Six Ways to Enjoy a
New England Christmas

A New England Christmas is full of flakes on your nose, hot chocolate cupped in your hands, and a warm glow in your heart. Homes are brightly decorated with lights and poinsettias, and of course the tree.

In New England we don’t let the cold chill our spirits.

Instead we celebrate the season with many events that celebrate the outdoors, and catch the festivities in true New England fashion.

If you’re visiting New England this holiday season or you live here and are looking for fun activities to do, then here’s where you can experience six holiday magic events this season...


BRIGHT NIGHTS AT FOREST PARK

Billed as New England’s single most popular holiday destination, "Bright Nights at Forest Park" is entering its ninth season. Located in the Forest Park area of downtown Springfield, Western Massachusetts, it’s a wonderland of marvelous displays such as this year’ lost in time display where eight mammoth dinosaurs come to life along side an exploding volcano with flowing lava.

There's an entrance fee per car but it includes an audio tour. The lights are turned after Thanksgiving and remain on throughout the holidays.

CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS

Each holiday season the Newport Mansions of The Elms, The Breakers, and Marble House put on a stunning show of spectacular evergreens, trees, thousands of poinsettia plants, fresh flowers and wreaths. The great entrances and hallways display magnificently decorated trees. The dining tables are set with period silver and china, and mannequins are dressed in authentic costumes.

You can see this stunning display of seasonal decorations at these Newport Mansions yourself November through New Year.

NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

Between December and January 1 Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts is transformed so you can experience a 19th century New England Christmas.

Old Sturbridge Village has always been one of my favorite places to visit and discover about life in 19th century New England. Now with the holiday season upon us, the village once again displays its ability to provide a discovery experience in a fun and entertaining way, and with a New England Christmas flavor.

THE BOSTON CHRISTMAS SEASON

Whether you delight in taking in the seasonal favorite of Boston Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" or soaking up "glad tidings of joy" at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops Holiday Series, Boston knows how to celebrate the season with special shows and concerts. And of course there’s always the Candlelight Carol Concerts at Trinity Church in the Back Bay area, and the famous "First Night" celebration.

The Boston Pops kicks off in early December and continue through to their annual New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st at 10:15pm. The Boston Ballet performs "The Nutcracker" at The Opera House, and the season starts after Thanksgiving with performances through end of December.

POLAR EXPRESS - CONNECTICUT STYLE

The North Pole Express is a popular nighttime steam train ride with live readings of Christmas stories, hot chocolate and cookies, sing-along, and holiday surprises. Special guest Santa Claus has a treat for all children, and you’re guaranteed lots of fun and lots of extras.

Essex Steam Train’s North Pole Express operates Fridays through Sundays first weekend of December through the weekend before Christmas with special early trips over Thanksgiving. Tickets are sold at the Essex Train Station in Essex, Connecticut - call (860) 767-0103 or toll free 800 377-3987.

NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS TIME AT SANTA’S VILLAGE

Way up north is the village of Santa. You can visit him in the summer, and you can visit him in the fall, but the best to time visit him is... Christmastime! Santa’s Village is located in Jefferson, New Hampshire - a spot deep in the White Mountains. Santa is preparing for his world tour on Christmas Eve, but you can take a peek for a brief time if you hurry.

The village opens for the Christmas season after Thanksgiving. Then every Saturday through to Christmas from 11:00am to 7:00pm, and every Sunday from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Make your New England Christmas magical this year by experiencing one or more of these attractions. It is after all the season to create unforgettable memories.

For more details on these and other New England Christmas destinations and to grab your free valuable travel reports go to Cliff's New England Vacation site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

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