The cities and towns of Massachusetts light up each December as the holidays approach, offering festive, cheerful ways to celebrate as winter closes in!
Here are some of our favorite light displays:
Edaville’s Holiday Festival of Lights – Carver
Edaville’s Holiday Festival of Lights is one of New England’s oldest Christmas traditions. Visitors can enjoy steam train rides, a petting zoo, outdoor skating, Santa, shopping, tens of thousands of Christmas lights and so much more!
There are a few different ticket tiers, so be sure to read through which experiences are included before purchase. Hours, tickets, and special events can be found online, and it is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance as events can sell out.
Winter Wonderland & Night Lights – Boylston
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill with a breathtaking winter light display. Prepare to be amazed by Night Lights, where you will embark on a spellbinding journey through a mesmerizing array of radiant, glowing lights in every imaginable color.
Amidst a quarter million lights, enjoy a delightful evening with popular favorites such as s’mores, seasonal drinks, a model train, holiday shopping, and fun photo opportunities for the whole family! Colorful landscapes, immersive experiences, and life-long memories await this winter.
Bright Nights at Forest Park – Springfield
Travel through a dazzling wonderland of over 75,000 lights at Bright Nights at Forest Park. This three-mile drive-thru spectacular features festive scenes, iconic characters, and peaceful gardens, all illuminated for a joyous holiday experience.
Since 1995, Bright Nights has been a unique collaboration between the City of Springfield and the Spirit of Springfield. Together, they have welcomed more than seven million visitors. Bright Nights has several special events lined up for the season. Be sure to check out their offerings on the website, including recommendations for making a weekend out of your excursion by booking a stay and taking in other area events.
Downtown Boston
Boston comes alive each December with festive lighting displays across the city. Enjoy the bright lights on Boston Common around, check out the annual holiday tree, a gift from the people of Nova Scotia, or try ice skating on Frog Pond. Stroll down the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and check out the warm, white lights or snap a holiday picture at the Trellis Lighting at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End.
Zoo Lights – Stoneham
ZooLights at Zoo New England’s Stone Zoo will dazzle visitors of all ages this holiday season! This winter wonderland will take you on a stroll through the zoo’s tree-lined paths lit by twinkling lights. Discover the magic and keep your eyes peeled for animal residents, including flamingos, black bears, and reindeer as you move through the stunning displays.
ZooLights tickets are timed entry, and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance online as it is a very popular attraction. if possible as it is a very popular attraction.
Winterlights – Canton & Stockbridge
Experience thousands artfully designed holiday lights at two of the Trustees’ beautiful garden properties, Naumkeag in Stockbridge and Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton. Bring the family for scavenger hunts, crafts, seasonal characters and experiences, food and refreshments, and more. Winterlights runs multiple evenings each week starting the weekend before Thanksgiving through the end of December. For hours, tickets, and parking information be sure to check out their website.
Sensory-Friendly Holiday Light Experiences
Looking for sensory friendly Holiday Lights experiences? Night Lights at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Zoo Lights at Stoneham Zoo, and Winterlights at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate have sensory friendly nights throughout the season.
This blog was updated in December 2025.
