The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to plan your festive trips and spread cheer and laughter. If you’re lacking a one-horse open sleigh to get to the holiday fun, your next best option is to hop on the Commuter Rail. The train will take you to some of the best annual holiday events in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, so you can plan out how to get to every event your heart desires without getting stuck in traffic. As many holiday events happen over the weekend, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Commuter Rail’s $10 Weekends, and kids under 11 always ride for free.
Holiday Tree Lightings
There is nothing more iconic and beautiful during the holiday season than the trees being strung with brilliant lights. Whether they’re a delicate white or a rainbow of colors, they fill the bare branches with illumination and cheer.
Boston
Boston is simply stunning with numerous tree-lighting, menorah, and festive light displays throughout the city. Several are right by major train stations you can get to from multiple lines. The next time you plan on visiting Boston, check out these gorgeous tree lightings.
- Boston Public Garden (South Station)
- Boston Common (South Station)
- Newbury Street (Back Bay)
- Commonwealth Avenue Mall (Back Bay)
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace (North Station)
Worcester
Worcester hosts a Festival of Lights every year to kick off the holiday festivities, and you can take the train to see them shine. During the Festival, you can watch the lights turn on for the first time, then visit food vendors, and crafters, and try complimentary ice skating on the Worcester Commons Oval. Just get on the Framingham/Worcester Line and get off at Worcester Station. From there, head to Worcester Common to see the lights from the beginning of December through the end of February.
Providence
Also full of holiday cheer, Providence, RI hosts a special Three Nights of Lights festival to keep the season bright. While some aspects of the festival change yearly, you can always count on incredible lights, a holiday market, live entertainment, and more. You can take the Providence/Stoughton Line right down to Providence Station so you’re delivered straight to the action.
ZooLights at the Stone Zoo
What’s better than holiday lights? Holiday lights at the zoo! Every year, the Stone Zoo in Stoneham puts on the spectacular ZooLights event. With displays throughout its 26 acres, the zoo becomes a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. As you explore the sparkling, magical zoo, you can visit the reindeer, snow leopards, and other animals that thrive in the winter months. Just take the Haverhill Line and get off at Melrose/Cedar Park, which is less than two miles from the zoo, and then you can take the bus, a rideshare, or even walk.
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting in Gloucester
Kick off the holiday season in Gloucester with a parade, the arrival of Santa Claus, and the tree lighting at Kent Circle. Kids will get the chance to sit on Santa’s lap, offering parents a great photo opportunity. You can also sign holiday cards that will be sent to our troops overseas while snacking on free popcorn and hot cocoa. Be sure not to miss the tree lighting ceremony, as the grand tree is donated every year by the town of Shelburne, Nova Scotia to celebrate their close ties with Gloucester. To get there, just take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Gloucester Station and you’ll immediately be ready for fun.
The Nutcracker by the Boston Ballet
If you’re looking to experience an annual performance of The Nutcracker by the Boston Ballet, you’ll want to plan your journey carefully so you don’t miss a single magical moment. You can take the Commuter Rail to South Station, which is located near the Citizens Opera House. Whether you’re going as part of a family tradition or it’s your first time experiencing the beautiful music, costumes, and dancing, the Nutcracker is a must for the holiday season.
Holiday Invitation Nights in Newburyport
Looking to bypass the malls when doing your holiday shopping? You’re not the only one, which is why Newburyport hosts the annual Holiday Invitation Nights on the first three Fridays of December. Contrary to the name, you don’t need a formal invitation to experience the shopping, live entertainment, dining, and holiday cheer of these three nights. Get off at Newburyport Station to walk along the decorated streets of downtown Newburyport to the Tannery Marketplace, Merrimac Place, Horton’s Yard, and more. Stock up on holiday gifts and goodies at local stores while enjoying light refreshments that will give you a reason to celebrate.