12 Christmas Light Displays In Massachusetts That Are Pure Magic
Do you ever find yourself tempted to Google Christmas lights near me? Massachusetts takes things to another level when it comes to the holidays, and you’ve probably seen evidence of this in your home town! Perhaps it’s because so many of our towns and main streets look like they’ve tumbled straight out of A Christmas Carol, but there’s definitely something extra magical about the Bay State this time of year. Take a look at what we consider to be some of the best displays of Christmas lights in Massachusetts, an ideal way to celebrate the holiday season.
Please Note: Before you visit any of these Christmas light displays, visit the website or the Facebook page of the destination to verify that it is open for the season.
The glistening lights of this festival will bring the magic of the season to your heart. If you feel like catching a beautiful Christmas light show, but don’t want to brave the winter chill, Winter Reimagined is the solution. This 175-year-old horticultural society festoons its stunning galleries with gorgeous plants and lights. You can also wander through the surreal landscape of their gardens and grounds, which are all illuminated with twinkling lights. (11 French Drive, Boylston) For more information, stop by the official website of Tower Hill Botanic Garden.
This is New England's largest display of festive lights. The wonderland stretches across miles (yes, miles) of a glittering park, and you experience this otherworldly show from your cozy car. You might even want to wear your favorite Christmas jammies and bring along some treats to make your adventure even more festival. Along the way, you'll be pulled through the magical territories of "Seuss Land", "Jurassic Park", and the "North Pole Village." Head over to the official website of Bright Nights at Forest Park for more information, including days, hours, and cost of admission.
Taunton is nicknamed "The Christmas City," so you know they can put on a spectacular holiday show. The Lighting of the Green has been a popular holiday event for more than a century, and it generally features a holiday festival with activities, Christmas carols, and treats for the whole family. The Lighting of the Green traditionally runs from the beginning of December until the beginning of January. Find more information on the official website of Lighting of the Green.
Taunton, MA, USA
4. Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights, South Carver
This railroad amusement park pulls out all the stops for the holiday season. Hop on a train and ride through millions of twinkling lights that illuminate the grounds of the park. You’ll also get to feast on seasonal goodies, visit Santa. and ride on vintage amusement park rides. The celebration traditionally runs from late November through the New Year. For more information, head over to the official website of Edaville Christmas Festival.
The city of Boston Head to Christopher Columbus Park (pictured) for a stroll beneath a canopy of sparkling lights. Winter Lights on the Greenway traditionally runs from December through March, so you'll have plenty of time to wrap yourself in the holiday spirit. You can learn more about this festive celebration on the official website of The Greenway.
Rose Kennedy Greenway, Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110, USA
This is one of the most beloved and popular Christmas displays in the state. Over 300,000 lights are spread over 10 acres of winter wonderland. This event is held at The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, so many of the displays celebrate the spiritual side of the holidays. Don't miss the International Creche Museum featuring hundreds of creches from around the world. Illuminations are typically held from late November through early January each year. Stop by the official website of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette for more information, including days and hours.
This is a holiday stroll that will bring you face to face with all of winter's most fascinating creatures. Wander amongst the thousands of twinkling likes at the Stone Zoo, and cozy up to animals like bald eagles, Canada lynx, and arctic foxes. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the official website of Stone Zoo for more information, including this year's planned activities, days, hours, and admission prices.
At this holiday light show, more than 10 miles of lights are strung across the beautiful landscape of Heritage Museum and Gardens. The outdoor event boasts a full menu of activities, including firepits where you can roast marshmallows, a reindeer-themed scavenger hunt, appearances by Santa, and Cape Cod Donuts. You can even do some of your Christmas shopping at The Shop at Heritage. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Find more information on the official website of
Heritage Museum and Gardens.
Don't miss this charming Christmas stroll and light show on Nantucket. Hundreds of decorated seven-foot Christmas trees line the downtown streets, and carolers in costume sing traditional holiday songs while shoppers and spectators mill about. There are craft shows, free holiday treat samples, and plenty of cheer to go around. The whole island seems aglow during this special, free event. Christmas Stroll Weekend is typically held the first weekend of December. Here's the official website of Christmas Stroll on Nantucket, where you can find more information.
Nantucket, MA, USA
10. Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees, Pittsfield
What better place for lights than on a Christmas tree? This event turns Pittsfield into a magical holiday wonderland. The Festival of Trees will take place throughout Pittsfield with an assortment of local businesses, shops, and restaurants decorating their spaces with jaw-droppingly beautiful Christmas trees. The Festival of Trees generally runs from late November through early January. You can learn more on the official website of The Berkshire Museum.
Berkshire Museum, 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201, USA
See the city of Worcester go up in lights at this popular festival. The massive Christmas tree looks like something out of a storybook, and the oval ice rink has room enough for all. It’s 50% larger than the Rockefeller Center rink, and skating is free! The free event generally takes place in December.
Worcester, MA, USA
12. City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration, Lowell
Lowell celebrates the Christmas season with a special parade and holiday celebration. The streets are usually filled with holiday shopping crowds (way more festive than those at the mall, live performances, and wandering Santas. Don't miss the famous Annual Hot Chocolate Competition! This event is free and open to the public. Find the dates and more information on the official website of City of Lights.
Lowell, MA, USA
Do you agree that these are the best displays of Christmas lights in Massachusetts? If not, which would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments! Still wondering about Christmas lights near me? Why not take a trip to one of Massachusett’s most spirited Christmas cities? (You’ll have 11 cities from which to choose.) While considering holiday road trips, also consider this road trip to see the best Christmas lights in Massachusetts!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best christmas light displays in massachusetts
December 05, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
Where can I see the best light displays in Massachusetts?
When Christmastime rolls around, you’ll definitely want to make your way to one of the best Christmas light displays in Massachusetts. Bright Nights, which meanders through Forest Park in Springfield, earns the distinction as one of the largest lights displays in New England. No matter where you live in Massachusetts, you’ll find it’s well worth the drive. The three-mile light display boasts more than 675,000 twinkling lights and such whimsical light displays as Santa’s Magical Forest, Never Never Land, and Toy Land. You can purchase a ticket for the evening you plan to go to or go as many times as you want during the season with a season pass.
What are the best Christmas towns in Massachusetts?
Are you on the hunt for things to do at Christmas in Massachusetts? How about planning a day trip or a weekend getaway to one of the best Christmas towns in Massachusetts? If you’ve got a family tradition of driving around to look at the Christmas lights, you’ll definitely want to head to Somerville, just outside of Boston. The charming neighborhood is known for its gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations. You also can’t go wrong with a visit to Taunton, also known as The Christmas City. Other enchanting Christmas towns in Massachusetts worth a visit include Nantucket, Chatham, and Lenox.
Where can I go snow tubing in Massachusetts?
Christmastime can be really stressful, and we need a way to relieve that stress. One of the best things to do outside at Christmas in Massachusetts is to hit the local snow tubing hills. While everyone else is at the mall, you can zip and glide down the hill at Nashoba Valley’s Snow Tubing Park in Littleton. The park, in fact, is the largest in all of New England, so you know you’re in for a day of thrills. Ski Ward Ski Area in Shrewsbury also promises non-stop thrills and chills on its eight lanes for snow tubing.
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