New England during the holidays is depicted with snow, sleigh bells, skating, and Currier & Ives scenes. It’s also a great time to take a getaway. Here are a few of my favorite’s places for a holiday getaway destination.
Boston Getaways:
The city really comes to life for the holidays with special performances, great food, and of course – first night!
The Boston Ballet “Nutcracker” is a perennial favorite and there are always surprises even though you know the story and the music. And talking of music just up the road at Symphony Hall you can find Keith Lockhart bashing out Holiday Pops with all your favorite carols and Christmas songs and music. For more information about these and other traditions check out the Guide to Boston Christmas season here.
The city has trees all over the downtown area but visit the Boston Common to see the special tree with lights and if nature has been kind maybe even real white stuff. While Boston doesn’t factor as the first place in America to see a white Christmas it does get cold enough this early in winter to have a blanket of snow. And this year we may be lucky.
For the most fun Boston Getaway stay though the New Year for First Night celebrations. There are always plenty of special events planned and the $15 button gets you into museums, art exhibits and the events- great value! Check out web site at www.firstnight.org.
Stowe – Vermont:
Stowe, Vermont is a resort town, and nestled in the northern Green Mountains it has a fair dosing of snow from mid-November through April. So there’s a good chance if you want a traditional New England White Christmas then there’s no more likely place to experience it than Stowe. After all it was Vermont that the movie White Christmas with Bing Crosby was located.
Stowe is picture perfect for winter and if you enjoy skiing then the mountain resort is one of the best in New England. Arrive a few days early and do the last of your shopping in the quaint village and specialty shops.
Holiday event and lodging planning can begin at Stowe’s main tourist web site at www.gostowe.com.
Jackson – New Hampshire:
Deep in the heart of the White Mountains and Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire lays the village of Jackson. For most of winter it has world-class cross country skiing and attracts visitors looking for the best sleigh rides in New England.
When the snow has fallen and the village is all white and majestic and Mount Washington is locked solid in snow and ice there’s fewer scenes in New England that capture the spirit of a New England Christmas.
Just down the road is North Conway where you can spend the last of your holiday money at the famed discount clothing stores or come early and pick up wonderful gifts for him and her. You’re also very likely to find a few Inns serving egg nog and a warm welcoming fire burning a few Christmas logs for you and your friends.
For Visitors to New England:
For International visitors there are a few things to consider when visiting New England for the holidays.
Thanksgiving is the traditional family holiday in America and not Christmas. What this means is don’t expect to find many restaurants open serving a traditional roast turkey dinner on Christmas Day. Many families have their celebrations on Christmas Eve and it’s as likely to be pasta spread than Turkey. Turkey dinners are on offer at some of the resort lodges and you’ll just need to hunt and plan for them.
Many Inns and lodging are not open at Christmas so make sure when you book you have a place to sleep Christmas Eve and Day.
The day after Christmas Day – Boxing Day in England and Canada – is a work day in America, so the holiday atmosphere will be gone after just the one day. Yep! All that just for one day? You’ve got it!
But what a day.
Have a great holiday season and I’ll be back in a few weeks with some tips on planning for unusual winter getaways.
Jed
New England Getaways & Travels 