5 Unique Holiday Activities to Enjoy in New England this Year

New Englanders wishing to remain in the region for the holidays, yet still experience the joys of travel, may be interested in the many festive cities and towns that abound in the area. According to local and national travel experts, the following ten New England destinations are overflowing with Christmas cheer. On Cape Ann, travelers may follow a map of holiday lights during the region’s third annual “Winter Lights on Cape Ann,” as recommended by Keiko Matsudo Orrall, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. Said location encompasses the city of Gloucester.

US-based magazine, Travel + Leisure, named Nantucket one of the best Christmas towns in the United States. Those wishing to experience a holiday getaway may wish to consider visiting this island for its renowned annual Christmas Stroll event. The festivities will span over two years, from January st, through to January st, , accommodating more than one hundred participating businesses. To assist visitors in reviewing the schedule of events, a comprehensive map is available to follow the lights.

Additionally, on December , Rockport will be hosting a special festive event consisting of a Christmas tree in Dock Square, along with other activities.

The Concord Museum is hosting the th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature exhibit, running through January , . An array of festive holiday trees and wreaths, inspired by children’s literature, are available for visitors to appreciate. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Concord, a locale steeped in culture and history, in which writers such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne once resided. Moreover, there will also be wine tastings and other activities available throughout this enchanting occasion.

Do not forego visiting Main Street, which abounds with gift shops, galleries and cafés. Additionally, it is highly recommended to make a stop at Walden Pond to experience the beauty of nature that inspired Thoreau and others. Furthermore, visitors to Stockbridge will feel as if they have stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting; for the town was famously depicted in his painting “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas)”, earning Stockbridge the accolade of being named ‘No. Christmas Town in America’ by Country Living and annually re-enacting the painting every December.

From December nd to th, guests can enjoy exciting shopping excursions and meals at the numerous boutiques, galleries, and restaurants located on Main Street, as well as taking in the delightful works of Norman Rockwell Museum. Moreover, “Winterlights” at Naumkeag, recently awarded as one of the top holiday lights displays in America by USA Today, is another attractive prospect for visitors. Those seeking an immersive experience may choose to drive through hundreds of captivating light exhibits at Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, which Frommer’s has proclaimed as one of the most remarkable winter light displays in the U.S.

Visitors to Hartford, Conn., this holiday season will be delighted by Glow Gardens, an indoor light festival and garden located at the Connecticut Convention Center. This one-of-a-kind Christmas event is sure to bring joy to the whole family, featuring glowing activities, specialty treats, and a luxury shopping area (complete with a gift shop and winter carousel). What’s more, Santa himself makes select appearances leading up to the big day! Glow Gardens at the Connecticut Convention Center runs from now until January , .

Conclusion

In summary, the Berkshire region of Massachusetts is a wonderful place to visit, especially during the winter season. Whether it’s to take advantage of the shopping and dining opportunities on Main Street, marvel at Norman Rockwell Museum’s masterpieces, or enjoy the top award-winning displays of Winterlights at Naumkeag and Bright Nights at Forest Park, travelers are guaranteed unforgettable experiences that make it worth their while to visit.