Massachusetts Christmas Vacation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.