7 Winter Festivals In Massachusetts That Are Simply Unforgettable
By Sophia
|
Updated on December 11, 2023
(Originally published January 06, 2017)
Wintery fun doesn’t end with the holidays! There are plenty of amazing events and celebrations happening all winter long across Massachusetts. From magical town celebrations to fiercely fun chilly challenges, these are some of the most entertaining winter events in Massachusetts that are happening this season.
1. Lowell Winterfest, Lowell (Feb. 16-17, 2024)
Winterfest has a little something for everyone. Featuring amazing kids' activities, craft brewing, outdoor ice and snow competitions, free ice skating, food trucks, and enchanting acts by fire dancers and musicians, you'll have a spectacular time at this Lowell winter festival. Visit the
Lowell Winterfest website for more information on this winter festival.
2. Greenfield Winter Carnival, Greenfield (Feb. 2-4, 2024)
Court Square, Greenfield, MA 01301, USA
This winter festival is going on its 102nd year which I think is pretty awesome, don't you? Events are hosted all over town, and past years' events included ice sculpture contests, fireworks, fire dancers, breakfast with Frosty the Snowman, a sleigh bell run, sledding, ice skating, and much more. With all the winter festival activities offered at this event, it’s a great way to add a bit of magic to the season. Head to the
Visit Greenfield MA website to learn more about the 102nd Annual Greenfield Winter Carnival.
3. North Adams WinterFest, North Adams (Feb. 17, 2024)
North Adams Chamber of Commerce, 85 Main St #200A, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Looking for "winter festivals near me?" Well, North Adams is your destination for warming up this winter. Their WinterFest celebration offers plenty of hot chocolate, a chowder competition, ice sculpting demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting at a community campfire, ice skating, and a massive winter farmers and crafters market. Bundle up and enjoy the season at this popular festival. Check the
Discover North Adams website for more information on the North Adams WinterFest.
4. Skating Path at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Jan. 1 - Feb. 25, 2024)
City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02203, USA
Boston Winter features New England’s first custom-designed ice skating path. It snakes through the magical winter market and activities that are spread across Boston’s City Hall Plaza. During the holidays, the festival features an amazing Christmas market. The festival continues into the new year, with amazing winter programming and activities aimed to keep you smiling through the chilly days and evenings. Head to the plaza’s Urban Lodge for a beverage after whizzing around the skating path. Visit the
Downtown Boston website to learn more about the Skating Path at City Hall Plaza.
Take a look at this promo video for the Skating Path at City Hall Plaza by
@marlomarketing :
VIDEO
5. Attleboro's Winter Night Festival (Feb. 17 2024 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
133 S Main St, Attleboro, MA 02703, USA
There's plenty to do here for all ages. Enjoy the stunning acts of fire jugglers, cozy up to a grand bonfire created by the Attleboro firefighters, check out ice sculptors at work, stop by the craft fair, take pictures in period dress and jewelry, hop on a free hayride and trackless train, and jive to live music inside City Hall. Head to the
Attleboro Winter Festival website to learn more about this event.
6. MASC Polar Plunge, Centerville (Mar. 9, 2024 at 1 p.m.)
Craigville Beach, Barnstable, Barnstable, MA, USA
Take a plunge for the Special Olympics at this fun wintery swim event. Get sponsored and jump into the frigid waters of Craigville Beach. You may even choose to dress up in a costume for this freezing-cold plunge! Don't feel like getting wet? No problem. Cheer on the brave swimmer from the shore and enjoy warm refreshments. Visit the fundraising web page for the
MASC Polar Plunge to learn more and to make a donation if you'd like.
Take a look at this video of a previous years's Polar Plunge by
@SpecialOlympicsMassachusetts :
VIDEO
7. Easthampton Winterfest, Easthampton (Feb. 10, 2024)
Nashawannuck Pond, Easthampton, MA 01027, USA
Start your day at WinterFest with a pancake breakfast, and then join in the fun with wagon rides, ice-carving demonstrations, a snowman-making contest, and a community bonfire. In past years, there has been a dance party, a chili cook-off, plenty of activities for kids, and crafts for all ages. Most of this winter festival's events are free, and some ask for a small donation. Visit the
Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee website for more information on the Easthampton Winterfest.
Take a look at this video of a previous year's news coverage of the Easthampton Winterfest by
@wwlp :
VIDEO
Have you attended any of these winter events in Massachusetts in past years? Let us know! Looking for more winter inspiration? Discover these 12 places in Massachusetts you should check out while the cold weather lasts.
Before heading outdoors in the frigid cold New England temperatures this year, make sure you have the proper winter gear. You can check out the Ultimate Winter Packing List to see what you need.
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More to Explore
Winter In Massachusetts
Melissa M.
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December 10, 2023
What are some of the best activities in Massachusetts in winter?
Aside from attending a winter festival, there are plenty of incredible things to do in winter in Massachusetts that will make the coldest season fun. Check out the following activities:
Check out the holiday light displays around the state. From LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro (my personal favorite) to Winterlights in North Andover, Stockbridge, and Canton, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by twinkling lights.
Go ice skating. The Boston Frog Pond is one place where you can skate outdoors.
Go snow tubing at Nashoba Valley Ski Area.
Check out more things to do in winter in Massachusetts .
Where can I go skiing in Massachusetts?
The following are a few places you can go skiing in Massachusetts:
Wachusett Mountain in Princeton
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock
Butternut Ski Area in Great Barrington
Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford
Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton
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