December 1, 2011
From the Cape to the Berkshires, Massachusetts Offers Holiday Merriment
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 5 MIN.
BOSTON, MA - The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) invites you to spend the holidays in the Commonwealth for an experience that is full of lights, festive lodging, and delicious libations.
The Bay State's celebrations are rich with history, gleaming with joy, and great fun for all ages. Below is a sampling of holiday activities across the state:
68th Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting: December 1, 2011
Boston's Mayor officiates this cherished tradition, which includes lighting the city's official Christmas tree and performances by local and national entertainers. Also of course, children can meet Santa. Let the shopping begin! cityofboston.gov/arts/treelightings
New Year's Eve - First Night Boston: December 31, 2011
Featuring more than 200 events throughout Downtown Boston, this New Year's celebration is the oldest and largest of its kind in North America. Colossal ice sculptures dot the city's landscapes while performances, festivals, parades, and midnight fireworks usher one million people into the New Year. firstnight.org
It's a Winter Wonderland at The Liberty Hotel
Don't hibernate this winter when you can get out and play with The Liberty's luxurious Winter Wonderland Package. The package includes overnight accommodation, two VIP passes to Boston Common's Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink, two hot chocolates or twisted toddies in The Liberty Bar, a complimentary in-room movie, and breakfast for two at CLINK. The Liberty is located in Boston's historic Beacon Hill neighborhood; rates start at $349. libertyhotel.com
Nantucket Christmas Stroll - December 2-4, 2011
Crisp sea air spiced with wood smoke drifts through a historic village's cobblestoned streets festively lined with decorated trees and warmly lit shops, while church bells chime familiar carols... the holiday season on Nantucket is magical. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Saturday via Coast Guard vessel and are escorted up Straight Wharf by the Town Crier to a waiting horse and carriage. nantucketchamber.org
All Aboard the North Pole Express!
The Daniel Webster Inn & Spa, located in historic Sandwich on Cape Cod, has partnered with Cape Cod Central Railroad to present the North Pole Express Package. With rates starting at $247, the package includes overnight accommodation, $25 towards breakfast at the Daniel Webster Inn's dining room, two tickets on the North Pole Express, and $100 in dining, lodging, spa, and shopping certificates. danlwebsterinn.com
Old Sturbridge Village - Christmas by Candlelight: December 2-4; 9-11; 16-18, 2011
Escape the frenzy of a modern Christmas with an enchanted evening of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, music, dance, and a sleigh ride. Friday & Sunday ~ $12 OSV Members, $14 Non-members; Saturday ~ $13 OSV Members, $15 Non-members. osv.org
Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights: November 25-January 1
During the Christmas season, Edaville is transformed into a winter wonderland. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. $18 adults and kids (Ages 2-64); $16 seniors, under 2 are free. edaville.com
Bright Nights at Forest Park, Springfield, MA: November 23-January 1
One of New England's single most popular holiday destinations, "Bright Nights" features tree lighting displays that go beyond the average wreath and string-of-popcorn - rather, "Bright Lights" displays breath taking tree lighting displays that are designed on a yearly basis. $18 per vehicle during weekends. brightnights.org
Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers' Markets, Williamstown and Great Barrington: December 17
Everything you'll need for your holiday meals! Offering artisan produce, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread, pies and other baked goods, plus pickles and jams. Entertainment will feature live music and pre-order pickups will be available. berkshiregrown.org
Hingham Holiday Farmers' Market: Old Derby Academy, Main Street, Hingham, December 10
Celebrate the local harvest all season long! The Hingham Holiday Farmers' Market features local farmers and vendors offering the best ingredients available for your holiday meals.
Red Lion Inn's Home Grown for the Holidays Package
The Red Lion Inn, located in quintessential Stockbridge, offers the Home Grown for the Holidays Package throughout December. The package includes overnight accommodation, a locally sourced gift basket featuring homegrown micro brews, drink vouchers and breakfast for two, and a ten percent discount to the Inn's Gift Shop. Rates from $200; available Sunday through Thursday. redlioninn.com
Pick-Your-Own at a Massachusetts Tree Farm
For a complete list of tree farms, visit the Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association website at christmas-trees.org
Western Massachusetts: Ioka Valley Farm - Hancock, MA
Open weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the energetic may cut their own tree right from the field, or fresh-cut trees are available for purchase at the farm stand. iokavalleyfarm.com
North of Boston: Evergreen Farm - West Newbury, MA
Providing an authentic farm experience, this classic "choose and cut" Christmas tree operation offers 50 acres of scenic beauty, a historic colonial house, barns, and horses. evergreenfarm.webs.com
First Night Worcester 2012
The largest New Year's Eve arts-based celebration in Central Massachusetts; First Night Worcester is a day-long celebration featuring music performances, dance, visual installations, comedy, and whirled class arts. A $15 button provides admission to the festivities. firstnightworcester.org
First Night New Bedford
Ring in the New Year with street entertainers, music acts, art, and fireworks at the Annual First Night New Bedford held at participating venues throughout the downtown area. whalingcity.net
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state's economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs. http://www.massvacation.com
For a complete list of holiday extravaganzas and daily updates on local events and news, please visit www.massvacation.com
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
