday lights, activities, and celebrations. Here are 25 Christmas events and activities in New England that should be on your family's bucket list when visiting Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine over the 2020 holidays. Instead, venture out of the holiday haze and spend your winter break in one of the many transcendentally magical Christmas towns in America. Other enchanting Christmas towns in Massachusetts worth a visit include Nantucket, Chatham, and Lenox. In an ideal world, Copley Square would be transformed into a monthlong, German-style, outdoor Christmas market stocked with local foods and crafts, music, and mulled wine. During the month of December, the town green transforms into a sparkling jewel of lights and festive activities. Besides the trolley tour, Somerville has plenty of festive events scheduled for the month of December, including craft fairs and caroling. When it comes to the holidays, Marblehead brings its A-game. This town puts on a show that really makes you feel like you've entered another another world. Find more information on the official website of, The trip to the tip of the Cape is definitely worth it for this Christmas community. What are the best holiday events in Massachusetts? This town's massive winter overhaul, begun in 1956, involves 375 lit trees and hundreds of thousands of lights maintained by local volunteers, including most of the area's 650 or so residents. Love Massachusetts? All through the month of December you can count on candy-making demonstrations, caroling, holiday shows and pageants, and community sing-alongs. Some towns just seem like they were built to be decked in holly and dusted with snow. One of the best ways to wind down from all of the holiday activities is to spend a few hours snow tubing. From snow-blanketed landscapes to wreath-bedecked town squares, storybook holiday magic comes alive in these parts. The whole city is covered in lights to the brim and one can always run into massive Christmas markets at … Some of the most festive Christmas villages are right here in the US. Absent that, the city provides some excellent (and climate-controlled) alternatives. The Berkshires offer a dream-like New England wintry holiday experience, with lots of charming... Woodstock, Vermont. The New Bedford Reservoir, known as Lake Street to the locals, offers kayaking, fishing and wildlife observation. December 14, ... Nantucket, MA. Nov 4, 2017 - These Massachusetts towns have the best holiday lights, activities, and celebrations. This town has been putting on a huge annual holiday light show on the town green since 1914. Sturbridge definitely has earned its spot on this list. Check the town's event calendar to find the perfect activity to top off your supply of holiday cheer. Right outside of Charlotte, NC, this town is known as McAdenville most of the year, but each December, they change the name to Christmas Town USA. 1 North Pole, Alaska. You'll find decorations and lights no matter where you go on Nantucket, but Main Street is particularly enchanting. The Smithsonian listed this city of less than 10,000 as the best small town in America. And it gets better. 1. You'll feel like you're stepping into a Hallmark movie by paying a visit to one of the best Christmas towns in the USA. ... Massachusetts, may best be known as a … And I love Boston, but this post is an ode to the best small towns in Massachusetts, because they are what charmed me most about the state. A picturesque Christmas town (think wreathed lampposts, festive store fronts, and a steady sprinkle of snow) with world-class ski slopes, Whitefish is where to go for a classic holiday celebration. You might even catch a glimpse of such beautiful animals as artic foxes, Canadian lynx, and bald eagles. West Cambridge is the 20th best place to live in the state of Massachusetts. Winter Lights at Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston, for example, shimmers with Christmas lights and even runs through March, keeping it festive all winter long. They are renewable, recyclable, and locally grown. There are so many reasons that Boston is an amazing Christmas location. Check out the official website of, Tyringham is a wonderful Christmas town simply because of its pure, traditional wintery beauty. We're here to help. The popular tourist town of Kennebunkport proves it’s more than just summer destination with its annual Christmas Prelude, a six-day celebration that includes a lobster trap Christmas tree, a pooch parade, multiple craft fairs, Christmas fireworks, and the chance to see Santa and his lobster elves arrive by lobster boat. Don’t forget your camera, so you can snap photos of the magical North Pole Village, Jurassic Park, and Seuss Land. Woodstock, VT is probably the #1 spot for New England Christmas getaways, and definitely one of my top picks for where to spend Christmas in Vermont.Not only is this a fabulous holiday town, but it’s a beautiful destination in its … Cool Off At The Hidden Swimming Hole In Massachusetts’ October Mountain State Forest, There Are 3 Little Lighthouses Hiding In A Secluded Seaside Park In Massachusetts, The Natural Swimming Hole Off The Appalachian Trail In Massachusetts Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod Melody Tent Is The Only Tent Theater Of Its Kind In America, Here Are The 12 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Massachusetts, The Magical Road Trip Will Take You Through Massachusetts’ Most Charming Christmas Towns, Christmas In These 10 Massachusetts Towns Looks Like Something From A Hallmark Movie, The One Massachusetts Town That Transforms Into A Christmas Wonderland Each Year, Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. Thank you! If so, which ones? On Christmas morning, Santa sails into port on a lobster boat to greet the children of the town. The best Christmas vacations combine holiday cheer and fun activities in a beautiful destination. Best Places for Couples to Spend Christmas in Massachusetts A Massachusetts Christmas vacation for couples is equally enjoyable whether you spend it in bustling Boston or in one of the state's quaint small countryside towns. Cruise through the largest holiday light display in New England from the comfort of your car. Thank you! Let us know in the comments! One of the "10 best places to spend Christmas," according to CNN, the tiny town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Would you add any towns to the list of the best Christmas towns in Massachusetts? Head to this scenic part of Massachusetts during the first full weekend in December to participate in the Christmas Stroll, where you can simultaneously sip on mulled wine, listen to carolers, and shop for unique Christmas gifts. This 45 minute tour of the best illuminated houses in Somerville is a great way to see some holiday lights without having to lift a mittened finger. Marblehead is actually one of the best Christmas getaways in Massachusetts. Things to Do in Massachusetts, United States: See Tripadvisor's 2,127,544 traveler reviews and photos of Massachusetts tourist attractions. In addition to a visit to some of the most charming towns in Massachusetts, including Chatham and Nantucket, you’ll also find a ton to do outdoors, especially after a snowfall. Breathe in the fresh winter air with a Christmastime visit to Stone Zoo in Stoneham, which hosts the magical Zoo Lights. Some highlights from the month of December: the lighting of the Lobster Pot Christmas tree (see above), holiday-themed drag bingo, a holiday champagne brunch, community gingerbread decorating, and SO much more. Both possess ample historic character, and are wonderful places to spend the festive season. The annual Moonlight Magic event fills the streets with colored lights and candles. The east coast of the United States boasts some of the most elaborate, fantastical, holiday spirit boosting places in the world. Here are the 12 best Christmas towns in Massachusetts that transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season. Yahoo and Time magazine have named it among the “top 10 destinations to visit during the holidays”, and many news stations broadcast live from town around Christmas too. gorgeous Victorian cottages that look absolutely magical with a light coating of snow. From coastal shores to the mountainous Berkshires, there are hundreds of charming towns in Massachusetts that are perfect for every season. LaSalette Shrine's Festival of Lights is more than 60 years old, and features over 400,000 twinkling lights. We ended up choosing a town or city that offers history along with the carols, greenery, lights, Santas, skating rinks and horse-drawn sleighs. The Marblehead Christmas walk in early December includes a gingerbread festival and more than 80 local businesses that provide holiday activities, treats, and sales, but there are amazing Christmas events happening all through the month. The main holiday celebration (check the town's calendar of events for details and dates) includes horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, and caroling. These are 15 East Coast Christmas vacations that offer something extra special. Visitors can spend summers down on idyllic Cape Cod, enjoy leaf peeping in Western Mass during the fall, alpine and nordic ski through parks in the winter, and catch dozens of flowers and cherry blossoms blooming in springtime. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Taunton is actually nicknamed "The Christmas City," so its residents obviously know how to make the holidays magical. Street names include Christmas Boulevard, Candy Cane Lane, and Mistletoe Drive, and you'll find over 20 statues of Santa around town, offering many seasonal photo ops. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Visitors are fully immersed in every aspect of early 19 th -century life, including a rural farming community, a neighborhood surrounding a water-powered sawmill, and a thriving village center. You can do just that at Nashoba Valley’s Snow Tubing Park. From lobster bakes to trolley rides and chocolate bars, the Christmas Prelude has all the Christmas spirit you can handle. town is the best to visit during Christmas time nationwide, according to Country Living By Shannon Larson Globe Staff, Updated December 8, 2020, 6:09 a.m. Email to a Friend With a well-preserved collection of original colonial houses and a picturesque downtown, Christmas in Deerfield feels like falling into a Dickens novel. Somerville. Head over to the official website of, During the holidays, Attleboro plays host to one of the most beloved wonderland of lights in the state. Boston, Massachusetts New England’s largest city is absolutely beautiful year-round, but during the holiday season, Back Bay sparkles a little brighter (with seemingly endless rows of Christmas lights), the already-stately brick homes of Beacon Hill are … It's exactly what you think, if what you're thinking is Bostonians running for charity while clad in only santa hats and Speedos. Massachusetts is home to two shrines on our list. Is Massachusetts a good place to visit in the winter? Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! If you’re having a Boston-based Christmas, look for a vacation rental in Somerville to put yourself near... 2. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Stroll through Bavarian-inspired villages, snow-blanketed ski resorts, or quaint New England towns. You’ve got a tube lift to take you straight to the top, so you can get in as many runs down the hill as possible. Here are the best places to spend Christmas this year. Check out the Lights On festival and the annual Christmas parade.