Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Massachusetts
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Meghan Byers
Author
Shining blankets of snow, twinkling holiday lights, hot chocolate sipped by the fireplace – there’s so much to love about winter. And there are so many things to do in Massachusetts in winter that you could never run out! All across the Bay State, you’ll find beautiful winter hikes, dazzling displays of lights, ice skating rinks, ski slopes, cozy snow-covered cabins, and tons of charming towns bursting with holiday cheer. Yes, it can be a dark, cold, and snowy season, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still lots to love about winter in Massachusetts. In fact, even if you’re not a huge fan of the season, we think that the best way to get through the winter is to embrace all that it has to offer – from snowy outdoor activities to holiday festivities and so much more. Don’t know where to start? No worries – we’ve brought you the definitive guide to enjoying the Massachusetts winter to the fullest.
Holiday Events In Massachusetts
The holiday season is a wonderful time to get out and explore Massachusetts, as vibrant lights go up all across the state, small towns and bigger cities alike prepare for traditional yearly festivities, and there’s this sense of magic in the air that you just don’t get any other time of the year. The Bay State is replete with holiday cheer from November through the beginning of January, so get out and enjoy the season while it’s here! There are so many holiday events in Massachusetts to enjoy.
1. Christmas Lights Display: Bright Nights at Forest Park
300 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108, USA
Bright Nights at Forest Park opens for its 29th season this year, having welcomed over 6 million visitors to its drive-through lights display since 1995. As one of the largest holiday lights displays in the state, Bright Nights is an enchanting experience. Hundreds of thousands of glittering lights stretch on for a full three miles, with themed displays along the route like Seuss Land, the Victorian Village, Jurassic World, and many more. Bright Nights at Forest Park is open from November 22, 2023 through January 1, 2024. Visit the Bright Nights at Forest Park website for tickets and a sneak peek at the display.
2. Christmas Lights Display: Winterlights
Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, 153 Chickering Rd, North Andover, MA 01845, USA
Naumkeag, 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, USA
The Bradley Estate, 2468B Washington St, Canton, MA 02021, USA
Winterlights is a holiday tradition that takes place at three different locations. The Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover, Naumkeag in Stockbridge, and the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton are all lit up for the season with thousands of lights in their gardens, with festive music playing and seasonal treats sold onsite as well. This is a magical lights display to walk through, with glittering trees and tunnels of lights that will be popular with adults and children alike. Winterlights takes place from November 24 through December 31 at the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, and from November 24 through January 6 at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate and at Naumkeag. Visit the Winterlights website to purchase tickets.
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3. Tree Lightings: Light Up Seaport
Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Light Up Seaport is a yearly tradition taking place at Seaport Common in Boston. The star of the show is of course the massive tree which will come to life with thousands of beautiful lights. However, past years have also included live music, a hot cocoa bar, interactive exhibits, and deals from local shops participating in the holiday cheer. For details on this year's event, be sure to check out the Light Up Seaport 2023 website.
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4. Holiday Festivals: Nantucket Christmas Stroll
Nantucket, MA, USA
Every year, the island of Nantucket transforms into a winter wonderland bursting with holiday cheer during the Nantucket Christmas Stroll, which is part of a series of Nantucket Noel events. The annual Christmas Stroll takes place from December 1 through December 3, with the Santa's Village Christmas Stroll Marketplace - plus an ugly sweater contest, Victorian caroling, live entertainment, and more - taking place on Saturday, December 2. Santa himself arrives at noon on December 2, and meet and greets with Santa are from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. This is a fun-filled festival for the entire family that's sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Find the full schedule of events at the Nantucket Noel website.
Christmas Towns In Massachusetts
There’s nothing like a New England Christmas, and Massachusetts is full of small towns that go all out in their celebrations every year. Step into these festive small towns and you’ll feel like you’re stepping right into a Christmas card scene from days long past. We’re talking Norman Rockwell-style festivities, historic buildings decked with holly, sky-scraping Christmas trees with their branches strewn with golden lights, and plenty of unique small-town shops and holiday markets to help you cross off all the gifts on your list. These are some of the best Christmas towns in Massachusetts.
5. Stockbridge
Stockbridge, MA, USA
When you first arrive in Stockbridge, you may feel like you've stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting - and there's a good reason for that. One of Norman Rockwell's most well-known paintings is called "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas)," which he began in 1956 and finished painting in 1967. Every year during its annual Christmas festival, the town of Stockbridge recreates the famous painting, complete with antique cars. Victorian carolers add to the atmosphere with classic holiday songs. The Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas festival takes place from December 1 through 3, with the painting recreation on December 2, but you can visit any time during the holiday season and enjoy wandering through a quintessential New England town all decked out for the holidays - and maybe do some Christmas shopping while you're at it.
6. Taunton, "The Christmas City"
Taunton, MA, USA
Taunton isn't really a small town, but how could we not include a place nicknamed "The Christmas City" on this list? Every year since 1914, Taunton has hosted its spectacular Lighting of the Green and Lights On Festival, drawing visitors from all over. This brilliant display of lights all across the historic Taunton Green kicks off with live entertainment and more on Saturday, December 2, but you don't have to be at the kick-off to appreciate the lights. Walk through the glittering lights of the Green throughout the holiday season, or even just drive by and enjoy the view from the comfort and warmth of your car.
7. Newburyport
Newburyport, MA, USA
Newburyport is a coastal town brimming with charm, and never is this truer than during the holiday season. In Newburyport's downtown, you'll find historic 19th century buildings all dressed up in lights and holly. A towering Christmas tree in Market Square is all lit up and decorated for the holidays each year as well. On December 1, 8, and 15, from 6 to 9 PM, Newburyport hosts its Holiday Invitation Nights, where Newburyport merchants welcome holiday shoppers with complimentary snacks and beverages, along with festive music.
Outdoor Activities In Massachusetts
Sure, sometimes you’ll want to just curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate during the winter – preferably in front of a warm fire – and that’s entirely valid. But you’re definitely missing out if you don’t get outside and enjoy some outdoor winter activities in Massachusetts at least once or twice this year. Snow and cold bring opportunity, after all! Snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, snow tubing, and much more await. So bundle up in your warmest coat, hat, and gloves, and get ready to embark on a winter adventure.
8. Ice Skating: The Boston Common Frog Pond
Frog Pond, Boston, MA 02108, USA
This classic Massachusetts landmark was named the best place to skate in the United States in 2018 by USA Today, and it's a well-deserved ranking. Set within the oldest public park in the country, Boston Common Frog Pond transforms into a winter wonderland each year, with twinkling lights adorning the surrounding trees as skaters glide across the pond. Kids and adults alike head to Boston Common Frog Pond each year to enjoy this annual Boston winter tradition. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, it's a wonderful way to celebrate the season by getting out and having some fun on the ice. The pond is open for ice skating daily once the skating season begins, and you can visit the Boston Common Frog Pond website for specific hours.
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9. Snow Tubing: Nashoba Valley Ski Area
Nashoba Valley Ski Area, 79 Powers Rd, Westford, MA 01886, USA
There's nothing like sliding down a snowy hill at breakneck speed for a wintry thrill. Snow tubing is a classic winter activity, and much more easily accessible than skiing or snowboarding since it doesn't require any lessons. With up to 18 lanes, Nashoba Valley Ski Area has some of the best snow tubing in Massachusetts. It's not only the largest snow tubing area in Massachusetts, but also the largest in New England! With four lifts, Nashoba Valley makes it easy to enjoy tubing without the tiring trek back up the hill you typically get with sledding. The tubing park even has an on-site lodge, with snacks and drinks for the whole family (including a full bar with alcoholic beverages for the adults). You'll want to purchase your tickets well in advance, because they sell out very fast. Visit the Nashoba Valley Ski Area website to grab your tickets for this season.
10. Skiing and Snowboarding: Ski Butternut
Ski Butternut is a winter playground perfect for families - or anyone who loves skiing and snowboarding. Located in Great Barrington in the Berkshires, it's a popular ski resort that sees tons of visitors each year traveling from as far as NYC and beyond. With a 1,000-foot vertical, over twenty trails, 100 ski-able acres, two terrain parks, and ten lifts, Ski Butternut has plenty to offer for every winter sports enthusiast. There are multiple lesson programs for the whole family to take your skiing and snowboarding to the next level, offered throughout the week. Two lodges serve hot meals and a variety of beverages so you can take a break and refuel before you head out on the slopes again. For tickets and to check mountain conditions, visit the Ski Butternut website.
11. Cross-Country Skiing: Canterbury Farm
Canterbury Farm, 1986 Fred Snow Rd, Becket, MA 01223, USA
During the summer months, Canterbury Farm offers lodging at its bed & breakfast inn. In the winter, it becomes a Nordic center, offering cross-country skiing on over 13 miles of trails, suitable for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced skiers. The trails travel past brooks, ponds, stone walls, and more, making for beautiful picture-perfect winter scenery as you enjoy the varied terrain. Built in 1780, Canterbury Farm is a historic property, with 200 acres and a forest that has been managed for over 80 years. There's a pond on site where visitors can go ice skating when weather allows, and there are trails maintained specifically just for snowshoeing. It's the best place in Massachusetts for cross-country skiing if you're looking for a peaceful, scenic experience. Visit the Canterbury Farm website for registration and current ski conditions.
12. Winter Hiking: Coggshall Park
Coggshall Park, 159 Electric Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420, USA
Though it's beautiful at any time of the year, Coggshall Park in Fitchburg really shines during the wintertime, when snow blankets the ground and there's glittering ice on Mirror Lake. You can hike through the snow, or go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the woods. With over 250 acres and plenty of walking trails, including paved roads, you could spend hours here enjoying the winter scenery. One of the more popular trails at Coggshall Park is the Cascade Double Loop Trail - just be careful if conditions are icy.
Winter Getaways In Massachusetts
Whether you’re looking to escape the snow and cold with a tropical-themed getaway that’s still close to home or to embrace it by holing up in a cozy cabin in the mountains, there’s a Massachusetts winter getaway for you. These are some of the best places to stay in Massachusetts this winter.
13. Hot Tub Getaways: Berkshire Mountains Cabin
Monterey, MA, USA
This lakeside cabin situated in the beautiful Berkshires makes for a memorable family getaway any time of year, but it's especially idyllic in the wintertime with a fresh coat of snow. With four bedrooms, the Monterey cabin sleeps a total of seven people. It's set on two forested acres, secluded and quiet, perfect for a winter escape. The outdoor hot tub is a bonus when temperatures get chilly. As a "guest favorite" on Airbnb, this cabin books up fast, so be sure to book your stay early.
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14. Indoor Water Park: Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | New England, 150 Great Wolf Dr, Fitchburg, MA 01420, USA
Looking to escape the snow and the cold? Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, MA has a massive indoor water park that will give you that summertime feeling even in the dead of winter. Slides, rides, a lazy river, and more await. You can go for the day, or book an overnight stay at the Great Wolf Lodge New England website - the price of your stay includes unlimited access to the water park.
15. Idyllic Getaway: Clamber Hill Inn
Clamber Hill Inn & Restaurant, 111 N Main St, Petersham, MA 01366, USA
With working fireplaces to cozy up in front of in most of its elegant rooms, Clamber Hill Inn makes for a warm and relaxing winter getaway. Each room is unique and has its own theme, ranging from "equestrian" to "nautical." This charming inn also has its own restaurant on site, with a special seasonal menu if you're booking your stay over the holidays. Be sure to make your booking well in advance at the Clamber Hill Inn website.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy winter in Massachusetts? Feel free to reach out and let us know! If you’re heading on a winter road trip or getaway, be sure to check out our ultimate winter packing list. And for even more to do, try these winter Massachusetts day trips.
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