There is so much that I love about the Christmas season, but my favorite things are the traditions that go along with this festive holiday. From cookie decorating to Yankee swaps, there are just so many special ways to celebrate with family and friends. A newer tradition for my family is going out to see some beautiful light displays. This year there are so many wonderful events featuring Christmas lights in Massachusetts. Here is a list of where to find the best holiday light displays near you.

1. New England Botanic Garden Night Lights, Boylston

To view some spectacular Christmas lights in Boylston, Massachusetts, head to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. This years Night Lights event will have the gardens shining with light to create a stunning “Starry Skies” theme. There will also be photo opportunities, s’mores, a model train, and more. This immersive experience is one that you won’t want to miss! You can book a visit to Night Lights on the New England Botanic Garden website. The lights will be aglow from November 24–December 31, 2023.

2. Zoo Lights at Stone Zoo, Stoneham

What could be more magical than visiting the zoo at night? How about visiting when it is decorated in festive twinkling lights? If you are looking for some fantastic family fun, be sure to view the Christmas lights in Stoneham, Massachusetts at the Stone Zoo’s "Zoo Lights" experience. The zoo will be glowing with beautiful light displays and festive decorations that you can admire as you walk by bears, reindeer, and other animals. You can even book a special “Santa Experience" and see Mrs. Claus while you are at the zoo. This year, Zoo Lights will take place from November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024. Please visit the Zoo New England website for more information on this fun holiday event.

3. La Salette Festival of Lights, Attleboro

Christmas Lights in Attleboro, Massachusetts can be found at the annual La Salette Festival of Lights. This event is free to the public and runs from November 23, 2023 through January 1, 2024 at the La Salette Retreat Center. Visit the National Shrine of Our Lady La Salette and the recently renovated creche museum. Food, carousel rides, and donkey visits are also part of this holiday experience. More information can be found on the National Shrine of Our Lady La Salette official website.

4. Edaville Festival of Lights, Carver

A stunning winter wonderland awaits you and your family when you visit the Christmas lights in Carver, Massachusetts. With more than 250,000 lights on display, Edaville’s “Festival of Lights” is one of the best Christmas Light Displays In Massachusetts. There will also be vintage rides, trains, crafts, and food to enjoy. The lights shine bright on Thursdays through Sundays from November 9 through December 31, 2023. Further details about this event can be found on the Edaville website.

5. Winterlights at Naumkeag, Stockbridge

For even more holiday family fun, I suggest taking a visit to see Christmas lights in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. When you attend the “Winterlights” at the Naumkeag House and Gardens, you will experience a night of magic. Enjoy strolling through this gorgeous property as holiday music fills the air and festive lights twinkle all around you. The Trustees will additionally be hosting light displays at their Bradley Estate property in Canton and the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover. The Naumkeag celebrations will take place on Wednesdays through Sundays from November 24, 2023 to January 6, 2024. Find out more about all of these events at the Trustees official website.

6. Lights On Festival, Taunton

The Christmas Lights in Taunton, Massachusetts are definitely worth the drive. Nicknamed “The Christmas City,” Taunton sure knows how to put on a fantastic holiday display! The city’s annual Lights On Festival 2023 will take place on Saturday, December 2. Along with some gorgeous lights, you will be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities and a visit from Santa. Find out more at the official Lights On Festival website.

7. Bright Nights at Forest Park, Springfield

The place to view the best Christmas lights in Springfield, Massachusetts is undoubtedly Forest Park! This city has one of the best drive-through Christmas light displays in all of New England. “Bright Nights at Forest Park” is not only a light show, but an entire holiday experience. There are horse-drawn wagon rides, concerts, visits with Santa, food, and of course, so many beautiful light displays. You can find out more about this wonderful display on the Bright Nights

website. The festivities last from November 22, 2023 through January 1, 2024.

8. Gardens Aglow, Sandwich

Looking for a jolly holiday event down the Cape? I suggest viewing the gorgeous Christmas lights in Sandwich, Massachusetts at the Heritage Museums & Gardens! Its annual “Gardens Aglow” event is one that many families return to year after year. Walk the festively lit gardens and then visit with Santa. There is also an antique carousel, lawn games, marshmallow roast, and a reindeer scavenger hunt. This magical event takes place on 19 nights in November and December. Please visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens website for specific dates and times.

9. South Shore Celebration of Lights, Marshfield

The Christmas lights in Marshfield, Massachusetts are such a sight to see! The wondrous South Shore Celebration of Lights is a mile-long drive-through light show that takes place at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. The celebration features over a million LED lights! Highlights include animatronics, a lighted tunnel, and festive food. The fun occurs from November 24 to December 30, 2023. Find out more at the South Shore Celebration of Lights website.

Do you plan to go see some Christmas Lights in Massachusetts? If so, which event is your favorite? If you wish to get extra festive during your light viewing, this cozy Christmas lights sweatshirt is the perfect outfit to wear. For more holiday cheer, check our list of Massachusetts Christmas towns to visit.