There is nothing better at inspiring holiday spirit like piling the family into the car and looking at beautiful, twinkling holiday lights! Pack up some hot chocolate and treats and enjoy a ride to see some of these fantastic holiday light displays in the Boston area and beyond!
Edaville Festival of Lights
November 8-December 31
Family Theme Park, 5 Pine Street, Carver
$12.95-49.95
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is one of New England’s oldest Christmas traditions. It features steam train rides, amusement rides, Santa, shopping, thousands of Christmas lights, and so much more. There are various ticket options depending on whether you want to enjoy the Festival of Lights or add on a train ride and amusement park rides.
ZooLights at Stone Zoo
November 15–January 5
Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham
$18.95 per ticket, $63 for a four-pack (zoo members receive discounted admission)
The zoo becomes a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Stroll through the festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer, and more. The Grinch will be there on opening day, and Mrs. Claus will spread holiday cheer on Thursday evenings.
Winter Wonderland at Southwick’s Zoo
November 21–December 29
2 Southwick Street, Mendon
$18 per ticket at the gate, $16 per ticket if purchased online
This festive tradition takes you on a magical journey through Southwick’s Zoo to view spectacular holiday lights and handcrafted displays. From enchanting reindeer and polar bears to delightful penguins, the experience is a must-see for everyone.
La Salette Festival of Lights
November 23-January 1
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park Street, Attleboro
Free!
This beloved Christmas display features hundreds of thousands of lights over 10 acres. Go around dusk to beat the crowds — and be there when the lights turn on at 5 p.m. It’s magical! Bundle up to walk the grounds and experience the beauty of the lights. There is also an international creche museum inside, featuring 2,000 nativity scenes from more than 100 countries worldwide.
Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden
November 23–January 5
New England Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston
$15-27
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season at New England Botanic Garden with a breathtaking winter light display. This year, you will journey through a mesmerizing array of glowing lights in every imaginable color. Amidst the quarter million lights, enjoy popular favorites such as s’mores, seasonal drinks, a model train, holiday shopping, and fun photo opportunities. New this year, a skating rink will debut for the first time!
Bright Nights at Forest Park
November 27–January 5
Forest Park, 295 Sumner Avenue, Springfield
$23 per car
Getting there may be a bit of a ride, but it’s worth the trip. The drive-through journey takes you through a dazzling wonderland of more than 750,000 lights. This three-mile drive features festive scenes, iconic characters, and peaceful gardens, all illuminated for a joyous holiday experience.
Gift of Lights at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway
November 28–January 5
New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106 North, Loudon, NH
$35 per car
Revel in the beauty of twinkling lights on this 2.5-mile drive-through holiday lights show north of Boston. This year, there are more lights than ever! Nearly 500,000 lights have been added for a total of nearly four million lights in over 80 different scenes. Guests even have the chance to roast marshmallows and toast s’mores over open fire pits.
Trustees’ Winterlights
November 29–January 4
Garden properties in North Andover, Canton, and Stockbridge
$30 per adult, $12 per child (members receive discounted admission)
Three Trustees’ garden properties will sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully displayed holiday lights. In addition to the dazzling light displays, there will be festive music, seasonal treats, and time outside among the trees.
Somerville Illuminations Tour
Saturday, December 14
Various locations in Somerville
Free
This year, the Illuminations Tour will be a self-guided tour with an interactive map available on the tour’s website. Celebrate the festive creativity of Somerville residents and businesses as they transform their homes and storefronts with festive lights, whimsical decorations, and dazzling displays! New addresses will be added to the tour map until December 11, so keep checking for updates.
