8 Amazing Activities to do in New England at Christmas Time

When I think of Christmas time in New England, I think of twinkling lights, snow-covered trees lining the streets, colonial homes with candles in the window, and the smell of fresh-baked cookies. I think of people gathering in the town square, sleigh rides, carolers, and sounds of children laughing. It is a magical time of year and one I would love to share with you. Here are eight amazing things to do in New England at Christmas time.

Nantucket Christmas Stroll

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What initially began as a way to keep the islanders from escaping to the mainland of Cape Cod to shop, local merchants kept their shops open late the first Friday night of December. Shopkeepers provided hot drinks, wine, and cookies as shoppers perused through the local shops. As the years went on, the event grew and has become an internationally-renowned holiday event.

Nantucket’s Christmas Stroll is held the first weekend in December. Hundreds of decorated trees line the downtown streets while carolers gather to sing Christmas carols. There is cookie decorating, an ugly sweater contest, live entertainment, Santa visits, and more. As mentioned, this is a well-attended event, so reservations for lodging should be made well in advance. For more information, go to Christmas Stroll.

Kennebunk Christmas Prelude

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Most know of Kennebunkport, Maine, as the summer home of the Bush Family, but did you know for 40 years, it has been home to the annual Christmas Prelude. The town transforms into a winter wonderland. It will remind you of Christmas pasts. This popular event was once featured on HGTV as the number 2 Christmas town in America. It draws people from all around the world.

This year the prelude is December 2nd-December 12th. It includes historic home tours, caroling, shopping, craft fairs, sleigh rides, concerts, food and drink, boat rides, wreath making, trolley rides, and more. This event is so popular; visitors are encouraged to book their lodging for the following year before leaving for home. You can find more information here.

Annual Holiday Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour

We leave the great state of Maine and head to New Hampshire for the 24th annual Holiday Inn to Inn Cookie and Candy Tour. This self-guided tour is December 11th and 12th from 11-3 each day. From Jackson to Eaton, New Hampshire, nine inns are decked out in their holiday best, serving delicious holiday cookies and candies. Go from inn to inn sampling treats, both savory and sweet. Each visitor will receive a recipe card for the treats featured in a holiday cookbook to take home. Stay at one of the nine inns and collect an ornament for your tree. Go to their website for more information and to check availability for this year’s tour. 

Zoo Lights

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Every year the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA, is transformed by thousands of twinkling lights. Explore the zoo, where you will see foxes, black bears, and even a reindeer or two. Each night, gather around the fire, make some s’mores, take a ride on the carousel, and visit with old St. Nick. On certain nights of the week, be entertained by local singer Renee Lamy or swing by and say hi to Mrs. Claus. Adults can visit Lord Hobo Holiday Beer Garden for drinks, games and get their picture taken with a real working sleigh on Thursday nights.

How does hot cocoa with a reindeer sound? Experience an up-close encounter with a reindeer and enjoy a hot chocolate bar with all the fixings and a photo opp with these magical creatures.

This event runs Nov. 19 – Jan. 9, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

Christmas by Candlelight-Old Sturbridge Village

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Old Sturbridge Village is an outdoor living history museum depicting life in rural New England in the 19th century. Starting the first weekend in December, go back time and experience New England holiday traditions with sleigh rides, live entertainment, storytelling, festive foods, a bonfire, and more. Stroll around the village and see firsthand how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century. Make sure you don’t miss the nightly tree lighting or the fantastic gingerbread house contest. I highly recommend going to visit Mrs. Claus for one of her homemade cookies.

Additional information, including times and ticket prices, can be found here. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that in 1659, Christmas was officially banned in Massachusetts? The ban was lifted in 1850, but New Englanders did not celebrate it until it became a federal holiday in 1870.

Christmas at the Newport Mansions

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What I love about living in New England is one minute you can be celebrating the holidays in 19th-century fashion and the next, touring these beautiful mansions living the life of Jackie Kennedy and the Vanderbilts. Experience the beauty of The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House–three National Historic Landmarks. Here you will find Christmas at its finest. The garland is hung high above the mantles, floor-to-ceiling trees in many of the rooms, along with hundreds of poinsettias lining the staircases. Explore the beautiful dining rooms, where nothing but the best china is laid out for holiday dinners. To purchase tickets or to learn more, go to Christmas at the Newport Mansions.

Holiday Pops

The Boston Pops is part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is famously known for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the 4th of July and its Holiday concerts. The holiday season kicks off on December 3rd, with numerous shows throughout the month. I have enjoyed attending a Holiday Pops performance, and it is not to be missed.

Edaville Railroad- Christmas Festival of Lights

Edaville Railroad was THE place to go at Christmas time when I was a kid. I remember heading down to Carver, MA, riding the Edaville railroad to see all the Christmas lights. Forty years later, Edaville is still there and better than ever. Experience magical light displays, stroll through Thomas Land (remember Thomas the Tank Engine?), take a ride to the land of Soder to see the beautiful Christmas lights. Of course, there is plenty of hot cocoa, rides and attractions, and the big man himself, Jolly Old St. Nick. Head over to Edaville’s website for more information. 

As you can see, New England has a lot to offer this holiday season. So, if you happen to be in the area, make sure to attend one of these fantastic events. I know I plan to.