Premier Holiday Destinations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

We’re here to help narrow down the top holiday destinations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Both states offer numerous picturesque places to enjoy the season with loved ones. Read on to discover your next holiday escape.

Taunton, a pleasant city nestled along its namesake river, famously hosts some of the best holiday celebrations in New England. For over 100 years, Taunton has hosted the Lighting of the Green & Lights On Festival, which features light shows, live entertainment, children’s activities, and fireworks, making for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Somerville is a busy Boston suburb located just north of Cambridge. The city leans into the holiday spirit with several major celebrations, including the Somerville Illuminations Tour on December 8th, a self-guided tour of the city’s best holiday displays. Other events include a Menorah Lighting to usher in the start of Hanukkah, citywide caroling, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 

Williamstown is a picturesque city in the renowned Berkshire County. With breathtaking scenery and an acclaimed arts scene, it is a popular year-round destination. The city’s annual Williamstown Holiday Walk, scheduled for December 1st through 3rd, showcases festive displays, caroling, and horse-drawn carriages. Also, Williamstown has an excellent holiday market for you to explore.

Rhode Island’s capital and largest city is a bustling, historic location with gorgeous waterfront scenery. Recognized for its lively holiday spirit, Providence certainly lives up to its reputation. Its numerous performance art venues present holiday shows, including The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. The Three Nights of Lights is a massive citywide festival with art, music, bonfires, holiday lighting displays, and more.

While traditionally recognized as a summer destination for its picturesque coastline and sandy beaches, Nantucket should not be overlooked for a holiday visit. The town transforms into a festive holiday destination, especially for the Nantucket Christmas Stroll downtown on December 1st through 3rd. Holiday lights and decor adorn the city’s charming stores and restaurants, a tree lighting ceremony features a 20-foot tree on Main Street, and seasonal treats such as mulled wine and sugar cookies, along with live entertainment, are available to enjoy at this cherished annual event.

Known as the Mayflower’s landing site, this picturesque Cape Cod community has become a trendy location with delicious dining options and a thriving arts scene. Provincetown celebrates the holidays in style with a bustling holiday market and Christmas song performances by the Outer Cape Chorale on December 8th and 9th. Also, First Light Provincetown wraps up the holiday season with four days of holiday happenings, starting December 28th.

Oak Bluffs is a quiet community on Martha’s Vineyard. While the town sees a surge of visitors in the summer, the holiday season at Oak Bluffs tends to be quiet and relaxed. Its sandy beaches and vibrant downtown remain stunning during winter, and the city offers ample holiday spirit. Oak Bluffs lights a large tree in the center of town and adorns many of the stores and restaurants with colorful decor.

Newport serves as a charming hotspot for sailing during the summer. With its magnificent architecture and coastal scenery, it also offers a delightful setting for a holiday retreat. The city celebrates the season by hosting Christmas in Newport. This month-long festival features holiday lights, children’s activities, performances, and more, all against the city’s beautiful Victorian backdrop. 

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