This is one of those times when it’s great to be living or visiting New England - the holiday season in New England is just a sack-full of festivities and events going on in all parts of the region.

And if you’re lucky we may even have the “white stuff” making everything look like a Currier & Ives picture - which is okay by me as long as it’s all melted by January 1st, 2008 - just kidding!

So here are my top six selections of events to consider for your holiday season in New England…

CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS:

Each holiday season the Newport Mansions of The Elms, The Breakers, and Marble House put on a stunning show of spectacular evergreens, trees, thousands of pointsettia plants, fresh flowers and wreaths. You can see this stunning display of seasonal decorations at these Newport Mansions between November 17 through to January 1, 2008. More information >… here

NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE:

Old Sturbridge Village has always been one of my favorites places to visit and discover about life in 19th century New England. Now with the holiday season upon us, the village once again displays its ability to provide a discovery experience in a fun and entertaining way… and all with a New England Christmas flavor! Between December 1, 2007 and January 1,2008 Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts will be transformed so you can experience a 19th century New England Christmas. More information >… here

BOSTON POPS AND BALLET “THE NUTCRACKER”:

A tradition at Symphony Hall is holiday music performances by the Boston Pops through December. Conductor Keith Lockhart and guests embark on yet another Christmas season of Boston Pops Holiday Series. It all kicks off on Monday, December 11th, 2007 at 8:00pm and continues through to the Boston Pop’ annual New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st at 10:15pm.

The Boston Ballet performs The Nutcracker at The Opera House in the downtown area off the Tremont side of Boston Common. The season starts on November 29th with performances through December 29th, 2007. More information on both events >… here

LANTERN LIGHT TOURS AT MYSTIC SEAPORT:

Slip on some comfortable walking shoes and head out on one of the Lantern Light Tours on Christmas Eve 1876 at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut. Okay so it’s not really Christmas Eve 1876 but yor guide will be role playing the period for you, so you can connect to that date… and relive the magic of Yuletide celebrations from long ago. The Lantern Light Tours last 70 minutes and operate on December 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, and 27-28 between 5:00pm and 9:15pm. More details >… here

WOODSTOCK WASSAIL WEEKEND:

Woodstock, Vermont shakes off the early days of winter, puts on its party clothes, and welcomes visitors for its annual Wassail Weekend on December 7-9, 2007. The weekend includes historic house tours, a parade, and special events at the Billings Farm Museum. More information >… here

OGUNQUIT CHRISTMAS-BY-THE-SEA:

Ogunquit, Maine is celebrating its 20th Annual Christmas-by-the-Sea event - and it wants you there! During the weekend of December 7-9, 2007 Ogunquit welcomes those wishing to experience tree decorating, caroling, candlelight walks, concerts, visits with Santa, bonfires, a parade, and… well, a whole bunch more in this jam-packed Yuletide celebration weekend. More information >… here

For more suggestions for things to see and do during the New England Christmas season visit my special holiday page by clicking here.

Hope you’re having a wonderful December,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
Vacations in New England