It’s the most wonderful time of the year and these Massachusetts towns take that proclamation very seriously. From twinkling lights to holiday happenings and Christmas activities, here are the towns that will definitely be getting on Santa’s nice list this year.

1. Attleboro
Attleboro, MA, USA
Flickr/BenSpark
Attleboro's main Christmas celebration is 61 years old and 400,000 lights strong. LaSalette Shrine's Festival of Lights is a holiday tradition that draws thousands of visitors each year. Truly a sight to see. Don't miss Clopper the live nativity donkey!
2. Rockport
Rockport, MA, USA
Christmas in Rockport/Facebook
This seaside town brings the local nautical trade into its holiday celebrations. All through the month of December you can count on candy-making demonstrations, caroling, holiday shows and pageants, and community sing-alongs. And it gets better. On Christmas morning, Santa sails into port on a lobster boat to greet the children of the town. I'm sure the reindeer appreciate the breather.
3. Sturbridge
Sturbridge, MA, USA
Andrew Kosariko/Google Maps
Sturbridge definitely has earned its spot on this list. The Old Sturbridge Village living history museum brings historical Christmas traditions to life. Every weekend in December you may enjoy activities like brunch with Santa, gingerbread decorating contests, Victorian caroling (of course), chestnut roasting, cider mulling (!), sleigh rides, and holiday magic shows. Check their website for a schedule of activities and definitely bring your finest top hat.
4. Marblehead
Marblehead, MA, USA
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
When it comes to the holidays, Marblehead brings its A-game. The Marblehead Christmas walk in early December includes a gingerbread festival and more than 80 local businesses that provide holiday activities, treats, and sales, but there are amazing Christmas events happening all through the month. Check the town's event calendar to find the perfect activity to top off your supply of holiday cheer.
5. Taunton
Wikimedia Commons/Marcbela
This town has been putting on a huge annual holiday light show on the town green since 1914. Taunton's nickname is "The Christmas City", and this place lives up to its name every single year. Check out the Lights On festival and the annual Christmas parade. This town's celebrations are great if what you're seeking is a family-friendly place to experience the spirit of the season.
6. Somerville
Somerville, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Anthony92931
This Boston-area locale may seem like an unlikely pick for a Christmas town, but hear me out. It has a great event going for it: The Illumination Trolley Tour. This 45 minute tour of the best illuminated houses in Somerville is a great way to see some holiday lights without having to lift a mittened finger. They even throw in hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts to make the whole experience even more memorable (and tasty). For those who would rather get a bit of cardio while taking in the sights, check out the Illumination Bike Tour. Cyclists are encouraged to deck out their bike with lights!
7. Newburyport
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
This coastal town is quaint all year round, but Christmas brings out something magical in Newburyport. The annual Santa Parade kicks off with the arrival of the merry man himself via U.S. Coast Guard boat and culminates with a town tree lighting and carols.
8. Stockbridge
Stockbridge, MA, USA
Henry Lawford/Flickr
This is the town that inspired Norman Rockwell. The main holiday celebration (check the town's calendar of events for details and dates) includes horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, and caroling. They even line the streets with vintage cars to recreate Rockwell's famous "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas". That's as close to picture-perfect as you can get.
9. Deerfield
Deerfield, MA, USA
Flickr/Melissa Adret (Model)
This historic town prides itself on giving visitors a taste of authentic old New England. With a well-preserved collection of original colonial houses and a picturesque downtown, Christmas in Deerfield feels like falling into a Dickens novel. Plus, Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield celebrates Christmas all year round!
10. Boston
Boston, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Jeremy T. Hetzel
There are so many reasons that Boston is an amazing Christmas location. Rather than list all the traditional events and activities (of which there TONS), I'd like to highlight one lighthearted holiday event: The Santa Speedo Run. It's exactly what you think, if what you're thinking is Bostonians running for charity while clad in only santa hats and Speedos. This is a fun event for (almost) all ages and ability levels and celebrates the season of giving in perfect Boston style.
11. Provincetown
Provincetown, MA, USA
Flick/Chris Devers
If you're up for the trek to the very tippy-top of Cape Cod, you'll be rewarded with one heck of a Christmas celebration. Some highlights from the month of December: the lighting of the Lobster Pot Christmas tree (see above), holiday-themed drag bingo, a holiday champagne brunch, community gingerbread decorating, and SO much more. This town's saucy and heartfelt Christmas celebrations could cure the worst of grinches.

These towns have a touch of something extra special around the holidays, though of course there is plenty of Christmas cheer to be had all across this great state. Which Massachusetts town has given you the most sparkling holiday memories?

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