Family Friendly Events Around New England This Winter
Enjoy a variety of events and festivals in New England this winter
This story was featured in our Winter Magazine
Read our magazine today for your guide to thriving this season in Burlington.
History of Thanksgiving Tours | Portsmouth, NH — Nov 2–Dec 1
Join expert guides for a 90-minute tour exploring three centuries of Thanksgiving traditions. Travel through time and visit four historic houses to learn how this holiday has evolved.
Polar Express & Holiday Trains | various locations — Nov/Dec
Enjoy a scenic and nostalgic train ride via various providers in the Burlington area. Don’t forget to order hot cocoa to keep the cold away!
Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker | Boston, MA — Nov 28–Dec 28
Step into a world filled with happiness and wonder. Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker mesmerizes audiences of all ages with its beloved characters, swoon-worthy sets, and unparalleled choreography.
Boston Pops holiday concerts | Boston, MA — Dec 4–30
Get cozy with classics like “Jingle Bells,” “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and “Sleigh Ride” with a classic symphony experience. The Boston Pops press release lists 44 Holiday Pops performances at Symphony Hall from Dec 4–30.
Portsmouth Historic Candlelight Stroll | Portsmouth, NH — Throughout Dec
Historic homes are illuminated by candle lanterns and string lights; costumed role‑players share seasonal traditions, and guests enjoy hot cider, a warming bonfire and vintage Christmas skating under the stars. The museum notes that visitors explore 350 years of holiday traditions amid furnished historic homes and costumed interpreters.
Christmas in Salem | Salem, MA — Nov/Dec
The Christmas in Salem house tour kicks off the holiday season featuring lavishly decorated historic homes. The Historic Salem Inc. site explains that the tour is held annually on the first weekend of December and highlights a new neighborhood and theme each year}.
Holly Jolly Journey | Litchfield, NH — Late Nov through Jan
Tour millions of lights on this two‑thirds‑of‑a‑mile trail. Enjoy refreshments and photos as you walk through the Zoo of Lights, down Candy Cane Lane, inside the Ice Cave and into the North Pole—the site describes the trail as a magical path with millions of lights and themed areas like a Zoo of Lights and Candy Cane Forest.
Billings Farm Winter Celebration | Woodstock, VT — Dec to Jan
Meet the farm’s cows, draft horses, sheep, goats, and chickens in the barns and scenic pastures. Tour the 1890 Farm Manager’s House and enjoy educational programs and a children’s story time. Billings Farm invites visitors to experience a Victorian holiday with lights, historic farmhouse tours and activities like candle dipping and sleigh rides.
Newport Winter Festival | Newport, RI — Feb 13–22
The Newport Winter Festival brings 10 days of events, including cover bands, food, competitions, craft workshops, variety acts, and so much more. The festival’s homepage announces the upcoming festival dates and promises family fun and musical entertainment.
Belfast Ice Festival | Belfast, ME — Feb 27, 28, and Mar 1
Enjoy a vibrant winter weekend filled with ice sculptures, live carving competitions, warming igloos, and family-friendly events throughout the streets of Belfast. Our Town Belfast notes that the festival will be held Feb 27–28 & Mar 1 and encourages visitors to walk around downtown to view sculptures and enjoy ice bars and other activities.
Cape Cod Irish Festival | Hyannis, MA — March 7, 2025
Celebrate all things Irish in this festival featuring food, drinks, music, good hangs, and so much more. The event listing shows the festival takes place at the Emerald Resort in Hyannis with activities and music from March 7–9, 2025.
