Editor’s note: After two successful years, the Magic of Lights in Foxborough sparkled for the last time in 2022 and has officially closed its doors. If you're looking for another great enchanting holiday light experience, check out these other 12 Christmas light displays in Massachusetts. Each one is pure magic.
Step inside a twinkling winter wonderland at Magic of Lights in Foxborough. This mile-long light display will delight you and your loved ones. Best of all, you don’t even need to get out of your toasty car to enjoy it! Grab your thermos of hot chocolate and turn up that holiday radio station – one of the best displays of Christmas lights in Massachusetts is sure to leave you merry and bright.
Magic of Lights is a spectacular holiday light show coming to Foxborough, Massachusetts this festive season.
The experience is easy – buy your ticket online, drive up to the event, and slowly drive through the gorgeous displays. There are more than 40 holiday scenes to admire.
Glittering candy canes, poinsettias, snowmen, elves, and animated holiday characters will charm you as you explore. Don’t miss the 200-foot light tunnel!
The ticket price for standard cars is $50, with some dates priced at $35. Check the event website for more pricing details based on when you plan on visiting. Limos and party buses are priced at $150.
The event runs from November 13 to January 2, 2021. Plan on stopping by Monday through Sunday between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Don’t miss it!
One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to visit historic homes and buildings. I love learning about the people who lived in these buildings and enjoy seeing the old architecture and preserved furnishings. Although I find these tours entertaining, I also recognize they are not always as interesting for my little one who often gets dragged along against his will. While I would love to help foster his interest in history, I know that for now, he really just wants to play and explore. Finding historical tours that are designed for children has always been a challenge. However, they do exist, and the Crane Estate in Ipswich puts on a fantastic one called The Cat's Meow!
The magnificent Crane Estate is one of the most beautiful properties north of Boston. If you haven’t visited here before, I highly recommend doing so. The mansion, which dates back to 1928, has 59 rooms. Once the summer residence of industrialist Richard T. Crane, Jr., the home and property is now managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Over the years, the property has been featured in several films, including "The Witches Of Eastwick," "Flowers In The Attic," and "Little Women."
The Cat’s Meow tour of the mansion is perfect for children ages three to eight years old. Children are encouraged to help locate the Crane’s Siamese cat, Ptolemy, who has gone missing just before an important party. The child-focused tour allows visitors to see some of the home’s guest and family spaces in a fun and interactive way. The tour lasts about 30-40 minutes which is the perfect amount of time for littles. Please note that the tour does include some stair climbing (about 30 steps), so you may wish to bring along a comfortable baby carrier if you also have infants in tow.
When you are finished with the tour, you will definitely want to take the kids outside to explore the grounds. The property contains lush gardens, unique sculptures, and this gorgeous rolling hill which is so much fun to run down! You can also hike to Crane Beach, a beautiful spot to enjoy the scenic coastline.
If you are visiting the estate without kids, you may want to opt for one of the property's other tours. These include the "Grand Stairs to Back Stairs" tour, which is an extended tour of the entire house, and the "Little Women at Castle Hill" tour, which highlights key filming spots from the 2009 movie that was filmed onsite. You can even stay overnight at the estate bed and breakfast, the Inn on Castle Hill. This is a wonderful way to make the most of your visit to this stunning property.
Have you toured the Crane Estate? If so, please tell us all about your experience. Find out more about this gorgeous mansion and book your tour on the Castle Hill on the Crane Estate Trustees website. Be sure to also visit nearby Appleton Farms, another beautiful property that is managed by the Trustees.
Who doesn't love a parade? The colorful floats, costumed performers, and the rhythmic music of the marching bands are always so much fun to witness! In Massachusetts, we love any excuse to celebrate, and a grand parade is a festive way to kick off any holiday or occasion. From short walks through small towns to elaborate routes that are miles long, Massachusetts has so many spectacular parades throughout the year. Listed below are some of the biggest parades in the state as well as some lesser-known (but equally entertaining) celebrations you won't want to miss.
Boston sure knows how to kick off the New Year right! Whether you view it as the final parade of the year or the first of a new one, the Boston First Night Parade is an annual city tradition that is full of fun. The festive family-friendly celebration occurs on Dec. 31 and features a variety of talented bands, performers, and colorful floats. The fun continues into the night with beautiful ice sculptures, shows, concerts, and a majestic fireworks display. Hotels such as the Boston Harbor Hotel will be offering special deals to visitors wishing to ring in the New Year in the city.
The Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade is a grand celebration of the city’s rich Irish heritage as well as a good excuse for a great party. The citizens of Boston were the first people in North America to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and their dedication to the holiday is still going strong. The energetic parade is full of wonderful music, colorful characters, and lots of green! The annual fun takes place in South Boston.
Commemorate the start of the American Revolution in the place where it all started. The Concord, Massachusetts Patriots' Day Parade is a unique Bay State event that features historic reenactors, fife-and-drum bands, and a special ceremony at the North Bridge. The year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the battles of Concord and Lexington and the town is already gearing up for some extra special Patriots' Day festivities.
The state’s most adorable parade takes place each Mother’s Day on the Boston Common. Mother’s Day is also Boston’s “Duckling Day,” a celebration of Robert McCloskey’s beloved children’s book, “Make Way for Ducklings,” which follows the adventures of the local Mallard family. After a celebration of family-friendly events, participants are invited to dress up in duck attire and follow Mother Duck, Mrs. Mallard's route through the Common and into the public garden to the famous Make Way for Ducklings Statue.
Independence Day brings not only patriotism to the Bay State but also a bit of humor to a handful of Massachusetts communities. If you have never attended a “horribles parade,” you might be surprised at what you witness. These satirical parades are filled with floats poking fun at political figures, local issues, and controversial topics. The Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade is one of the best-known local horribles parades, and it is quite a sight to see! The parade takes place annually on the evening of July 3.
As the summer season winds down on the Cape, the fun continues in Provincetown at the annual Carnival Celebration. This colorful and festive occasion celebrates the town’s diversity and inclusivity. The parade, which is a much-anticipated highlight of this year's celebration, will take place on Aug. 22.
" target="_blank">Salem kicks off a month-long celebration of Halloween events. The parade takes place on the first Thursday night of October. Creepy characters, spooky floats, and local school children in themed costumes parade down Salem's historic streets to celebrate the city’s most popular season. I have watched and marched in the parade several times, and can tell you that it is an absolute blast. I highly recommend attending in costume.
What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by visiting the town of Plymouth? The top-ranked America's Hometown Thanksgiving Parade is a historically accurate celebration that is both fun and educational. The parade is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and begins at historic Plymouth Rock.
Several festive Christmas parades take place across Massachusetts every holiday season, but the Lynn Christmas Eve parade is one of the biggest and best. The annual parade which began in 1986, is five hours long and spans 23 miles! Featuring lots of lights, floats, music, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, this celebration is a special North Shore family tradition.
Do you love a parade? Which is your favorite? To find out about the fun festivities in Massachusetts, check out the Only In Massachusetts event page.
