Where to See Massachusetts's Best Holiday Lights
From botanical gardens to city squares, each year various parts of Massachusetts put on great Christmas lights displays you won't want to miss if you're in town from the middle to the end of December.
Massachusetts Christmas Vacation: Recommended rentals
Massachusetts Christmas Vacation: find your perfect rental from just $134 per night!
Christmas in the Historic State of Massachusetts
As one of the oldest, most historic regions in the United States, it's no surprise that Massachusetts, and its state capital of Boston, offer plentiful charm and tradition for the Christmas holiday season. The range of opportunities for a festive vacation, from the lively city, to the suburban light-filled streets of Somerville, to the countryside, can accommodate all the holiday wishes of families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
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1. Forest Park, Springfield
The spectacular 3mi. display of holiday lights known as Bright Nights at Forest Park, attracts visitors from far and wide during its run from late November through New Year's. A few of the highlights include traversing Santa’s Magical Forest, Suess Land, and the Victorian Village. Kids have the opportunity to visit with Santa, and you can dine on traditional dishes in Dicken's themed dining room. Don't forget about the numerous stalls selling lovely Christmas crafts.
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2. Boston Common
Each festive season, Boston Common is adorned with fairy lights, and a tree from Nova Scotia stands tall amid the center of the square. The local skating club put on the Frog Pond Skating Spectacular, a wonderful ice skating performance. If you can't make the opening ceremony, fear not, the assortment of lights and ornaments are still enough to melt the heart of the most ardent Scrooge.
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3. Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Every year the oldest botanical garden in the state puts on one of the best lights displays in Massachusetts. The range of tropical plants and trees are adorned with twinkling lights to create quite a unique festive experience.
Best Places to Stay for Christmas in Massachusetts
Best Family Christmas Getaways in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, as one of the original thirteen colonies, is home to substantial traditional architecture. When adorned in lights, it creates a picture-perfect setting for the festive season.
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1. Marblehead
The town is famous for its early December Christmas walk, a four-day tree-lighting and caroling extravaganza that sees Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat via the harbor. You and your children can also enjoy a range of markets and activities, including a charming gingerbread festival, throughout the rest of the month.
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2. Newburyport
The quaint town of Newburyport exudes traditional charm. A Santa parade, traditional tree lighting, and the so-called Invitation Nights (fear not, these shopping nights require no actual invitation!) throughout the month all coalesce to create the perfect family Christmas experience. The Tannery Marketplace is a superb location to pick up some last-minute gifts.
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3. Somerville
Somerville is known for its Illumination Trolley Tour, during which you can admire houses up and down the picturesque streets donned in holiday lights from top to bottom. Winter-ready sports enthusiasts can feel free to don bikes with lights and ride alongside the trolley tour, following the iconic procession.
Recommended Accommodations for Christmas in Massachusetts
Best Places for Couples to Spend Christmas in Massachusetts
A Massachusetts Christmas vacation for couples is equally enjoyable whether you spend it in bustling Boston or in one of the state's quaint small countryside towns. Both possess ample historic character, and are wonderful places to spend the festive season.
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1. Boston
Boston is a fantastic destination for couples looking for a Christmas vacation with plenty to do. The city's scenic waterfront is decked in lights, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can eat and drink away the season. The cobbled streets of the Cradle of Liberty are a romantic delight, while the city abounds in cultural attractions, like the Museum of Fine Arts, Gibson House, and the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.
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2. Martha's Vineyard
This New England island is packed with quaint harbor towns, long stretches of sandy beaches, and lighthouses. Christmas here can be quite romantic. Winter walks along the beach and mulled wine on the porch of your accommodation will contribute to a festive season to remember.
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3. Nantucket
The sleepy towns of the island of Nantucket are perfect for couples seeking some festive peace. The focus is on the numerous beaches, but the quaint stores and restaurants of the island's various villages are perfect for hibernating with that special somebody over a Massachusetts Christmas vacation.
Top Offers for Christmas in Massachusetts
Information about Massachusetts Christmas Vacation
| 😎 Least busy month | June |
|---|---|
| 🥳 Busiest month | May |
| 🛏️ Popular home types | Apartment rental and House rental |
| 🌡️ Hottest months | July and August |
| ❄️ Coldest months | 19 °F in January and February |
Massachusetts Christmas Vacation: frequently asked questions
Massachusetts Christmas Vacation: What is the nightly price for a stay?
You can get a great vacation rental from $701 and get discounts up to 17%!
Massachusetts Christmas Vacation: are there many vacation homes available for large groups?
House rental in Massachusetts typically fits 8 people.
Massachusetts Christmas Vacation: what kinds of vacation rentals can I find?
There are 2,758 Apartment rentals and 10,301 House rentals available in Massachusetts.
Average Nightly Rental Prices in Massachusetts
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Vacation Rental Price Information in Massachusetts
Vacation Rental Availability in Massachusetts
Rental availability information in Massachusetts
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