Road Trip Idea #19: Make It a Holiday to Remember!

Make your holiday season even brighter this year with a getaway to Western Mass! In these uncertain times, this getaway is the perfect holiday break with plenty of room for social distancing, enhanced safety and cleaning protocols and plenty of outdoor fresh air! And it’s within the state of Massachusetts but far enough away to feel like a much-needed break!

Why choose just one of these exceptional holiday attractions when you can do them all? Book an overnight and get a special holiday package to make it even more festive.Named one of the Top 100 events in the nation by the American Bus Association, this event is not your ordinary lighting display. It’s 3.5 miles of thematic lights featuring Seuss Land, Jurassic World, Toy Land and so much more.This reimagined experience features over one million dazzling lights plus entertainment. Check out state-of-the-art décor and indulge in warm s’more fire-pits, fried dough, hot cocoa, and more festive treats.There’s so much holiday spirit at the Springfield Museums, you’ll need the entire day to experience it! Experience the annual gingerbread competition and exhibit with amazing gingerbread creations inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland created by local bakeries, schools, adults and kids displayed along with festively decorated holiday trees, enchanting lights, and a backdrop of beautifully painted murals. Then be sure to check out A Grinchmas Game for the Tall and the Small. This series of Grinch-themed puzzles take visitors on an adventure throughout the museum campus – just like an escape room! Solve all the riddles and get a prize.This unique lighting experience, special effects and a 3-D hologram show, is where the spirit of Christmas comes alive! The Eastern States Exposition, home of The Big E, in West Springfield is being transformed into the spirit of Christmas for a family-friendly show this holiday season.Walk through a magical winter wonderland, stopping along the way for fun photo opportunities and end your walk with a live video visit with Santa!  After your virtual one on one visit, you’ll take a photo with Santa using the magic of Green Screen.  Children are encouraged to bring a letter for Santa and drop it into Yankee Candle’s special North Pole mailbox!Take a festive trolley ride during the holiday season joining your motormen in singing traditional Christmas carols as the trolley makes its way through the “Tunnel of Lights”. When you return, head inside the Visitors Center which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with model trains, decorations galore, and enjoy the holiday music.Experience the history of Christmas traditions at Old Sturbridge Village. See demonstrations of classic Christmas projects like knitting stockings, wreath making, and making natural ornaments.  Take a stroll from the Common to the Countryside as you enjoy our festive, outdoor decorations, Christmas Tree Trail, and Christmas Wish Bridge. And Christmas by Candlelight wouldn’t be complete without a horse-drawn carryall ride and warming up by the bonfires.To customize your own holiday visit to Western Mass, visit our Holiday Package Page to see all of the holiday offerings and hotel packages available. The holidays will look a little different this year making it the perfect time to start a new family tradition in Western Mass!Exclusive info and promotions sent directly to your inbox monthly.