10 Holiday Activities to do in New England

Abigail Buckley and Grace Goodreau

With the holiday season coming around the corner fast, it’s important to note the fun activities to do within New England. From Snowport in Boston, MA to a Christmas stroll in Nantucket- there’s a plethora of noteworthy activities to check off your list this year!

1. Snowport (Boston, Massachusetts)

“Hold on to your handwarmers -- we shook Seaport up in a giant snow globe and transformed the neighborhood into a magical winter getaway” (Seaport Website)

Snowport is a seasonal winter wonderland in Boston’s Seaport District that features a large outdoor holiday market with over 120 vendors. From a variety of food and drink options, to winter activities like ice skating and curling, there’s something for everyone! Snowport runs from early November to the end of February, with a variety of events on specific dates such as; Seaport holiday stroll, Menorah lighting, the Seaport tree market, Betty the Yeti and more.

2. Ice Skating & Candlelight Stroll (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)

If you’re a New Hampshire resident, then you’re probably familiar with the Candlelit stroll and ice skating rink in Portsmouth at Strawberry Banke. It involves an evening walk through the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood to experience seasonal traditions, and a look into what life was like during the holidays of past generations. You can expect to walk a path lit by hundreds of candle lanterns and string lights, enjoy performances by wandering musicians, watch costumed roleplayers portray past residents who share stories, and warm up with a cup of warm cider. At the eLabrie Family Skate at Puddle Duck Pond, seasonal outdoor skating is available on the pond, where you can also watch professional ice skaters from Ice Dance International perform during the Candlelit Stroll event.

3. Christmas Prelude (Kennebunkport, Maine)

44 years of magic. Christmas Prelude is an annual 10-day holiday festival in Kennebunkport Me, featuring events like a lobster boat arrival for Santa, tree lightings, caroling, and a hat parade. The celebration brings festive lights, a towering tree in the middle of the square, a beautiful fireworks display and much more! The tree lighting ceremony in Dock Square officially begins the season on December 5th at 5:30pm, with multiple events following, including the 15th annual pooch parade, where you can bring your pooch wearing their favorite holiday outfit! It’s the perfect coastal town to spend your holidays in this season!

4. Christmas Stroll (Nantucket, Massachusetts)

Another great coastal town to visit during the holidays is Nantucket, Massachusetts! The holiday season begins with the celebratory Tree Lighting on Main Street, where dozens of decorated Christmas trees will line the downtown streets, and be illuminated the Friday after Thanksgiving. They will be holding their Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll on December 5-7, 2025. With a history dating back more than 50 years ago, the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce holds activities every year that includes; tree decorating contest, a downtown marketplace from 10am to 3pm, and live entertainment on a stage set on Main Street. 

5. Wassail Weekend (Woodstock, Vermont)

Wassail weekend combines the historical traditions with modern festivities to mark the start of the holiday season. Rooted in the tradition of “wassailing,” which historically involved drinking to people’s health and wishing good fortune, Wassail Weekend kicks off Friday, December 12th with a winter celebration at the Farm & includes festivities such as a vintage book sale, horse and carriage rides through the village, an Artisan Market on The Green, and Painting Ornaments. On that Saturday the 13th, it’s the heart of celebration with the Wassail Weekend parade, and throughout the day there's tree lighting, as well as a bonfire and Christmas caroling. The weekend wraps up with skating with Santa at the Union Arena, and the customs of a Victorian Christmas at the Billings Farm & Museum.

6. Christmas at the Newport Mansions (Newport, Rhode Island)

Every year, the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island transform into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer are open to visitors from November 22, 2025-January 1, 2026. Nearly 30 Christmas trees are decorated to complement the decor and theme of each room. In addition there’s hundreds of garlands, wreaths,, and fresh floral arrangements that add color, warmth and life! There's a special event at The Breakers called Sparkling Lights at The Breakers from November 21-December 28, 2025. Admission tickets range from $25-$57 depending on the amount of guests.

7. Garden Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay, Maine)

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Maine come alive after dark during the holiday season! New England’s premier light show turns the landscape into a glowing scene, with Maine’s forests, shorelines and meadows! You can warm up in their Cafe with comfort food favorites, grab a hot cocoa or coffee and freshly baked treats. Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for Veterans/Seniors (65+),$13 for Children (3-17) and children under 3 are free!

8. Santa’s Village (Jefferson, New Hampshire)

An all-time family favorite, Santa’s Village is a Christmas themed amusement park in Jefferson, New Hampshire featuring a variety of rides, and activities like visiting Santa and feeding reindeer. The variety of rides include the Skyway Sleigh monorail, Yule Log Flume, Midnight Flyer roller coaster and others for smaller children. Kids are able to go on a hunt for all of Santa’s elves around the park, and are awarded with a prize at the end upon completion!

9. Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, Rhode Island)

The Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo is an annual walk-through event featuring over 3.5 million lights that runs nightly from November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026. The Zoo is transformed with special events including; meet-and-greets with Santa on Thursdays, storytime with a Roger the Red Panda mascot and photo opportunities with “Frozen” characters. There’s a s’mores station with hot cocoa and other seasonal treats! It’s from 5:00pm-9:30pm, where admission is Adult $14, Child $12 and toddlers are free.

10.  32nd Annual Festival of Trees (Methuen, Massachusetts)

The Festival of Trees features hundreds of decorated trees, a raffle for cash prizes and a holiday gift shop, taking place November 22 to December 6, 2025. It’s a tradition featuring over 300 beautifully decorated trees, mini-trees and wreaths. It’s a great event to start off your holiday season with over 25,000+ people from cities and towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire visiting every year!