Since Massachusetts is home to all kinds of places to visit, ranging from quaint mountain towns and charming coastal villages, to exciting cities like Boston, there are so many wonderful areas to explore during the holiday season. And if you’re looking for the absolute best displays of Christmas lights in Massachusetts, then you’ve come to the right place!
Having traveled quite a bit through Massachusetts during this very festive time of the year, I’ve rounded-up my favorite light displays around the Bay State to help you plan your most magical Christmas season yet. With that, let’s get started!
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Where To See Christmas Lights In Downtown Boston
Boston is undoubtedly one of the best places in Massachusetts to see Christmas lights, and many of the most beautiful displays can be found right in the city. If you’re planning a Christmas visit to Boston, you’ll want to definitely have these light displays on your radar:
1. Boston Common & Frog Pond
One of the most popular areas in Boston for Christmas lights is the Common, which includes Frog Pond for ice skating. Trees throughout the park are wrapped in different colored Christmas lights, and this is also where you’ll find the beautiful Christmas tree that’s donated by Nova Scotia every year.
The Frog Pond ice skating rink usually opens in November, so it’s most definitely in full swing once all the lights around the park are up! Visiting Boston Common is free, but to skate, there is a small fee (those under 58 inches are free, though!). Skate rentals are also available for an additional charge, and it’s so worth it to skate under all the twinkle lights with the city skyline in the background!
Story behind the Nova Scotia tree: Since 1971, Nova Scotia has sent a tree down to Boston as a thank you for the city’s aid and rescue efforts during the Halifax Explosion of 1917. When Boston heard about the explosion, they immediately sent a train full of medical supplies, food, and water, and were the first to help during the tragic event.
Every year, Nova Scotia sends the giant tree, which travels by truck and ferry across the Bay of Fundy, to Boston. Before its departure, there’s a send-off ceremony for the tree, and many attendees at the send-off still write thank-you’s to Boston for their efforts back in 1917. The tree is then escorted by Boston Police to the Common for it’s Christmas lighting.
The Boston Common tree lighting is typically held the first Thursday in December each year, and is such a heart-warming tradition to experience in person.
2. The Public Gardens
Just a short walk from Boston Common is the Public Gardens, which is such a magical place to see Christmas lights in the city. In fact, it’s my personal favorite place for lights in the city during Christmas š
Since the pedestrian bridge in the gardens is already so picturesque, adding lights around it feels like you’re stepping into a holiday post card – and it’s even better if you happen to see it after a snowfall.
The lights at the Boston Public Gardens usually turn on the day after Thanksgiving, making this one of the first holiday light displays in the city you can see.
3. Christopher Columbus Park
The Trellis at Christopher Columbus Park turns into pure magic once its lights are turned on for the holiday season. If you can, I recommend attending the official lighting, which is typically held the Monday before Thanksgiving. Cookies, hot chocolate, and yummy chowder is usually available, and the event is a really fun way to kick off Thanksgiving week.
If you happen to visit in December, this is a place you’ll want to see once the sun has gone down. It’s especially perfect for a romantic stroll or photo opportunity, too. My suggestion is to arrive around sunset to admire the water views from the park, and then enjoy the lights once the sun has set.
4. Commonwealth Avenue Mall
The Mall along Commonwealth Avenue, which is a small park that runs through the center of the street, is completely aglow with twinkle lights starting in early December each year. In fact, the official lighting usually takes place just after the Boston Common tree lighting, so if you hurry, you might be able to catch both events.
But even if you can’t attend the official lighting, it’s worth walking over to the mall to admire the lights. They also stay on through the end of March, so you can enjoy them during a winter visit to the city, too!
5. Quincy Market
At Faneuil Hall in front of the Quincy Market building, you can enjoy another wonderful Christmas tree that’s perfect for a festive December night. The official lighting usually takes place during an event the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and most years, Santa makes a special appearance, so this is a great one to attend with kids.
The Quincy Market building is also decorated for the holidays, so this is a beautiful place to check out all month long.
Pro Tip: This area is just a short walk (I’m talkin’ like 2-3 minutes!) to the Christopher Columbus park, so you can easily visit both in the same night.
6. Seaport
The Light Up Seaport event is the official kick-off to this dazzling display of lights in one of Boston’s most exciting neighborhoods.
The tree lighting at Seaport typically takes place the first Friday in December, and is part of a Holiday Stroll event that includes music, photo opps, an aerial performance, and stores offering up treats and special sales.
But of course, you can enjoy the lights around Seaport all month long, and you’ll find a gorgeous tree at the center of it all that’s worth seeing.
7. Beacon Hill
One of the most charming and cozy neighborhoods in Boston to enjoy festive lights and classic decorations is Beacon Hill. I love to grab a hot chocolate from Tatte Bakery on Charles Street, and walk around to admire the lights, wreaths, garlands, and front stoop decorations.
While not the flashiest displays of lights in the city, there’s something very homey and perfect about this neighborhood during the holidays – especially if there’s a light snowfall covering the cobblestoned streets. I just couldn’t pass up including it on the list!
Where To See Christmas Lights In The Greater Boston Region
Heading outside of Boston proper, here are some places that are close to Boston’s downtown region that have fantastic light displays during the holiday season!
8. Somerville Illuminations Holiday Lights Tour
A neighborhood lights and decorations festival that’s most definitely one of the best to see in Massachusetts! This free event is a self-guided tour that starts at the Somerville High School, and takes you to some of the most decked out houses in the area. Enjoy the neighborhood on your own time, and you can either walk or drive around to admire the lights.
In year’s past, they’ve also had trolley tours that take visitors through the lights, but as of 2023, this is no longer being offered due to increasing costs.
Pro Tip: While it’s free to tour the lights, you can opt to purchase a map for a small fee that will give you a better idea of where to go. Proceeds from your map purchase go toward keeping this awesome tradition alive each year, and the maps are released the second Friday in December. They’re available through the end of the month.
9. Botanic Garden at Tower Hill In Boylston
Night Lights is a wonderful event with one of the most magical light displays in the state! Located at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden, thousands of twinkle lights in different colors will completely illuminate and transform the garden’s grounds into a true wonderland.
During the event, you can not only enjoy the incredible lights, but also festive drinks, s’mores, holiday shopping, and perfect holiday photo opps.
Tickets: This event does require tickets, and they typically go on sale in mid-October for members, and the end of October for non-members. I suggest you set a reminder for yourself, as weekends after Thanksgiving and throughout December can sell out quickly.
Christmas Lights On Cape Cod & The Islands
While known as a summer beach destination, Cape Cod and its Islands are packed with small-town coastal charm, and make for a very cozy getaway during the holidays. Even a day trip to enjoy all the festivities is more than worth it! Here’s where to find some beautiful Christmas lights in these areas.
10. Chatham’s Main Street
One of my favorite free places to see on Cape Cod with lights is Main Street in Chatham. Already picturesque year-round with cute storefronts and scenery, it’s even more magical during the holiday season.
All along Main Street, you’ll find shops decorated with twinkle lights, garlands, wreaths, and more, and at night, the glowing window displays and lights are even more impactful. This is the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done, and also shop small!
11. Gardens Aglow In Sandwich
The premier holiday lights event on Cape Cod is most definitely Gardens Aglow at the Heritage Museum & Gardens. During the event, the grounds are completely illuminated with thousands of lights, tunnels, and displays throughout the property, making for a very memorable evening.
During the event, you can also enjoy some holiday shopping in The Shop at Heritage, and find lots of goodies to munch on including a donut food truck, warm cider, mulled wine, snacks, hot chocolate, and more. There’s also a lawn with a warming hut and lawn games.
Tickets: This event does require tickets for entry. Pre-sale for members typically starts in mid-September, and general sales for non-members usually opens at the end of September. I recommend signing up for their newsletter to be notified of ticket sale dates, as this event is very popular and sells out quickly on popular weekend dates. Most dates are usually sold out by the end of October, or beginning of November.
12. Nantucket’s Main Street
One of the best Christmas events in all of New England is most definitely the Nantucket Christmas Stroll, and if you’re able to visit during the actual stroll festival, it’s well worth the effort! But Nantucket’s Main Street is a whimsical destination during the entire month of December with lots of beautiful lights, so hopping on a ferry to enjoy them is definitely worth it.
The official stroll event takes place the first weekend in December, and my favorite place to see lights on the island is Main Street. This historic, cobblestoned street is lined with lots of little Christmas trees that are individually decorated by the stores, and when they all turn on just after sunset, it feels like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
At the very top of Main Street, there’s also one large tree to perfectly top off an already picture-perfect moment. This is also another fantastic place to do some holiday shopping!
13. Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard
The charming town of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard is another wonderful and unique place to see Christmas lights in Massachusetts. The best part of the decorations here is, of course, the beautiful Edgartown Lighthouse, which is strung with twinkle lights and glows like a festive beacon in the evenings throughout December.
Throughout Edgartown, though, you’ll find beautiful lights all over. The town marks its official holiday celebration with Christmas in Edgartown, which is a weekend packed with fun holiday events, so this is a great time to visit.
Other places around town to check out lights are Donaroma’s Floral Design, which puts on a special display of lights and decorations, as well as Town Hall, which features a beautiful lobster trap tree, and lots of twinkle lights.
Christmas Lights On The South Shore & South Of Boston
14. La Salette Festival of Holiday Lights
One of the most impressive Christmas lights festivals in Massachusetts is most definitely at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette! During the town’s Festival of Holiday Lights event, over 300,000 lights adorn 10 acres to create a truly magical holiday experience.
Located in Attleboro, this event is completely free, and runs from Thanksgiving Day through the first Sunday in January, so you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the display.
15. Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate In Canton
As part of the Trustees Winter Lights events, the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate is transformed into a whimsical Christmas dream come true with thousands of lights around the grounds. Trees, walkways, and tunnels are illuminated for lots of picture-worthy moments and festive fun!
There are also refreshments available during the event, so plan to spend some extra time sipping on a warm drink while you admire the lights.
This Winter Lights event runs Wednesdays – Sundays every week from the day after Thanksgiving, through the first week of January.
Tickets: This event does require tickets for entry, and tickets are not sold at the door. This is a popular event that sells out fast, especially on weekends in December. I recommend signing up for their e-mail newsletter to be notified of ticket sale dates. There is usually a pre-sale for Trustees members that opens first, and then sales will open to the public after that.
16. Taunton Lights On Festival
One of the most exciting towns to visit in Massachusetts at Christmas is Taunton for their incredible Lights On Festival, and it’s most definitely worth checking out this season. The entire town green is turned into a whimsical lights display, complete with a tree, walk-through displays, and giant Santa decoration that’s perfect for photos.
The official festival typically takes place the first Saturday in December, and this includes the tree lighting, carnival rides, live music, visits with Santa, free hot chocolate around town, and so much more. But if you can’t make the official kick-off event, the lights stay on all month long.
Pro Tip: This is a very popular event in the state, and you’ll want to expect crowds and have a plan for parking. I recommend checking out the town’s parking suggestions here.
17. Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights
This theme park in Carver, MA is turned into a snow globe during the holiday season, and Edaville is not to be missed during their annual Christmas Festival of Lights. During this event, the entire park is strung with lights and perfectly decorated to invoke a feeling of New England at Christmas.
Enjoy classic steam train rides to the North Pole with Santa’s elves, milk and cookies, and of course, meet the big guy himself to receive a special gift during your visit with him. The amusement park rides are also open during the Festival of Lights, making this one Christmas destination that really has it all.
The festival is open Thursdays – Sundays, starting in early November through December 31st each year.
Tickets: This event requires tickets for entry, and it’s recommended that you purchase them online in advance.
Christmas Lights On The North Shore & North Of Boston
18. Steven-Coolidge House & Gardens In North Andover
Also part of the Trustees Winter Lights event, the Steven-Coolidge House & Gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland of lights during the holiday season. Enjoy gorgeous decorations, grounds aglow with twinkle lights, and festive drinks and snacks while you enjoy a memorable holiday stroll through the estate.
This event runs Wednesdays – Sundays every week from the day after Thanksgiving, through the first week of January.
Tickets: This event does require tickets for entry, and tickets are not sold at the door. This is a popular event that sells out fast, especially on weekends in December. I recommend signing up for their e-mail newsletter to be notified of ticket sale dates. There is usually a pre-sale for Trustees members that opens first, and then sales will open to the public after that.
19. City of Lights Parade & Holiday Celebration In Lowell
One event that’s worth attending during the official kick-off festival is the Lowell City of Lights Holiday Celebration, which includes an after-dark lights parade, and fun festivities throughout the day.
Typically held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the entire town will be glowing with Christmas lights, and there’s an exciting roster of events to attend all day long. Between crafting workshops, Holly Jolly Trolley rides, hot chocolate competitions, cookie decorating, and visits with Santa, this is one that’s perfect for the whole family.
But even if you can’t make the event, Lowell is more than worth visiting throughout December to admire all the beautiful lights around town, and enjoy the holiday scenery all over. It’s especially cool to take in views of the Wannalancit Mills Christmas tree, which is a modern take on a festive tree that you can see from anywhere in town – that’s how tall it is!
Pro Tip: The town offers free parking in all the parking garages during the event.
20. North Shore Holiday Lights Show In Haverhill
A wonderful family-friendly drive-through lights display can be found at the North Shore Holiday Lights Show in Haverhill. This 1-mile long route features fun and festive lights that are sure to create lasting memories for your family.
Pack up some fun snacks and thermoses of hot chocolate, tune your car radio to the synchronized station upon arrival, and enjoy the ride!
Tickets: Tickets are required for entry at this event, and they can be purchased online in advance, or at the gate. Cash, cards and Apple/Google Pay are accepted at the gate, too.
21. ZooLights At Stone Zoo
In Stoneham, ZooLights is most definitely the most magical experience to be had this holiday season. The zoo’s 26 acres are aglow with lit trails and magical light displays for a festive evening of fun. Take a whimsical walk through the Yukon Creek and have a chance to see real black bears, bald eagles, arctic foxes, and possibly even reindeer!
In fact, if you have your heart set on seeing reindeer, you can book an extra special experience – hot chocolate with the reindeer! Learn all about the beautiful animals, while sipping hot cocoa and nibbling on cookies, and enjoy up-close views of them, too.
ZooLights typically opens the Friday before Thanksgiving, and runs through the first week of January.
Tickets: This event requires tickets for entry.
22. Cape Ann Winter Lights
One of the most creative Christmas light displays in Massachusetts is the Cape Ann Winter Lights event. Held from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, stores throughout the charming towns of Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are challenged with creating beautiful window displays for visitors to enjoy during the holiday season.
All of these towns will also have a lit Christmas tree to enjoy, and more lights throughout town to enjoy while you explore.
One of my favorite regions in New England is the North Shore, and these towns are some of the most picturesque to visit in the region – seeing them at Christmas is really such a treat! With the North Shore being a smaller region, you can easily see all of these towns in a day.
Visitors are encouraged to vote on their favorite displays to participate in the local contest, too!
Christmas Lights In Western & Central Massachusetts
23. Naumkeag In Stockbridge
As the final Trustees property that participates in Winter Lights, you’ll definitely want to have Naumkeag in the quaint town of Stockbridge on your radar! Not only is Stockbridge one of the best Christmas towns in New England to experience, Naumkeag truly makes your day extra magical.
Much like Stevens-Coolidge and Eleanor Cabot, the Naumkeag Estate will be transformed into its own version of a glowing winter wonderland for a truly exciting and memorable experience.
If you’re not familiar with Stockbridge in The Berkshires, this adorable little town was made famous by Normal Rockwell, after his Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas painting became a celebrated work of art. If you can time your visit to Naumkeag during Stockbridge’s own Christmas festival, it’s well worth it. The town recreates the painting with vintage trucks, and it’s such a treat to see!
This Naumkeag Winter Lights event runs Wednesdays – Sundays every week from the day after Thanksgiving, through the first week of January.
Tickets: This event does require tickets for entry, and tickets are not sold at the door. This is a popular event that sells out fast, especially on weekends in December. I recommend signing up for their e-mail newsletter to be notified of ticket sale dates. There is usually a pre-sale for Trustees members that opens first, and then sales will open to the public after that.
24. Old Sturbridge Village
History comes to life year-round at Old Sturbridge Village, but Christmas is one of the absolute best times to visit! During their Christmas by Candlelight event, enjoy a nightly tree lighting ceremony, walk through a lit Christmas tree trail, enjoy a beautiful moment at the Wish covered bridge, which is aglow with even more lit trees, and hop on a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon.
There’s so much more to explore during the holidays here, including learning all about the history of gingerbread, live music, and Christmas craft demonstrations. It’s truly a wonderful time to visit.
This event takes place every Friday-Sunday the weekend after Thanksgiving through the end of December.
Tickets: This event does require tickets, which can be purchased online in advance.
25. Bright Nights at Forest Park In Springfield
Located in the idyllic Victorian garden neighborhood of Forest Park, the Bright Nights event in Springfield is last on my list, but definitely not least. People.com even named it as one of the Top Ten Holiday Happenings in the entire country!
Taking place the day before Thanksgiving, through January 1 each year (sometimes closed the Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving), this event is quite literally packed with twinkling Christmas lights at every turn. With themed displays, special events with Santa, and the Magical Forest, which has carnival rides and food concessions, it makes for a fun and festive night out with the family.
Tickets: This events requires tickets for entry, and they can be purchased online in advance. They usually have discounted nights on Tuesdays.
Round Up Of Free Christmas Light Displays In Massachusetts
From this list, these are the lights events and displays that are free to visit:
- Public Gardens in Boston
- Boston Common
- Commonwealth Avenue in Boston
- Quincy Market in Boston
- Seaport in Boston
- Beacon Hill in Boston
- Somerville Illuminations Holiday Lights Tour
- Main Street in Chatham
- Main Street on Nantucket
- Edgartown Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard
- Taunton’s Lights On Festival
- Lowell City Of Lights Parade
- North Shore Holiday Lights
- Cape Ann Winter Lights
Tips For Visiting Christmas Light Displays In Massachusetts
Before planning a magical night out or festive Christmas getaway, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind once you decide which light displays you’re visiting this season.
- While many light displays are free, some require a paid admission, so be sure to know which ones require tickets beforehand.
- If you’re visiting a display that requires admission, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance. This will save you time once you arrive, and guarantee entry. Some don’t allow entry at the door at all.
- Many popular light displays do have nights where they sell out, so plan ahead! I tried to include information about this throughout the post, but it definitely bears repeating – book in advance. I usually set calendar reminders for myself each year, and subscribe to the Trustees newsletters so I can snatch up tickets ASAP.
- Know the food situation before heading out – the last thing you want to do is arrive and feel hungry. Many events will have snacks available to purchase, but some won’t. It’s a good idea to have a dinner plan š
- Dress appropriately. December weather in New England can be tricky, and there have been some Christmas trips I’ve taken where I didn’t even need a coat, and some where I had to wear my warmest parka, boots, and hats. Check the forecast the day before to decide what to wear so you’re comfortable during the event. In the evenings, though, it’s almost guaranteed it’ll be chilly enough for jackets.
- Wear comfortable shoes or boots. Many events require a lot of walking, especially if you plan to walk around Boston and admire all the varying displays. Some places also have cobblestoned streets (like Boston and Nantucket), so keep this in mind, too.
- Having visited light displays just after sunset, as well as after blue hour is over, I do recommend after blue hour (so about an hour after sunset). This is when all light from the sun is gone from the sky, and you get a more impactful experience with the lights.
- Bring your camera, of course, especially if the kids plan on meeting Santa!
Editor’s Note: Please note that tree lighting and event times and dates are subject to change, and it’s best to confirm specific events you wish to attend before making special plans.
You may also enjoy:
- Best New England Winter Getaways (Even For Non-Skiers!)
- Best Christmas Towns In New England
- The Nantucket Christmas Stroll: Everything You Need To Know
- Christmas On Cape Cod: All The Best Things To Do
- Christmas In Kennebunkport: Best Things To Do + Tips For Visiting!
That’s A Wrap On Christmas Lights In Massachusetts
And there you have it – the inside scoop on all the best places to see Christmas lights in Massachusetts! Whether you’re planning a trip to Boston to enjoy all the holiday markets and festivities, are looking to take a seaside escape to coast to see decorated lighthouses, or are heading to The Berkshires for a cozy getaway, you’ll have amazing options for festive lights everywhere you go in Massachusetts. Happy holidays!
