The 12 Most Magical Christmas Towns in Massachusetts

Some towns seem like they were meant to be decked in holly and dusted with snow—especially in Massachusetts. As a state, we're blessed with many quaint towns that look straight out of a Christmas card. Each one has something unique to get locals and visitors into the holiday spirit.

If you're planning a cozy winter trip this year, consider visiting one of these 12 small Christmas towns in Massachusetts. Between their parades, light displays, Santa sightings, and hot cocoa, you're bound to feel transported to a magical holiday wonderland.

1. Taunton

Taunton, Massachusetts, is actually nicknamed "The Christmas City," so its residents obviously know how to make the holidays magical. During December, the town green transforms into a sparkling jewel of lights and festive activities, also known as Once Upon a Christmas in the Silver City. Celebrate with the Taunton Lights On Festival on December 6—featuring live entertainment, family activities and crafts, holiday treats, and spectacular light displays all over town.

2. Somerville

Come Christmastime, Somerville, Massachusetts, is a semi-urban oasis of holiday lights. It's easy to see why this is one of the best Christmas towns in the state. Visitors should check out Illuminations, a self-guided tour to the brightest house displays in town. There are cookies and hot chocolate for all, and even the option to take the tour on your decorated bike. Besides the trolley tour, Somerville has plenty of festive events scheduled for the month of December, including craft fairs and caroling.

3. Deerfield

Deerfield, Massachusetts, is full of original colonial homes and winding cobblestone paths, making it as pretty as a Christmas postcard. It's also home to the Yankee Candle Village, an indoor year-round wonderland where it's always Christmastime, and Santa's influence can be felt year-round. Plus, the nearby Christmas tree farm means that the town's holiday trees are fresh and full of that intoxicating tree scent.

4. Attleboro

During the holidays, Attleboro, Massachusetts, plays host to one of the most beloved wonderlands of lights in the state. LaSalette Shrine's Festival of Lights is more than 60 years old and features more than one million twinkling lights. The town is flooded with visitors coming to marvel at the lights of the shrine, which infuses Attleboro with a lot of festive cheer. This year, the festival will take place from November 22 to January 4.

5. Provincetown

The trip to the tip of the Cape is definitely worth it for the Christmas vibes in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The Lobster Pot pyramid may be less green than most Christmas trees, but it's an iconic holiday landmark around town. Be sure to check out the glow of the 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. Head over to the official website of Provincetown Tourism for more information.

6. Shelburne Falls

Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, is the perfect family Christmas town. Nestled along the Mohawk Trail, this sleepy town is full of lights and charm around the holidays. The annual Moonlight Magic event on November 28 fills the streets with colored lights and candles. Visitors can try their hand at holiday crafts or get toasty in a nighttime trolley festooned with sparkling lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus even stop by for a parade.

7. Springfield

Springfield, Massachusetts, makes the list for its stunning Bright Nights at Forest Park light display. Cruise through the largest holiday light display in New England from the comfort of your car. This town puts on a show that really makes you feel like you've entered another world! The park's 31st season begins November 26 and runs until January 4—buy tickets here.

8. Tyringham

Tyringham, Massachusetts, is one of the best Christmas towns in the state thanks to its pure, traditional wintry beauty. This rural community is within a stone's throw of several wonderful Christmas tree farms, like the one near Tyringham Cobble trail. Local spots like Ashintully Gardens and Santarella Gingerbread House—an estate that looks straight from a fairytale—make it the perfect destination for some simple, but magical, holiday fun. Both spots have various festive events throughout the month of December.

9. Nantucket

If you're looking for the perfect combination of holiday magic and seaside charm, Nantucket, Massachusetts, delivers. This island has decorations and lights everywhere, but Main Street is particularly enchanting. More than 150 Christmas trees line the streets during the annual Noel celebration from November 1 to December 31. Christmas Stroll Weekend from December 5 to 7 brings carolers, minstrels, and crafting opportunities to the glowing town.

10. Newburyport

Newburyport, Massachusetts, is a seaside town that really pulls out all the stops for the holidays. But the place doesn't need much decoration besides a coat of fresh snow. The old colonial homes, cobblestone streets, and tinkling bells on the doors of local shops make strolling around downtown Newburyport a festive treat. Stop by Market Square to take in the beauty of the town's Christmas tree, and then stop in for a hot coffee or cocoa at Olive's Coffee & Bakehouse on High Street.

11. Chatham

The lighting of the massive wreath on Chatham Light signals the start of an enchanting holiday season in this cozy Cape Cod town. Take part in the Chatham Christmas by the Sea Stroll from December 12 to 14—a fun holiday weekend featuring a holiday walk down Main Street, a parade escorting Santa on his "sleigh," and a tree lighting ceremony at Sears Park. The rest of December involves free holiday concerts, Santa greetings, and more.

12. The Gingerbread Village, Oak Bluffs

You can't get much more Christmasy than an entire town of homes that look like full-scale gingerbread houses. This community in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, features 318 gorgeous Victorian cottages that look absolutely magical before, during, and after a light sprinkling of snow. Though it may not be a proper town, the community of Wesleyan Grove holds holiday events and celebrates the season in picture-perfect style.

Which Massachusetts Christmas town are you hoping to visit this year? If you're looking to get into the holiday spirit New England style, plan a road trip to one (or several!) of these Bay State destinations, and try out Only In Your State's itinerary planner for dining, lodging, and sightseeing recommendations.