As snow covers the trees and cozy sweaters are worn, there is no better place to spend the holidays than in New England. There are many festive places to visit across these states that include light shows, Christmas villages, and other winter activities. From skiing in Vermont to making candles in Massachusetts, or admiring the decor in the Newport Mansions, here are five magical towns to visit this holiday season!
Yankee Candle Village: South Deerfield, MA
Nothing says Christmas more than a visit with Santa, making your very own Christmas candle, or exploring various stores to start your holiday shopping. From a toy store to gift boutiques and obviously lots of candles, there are a plethora of stores to tackle your Christmas shopping list. During the month of December, Santa is in town and children can write letters to Santa and complete a gingerbread house scavenger hunt. In addition, weekly holiday raffles will be awarded to customers. Although Yankee Candle Village has candles and shops all year round, they create a magical atmosphere during the holidays.
Winter Wonderland in Woodstock: Woodstock, VT
Majestic ski and snowshoe trails, quaint shops and Christmas light displays create a perfect atmosphere for the holidays. Ranked as the third most magical Christmas town in the U.S., Woodstock knows how to celebrate Christmas. The Saskadena Six Downhill Ski Area and the Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing provide accessible opportunities for winter sports activities in the town. Guests can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating all in the same place! In addition to sliding down the slopes, the Forest of Lights creates a perfect holiday exhibit through New Year’s Day. Guests can experience the magic of the VINS Forest Canopy Walk, with additions of a Snowflake Tunnel, Blue and White Icicle Tower, and Fairy Lighting Hideaway.
Vintage Christmas: Portsmouth, NH
The coastal community in New Hampshire knows how to celebrate Christmas with a month of festivities and holiday celebrations. The town hosts performances, a gingerbread contest, a downtown scavenger hunt, and outdoor ice skating on Puddle Dock Pond. In addition, the Strawberry Banke Museum puts on its Candlelight Stroll, a whimsical experience where visitors step into the past. Lighted candle lanterns and handmade wreaths cover the museum and role-players act the part of history as the town celebrates hundreds of years of tradition. Guests can sip hot cocoa and walk around the quaint town while learning a piece of history and enjoying the holiday festivities.
Olde Mistick Village: Mystic, CT
From a light show to visiting Santa, Olde Mistick Village is a perfect family holiday destination. As over a half million lights decorate the shops and restaurants, The Holiday Lights Spectacular is free to the public as people can do their holiday shopping while strolling through the light displays. The light displays will run through the end of January allowing ample time for guests to visit.
Newport Mansions: Newport, RI
While the beautiful coastal town is known for its summer tourism, Newport celebrates Christmas in utmost fashion, especially with the mansions. Visitors can tour the mansions all year round, but touring them at Christmas is an extraordinary experience as elegant decorations allow guests to get a taste of Christmas “royalty.” Throughout the month, there are a variety of holiday events that take place in the mansions and around Newport.
While New England has a plethora of holiday events and quaint, cozy Christmas towns, I couldn’t list every single one of them. Instead, I decided to choose five places, in five out of the six New England states, that offer different holiday events and attractions. Many of these towns keep their light displays and winter festivities through New Year’s Day, providing time for people to experience these magical atmospheres. Whether you like staying active and skiing down the mountains in Vermont, or getting a taste of history by touring the Newport Mansions, there is a place for everyone to get the most out of their holiday season.