Top New England Holiday Events 2025: Festive Family Outings

There’s a special kind of magic to December in New England. Town greens glow under white lights, sea breezes carry a hint of pine, and even a quick cocoa run can feel like a Hallmark scene. If you’re building your family holiday calendar for 2025, this guide is your friendly, no-stress starting point. These 10 outings are beloved classics across all six states—easy to plan, fun for kids and grandparents alike, and full of those memory-making moments that define a New England winter.

1) Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens — Boothbay, Maine

There’s nothing quite like strolling through a living sea of lights at a botanical garden by the coast. At Gardens Aglow, millions of LEDs transform pathways, trees, and whimsical garden features into an immersive holiday walk. Families love the interactive displays, the easy-to-follow route for little legs, and the festive photo ops at every turn. Dress warmly, arrive a little early for parking, and cap the night with a stop in Boothbay Harbor for a classic New England cocoa. Tickets typically sell out on weekends—book ahead.

Website: https://www.mainegardens.org

2) L.L.Bean’s Northern Lights — Freeport, Maine

Free outdoor cheer? Say no more. Northern Lights turns the L.L.Bean flagship campus into a family playground of twinkling trees, a sparkling village, and festive installations. It’s a low-cost, easy outing with plenty of room to roam (and lots of nearby restaurants when the crew gets hungry). If you have young kids, aim for an early evening; if you have teens, add a quick spin through the outlets for last-minute gifts.

Website: www.llbean.com/freeport

3) Winterlights by The Trustees — Stockbridge and North Andover, Massachusetts

Two historic properties—Naumkeag in Stockbridge and the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover—become glittering wonderlands during Winterlights. Expect elegant light tunnels, glowing gardens, and beautifully lit architecture that make every step feel magical. It’s especially great for families who love taking photos. Choose your location, reserve timed tickets, and plan for a cozy bakery stop afterward in whichever charming town you visit.

Website:  https://thetrustees.org/program/winterlights

4) Bright Nights at Forest Park — Springfield, Massachusetts

Pile into the car, cue up your favorite playlist, and roll through one of the region’s longest-running drive-through light displays. Bright Nights covers miles of themed scenes—from toyland to winter wildlife—so even the backseat crew stays engaged. Bonus: it’s weather-proof and stroller-free. Lines are lightest on weeknights; bring snacks, and consider a late dinner afterward at a nearby spot to miss the rush.

Website:https://www.brightnights.org

5) Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village — Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Step back into a 19th-century New England village dressed to the nines for the holidays. Live music, bonfires, storytelling, and traditional crafts create an immersive experience that’s both festive and educational. Kids can meet costumed historians who bring old-time traditions to life, and adults will love the slow, peaceful pace of candlelit lanes. Wear warm layers and give yourself time to wander—you’ll find surprises around every barn and bend.

Website: https://www.osv.org

6) Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum — Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Another historic gem, Strawbery Banke’s waterfront neighborhood transforms into a glowing quilt of period homes, carolers, hearth-cooked treats, and skating nearby at Puddle Dock Pond. It’s a true New England mix of history and holiday. Portsmouth’s compact downtown is perfect for dinner before or cocoa after—and parking is usually manageable if you arrive on the earlier side of the evening.

Website: https://www.strawberybanke.org

7) Journey to the North Pole — North Conway or Lincoln, New Hampshire

All aboard for an evening that your kids will talk about long after the decorations come down. This nonprofit-run adventure brings the story of a magical train ride to life with cocoa, cookies, and a visit to the “North Pole.” It’s not just the destination; the cozy, twinkling ride is half the fun. These tickets are famous for selling out fast. Sign up for email alerts in late summer and be ready when sales open.

Website: https://www.journeytothenorthpole.org

8) Christmas at the Newport Mansions — Newport, Rhode Island

If your crew loves dazzling decor, the Gilded Age goes big—think towering trees, lavish garlands, and rooms that sparkle with historic holiday flair. Several Newport mansions participate, and each offers a slightly different mood: elegant, whimsical, or classic. The self-guided format is great for families: pick one or two houses, stroll at your pace, and enjoy a hot drink with harbor views when you’re done.

Website: https://www.newportmansions.org

9) Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo — Providence, Rhode Island

This walk-through display turns zoo pathways into a glowing maze of color, with towering animated setups and plenty of selfie spots. It’s stroller-friendly, there are snacks and warm beverages inside the venue, and the layout makes it easy to go at a kid-friendly pace. Pro tip: catch a weeknight slot if you can—it’s just as sparkly with fewer crowds.

Website: https://www.rwpzoo.org/holidaylights

10) Woodstock Wassail Weekend — Woodstock, Vermont

A postcard-perfect Vermont village hosts a weekend of small-town magic: horse-drawn carriages, carolers, historic house tours, and a candlelit parade down the green. It feels like stepping inside a snow globe—in the best, most family-friendly way. Lodging fills quickly; consider a day trip from nearby towns or arrive early to enjoy the boutiques and cafes before the main festivities.

Website: https://www.woodstockvt.com

How to plan a smooth, memory-rich holiday outing

• Book early, breathe easy: Popular weekends fill quickly. Timed entry helps prevent long lines—grab your preferred window now and relax.
• Pick your pace: With younger kids, choose two-hour experiences and plan a warm-up stop nearby. With teens, build in a dinner or hot-chocolate crawl after the main event.
• Dress for the glow: Many of these experiences are outdoors. Warm socks, hand warmers, and a thermos of cocoa keep the smiles going.
• Weeknight wins: If schedules allow, midweek evenings offer the same sparkle with lighter crowds and easier parking.
• Add a local flourish: New England towns shine in December. Combine events with a stroll past decorated shop windows or a spin on a local rink for extra fun.

Why these picks work for families

Every event here balances convenience with wow-factor. You’ll find easy parking or timed entry, clear paths for strollers and steady walkers, and a mix of sensory delights—music, lights, and history—without overstimulation. They’re memorable for kids, stress-friendly for parents, and welcoming for grandparents, too. And because they’re spread across all six New England states, you can turn any of them into a mini day trip or a cozy weekend away.

Make December the year of simple, sparkly joy.

New England does the holidays like nowhere else—thoughtful, twinkly, and grounded in community. Whether you’re chasing the most prominent light display or seeking candlelit calm in a historic village, these outings set the stage for the moments that matter: mittened hands, shared laughter, and a car ride home full of favorite parts. Bookmark the links, gather your crew, and start building your 2025 family holiday list. Here’s to warm hearts, rosy cheeks, and a season that feels like home—wherever your New England adventures take you.