December is a month filled with festivities, family, and friends. Chestnuts are roasting, lights are twinkling, and communities throughout Massachusetts are turning up the holiday cheer. Annual crowd favorites include Bright Nights at Forest Park, the Nantucket Christmas Stroll and Winter Reimagined at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Craft events featuring artisan, handmade goods (or the chance to make your very own) are plentiful this time of year as well - perfect for finding unique gifts and supporting local makers. Save room for limited performances, exhibit openings, spirit tastings and more. Visit our holiday page or search our December events for even more ways to enjoy this special time of year!

For more on what to see + do in Massachusetts, visit massvacation.com. 

It's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season! And there's no better place to get in the mood (and find your holiday gifts, decorations and delectable treats) than in Johnny Appleseed Country! From a tour of cozy country shops to Christmas Tree exhibits and holiday house tours, a leisurely visit to the region will put you in the spirit of the season. Fill your party table with fresh-from-the-farm fruits, veggies and cheeses, accompanied by craft beers and fine wines. Community theater groups set the stage, too, with a host of early-December Christmas shows in Gardner, Fitchburg and Barre . Bundle up and enjoy the season in Johnny's back yard! Find more events and information for Johnny Appleseed Country.

Christmas in Edgartown, happening December 7-10, is a weekend festival you don't want to miss! Enjoy a wonderful selection of events, including a Teddy Bear Suite, the Lighting of the Edgartown Lighthouse, crafts events, amazing shopping, holiday concerts, Island tours, The Great Chowder Contest, Breakfast With Santa and so much more. Ride the Hy-Line ferry direct to Edgartown!  Be a part of the holiday magic and visit calendar.vineyardgazette.com/  For everything Martha's Vineyard, visit MVY.com. Find more events and information for Martha's Vineyard .

Our compass is pointing due north, with a guest from the North Pole and a weekend full of holiday cheer! The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra's annual Holiday Pops weekend on December 9-10 includes fun, family, community and beloved seasonal music!  Astounding tenor Matthew Anderson returns to sing holiday classics, and the Plymouth Community Intermediate School 6th Grade Treble Chorus lends their angelic voices, while the annual March of the Toys charity toy drive rounds out this holiday spectacular. Saturday, December 9 at 3 pm & and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 10 at 3 pm. Find more events and information for Plymouth County.

The spirit of the season is contagious with tree lightings and caroling and classic holiday performances: The Nutcracker, Holiday Pops, Black Nativity and Handel's Messiah. Holiday Strolls, Open Houses and festive dining all add to the holiday atmosphere. The light and sound extravaganza BLINK! returns to Faneuil Hall Marketplace with more than 600,000 "smart" LED lights throughout the Marketplace. Take advantage of the MAYOR'S HOLIDAY SPECIAL, half-price tickets & dining deals - all season long. BOSTON WINTER, the city's newest & coolest tradition features a mix of winter activities, including a unique outdoor skating path, 85 boutique style chalets offering a wide variety of goods, an enchanted Christmas tree maze, a Santa House and a Bavarian Village. Continue celebrating with First Night/First Day at Copley Square! Find more events and information for Greater Boston. 

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags New England - The region's largest theme park offers an entirely new and unique holiday celebration experience unlike anything seen before! Boasting 50+ rides, shows, and attractions, this winter season just got much cooler. New England's largest holiday celebration debuts as Six Flags New England decks the halls in a dazzling display of lights, sights, and sounds for its inaugural holiday extravaganza. Weekends and Select Days November 24-December 31. Visit ExploreWesternMass.com for more holiday fun! Find more events and information for Greater Springfield.