I love this time of the year for its excitement, spirit and sense of warm atmosphere wherever you go.

Whether your definition of excitement is a holiday show in the city or a special Christmas event at one of New England’s many destinations, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the “child in you.”

Here’s a selection of Christmas in New England events popular with my family.

Boston Christmas Season:

Boston comes to life for the Christmas season with special shows and holiday decorations. If you’ve never seen a Boston Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” then you’re in for a treat and even if you have, they manage to add something unique every year to keep it fresh and surprising yet warmly familiar.  www.bostonballet.org/

Another favorite show to take in while in town is the Holiday Pops concert put on by Boston Pops with Keith Lockhart at Symphony Hall. This show runs throughout December until December 27^th and includes special kid’s matinee performances that include sing-a-longs and photos with Santa opportunity – great stuff. Learn more at: www.bso.org

Stay for the New Year and experience the ultimate show of First Night. Buttons can be purchased for $15 and it includes entrance to museum, art shows, and special events on New Year’s Eve. Details at: www.firstnight.org

Bright Nights at Forest Park – Springfield:

While Boston may be lit up for Christmas the best display of lights is reserved for Bright Nights at Forest Park out in Springfield, Massachusetts. Now in its 15^th season it seems to grow larger each year, and though we haven’t done our annual visit yet – its just a few weekends away and excitement is growing in the household – I’ve seen enough before to know we can’t afford to miss it.

Far from being just a drive-through event visitors are encouraged to get out of their cars and explore. Santa is available for visits at his Magical Forest up through Christmas Eve, and at weekends you can take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the dazzling light displays. Lights turn on at 5:00pm from Thanksgiving through to New Year’s Day. More information at: www.brightnights.org

Yankee Candle Village – South Deerfield:

Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield puts on magic of its own for the holiday season. Yes, you can purchase any of the famous Yankee Candles scents or pick up an usual fragrance for the season, but it also houses the Candle Making Museum.

At the museum you can watch candles being made the old-fashioned way, learn about the history of candle making and Yankee Candle, and even make candles of your own with shapes you choose. Taking home a personal memento of the visit is one of highlights during our Christmas season and has become a family tradition. Further details at: www.yankeecandle.com

Woodstock Village – Vermont:

The village of Woodstock in central Vermont is both festive and scenic during winter. It begins with its popular Wassail Weekend which this year is being held December 11-13, and then continues through the holiday season and into January as it attracts winter getaway seekers.

The village green with covered bridge is classic New England and being situated in snow belt land of Vermont you’re sure to get the white stuff to give you those Currier & Ives scenes. Lodge at the famous four-diamond Woodstock Inn & Resort and warm against a wood fireplace, relax in the library, or get out and stroll around town with its shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a stroll into one of Vermont’s country stores at F.H. Gillingham and sons and find that unusual gift.

Outdoor activities in town include a visit to the Billings Farm and Museum where Christmas comes to life in decorations and you can take horse-drawn sleigh rides. For skiers the Woodstock Inn operates a cross-country Nordic skiing and for speed merchants the Inn maintains a small downhill ski run. And if you take your kids then sledding is available at Mount Tom near Billings Farm

As you can see Woodstock has something for everybody. For more information about Woodstock and the surrounding area check out this website:  www.woodstockvt.com/

Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll – Portsmouth, New Hampshire:

One of New England’s most popular living museums is at Strawbery Banke in one of its prettiest cites of Portsmouth, New Hampshire (according to Forbes magazine). For the last thirty years during the holiday season Strawbery Banke has hosted a Candlelight Stroll as a special way of visiting the museum.

You can visit the specially decorated historic houses, take a horse-drawn carriage rides through the grounds, experience live traditional music and entertainment, and of course stroll through the candlelit streets and grounds of the village.

The special Candlelight Stroll celebrations take place Saturday and Sundays in December from 4:00pm – 9:00pm up through December 20^th. For more information visit their web site at: www.strawberybanke.org

For lots of other destinations and events during the holiday season in the region visit our New England Christmas Guide here.

Another New England post by one of our writers is being prepared right now so be sure to visit again or just subscribe to our RSS Feed here and get notified automatically of events and news.

Joan Daniels
Staff Writer
New England Online Magazine

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