The days are short and the nights are chilly, but that doesn't mean you can't have some amazing experiences in Massachusetts in winter. Winter, in fact, is the perfect time to make some magical memories the entire family can enjoy. Check out the eight best things to do in Massachusetts in winter for a mix of outdoor and indoor activities to warm you up and get you in touch with the season.

Editor's Note: Before you make plans to head to an event, confirm that it's on for the current year. You'll also want to check to make sure other destinations are open and to confirm their hours, too.

1. Winterfest, Lowell

Attend the Annual Winterfest in Lowell. The magical Winterfest typically features a full menu of fun, wintry activities, including ice skating and a winter carnival.

The winter carnival often boasts such fun attractions as a giant inflatable Snowzilla slide, rides, food trucks, and marshmallow roasting. Other events may include horse-drawn wagon rides, maple sugaring, an all-you-can-eat chocolate festival, and a screening of a favorite wintertime movie. It's one of the best events to attend during the winter in Massachusetts. Learn more on the official website of Lowell Winterfest.

2. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Go ride the slopes at Wachusett Mountain. Skiing should be a winter fun no-brainer, but this place in particular has some of the most magical views you'll find anywhere. With a 1,000-foot vertical drop, 2,000-foot elevation, 22 trails, and 8 lifts, Wachusett is the closest big mountain skiing to Boston. Start planning your wintry adventure on the official website of Wachusett Mountain. It's one of the best places to spend time in Massachusetts in winter. Take a look at the festivities on Wachusett Mountain:

3. Jiminy Peak, Hancock

Jiminy Peak in Hancock is another amazing choice for a mountain adventure. It's the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England, the summer home to Mountain Adventure Park, and the only mountain resort in North America to generate its own energy using alternative wind power. But that view is enough for anyone! For more information, stop by the official website of Jiminy Peak, one of the best resorts to spend some time during winter in Massachusetts.

4. Brattle Book Shop, Boston

Go book-hunting in Boston. In order to curl up near the fire with a good book, you'll need to track one down first. The Brattle Book Shop in downtown Boston lets you browse the stacks in a super cool outdoor setting. When you've found the perfect reading material, head on over to L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates for one of their famously rich cups of hot chocolate and warm those chilly fingers. Check out the days and hours and browse the online catalog on the official website of The Brattle Book Shop. Then stop by the official website of L.A. Burdick. Get a closer look at this magnificent book store:

5. Boston Frog Pond, Boston

Nothing beats ice skating at the Boston Frog Pond. This is a classic activity that hasn't lost any of its charm over the years. Can you think of a better way to spend a leisurely winter day? We certainly can't! Skating generally runs from December to March. Confirm to ensure ice skating is open before heading over.

6. Deerfield

The town of Deerfield is gorgeous any time of year but it really sparkles in the snow. Take a day trip to one of Massachusetts' most historic small towns and use the town's historical resources to learn about winters long past. Make sure you visit Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield, too, where it's Christmas (with falling snow) all year around. Here's the official website of Yankee Candle Village to learn more. Visiting this town is one of the best things to do in winter in Massachusetts.

7. Massachusetts State Parks

Take a magical hike through a state park. Great options include Mohawk Trail State Forest (Charlemont), Chapel Brook Reservation (Ashfield), and Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Easthampton). Each of these places are especially great places to take in a bit of nature in the colder months, as their beauty isn't just found in flowering plant life.

You can visit the Mohawk Trail State Forest web page, The Trustees website to learn more about Chapel Brook Reservation, and the Mass Audubon website to learn more about Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. These are some of the most beautiful places to experience Massachusetts in winter,

8. Cambridge Antique Market, Cambridge

Sift through treasures at the Cambridge Antique Market. If staying warm and nabbing some great deals on rare finds sounds like your idea of a good winter day, then this is a must-visit spot. Forget the mall: this place is HUGE and filled with unique and fascinating vintage wares. Stop by the official website of Cambridge Antique Market. Take a look at some of the intriguing antiques you’ll find here:

Have you been to any of the places mentioned above? What are your favorite things to do in Massachusetts in winter? Let us know in the comments! If you haven't been there yet, then it's time to book a trip and get out there! Did you know there's a law in Massachusetts that prevents you from starting your car to heat it up on those bitter-cold mornings? Read more about this anti-idling law in Massachusetts.