These 7 Small Towns In Massachusetts Honor Christmas In The Most Magical Way

The Christmas season is a magical time of year. Decorations and lights seem to pop up everywhere overnight; there are numerous festivities across the state, and families and friends gather to revel in Christmas cheer. Perhaps where the magic of the season can best be felt is in the small towns where life moves a bit slower. These Christmas towns in Massachusetts honor Christmas in the most magical ways possible.

1. Concord

Known for its colonial history that dates back to the 1600s, Concord is a quintessential New England town that turns into a winter wonderland come the Christmas season. In early December, the town hosts a tree lighting ceremony on Main Street where you can see storefronts decked out for the holiday. Drive around town and you'll see numerous historic homes decorated and all aglow with festive lights. Read more about Concord at Christmas in our previous coverage.

2. Nantucket

It may be small, but the island of Nantucket knows how to celebrate the holiday season! It all starts the day after Thanksgiving with the annual tree lighting along Main Street which will be lined with dozens of illuminated trees. The first weekend of December is the Christmas Stroll which features Santa and Mrs. Claus, entertainment, Santa's Village Marketplace, live entertainment, and more. What better place to celebrate Christmas in Massachusetts than spending some time in Nantucket? You can read more about Nantucket at Christmas in our previous coverage.

3. Chatham

During the second weekend of December, the picturesque seaside town of Chatham hosts its annual Christmas by the Sea Stroll, one of the most memorable holiday events in Massachusetts. This event features a light parade, a tree lighting, carolers, entertainment, and more along Main Street. Stores and restaurants will be open so it's a perfect time to join in the festivities and support local businesses. You can learn more on the Chatham Chamber of Commerce website.

4. Rockport

While most visitors come to Rockport during the summer, the Christmas season is another incredible time of year. During the entire season, Rockport hosts a variety of activities and events such as an Ugly Sweater Night, Santa's arrival on a lobster boat, the annual tree lighting, horse drawn carriage rides, carolers, and so much more. Not to mention that much of the town is festively decorated this time of year. Even the lobster shacks get decked out for the holidays in Rockport. Visit the Rockport USA website to view a list of holiday events.

5. Stockbridge

There are plenty of reasons why Stockbridge has been called the "Best Christmas Town in America" by Country Living magazine. This picture-perfect town is so magical during the Christmas season that even Norman Rockwell created an eight-foot-long painting titled Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas). During this time of year, the town even gets together to recreate this famous painting. Read more about Stockbridge at Christmas in our previous coverage.

6. Sturbridge

Head to Old Sturbridge Village for its annual Christmas by Candlelight celebration. This old-fashioned holiday event is a glimpse into the past with horse-drawn rides, a Christmas Tree Trail, a tree lighting ceremony each night, visits with Santa, demonstrations, and decorations inspired by the 1800s. You can learn more about Christmas by Candlelight on the Old Sturbridge Village website.

7. Shelburne Falls

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Shelburne Falls! Each year on the day after Thanksgiving, the village hosts its Moonlight Magic Christmas season kickoff event featuring candle-lit streets, trolley rides, entertainment, a parade, and activities for the whole family. If you miss the event, you can enjoy holiday decor around town and shopping during the remainder of the season.

What small towns in Massachusetts do you enjoy visiting during the Christmas season? Let us know in the comments! For even more holiday cheer, be sure to check out some of our favorite spots to view Christmas lights in Massachusetts.