Have you ever wanted to go to one of those cute, Christmas card picture-perfect Hallmark holiday towns? Well, you are in luck because there are a bunch of fun destinations in the Northeast.
Stowe, VT: (about 5 hours away)
From December 2-4, 2022, the whole Stowe Community lights up at night with gorgeous tree lightings, a children’s lantern parade, holiday decorations, festive wagon rides, a holiday bazaar, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live Holiday music, and holiday music.
Lake Placid, NY: (about 4.5 hours)
The Holiday Village Stroll is from December 9-11, which includes a skating party, an ugly sweater party, a free movie showing, and a Santa firetruck parade. There is ice skating around Holiday lights at the Olympic Oval, where you can have a beautiful mountain backdrop. Mirror Lake also has skating, pickup hockey games, dog sledding, and a zippy toboggan chute right onto the lake. The Oval is within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants for a delicious meal after a day out. We can’t forget cross-country skiing.
Woodstock, VT: (about 4 hours away)
Woodstock, VT is a little closer to Westchester than Stowe (not to be confused with Woodstock, NY). The 38th Annual Wassail Weekend will take place this year from December 9-11. During this time, you will feel the magic of winter with the sparkling light displays, decorations, and holiday music sounds. Fun horse-drawn wagon rides are being offered for $10 per person. There are sleigh bells and holiday decorations at Billings Farm that are not to be missed.
Mystic, CT: (about 2 hours away)
Mystic has an abundance of holiday activities that start in November and run through December, so if you can’t make one weekend, you can always try for another. It is also a short ride away, making it even more appealing, especially if you have young tots in tow. The holiday gift market at the Mystic Museum of Art features local and regional artists, crafts, jewelry, pottery, cards, accessories, and more.
On November 26, Santa arrives via Tugboat at Mystics Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in downtown Mystic. Lantern Light tours are one of the favorites and start on December 2 and through December 17. Tours begin every 15 minutes at the Seaport Museum and cover the classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. The Festival of lights is on December 9 in Olde Mistic Village, featuring live entertainment, luminaries, and treats. There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Bethlehem, PA: (under 2 hours away)
A true Christmas town since Christmas Eve in 1741, from the first decorated Christmas Tree in America to the nickname of Christmas City USA, Bethlehem is full of Christmas Cheer and spirit. Christmas Huts on Main is full of unique vendors, charming retail shops, gourmet restaurants, and historic Moravian museums. Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites have Christmas-themed walking tours, bus tours, and carriage rides to give visitors a historical experience. The Moravian shopping district is full of an ideal Christmas atmosphere of sparkling lights, window displays, live performances, and other events throughout the season.
The Southside Arts district has live performances, decorated windows and restaurants, and more to enjoy. Last but not least, Chriskindlmarkt, twice recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S., runs through December 18, featuring a variety of delicious food, including holiday fare like strudel, German bratwurst, German roasted almonds, German mac and cheese, piping hot poutine, mashed potato balls, and so much more! Thirsty? Stop by one of their three bars located throughout the market.
