Things to Do in December in New England: Top Winter Activities & Getaways

Surely you’ve seen classic movies like Christmas in Connecticut? Holiday Inn? Or Little Women? Or whatever Hallmark is churning out these days? Then you’re obviously interested in exploring December in New England. There are so many movies about that time of year (and region) for a reason. Whether you’re into:

• Charming towns

• Festive cafes

• Or hitting the ski trails

There are a ton of things to do in December in New England. After decades exploring New England (as a New Englander), I’ve rounded up the best spots for a memorable winter vacation. Read on for the top winter activities and winter New England getaways that will make your season unforgettable.

Ready to discover the best things to do in December in New England? Let’s get into it:

Quick Hits

• Winter Wonderland: Ski in Vermont or wander through holiday markets in Massachusetts

• Holiday Light Displays: Check out the lights at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and La Salette Shrine.

• Festive Train Rides: Hop on the North Pole Express in Connecticut or Journey to the North Pole in New Hampshire.

• Cozy Getaways: Stay at charming inns and luxury resorts across New England.

The Best Things to do in December in New England

New England’s winter season is a trove of festive activities and cozy getaways. Here are some top picks from the New England travel guide to make your holidays merry and bright:

Holiday Light Displays

New England boasts some of the most enchanting holiday light displays.

• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay: Over 650,000 LED lights turn the gardens into a winter wonderland.

• La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, MA: With over 300,000 lights, nativity scenes, and musical performances, this display is a must-see.

Festive Train Rides

Experience the magic of the holidays on a festive Polar Express train ride.

• North Pole Express, Essex, CT: A family favorite with the Essex Steam Train featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and holiday characters on a magical ride.

• Journey to the North Pole, North Conway, NH: Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” on this enchanting train ride through the White Mountains.

Christmas Tree Farms

Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a beloved New England tradition.

• Henry’s Christmas Tree Farm, Scituate, RI: Great spot for finding the perfect tree and enjoying a festive outing.

• Maple Row Farm, Easton, CT: A family-owned CT Christmas tree farm with a variety of trees and a charming holiday experience.

• Jones Family Farms, Shelton, CT: Not only can you cut your own tree, but you can also enjoy holiday treats and activities.

• Angevine Farm, Warren, CT: A picturesque farm with a wide selection of Christmas trees and beautiful views.

• The Rocks Estate, Bethlehem, NH: Offers a classic tree-cutting experience with stunning views of the White Mountains.

Visit Charming Towns, Decked-out for the Holidays

Looking for that classic New England winter feel? Then a charming New England town is just what you need.

• Head to Manchester, Vermont or Woodstock, VT. Manchester is a top ski town with great slopes, hiking trails, and holiday shopping. Woodstock, with its historic covered bridges, is the perfect, peaceful, winter escape.

• For a mix of old and new, check out Litchfield, CT, or Kent, Connecticut. These towns blend historic charm with stylish shops, inventive restaurants, and plenty of outdoor fun.

• Don’t miss the scenic drives in Jackson and North Conway, New Hampshire, or the lit-up Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island.

• Stockbridge, Great Barrington, and Lenox, MA: World-class museums, scenic hiking trails, and cozy restaurants. Spend your days in art galleries and your evenings enjoying local cuisine in the Berkshires.

Holiday Markets and Shopping

Holiday markets in New England make shopping a festive adventure. At Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont, you’ll find all sorts of holiday goodies. Boston’s SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market features over 100 local artisans, designers, and food vendors. Here are a few more markets to check out:

• Harvard Square’s Holiday Fair, Cambridge: Handmade gifts galore.

• Cape Ann Makers Holiday Market, Gloucester: Known for handcrafted items.

• Faneuil Marketplace, Boston: Festive ornaments and decorations perfect for holiday cheer year-round.

Cozy Winter Getaways

Inns and resorts here offer some of the best winter getaways in New England.

Luxury Resort Getaways

Craving a winter escape? Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at one of New England’s top resorts. The Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont blends historic charm with modern comforts. After hitting the slopes at Suicide Six, relax in the resort’s cozy library with records, vintage board games, and Vermont’s famous Heady Topper beer.

The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa in Jackson, New Hampshire, has beautiful mountain views and gourmet dining. The Inn at Ocean’s Edge in Lincolnville, Maine, is a perfect Maine B&B for coastal charm with winter peace. And each of these are some of the best Christmas-themed resorts to visit in New England.

Luxury resorts across New England are top-notch, from gourmet dining to soothing spa treatments. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family trip, these resorts promise memorable winter escapes.

Cozy Up in a New England Bed & Breakfast

Snuggle up by a roaring fire, hot chocolate in hand, and watch the snow gently fall outside. That’s the magic of New England’s bed and breakfasts in winter. These historic inns offer the perfect blend of charm and intimacy, ideal for a romantic getaway in New England or a peaceful retreat.

• Stanton House Inn, Greenwich, CT: This charming inn is a winter retreat with beautiful rooms and a home away from home feel. It’s a delightful spot to enjoy a Christmas season in Greenwich, CT.

• The Griswold Inn, Essex, CT: One of the oldest inns in one of the oldest towns on the Connecticut River. It’s also down the street from the Connecticut River Museum.

• The Inn at Manchester, VT: Right in the heart of Manchester, this cozy inn has easy access to local shops and restaurants.

• The Captain Lord Mansion, Kennebunkport, ME: Enjoy the historic charm of this restored mansion.

• The Deerfield Inn, MA: Nestled in the historic New England town of Deerfield, this inn is a peaceful and picturesque winter setting.

• The Inn at English Meadows, Kennebunk, ME: This modern B&B blends contemporary style with classic New England charm.

Festive Events and Activities

New England towns burst with festive cheer during the holiday season. Here are some top picks:

• Christmas by the Sea, Ogunquit, ME: Features a tree lighting, caroling, and a holiday parade.

• Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude: Known for its lobster trap tree and festive atmosphere.

Newport’s Christmas in Newport Festival

Holiday lovers, this one’s for you! Newport's Christmas in Newport Festival is a month-long celebration packed with activities. Many are free or in support of local Rhode Island non-profits. Here’s a taste:

• Festive lights illuminating downtown and the harbor

• Historic areas decked out with candlelight-inspired decorations

• Holiday concerts and performances

• Visits with Santa Claus

• Holiday markets and craft fairs

• Festive parades and processions

Experience Mystic Seaport Museum’s Lantern Light Tours

Step back in time at the Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport Museum. This magical, self-guided tour showcases 19th-century holiday celebrations. The ‘Holiday Heirlooms’ event dives into Christmas traditions in Mystic, CT.

The Yuletide Spirits experience adds a hint of mystery with scenes about the New England ghost tale, ‘Ocean-Born Mary’. Learn how Christmas ghost stories evolved from oral traditions to printed works. With tickets from $24 for kids to $29 for adults, it’s an enchanting holiday experience for all ages.

Winter Sports and Outdoor Fun

Embrace the wintry weather with some outdoor activities during winter in New England. Skiing and snowboarding are all the rage at ski towns like Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont and Sunday River in Maine. For something different, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in New Hampshire. Ice skating fans, don’t miss the Boston Common Frog Pond for picturesque skating right in the heart of the city.

Ice Skating in Boston Common

Fancy a skate? Head to Boston Common’s Frog Pond for some icy fun. Here’s what you need to know:

• Season: Mid-November to March

• Fees: Admission and skate rental fees apply

• Special Events: College Nights on Tuesdays offer reduced admission for students, making it a perfect night out.

Enjoy Winter Sports at Camden Snow Bowl

Looking for some winter thrills? Head over to Camden Snow Bowl in Camden, Maine! This place isn’t your typical ski resort. You’ll ski or snowboard down a trail with stunning ocean views.

Camden Snow Bowl has trails for all types, from beginners to seasoned pros. Not a skier? No problem! Try snow tubing. For just $10 an hour, you can rent a tube and zoom down the hill. Sure, there’s no lift, so you’ll need to hike back up, but trust me, the ride down is totally worth it.

Ice Fishing on Moosehead Lake

Ever tried ice fishing? Moosehead Lake in Maine is a massive 75,000-acre lake, perfect for this freezing winter activity. From January 1st to April 30th, you can reel in:

• Togue

• Brook Trout

• Cusk

• Salmon

Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, the thrill of pulling a fish through the ice is unbeatable. Plus, the annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby, hosted by NASCAR’s Ricky Craven, adds a competitive twist. You could win prizes for the biggest togue and even score some sweet door prizes like gift cards and sports tickets.

Go Birdwatching in Acadia National Park

With over 308 bird species fluttering around, including more than 20 types of warblers, Acadia National Park is a birdwatcher’s dream. Here are some top spots in the park:

• Otter Point: Great for seabirds

• Wild Gardens of Acadia: Perfect for spotting songbirds

• Schoodic Peninsula: A bit of everything

So, grab your binoculars and get ready for some feathered fun!

Cross Country Skiing

Upper New England is the place to go for a cross-country ski trip. It has a fantastic network of groomed trails. The Catamount Trail spans the entire state, offering a unique adventure for skiers. Cross-country skiing is gaining popularity as a peaceful alternative to the thrill of downhill skiing. And Nordic skiing centers provide everything you need—snowmaking, rentals, lessons, and racing events for all skill levels.

Snowshoeing Trails

If you love trekking through snowy forests and open meadows, Vermont’s snowshoeing trails are calling your name.

• Lye Brook Falls Trail: Ends with a stunning 125-foot waterfall. Nature’s own reward for your effort.

• Stowe Pinnacle Trail: Offers breathtaking views of peaks and valleys. It’s a bit more challenging but totally worth it.

• Camel’s Hump Trail: Up for a real challenge? This rocky summit gives you panoramic views that’ll blow your mind.

• Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail: A steep climb spanning three mountain ranges. It’s tough, but the vistas are unforgettable.

Sleigh Rides

A horse-drawn sleigh gliding through Vermont’s snowy landscapes. How do you get more New England in the winter than that! Check out these spots:

• Shelburne Farms: Offers 20-minute rides from their Farm Store & Welcome Center.

• Trapp Family Lodge and Mountain Top Inn and Resort: Each has its own unique charm and reservation rules.

• Rainbow’s Edge Farm: Perfect for a daytime ride.

• Kedron Valley Stables: Cozy nighttime rides wrapped in blankets.

• Gentle Giants Sleigh Rides in Stowe: They operate daily during winter, adding a touch of magic to your snowy adventure.

Visit Ice Castles in New Hampshire

There’s no question that Ice Castles in Lincoln, New Hampshire, are unique. This place is like something out of a storybook with its ice slides, crawl tunnels, and colorful light displays.

• Mystic Forest Light Walk: Wander through illuminated displays that feel straight out of a dream.

• Winter Fairy Village: Perfect for snapping those holiday memories.

• Polar Pub: Grab a drink in this icy setting.

• Arctic Alcove: Ideal for private moments like proposals.

More Things to do & Places to See this Winter in New England

New England in the winter is full of great activities and destinations. For the winter sports fanatics, places like Loon Mountain, Sunday River, and Bretton Woods are fantastic for skiing and snowboarding.

Looking for something different on a winter adventure? Try snow tubing, ice fishing, or even ice climbing. Connecticut in the winter is great for New England winter getaways, especially if you’re near New York City. Towns like Stamford, New Haven, and Greenwich in December host a mix of shopping, dining, and culture.

For a laid-back New England winter getaway, you can:

• Take a scenic drive through charming snowy towns.

• Enjoy festive holiday markets.

• Explore farm-to-table dining.

• Sip hot chocolate at a cozy inn.

Whether you’re after adventure or relaxation, New England winter vacations are delightful. Discover your perfect winter getaway and make the most of this magical season.

Tl;dr

New England in December is your ticket to a magical wonderland of a winter vacation. From exploring Vermont’s snowy landscapes to visiting the enchanting Ice Castles in New Hampshire, there’s something for everyone. Sipping hot chocolate at a cozy inn or hunting for unique gifts at holiday markets just screams the winter season, doesn’t it? Whether you’re up for adventure or just want to chill out, New England’s got you covered. So, pack your bags and dive into the winter charm of this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular winter activities in Vermont?

Vermont is a winter playground! You can try:

• Cross-country skiing

• Snowshoeing

• Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Enjoy the snowy landscapes and classic winter fun!

Where can I experience ice castles in New England?

Head to Lincoln, New Hampshire, to see the Ice Castles. Think ice slides, crawl tunnels, and amazing illuminated displays. It’s like stepping into a winter fairy tale.

What makes Camden Snow Bowl unique among ski resorts?

Camden Snow Bowl is special because you get stunning ocean views while skiing or snowboarding. Plus, their snow tubing experience is a blast!

What can I expect at Newport’s Christmas in Newport Festival?

This festival is a month-long celebration filled with:

• Festive lights

• Community events

• Charity activities

It’s a heartwarming way to get into the holiday spirit and support local non-profits.