When it comes to total Christmas charm, it’s hard to beat New England.
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New England holidays are some of the most classic in the United States for three reasons.
First, the winter chill usually brings fresh white snow. Second, most towns are old—meaning they have main streets downtown worth a stroll. Third, those historic areas come alive under the glow of Christmas lights.
Those three key ingredients (snow, historical appeal, and picturesque streets) are hard to beat. Local families flock to their favorite towns year after year, while others fly and drive great distances to be part of the holiday magic.
But with more than a few options worth checking out, which towns in Massachusetts have the ‘best’ Christmas cheer?
Let’s explore my top three picks based on those three metrics listed above.
Top 3 towns for celebrating Christmas in Massachusetts
Most picturesque pick: Stockbridge
Last year, Stockbridge was named as one of the top 30 Christmas towns in the US by a major interior decorating publication, ‘House Beauty’.
This gorgeous Berkshires town has plenty of history, just like Concord (below)—but it comes out ahead when it comes to a cozy, quaint atmosphere.
The shops lining its main street look like they’re straight out of a children’s book. In fact, Norman Rockwell actually called this town home for years up until his death in 1978. Picturesque is a fitting word—especially considering you might recognize some Stockbridge streets from his work.
(I’m referring to 1967’s ‘Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas’… which is now actually its own separate Christmas event.)
Heading to Stockbridge this year?
Best history pick: Concord
You know Concord even if you don’t know that you know it. Concord is the hometown of the first shot fired during the American Revolution. It’s home to literary icons, from Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter) to Louise May Alcott (Little Women).
Regardless of what you’re doing around town, you’ll have walkable streets that are lined with historical shops and residences. Sort of like a Gilmore Girls set.
Over Christmas, you can also enjoy activities like the Gift of Lights drive-through lights display, the Winter LIghts decorated gardens, and other local events at the Concord Museum and the Toy Shop of Concord.
Heading to Concord this year?
Best snowy pick: Newburyport
If you’re seeking out a snowy Massachusetts Christmas, you need to stick to the central and western parts of the state. Newburyport is one of a handful of snowy Christmas destinations in MA’s central region—and there are dozens of ways to get involved in the winter festivities.
First off, if snow is only your thing for an hour or two—don’t worry. Newburyport is home to the North Pole Express Train event, which doesn’t require any snowy excursions.
That being said, if you’re actively looking to get knee-deep in the snow, you can expect at least a bit of snowfall throughout December.
You can enjoy the fresh powder while enjoying the family sing-a-long at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, the Christmas at the Farm tour of Manor House, and the Luminous Night Winter Concert series.
Heading to Newburyport this year?
