Best Christmas Festivals In New England

Celebrating the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in New England!

Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and New England is one of the best destinations to celebrate the festive season. From twinkling lights to enchanting Christmas markets and impressive holiday displays, New England has something for everyone. Here are the best Christmas festivals in New England that you should not miss!

🎄 Bright Nights at Forest Park, Massachusetts

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Forest Park to witness the magical light display of Bright Nights. With over 3 miles of twinkling lights, Bright Nights is an unforgettable experience. Families can also enjoy a festive carousel ride and hot chocolate.

🎄 Christmas Prelude, Maine

Christmas Prelude is a month-long celebration of the holiday season in Kennebunkport. The festival includes tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, craft fairs, and other festive events. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, and indulge in seasonal delicacies at pop-up restaurants.

🎄 Christmas at the Newport Mansions, Rhode Island

The Newport Mansions are transformed into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the stunning mansions, which are decorated with beautiful holiday displays. The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House are some of the mansions that participate in this event.

🎄 Christmas by Candlelight, Massachusetts

Christmas by Candlelight is an annual event held at Old Sturbridge Village. The event features Christmas carols, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a festive holiday market. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning display of more than 1,000 luminaries that light up the village.

🎄 Christmas Festival of Lights, Connecticut

The Christmas Festival of Lights at the Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven is one of the most popular events in Connecticut. The park is decorated with over a million lights, and visitors can enjoy a festive train ride, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, and other fun activities.

🎄 Christmas in the City, Massachusetts

Christmas in the City is a non-profit event that brings Christmas cheer to homeless families in Boston. The event includes a visit from Santa Claus, holiday-themed arts and crafts, and a festive meal. Volunteers can also participate in gift wrapping and helping Santa distribute presents.

🎄 Christmas at Canterbury, New Hampshire

Christmas at Canterbury is a holiday experience that takes visitors back in time. The event is held at the Shaker Village Museum, and features candlelit tours, caroling, and traditional holiday treats. Visitors can also participate in craft workshops and purchase handmade gifts.

🎄 Christmas Prelude, Vermont

Christmas Prelude in Woodstock is a festive celebration that takes place throughout the month of December. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread house decorating contests, and a holiday market. Visitors can also enjoy sleigh rides and festive concerts.

🎄 Festival of Trees, Massachusetts

The Festival of Trees is an annual event held at the Lawrence Senior Center. The event features beautifully decorated Christmas trees that are donated by local businesses and community members. Visitors can also enjoy holiday performances and indulge in traditional holiday treats.

🎄 Newport Winter Festival, Rhode Island

The Newport Winter Festival is a ten-day celebration of the winter season in Newport. The festival includes outdoor activities such as ice skating, ice sculpting, and skiing. Visitors can also enjoy a wine and food festival, live music, and other festive events.

🎄 Rockport’s Christmas Pageant, Massachusetts

The Rockport Christmas Pageant is a beloved annual tradition that has been celebrated for over 70 years. The event includes a nativity play, caroling, and a candlelit procession. The pageant is held on the weekend before Christmas and attracts visitors from all over the world.

🎄 Stowe’s Annual Winter Carnival, Vermont

Stowe’s Annual Winter Carnival is a celebration of winter that features ice carving competitions, a snow golf tournament, and a parade. Visitors can also enjoy a chili cook-off, a kite flying demonstration, and other fun events.

🎄 The Christmas Festival, New Hampshire

The Christmas Festival is held annually at the Exeter Town Hall. The event features a holiday market, a gingerbread house competition, and a visit from Santa Claus. Visitors can also enjoy live music, a performance by the Seacoast Civic Dance Company, and other festive activities.

🎄 The Christmas Revels, Massachusetts

The Christmas Revels is a musical celebration of the winter solstice that has been performed annually in Cambridge since 1971. The event showcases traditional music, dance, and storytelling from different cultures around the world. Visitors can also enjoy a sing-along and a visit from Father Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to visit New England for Christmas festivals?

A: The best time to visit New England for Christmas festivals is between late November and early January.

Q: Are there any outdoor Christmas markets in New England?

A: Yes, there are several outdoor Christmas markets in New England, including those held in Kennebunkport, Woodstock, and Stowe.

Q: Are there any free Christmas festivals in New England?

A: Yes, there are several free Christmas festivals in New England, including the Christmas Festival of Lights in New Haven and Christmas in the City in Boston.

Q: Are the Christmas festivals in New England suitable for children?

A: Yes, most of the Christmas festivals in New England are suitable for children, with activities such as train rides, carousels, and Santa Claus visits.

Q: Can I purchase handmade gifts at the Christmas festivals in New England?

A: Yes, several Christmas festivals in New England feature holiday markets where you can purchase handmade gifts from local artisans.

Q: Are there any Christmas festivals in New England that celebrate the winter season?

A: Yes, several Christmas festivals in New England celebrate the winter season and feature outdoor activities such as ice carving, skiing, and snow golf.

Q: Can I participate in craft workshops at the Christmas festivals in New England?

A: Yes, several Christmas festivals in New England offer craft workshops where you can learn how to make holiday decorations and other festive items.

Q: Can I sample traditional holiday treats at the Christmas festivals in New England?

A: Yes, several Christmas festivals in New England offer traditional holiday treats such as gingerbread, hot chocolate, and eggnog.

Q: Are there any Christmas festivals in New England that feature live music performances?

A: Yes, several Christmas festivals in New England feature live music performances, including the Newport Winter Festival and The Christmas Festival.

Q: Can I take a self-guided tour of the Newport Mansions during the Christmas season?

A: Yes, you can take a self-guided tour of the Newport Mansions during the Christmas season, which are decorated with beautiful holiday displays.

Q: Are there any Christmas festivals in New England that are held indoors?

A: Yes, several Christmas festivals in New England are held indoors, including the Festival of Trees and Christmas by Candlelight.

Q: Can I enjoy a sleigh ride at any of the Christmas festivals in New England?

A: Yes, visitors can enjoy a sleigh ride at several Christmas festivals in New England, including Christmas Prelude in Vermont.

Q: Are there any Christmas festivals in New England that feature fireworks displays?

A: No, there are no Christmas festivals in New England that feature fireworks displays.

Q: Can I visit Santa Claus at any of the Christmas festivals in New England?

A: Yes, visitors can visit Santa Claus at several Christmas festivals in New England, including Christmas Festival of Lights and Christmas in the City.

Q: Can I participate in a tree lighting ceremony at any of the Christmas festivals in New England?

A: Yes, several Christmas festivals in New England feature tree lighting ceremonies, including Christmas Prelude in Maine and Christmas Festival in New Hampshire.

Conclusion

New England is a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, and these festivals offer something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a festive light display, indulge in traditional holiday treats, or participate in outdoor activities, New England has it all. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable Christmas festivals!

Plan your trip today and experience the magic of