Wondering where to celebrate Christmas in Boston and the surrounding areas? For many Massachusetts towns, Christmas festivities consist of an annual Christmas parade and tree lighting event. But, that’s not the case for all towns. In some towns, even though the floats are long gone, there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had. That’s certainly the case with the seven towns below, which host some of the best holiday events near Boston.

1. Taunton
Taunton, MA, USA
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Taunton is known as "The Christmas City," so while there are lots of reasons to visit this town year round, it’s especially enchanting during the holidays. Festivities center around Taunton Green, which, during the holiday season, plays host to two beloved annual celebrations: Lighting of the Green and Lights On Festival.
2. Deerfield
Deerfield, MA, USA
Facebook/Yankee Candle Village
Fancy a holiday road trip? Deerfield is not only brimming with quaint and historic colonial houses, but the town is also where you’ll find the Yankee Candle Village. Here Christmas is celebrated every day of the year. Practice makes perfect! Where else can you find the world’s tallest indoor Christmas tree or experience snow falling inside, every four minutes!? This flagship store is located at 25 Greenfield Road in South Deerfield.
3. Barrington (New Hampshire)
Barrington, NH, USA
Facebook/The Christmas Dove
Speaking of holiday shopping, here’s a Christmas store in New Hampshire that’ll blow your mind. The Christmas Dove in Barrington has a whopping 30 festive-themed rooms just waiting to be explored. The store is about 1.5 hours from Boston – keep an eye out for special events such as photos with Santa. For more information, check out our full article on The Christmas Dove, which is located at 11 Christmas Lane in Barrington.
4. Attleboro
Attleboro, MA, USA
Flickr/cjthibeault
Some of the best Christmas lights near Boston can be found in Attleboro. The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette features more than 400,000 twinkling lights that you can enjoy. The beloved annual display typically opens on Thanksgiving Day and runs until New Years. Check the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette website for more information.
5. Sturbridge
Sturbridge, MA, USA
Facebook/Old Sturbridge Village
Step inside a greeting card at Old Sturbridge Village, where you’ll be delighted by nightly tree lightings, sleigh rides, and a North Pole Village! Squeeze every holiday tradition you can imagine into one festive evening of joy.
6. Portsmouth (New Hampshire)
Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
Facebook/Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is always a charming town and it’s just a quick jaunt from Boston. Each winter, the city hosts its annual holiday festival, Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, during which the town’s historic, red brick buildings are decked out in festive decorations. It’s an ideal place for a wintery stroll.
7. Boylston
Boylston, MA, USA
Facebook/Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Check out Tower Hill Botanic Garden's annual light show, which boasts a different theme each year. Regardless of the theme, though, you'll be dazzled by enchanting landscapes, fun experiences, and thousands of lights. Seasonal refreshments and photo-ops are also part of the festivities. Please note, you need to buy your tickets online, in advance. You can do so by visiting the New England Botanic Garden website. The Botanic Garden is located at 11 French Drive in Boylston.

So, what do you think? Are these towns home to the best holiday events near Boston? Know of any other festive spots to celebrate Christmas in Boston? Whatever it is, tell us!

Looking for more ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season? Check out this Yuletide route. Showcasing the best Christmas light displays near Boston, it gathers some fantastic light displays around the city into an easily drivable route. With destinations this dazzling, the kids won’t be the only ones chanting, “Are we there yet?!”

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Daniella DiRienzo | November 04, 2022

What are the best drive-thru light shows near Boston?

When looking for the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Boston and the surrounding areas, don’t overlook the Holiday Light Show! Located in Haverhill, it’s one of the biggest and best drive-thru light shows near Boston. Sure to delight the young and old alike, it spans one mile and is comprised of dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays. Attendees can even tune their radios to enjoy a synced light performance. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, without having to brave the cold.

What are the best holiday events near Boston?

There are tons of places to get your fill of holiday spirit in and around Boston, including Somerville. Home to one of the best holiday events near Boston, Somerville’s Illuminations Tour boasts some of the best and brightest seasonal displays around. The dazzling Yuletide sights can be enjoyed via guided and self-guided tours. There’s more to the beloved annual event than twinkling lights, though. There’s caroling, too, making for a truly magical experience.

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