15 Magical Places to Visit in Massachusetts During the 2023 Holiday Season
When:
Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023 10:00a -
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 9:00p
Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023 10:00a -
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 9:00p
Where:
Boston
Boson
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Art, Kid Friendly, Outside, Photoworthy, Seasonal
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/15-magical-things-to-do-in-massachusetts-this-winter-2023
We know Boston is alive with the holiday spirit, but there are many festive happenings in the rest of the state to experience as well. Plan a day trip or a weekend away to experience these magical holiday events throughout New England.
Listed by distance from Downtown Boston.
by Celina Colby
When: Friday, 11/17-Sunday, 1/7
Where: Stoneham, MA | 9.8 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: During the holiday season you can see the animals at the Stone Zoo, as well as their lit-up counterparts. ZooLights features 26 acres of light installations, plus pop-up concerts and other events during December.
Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine
When: Thursday, 11/23-Sunday, 12/31
Where: Attleboro, MA | 40.6 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Stroll through this magical, sprawling winter display featuring more than 400,000 sparkling lights. This dazzling wonderland display is open every night and features flowers, animals, and other holiday scenes displayed in brilliant light.
Night Lights: Starry Skies at New England Botanic Garden
When: Friday, 11/24-Sunday, 12/31
Where: Boylston, MA | 46.4 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: In the winter the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill comes alive with thousands of lights in beautiful natural and holiday displays. After strolling the displays with a mug of hot chocolate, warm up by the fire pits and roast some s’mores.
When: Friday, 12/1-Sunday, 4/10
Where: Worcester, MA | 46.5 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Unleash your inner ice skating champion at this huge rink in downtown Worcester. For just $6 you can try out your best moves on the ice or you can grab a hot chocolate and watch from the sidelines. You can also check out these ice skating rinks closer to home.
Winter Wonderland at Southwick’s Zoo
When: Saturday, 11/18-Sunday, 12/31
Where: Southwick, MA | 46.7 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Spent some quality time with Santa Claus, watch one of several holiday-themed shows, sip on hot chocolate or hot toddies, and meander through a beautiful life display, all the Southwick’s Zoo Winter Wonderland experience.
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
When: Friday, 11/24- Saturday, 12/30
Where: Sturbridge, MA | 59.4 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Stroll through an Old Sturbridge Village that’s been decorated to the nines for the holidays. Learn about historic Christmas projects and traditions, sample sweet treats, listen to live music, and ride in the horse-drawn carryall.
Cornerstone Ranch Sleigh Rides
When: Saturday, 12/9-Wednesday, 4/10
Where: Princeton, MA | 63.1 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Take dashing through the snow to the next level at Cornerstone Ranch in Princeton, MA where you can take a traditional sleigh ride with the family or go on a horseback riding expedition through the snowy woods.
When: Wednesday, 11/22-Monday, 1/1
Where: Springfield, MA | 92.2 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Bright Nights at Forest Park is a beloved holiday tradition in Springfield. Visitors drive their cars through an extensive park of light installations showing everything from holiday scenes to the local hockey team.
When: Open daily
Where: South Deerfield, MA | 114 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: It’s Christmas all year round at Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield where you can walk through a Bavarian Village, browse ornaments, meet Santa, and sample holiday-themed candles at any time of the year.
When: Friday, 11/24-Saturday, 1/6
Where: Stockbridge, MA | 130 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: The gardens at the historic home Naumkeag in Stockbridge come alive in the winter with elaborate light displays inspired by nature, history, and holiday traditions.
NEAR MASSACHUSETTS:
53rd annual Christmas in Newport
When: Friday, 12/1-Sunday, 12/31
Where: Newport, RI | 71.5 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Historic Newport flourishes during the holiday season. Visit the Newport Mansions all decked out in lavish decor for the holiday season, shop at holiday markets, attend festive cocktail parties, and more throughout the season.
Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights
When: Saturday, 11/25-Saturday, 11/30
Where: East Windsor, CT | 103 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: At the Connecticut Trolley Museum you can hop on a festively decorated trolley and take a ride through the Tunnel of Lights, an astounding railroad-inspired holiday light display. The 20-30 minute ride also features live caroling.
When: Friday, 1/26-Sunday, 2/25
Where: North Woodstock, NH | 132 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: This winter experience is worth the trip up to New Hampshire. Explore a castle filled with slides, passageways, archways, tunnels, and forests, all made completely out of ice.
When: Friday, 12/8-Sunday, 12/10
Where: Woodstock, VT | 141 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Nothing sets the tone for the holidays quite like Woodstocks' Wassail Weekend. Experience carriage rides and a carriage parade through this charming small town, sip on Wassail punch, light the memory tree, listen to live music, go caroling, and much more. Although this is one of the most exciting weekends in Woodstock, there’s a calendar of holiday events to attend all December.
Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
When: Saturday, 11/18-Sunday, 11/31
Where: Boothbay, ME | 164 miles from Downtown Boston
Info: Every winter the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens come alive with a brilliant lights display in celebration of the holiday season. Walk through 14 acres of seasonal cheer in the central gardens of the property.
