Small New England Town Earns Big Holiday Honor
New Hampshire may have taken home the distinction of state with the “most Christmas cheer,” but our neighbors to the north can boast about making another prestigious list.
The travel website Thrillist published a list of ten small towns that “go big” when it comes to Christmas. The sole New England representative: a tiny city in Vermont.
According to the study, which factors in festivals, decorating, shopping, and overall atmosphere, Woodstock, Vermont, is one of the best small cities to visit during the holiday season.
Per Thrillist, Woodstock is notable for Wassail Weekend, which is a four-day event in December when the town essentially becomes the inside of a snow globe.
“Filled with twinkling lights, historic decorated homes, and so much more, the town transforms into the holiday wonderland of your dreams,” reads the event’s official page, noting that for one weekend, at least, the town eschews modern conveniences for a 19th century feel.
Billings Farm, a fully-functioning dairy farm, serves as a major attraction during Wassail Weekend. But if holidays have left you a bit too tired for a trip to the Green Mountain State, there are plenty of small-town attractions in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
In New Castle, families can view the Wentworth’s impressive gingerbread house display, while those further inland can view an amazing residential light display that raises money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
In Massachusetts, you can go a step further and step into a display that not only features 50,000 lights, but also boasts 235 giant, inflatable light-up decorations. But you should act quickly, as the couple behind the display announced this will be its final year after three decades.