Winter in Massachusetts is truly something special. Our towns and villages transform from sunny getaways to frosty wonderlands in what seems like an instant. Here are some of the most beautiful towns in the state for a winter day trip. They’re packed with fun things to do and beautiful seasonal sights.

1. Newburyport

Newburyport is an absolute dream during the winter. This pretty coastal town is home to cobbled streets, wide sidewalks dotted with outdoor shopping displays and stalls, old-fashioned street lamps, and plenty of Christmas lights. Santa comes to town via a U.S. Coast Guard boat during the town’s annual Santa Parade, but don’t worry if you miss the big festival. There’s plenty of wintry fun to be had here right up until the snows melt.

2. Lenox

Lenox is a gorgeous community nestled in the Berkshire hills. This historic village is known for its unique boutiques, locally-sourced restaurant fare, and beautiful architecture. Ventfort Hall, Lenox’s very own a Gilded Age mansion, is a beautiful place to explore on a quiet winter afternoon.

3. Tyringham

Tyringham is a simple and peaceful town filled with rural beauty. This place truly shines when a bit of snow is on the ground. Free from sprawling shopping centers and busy highways, this town is the perfect place to enjoy a bit of wintry peace and quiet. The beautiful Ashintully Gardens and Santarella Gingerbread House are also right within reach.

4. Deerfield

Deerfield is a quaint town that offers charming cobblestone paths and a nearby Christmas tree farm that looks dazzling under a fresh coat of snow. The town is also home to the Yankee Candle Village where it’s Christmas year-round.

5. Shelburne Falls

Shelburne Falls may be known for its gorgeous Bridge of Flowers, but this small community knows how to do winter, too. Stop by for the annual Moonlight Magic event, or simply wander the quiet lanes of the town and drink in the natural beauty.

6. Taunton

This place doesn’t have the nickname "The Christmas City" for nothing! Taunton has been celebrating in style for over a century — its first holiday light show on the town green happened 103 years ago and the tradition is still going strong. This is a beautiful town to visit around the holidays and perfect for a family-friendly day trip.

7. Sturbridge

Sturbridge is home to Old Sturbridge Village, a living history area where you can enjoy sleigh rides, nightly tree lightings, and traditional holiday festivities. When the Christmas season has passed, there are still plenty of seasonal activities and sights to experience here like cider milling and chestnut roasting.

8. Concord

Concord is a historic community with picturesque, wintery beauty to spare. The season kicks off here with the annual tree-lighting parade and the frosty fun continues till spring. Spending a weekend at the Hawthorne Inn or Colonial Inn will guarantee an authentic and cozy New England escape, and visitors should also plan on checking out Minute Man National Park.

9. Nantucket

Nantucket proves that the mainland still has something to learn about making merry. The town of Nantucket looks absolutely spectacular with a light dusting of snow, and the islanders make the most of the quiet season with plenty of wintertime strolls and community events.

10. Saugus

Saugus is the place to go if you want to feel like you’ve tumbled into a light show. This town is known for its beautiful neighborhood light displays that lend themselves perfectly to slow drives with a thermos or two of hot cocoa and Christmas tunes on the radio. Many of the lights stay up even after the holidays, so start the new year off with a visit to this twinkling town.

For more wintry fun in Massachusetts, check out the top ten places in the state that you absolutely must visit this season. Which town in Massachusetts do you think is the most beautiful during the winter?

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