NOB - NBCVB 2023 WINTER

Celebrate the Holidays North of Boston

By StoryStudio on November 12, 2023

As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, there's a certain magic that descends upon the North of Boston region. The area is already packed with classic New England seaside charm, and if you adorn it with holiday decorations and heartwarming merriment, you can’t imagine a more idyllic setting. Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor seeking festive cheer, there are ample opportunities to get in the spirit of the season North of Boston.

Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

Foodies Delight along Gloucester’s Seaport TraiL

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All season long be enchanted by the magic of the holidays with a spectacular light display along scenic Cape Ann. Local businesses in Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their storefronts with twinkling lights and creative window displays you can enjoy while staying warm in the car or bundling up and walking the charming downtown streets.

Made possible by Cape Ann Art Haven and a number of local fishermen who donate their lobster traps each year, Gloucester’s famous Lobster Trap Tree draws visitors from around the world to marvel at its exceptional size and create Instagrammable moments! Grab your hat and gloves and step inside this glowing tree of lobster traps, ornamented with buoys painted by local children, organized by Cape Ann Art Haven. Don’t miss the Lobster Trap Menorah and the Lobster Trap Lighthouse in downtown Gloucester, as well! The Lobster Trap Tree Lighting is just one of the many special holiday season events celebrated in Gloucester. For Ladies’ Night (All Day) on December 7, and Men’s Night (All Day) on December 14, downtown merchants offer deep discounts on goodies galore, host entertainment in their shops, or offer bites and sips from 10:00am-8:00pm. Grab your favorite shopping buddies, shop the sales, and soak up the holiday spirit! Other must-attend holiday events in Gloucester include the Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting, and the Middle Street Walk! Stay tuned for details here.

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Winter Lights on Cape Ann

Gloucester’s Lobster Trap Tree, Ladies’ and Men’s Shopping Nights, and more!

Hammond Castle MuseuM

If immersing yourself in the beauty of historic spaces expertly decorated for the holidays is on your bucket list this season then North of Boston is the place to be! The Newburyport Holiday House Tour offers a rare glimpse into greater Newburyport’s finest private residences and unique spaces. Your self-guided tour takes you through various homes festively decorated inside and outside, reflecting the homeowner’s own celebrations and traditions of the season. For a truly magical holiday scene, head to Hammond Castle in Gloucester and immerse yourself in a lost era of quiet luxury and holiday grandeur unlike any other on the North Shore. Enjoy the spirit of the holidays with Christmas Trees in nearly every room, numerous wreaths, and candlelight throughout. Another architectural marvel that always amazes is Castle Hill in Ipswich, and the holidays make it even more incredible; visiting Castle Hill at Christmas is a time-honored tradition. Each room of the 1920s mansion is decorated for the holidays, drawing inspiration from favorite stories, and the Castle Hill Gift Shop is a true treasure trove of unique gifts for everyone on your list. From historic cities steeped in tradition to coastal towns adorned with twinkling lights, the North of Boston region invites you to embrace the magic of the holiday season. Whether you're exploring Salem's bewitching charm or enjoying the coastal delights of Rockport, each destination offers a unique and memorable experience. So bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the holiday adventures begin!

Salem, with its rich history and bewitching atmosphere, is not only a destination for Halloween but a must-visit during the holiday season as well. Kick off Salem’s Holiday Happenings by celebrating Santa’s annual arrival atop the historic Hawthorne Hotel and the lighting of Salem’s Holiday Tree. Bring the whole family out for carols, festivities, and fun on Friday, Nov. 24 at 6 pm! Stroll along Salem’s historic Essex and Derby Streets and you'll be greeted by an array of enchanting shops, adorned with twinkling lights and festive displays, perfect for holiday shopping. For a truly unique, whimsical and interactive experience join the Salem Trolley for Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with a twist. Ride along with Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as the holiday classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way, with performances taking place from Thanksgiving through Christmas. The 52nd Annual Marblehead Christmas Walk & Holiday Stroll, including a Tree Lighting on Friday, December 1st and Santa’s arrival by boat followed by parade on Saturday December 2nd, is sure to bring holiday magic to the whole family. Enjoy events and holiday shopping all weekend long in this quaint coastal town. The Rink at MarksetStreet Lynnfield offers ice skating for the whole family from November through February. Head to this unique open-air destination for shopping, dining and a little holiday cheer under the twinkling lights!

Survival & Outdoor Adventures with North Shore Adventures

A Winter Wonderland Adventure

When it comes to unique experiences the many coastal towns North of Boston offer sights you can only find here! In Gloucester, it's only fitting that America's oldest seaport ushers in the holidays with their iconic Lobster Trap Tree, on display all season long. Nearby Gloucester Harbor plays host to an annual Deck the Docks Holiday Open House event on the waterfront in early December. Sip on cider and cocoa, participate in sing-alongs and crafts, snap photos with Santa, and witness the Lighting of the Pier. The town of Rockport delights in its cherished tradition of celebrating Santa’s arrival by lobster boat on December 2nd. Additionally, the Christmas in Rockport event features a festive parade and the lighting of the town's tree. Explore Bearskin Neck, a charming shopping district where local artisans offer an array of handcrafted goods, perfect for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. All season long be enchanted by the magic of the holidays with a spectacular light display along scenic Cape Ann. Local businesses in Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their storefronts with twinkling lights and creative window displays you can enjoy while staying warm in the car or bundling up and walking the charming downtown streets.

Marblehead Christmas Walk, courtesy of Marblehead Chamber of Commerce

The Rink at MarketStreet, Lynnfield, by NBCVB

BeWitched Statue at Christmas, Salem, by NBCVB

Lobster Trap Tree, Gloucester, by NBCVB

Christmas in Rockport by Mechelle Brown

Winter Lights by NBCVB