Here Are The 12 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Massachusetts
Some towns just seem like they were built to be decked in holly and dusted with snow. We here in the Bay State are blessed to have a bevy of small towns that look like they were modeled after Christmas cards, but there are some that stand apart from the rest in terms of bright and festive atmospheres. Here are the 12 best Christmas towns in Massachusetts that transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. 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 know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Taunton is actually nicknamed "The Christmas City," so its residents obviously know how to make the holidays magical. During the month of December, the town green transforms into a sparkling jewel of lights and festive activities. For more information on the fun holiday festivities in Taunton, click here.
Come Christmastime, Somerville is a semi-urban oasis of holiday lights. Visitors should check out the Illumination Trolley Tour, which takes you on a 45-minute journey through the brightest 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. Here's the official website of Somerville, where you can find more information.
Deerfield 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 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. Head over to the official website of Deerfield for more information.
During the holidays, Attleboro plays host to one of the most beloved wonderland of lights in the state. LaSalette Shrine's Festival of Lights is more than 60 years old, and features over 400,000 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. Find more information on the official website of National Shrine of Our Lady LaSalette.
The trip to the tip of the Cape is definitely worth it for this Christmas community. 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. 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. Head over to the official website of Provincetown Tourism for more information.
Shelburne Falls 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 fills the streets with colored lights and candles. Visitors can try their hand at holiday crafts, or get toasty in a night-time trolley festooned with sparkling lights. Stop by the official website of The Village of Shelburne Falls.
Springfield makes the list due to the town's 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 another world. Check out the official website of Bright Nights at Forest Park.
Tyringham is a wonderful Christmas town simply because of its pure, traditional wintery beauty. 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. Here's the official website of Tyringham.
If you're looking for the perfect combination of holiday magic and seaside charm, this island destination delivers. You'll find decorations and lights no matter where you go on Nantucket, but Main Street is particularly enchanting. 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. Visit the official website of Nantucket for more information.
This seaside town really pulls out all the stops for the holidays. However, this is one of those Christmasy towns that truly doesn't need much decoration other than a fresh coat of snow. The old colonial homes, cobblestone streets and tinkling bells on the doors of local shops make strolling around downtown Newburyport a true holiday treat. 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. Here's the official website of Newburyport.
The lighting of the massive wreath on Chatham Light signals the start of an enchanting holiday season in this cozy Cape Cod town. Stroll the decorated streets of downtown, or catch one of the many free holiday concerts throughout the month of December. Stop by the official website of Chatham Chamber of Commerce for more information.
You can't get much more Christmasy than an entire town of homes that look like full-scale gingerbread houses. This community features 318 (!) gorgeous Victorian cottages that look absolutely magical with a light coating 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. Here's the official website of Oak Bluffs.
Would you add any towns to the list of the best Christmas towns in Massachusetts? If so, which ones? Let us know in the comments! This time of the year is also the ideal time for a beautiful road trip. Take our Christmas Lights Road Trip to see even more enchanting holiday sights.
Address: Taunton, MA, USA
Address: Somerville, MA, USA
Address: Deerfield, MA, USA
Address: Attleboro, MA, USA
Address: Provincetown, MA, USA
Address: Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
Address: Springfield, MA, USA
Address: Tyringham, MA, USA
Address: Nantucket, MA, USA
Address: Newburyport, MA, USA
Address: Chatham, MA, USA
Address: Oak Bluffs, MA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best Christmas towns in Massachusetts
December 12, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best drive-thru light shows in Massachusetts?
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. You’ll definitely want to visit Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, the largest drive-thru light display in New England. Turn up the Christmas carols and wear your favorite Christmas jammies for the miles-long journey through countless shimmering lights. Don’t forget your camera, so you can snap photos of the magical North Pole Village, Jurassic Park, and Seuss Land.
What are the best holiday events in Massachusetts?
Some of the most magical places in Massachusetts at Christmas are found at its many holiday events. 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. Breathe in the fresh winter air with a Christmastime visit to Stone Zoo in Stoneham, which hosts the magical Zoo Lights. You might even catch a glimpse of such beautiful animals as artic foxes, Canadian lynx, and bald eagles. Or, you can go on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting town of Pittsfield to admire its beautifully decorated trees.
Is Massachusetts a good place to visit in the winter?
You can’t find a better place to visit in wintertime than Massachusetts. 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. One of the best ways to wind down from all of the holiday activities is to spend a few hours snow tubing. You can do just that at Nashoba Valley’s Snow Tubing Park. Tucked in Westford, the snow tubing park boasts 18 lanes, making it the largest snow tubing park in New England. Don’t worry about having to climb back up the hill after each run. 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.
Address: Taunton, MA, USA
Address: Somerville, MA, USA
Address: Deerfield, MA, USA
Address: Attleboro, MA, USA
Address: Provincetown, MA, USA
Address: Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
Address: Springfield, MA, USA
Address: Tyringham, MA, USA
Address: Nantucket, MA, USA
Address: Newburyport, MA, USA
Address: Chatham, MA, USA
Address: Oak Bluffs, MA, USA
Massachusetts In Your Inbox
Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.
