Each year, it seems like the sound of jingle bells has barely faded before Christmas magic gives way to New Year excitement. Leave 2016 in the dust with these enchanting events, ranging from city-wide parties to family-friendly festivals. Here are 10 Massachusetts towns that put on absolutely incredible New Year celebrations.
Please note that these celebrations are not ranked in order of awesomeness.
This magical New Year celebration lights up the night with a shimmering array of glowing displays and parades. The party goes from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., so it's a great option for families with kids, or those of us who start yawning early. Check out the ice sculptures, lighted giants, an enchanting fairy garden, multicultural activities, musical presentations and live performances. There will also be cannon fire, giant sparklers, and fireworks. This event is free to the public.
If you've never spent New Year's Eve in Boston, you're missing out on one of the most spectacular parties of the year. For more than 40 years, this free celebration has been transforming the capital city into a wonderland of ice sculptures, parades, light displays, musical and dance performances and general merriment. Again, this massive celebration is free and open to the public, so there's no reason not to join the fun. Festivities kick off at noon and continue until midnight.
This celebration actually takes place on December 30, so it won't interfere with any of your NYE plans. The party kicks off at 3 p.m., and includes holiday train rides, face-painting, live DJ entertainment, street games, stilt walkers, jugglers, and free hot chocolate and cookies as well! Admission buttons are $5 before 12/20, and $8 after that date.
First Night Northampton has been going strong since 1985, and this year will be no different. Gather with friends and neighbors for a 12-hour, family-friendly arts and performance festival spread across 20 amazing downtown venues. When the big moment arrives, head to the Hotel Northampton for a traditional ball-raising and countdown. There will be plenty of fireworks, music and dancing in the streets. On-street parking will be free and Northampton's municipal lots are also all free (except the downtown parking garage).
There’s so much to do at this massive celebration. Watch Chinese acrobats twirl, take photos with Orson the polar bear, take in a dizzying array of live musical performances, explore museums, admire ice sculptures and feast on oodles of street snacks. Many of the activities are free, but some do require tickets. If you want to get the full experience, pick up a First Night button for $10-$12, which will allow you to access most activities and performances for free. Celebrants can get around on the city’s trolleys, which will be free to those with a First Night button. Fireworks will illuminate the night at 11:15, so be sure to find a great viewing location. Festivities begin at 4 p.m.
For 25 years and counting, Chatham has been welcoming the new year with a bevy performances and festive activities. This is a family-friendly (read: alcohol-free), town-wide celebration with over 70 events scheduled. Get there at noon to jump into the official "Town Photo" at Chatham Lighthouse, and continue the fun until fireworks burst over Oyster Pond at midnight. Don't forget to say hello to the Countdown Cod.
Whaling may be in New Bedford's past, but this fantastical New Year's Eve ball at the city's whaling museum is all about celebrating what's to come. Tickets are $50 for adults and $15 for children under 12. For that price you'll get ample hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary champagne toast for adults, and plenty of crafts for the kids. Don your finest and head to the New Bedford Whaling Museum between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to bid goodbye to 2016 in style.
8. Lynnfield - MarketStreet New Year’s Eve Family Block Party
The third annual MarketStreet New Year’s Eve Family Block Party kicks off on December 31 at 5 p.m. Enjoy live DJ entertainment, street performers and discounted skating at the MarketStreet Rink. At 7 p.m., over 1,000 colorful beach balls will drop on the crowds to celebrate the approaching new year. This event is free and open to the public.
This mesmerizing celebration involves a flood of skiers bearing torches winding their way down the snowy slopes of Jiminy Peak. When the torches go out, the night sky will begin to blaze with a spectacular firework show. The event runs from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
After a delectable five-course meal, dance the night away in this extravagantly decorated historic inn. The main hall is transformed into a festive wonderland for the evening, and your evening will be capped off by a champagne toast at midnight. Visit the Red Lion Inn website for current pricing and tickets.
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Massachusetts, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Escape to Brewster, a small town in Massachusetts, for a perfect Cape Cod getaway. Explore nature, history, and local culture in this charming seaside town.
Brewster, a quintessential small town in Massachusetts, perfectly captures the essence of Cape Cod. It's a place where history whispers through the sails of a centuries-old windmill, wildlife thrives along pristine shores, and a vibrant local scene adds a touch of magic to every visit. Are you ready to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating town? Let’s dive into the must-see destinations that make Brewster so special.
Before setting off to explore Brewster, grab some breakfast at Cafe Alfresco. This charming cafe offers delicious coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches to get your day started right.
Next, step back in time with a visit to the Old Higgins Farm Windmill. Built in 1795, this historic windmill, also known as the Brewster Windmill, stands as a testament to the town's rich history. Once a vital resource for local farmers, this well-preserved post mill ground corn into meal. Today, visitors can take a guided tour to explore the inner workings of this historical gem, marveling at the original grinding stones and machinery. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Brewster and Cape Cod Bay, and be sure to visit the on-site museum and village grounds to learn about the windmill's fascinating past.
The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for nature lovers. Interactive exhibits bring the Cape's diverse ecosystems to life, showcasing the region's unique flora and fauna. The museum's aquarium offers a glimpse into the underwater world, with exhibits featuring native species like lobsters, crabs, and colorful fish. To further appreciate the area's natural beauty, head outside and wander the network of nature trails that wind through salt marshes, woodlands and along the scenic shoreline of Cape Cod Bay.
After your museum visit, venture out to the Brewster Flats, where the coast transforms at low tide, unveiling vast sandbars in a dreamlike landscape. Designated as an Important Bird Area, the flats attract diverse shorebirds, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Before setting out, check the tide schedule and choose suitable footwear for the damp sand and rocky terrain. Bring binoculars to get a closer view of the birdlife, and respect the ecosystem by ensuring you leave no trace.
After a day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a delicious meal. For fresh, locally sourced seafood with beautiful waterfront views, the Brewster Fish House is an excellent choice. If you're visiting during the season and prefer a more casual atmosphere with classic Cape Cod fare, JT's Seafood Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy clam chowder, lobster rolls, and other regional favorites.
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Cap off your day in Brewster with a performance at the Cape Rep Theatre. This acclaimed theater company offers a variety of performances year-round, featuring everything from timeless plays to modern musicals. It's a great way to experience some local culture.
Bonus: If you have extra time, stroll through Brewster's Main Street with its quaint shops and art galleries, or head to Nickerson State Park for hiking, biking, and swimming.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
