The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Massachusetts That Will Take You To 8 Magical Displays
Do you crave the time of year when the whole world seems to sparkle with light and cheer? You’ll fit right in here in Massachusetts, which transforms into a winter wonderland each and ever year. In fact, you’ll absolutely adore the opportunity to check out the most festive and radiant light displays via a Christmas lights road trip in Massachusetts. There are so many worth visiting that selecting the very best displays can be a challenge, so we assembled a holiday bucket list just for you. Aim to visit the very best destinations in the area – let this list be your guide to experiencing the best of the state’s magical spots this season.
Follow this link for the road trip directions. The total drive time is about 7.5 hours, so you might want to plan to stay overnight near one of the attractions.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
What do you get when you mix bright lights and classic trains? This magical railroad holiday extravaganza. You can climb aboard on of Edaville's beautiful trains and take in the glow of thousands of holiday lights. There are also plenty of tasty treats, amusement park rides and meetings with Santa. Visit between mid-November and the end of December to take part in the cheer. (5 Pine Street, Carver)
This town is actually nicknamed "The Christmas City," so it obviously knows how to put on a magical light festival. The Taunton Green has been lighting up for the holidays for over 100 years. If you want to include this stop on your road trip, you'll want to try to plan your visit for the first Saturday in December. (Taunton Town Green, Taunton)
Over 300,000 lights decorate this 10-acre winter wonderland in Attleboro. Hosted by the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, this faith-based Christmas celebration keeps is one of the most popular light events in the state. Illuminations are held from 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 2 to 9 p.m. on weekends between late November and just after the New Year. (947 Park Street, Attleboro)
This horticultural society of over 175 years puts on a spectacular winter light show, complete with indoor and outdoor galleries of plants festooned with twinkling lighted strands. It's a great option for people who don't necessarily want to walk around all night in the chilly air. The event runs from the end of November through the end of December. Adult admission is $17. Youth admission is $7. Children under 5 are free. (11 French Drive, Boylston)
This is the loveliest display of lights in New England. Extending for miles through the dark, this glittering pathway of lights and sounds can be seen via the comfort of your own car. This event runs from late November through the New Year. The rates begin at $20 per car on weekdays ($25 per car on weekends). (300 Sumner Avenue, Springfield)
5. Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, Stockbridge
Stop by Stockbridge on the first weekend in December for this celebration of the town's special holiday charm. Main Street will be all aglow with lights and wreaths, while carolers and vintage automobiles line the streets. If you've never visited Stockbridge, this is a great opportunity to take in the classic Norman Rockwell atmosphere of the community.
6. City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebration, Lowell
The city of Lowell comes to life for the holidays, holding a special parade and Christmas celebration. In addition to the spectacular array of lights, there will be live performances by local bands and instrumental groups, visits with Santa and plenty of holiday shopping opportunities. If you'd like to attend this event, plan on arriving on the final Saturday in November.
Rub elbows with reindeer at this wild light display. Hosted by Stone Zoo, visitors can wander through the glowing grounds of the zoo and meet all sorts of fascinating winter animals. There are also plenty of refreshments and crafts. It returns each year in late November and lingers through the New Year. The hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebate the artsy side of Christmas with this spectacular light display spanning a whole town. Each year, Somerville residents transform their neighborhoods into wonderlands of light and sound in honor of the holidays. You can take a formal tour of the best houses by heading to Porter Square Books in Somerville to pick up tickets and head out into the streets on a trolley. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children. You can also do the tour yourself with a $3 map.
8. Winterlights, Stockbridge, Canton, & North Andover
Courtesy of The Trustees
Winterlights is an immersive, all-LED light installation and event series at three historic Massachusetts homes: Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, Naumkeag in Stockbridge, and The Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover. Each property will offer accompanying events with special guests, live music and more, enabling visitors to return throughout the season and enjoy a variety of new experiences in the illuminated gardens each weekend. Stop by during the holiday season to enjoy the festivities.
Which of these awesome events are you most looking forward to experiencing? Are there any that you believe should be added to this list? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments!
Craving Christmastime? You’ll adore our state’s wintertime decor. For more brilliant Christmas light displays in Massachusetts to visit, check out our list of some of the best in the state.
Address: 300 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108, USA
Address: Main St, Stockbridge, MA, USA
Address: Lowell, MA, USA
Address: 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas Lights Road Trip In Massachusetts
November 10, 2019
Nikki Rhoades
What city has the best Christmas lights in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts, otherwise known as The Pilgrim State, is an absolute delight in the colder months. This New England paradise was famously hard on early settlers, but residents today are hardy and robust enough to withstand the cold. In fact, the holiday displays in our historic region attract locals and visitors alike in droves. Springfield has one incredible three mile display called Bright Nights, and it has been regarded as one of the very best light displays in Massachusetts since 1995. Of course, Boston is always a delight at Christmas – its streets transform in a downright magical way.
What is the one best light display in Massachusetts?
There are so many things to do at Christmas in Massachusetts that selecting the very best holiday display is a challenge. Quite frankly, it all boils down to preference – and you will find that there is something for everyone. Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens is absolutely magical, and Saugus has a stretch of road – Lynn Fells Parkway – that’s downright mesmerizing in the winter.
What else can I do around the holidays in Massachusetts?
Aside from enjoying the mystical snow-kissed landscape, you will find all sorts of Yuletide cheer here in The Bay State. For starters, our local towns and villages transform into winter wonderlands worthy of a Hallmark movie storyline. Some places, like Jordan’s Furniture, play up this charm with cherished displays. If you want a more quaint approach to the holidays, be sure to swing by our historic landmarks – old school architecture is absolutely picturesque under a blanket of brilliant white snow.
