New England is inarguably magical during the holiday season. There are so many options when it comes to finding festive things to do at this time of year. From lighthouses covered in holiday lights to mansions decorated to the nines and the gigantic Boston Christmas tree, there is something for everyone. If you are visiting New England during this holiday season here are a few ideas for you.

18 Festive Things To Do In New England This December

Massachusetts

Photo via iStock/DenisTangneyJr

Take in the city lights in Boston, Massachusetts – Boston’s famous Boston Common Christmas tree, provided by Nova Scotia, is aglow by the end of November. This signifies the official start of the Boston holiday season. During the month of December holiday lights practically blanket the city. There are decorated trees in Copley Square, at the Massachusetts State House, Faneuil Hall, and Boston Common. Then there’s the Prudential Center’s 31 Days of light from December 1 – 31 (display of lights of different colors every night to bring awareness to non-profits). Don’t forget to visit the Columbus Park Trellis, which you have undoubtedly seen photos of!
- While the lights are certainly a draw for Boston during the holiday season don’t forget that while taking in the lights at Faneuil Hall you can also get some shopping done. There are also holiday performers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Santa strolls through the market from Nov 24 – Jan 1.
- Ice skate at the Boston Common Frog Pond. It is the place to go if you are going to hit up only one Boston outdoor ice skating rink. You have the option to bring your own skates or rent on site. Once you’ve enjoyed a few spins around the rink head to the café to thaw out from the freezing Boston weather.
- Don’t forget to take a stroll in Beacon Hill, which is always so pretty at this time of year.
The 29^thAnnual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Festival: Nov 30, December 1 & 2. This is an event for those longing for a simpler time, who love old fashioned family Christmas fun (a nod to my favorite Christmas movie). You see, Stockbridge was made famous by Norman Rockwell’s painting of the village during the holidays which was completed in 1967. (Place photo here). According to their website, the festival offers a bunch of activities including holiday readings, caroling, house tours, and a holiday concert. The highlight is that on Sunday, Dec 2nd evening they recreate the scene depicted in the Norman Rockwell painting. This includes vintage automobiles in the same spots as the painting.
Nantucket Noel and Christmas Stroll – Nantucket, Massachusetts. November 30 – December 2. Santa arrives via Coast Guard Vessel and that’s just the beginning this event also features a craft show, holiday house tour, concerts and the Festival of Trees.

New Hampshire

Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight Stroll – Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This year marks the 39^thannual Candlelight Stroll “Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth.” This event showcases 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions. Open December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 & 22 from 5-9 pm on Saturdays and 4-8 pm Sundays. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for children (ages 5-17). The museum’s historic homes are set aglow with hundreds of candle lanterns decorated with thousands of handcrafted live greens, dried flowers, and herbs that are all collected from the museum’s gardens. Take a stroll through the historic houses as the sound of Christmas music fills the air. Enjoy some hot apple cider and complimentary refreshments at the Cider Shed.
- While at Strawbery Banke take a few laps around the outdoor skating rink, Puddle Duck Pond. It’s open 7 days a week 9 am – 9 pm until February.
- To really get into the Christmas spirit get tickets to one of Pickwick’s Holiday Tavern Dinners. This is a ticketed event not included in the Candlelight Stroll. It is a costumed holiday dining experience held in Pitt Tavern that features the heartwarming sounds of guitar, violins and Christmas carols. It is offered each night of the Candlelight Stroll and seatings are available at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. I’m sorry to report that as of November 29 all-time slots for this (2018) holiday season were sold out. Apparently, this is an event you need to get tickets for in advance.
Traditionally Yours, Celebration – Jackson, New Hampshire, November 23 – December 16. Classic New England villages invite you to celebrate the Christmas and Holiday season essentially giving you what is the quintessential New England holiday experience. It features craft fairs, Wine and Holiday drink tastings, cookie decorating, jingle bell chocolate tours and much more.
Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie Tour – White Mountains, New Hampshire December 8-9, 11 am – 4pm. Who doesn’t love Christmas cookies? If you think that enjoying some sweet treats is the perfect way to kick off this holiday season then you can’t miss Inn to Inn. This is a self guided event featuring the snow-capped White Mountains as the backdrop to gorgeous Christmas decorations and numerous bed and breakfasts. Admission is only guaranteed to those who purchase a lodging packaging at one of the participating inns. The tour stretches from Jackson to Eaton, New Hampshire, and 11 inns will be opening their doors for the tours. Each inn will feature original holiday cookies and beautiful decorations.
- If you want to get outdoors this holiday season takes a hike in the White Mountains. The Flume Gorge Trail in Franconia Notch State Park is gorgeous at this time of year.

Maine

Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Christmas Tree – Kennebunkport, Maine. Photo by Robert Dennis.

Visit the small town of York, Maine – as it is all lit up for the holiday season. Don’t forget to drive out to the Nubble Lighthouse which is decorated with holiday lights every year. On the 1^stSaturday of December, the town celebrates the Festival of Lights which features a parade that starts at 4:30 pm.
Christmas Prelude – Kennebunkport, Maine. November 29 – December 9. Friday, Nov 30: 2 pm – 8 pm. Saturday, Dec 1: 9 am – 6 pm. Sunday, Dec 2: 10 am – 1 pm. Friday, Dec 7: 4 pm – 8 pm. Saturday, Dec 8: 10 am – 5 pm. The 37^thannual Christmas Prelude beckons you to come to enjoy a full week of holiday cheer in picturesque Kennebunkport. The tree lighting ceremony on Dock Square happens on Nov 30^thand don’t forget to take in quintessential Maine, Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree. This includes the memorable arrival of Santa by lobster boat on Sunday, December 2 at 2 pm – how fun??
Sparkle Weekend – Freeport, Maine. December 7-9. This is an annual event in the bustling adorable small town of Freeport, Maine. Signature events include Sparkle Parade of Lights, Jingle Bell Run, holiday concerts, carolers and it wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa Claus. Take in the musical light show or enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride. This is also the location of the L.L. Bean flagship store so don’t forget to pose with the giant boot! Freeport knows what’s up when it comes to Christmas celebrations.

Vermont

A Traditional Christmas in Stowe – Stowe, Vermont. November 30 – December 2. If you’ve read my post on our perfect fall road trip, you know we love Stowe, Vermont! You can expect gorgeous tree lighting, traditional holiday decorations, wagon rides and it wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as their reindeer. The celebration features carolers, a Christmas fair, holiday cookie decorations and festivities at Stowe Mountain Resort. Enjoy a traditional Christmas in the beautiful town of Stowe with a snow-capped Mt. Mansfield looming in the background. What could be better?
Winter Wassail Weekend – Woodstock, Vermont. December 7-9, 10 am – 7:30 pm. This annual event is in its 34^thyear and is filled with historic decorated homes, twinkling lights and sleigh bells during the Wassail Parade. According to their website, the best place to view the parade is the village green. There is an artisan market, breakfast with Santa and Christmas craft fairs. Enjoy an acapella concert or A Celtic Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 8 at 8 pm at Pentangle Arts. You can also head to Billings Farm for a 19^thcentury Vermont Christmas experience.
Vermont Holiday Festival – Killington, Vermont. December 6-8. Thurs: 5:30 – 8 pm. Fri: 4 – 8 pm. Sat: 1 – 7pm. Sun: 1 – 7 pm. This event features everything from Santa’s workshop to sleigh rides.

Rhode Island

Festival of Lights – Wickford, Rhode Island. November 29 – December 2. The historic town of Wickford celebrates the 33^rdannual Festival of Light. Come and enjoy the holiday season in seaside fashion. The festival features a tree lighting, elf parade, concerts and hayrides with Santa.
Newports Gilded Age Mansions – Newport, Rhode Island. Beginning on November 17^thget in the holiday spirit by visiting Newport’s Gilded Age mansions – The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House. They are all dressed up for the holidays and ready to show you how they shine. Each kitchen features a gingerbread version of each mansion – how cute?
A Hearthside Christmas – Lincoln, Rhode Island. December 2, 8, 9, 28 & 30. Hearthside warms the heart with its nostalgic traditions with Christmas music and stunning decorations, including dozens of elaborately decorated trees. Learn about Christmas traditions, as this year’s event features a new celebration featuring the 1850 one-room schoolhouse next door to Hearthside.

Connecticut

Lantern Light Tours – Mystic, Connecticut. November 23, 24, 30 – December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21- 23. 5 pm – 10 pm. Adult ticket prices are $33 and children (4-17) are $26. Children under 3 are free. Officially called Lantern Light Tours: Finding Your Place and set in 1876 the play offers a window into the lives of people on the verge of both personal and cultural change. This 90 minute performance includes 5 scenes, including a winter fantasia and even a visit from jolly ole’ St. Nick! It covers about half a mile of uneven terrain including cobblestone.
Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights – East Windsor, Connecticut. November 23 – December 30, 5 pm – 9 pm. Adults – $15, Children – $10. The 40^thannual Winterfest features 15,000 lights, the halls are certainly decked inside and out in East Windsor. Closed trolly cars transport guests down a tunnel of lights as traditional Christmas carols are sung. You can’t get much more in the spirit then they do at the Tunnel of Lights. If you can handle the Jack Frost nipping at your nose (corny, yes!) you can also take an open-air sleigh ride that is lit up in holiday lights. All I can say is, if you choose this option make sure to bundle up and bring blankets to snuggle in. If you do catch a chill hot cocoa and warm snacks are available for purchase in the Visitor Center.
Holiday Light Fantasia – Goodwin Park, Hartford, Connecticut. November 22 – January 1. Sun – Thurs: 5 pm – 9 pm. Fri – Sat: 5 pm – 10 pm. Holiday Light Fantasia is touted as Connecticut’s must-see family light show. It is a stunning collection of over 1 million lights situated along a 2-mile drive through Goodwin Park. There are over 200 individual displays and at just $15 per car, it is a pretty affordable option. In the spirit of giving, proceeds from this event benefit Channel 3 Kids Camp