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January 2025

Happy New Year!


"What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year"

– Vern McLellan


January brings a new beginning, doors to open, and new opportunities to try something for the first time. Massachusetts is heralded for its many firsts, which naturally included the beginning of the American Revolution. Join us throughout 2025 and 2026 as we look back to commemorate the amazing stories of how the Revolution started, and we look forward to creating revolutionary new memories and forging new paths. Be sure to visit massachusetts250.org to learn more. Experience one or some of our many firsts, and warmest wishes for a very Happy New Year! ONWARD!


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Photo: Shorebirds, North Shore Beach, Nantucket

Photo by: Bill Hoenk Photography

Photo: Bill Hoenk

Featured Region: Nantucket

Seeking serenity and peace? How about Nantucket, America’s best-preserved, most-beloved seaport? Its downtown Cultural District, shops and boutiques, nearly 40+ operating restaurants, endless beaches plus 9,000+ wildlife-inhabited acres of conservation lands — 1/3 of Nantucket — offer much to enjoy. Discover Nantucket winter’s many wonders and no need for a car! The Wave, Nantucket’s island-wide transit system is FREE throughout 2025, so visit mid-island, too! Fly or sail to Nantucket, stay at a hotel, inn or B&B, shop, rent a bike, have a cozy breakfast/lunch/dinner, read a book, sleep-in! Imagine a Nantucket January holiday with so much (fun) to find! 


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North of Boston

Join Discover Gloucester and the Cape Ann Museum for the 4th annual Gloucester’s So Salty festival on January 25 & 26, from 10 am to 5 pm. Celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character during this free two-day event which includes ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free kids’ art activities, and much more! Lift your spirits and laugh the cold away at Salem’s Comedy and Spirits Festival January 23–25, featuring top local and national performing comedians and locally crafted spirits.


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Plymouth County

“Dry January” doesn’t mean you have to hole up in your house and avoid social events! MIY Studio and Uva Wine Bar have teamed up to bring you “Mocktails with MIY,” a series of 4 fun, creative workshops featuring yummy beverages that are surprisingly alcohol-free! Each event ticket covers your 1st Mocktail. Not participating in Dry January? You can absolutely apply it to wine or beer! Click here for a months’ worth of artistic activities.



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Southeastern Mass

Ring in 2025 at the New Bedford

New Year’s Celebration! From January 3-5, the New Bedford Whaling Museum's Moby-Dick Marathon features a 25-hour read-a-thon Since 1997, the New Bedford Whaling Museum has celebrated the anniversary of Melville’s 1841 departure from the Port of New Bedford and Fairhaven aboard the whaleship Acushnet with this beloved mid-winter tradition. On January 13, join author and landscape horticulturist Warren Leach for a presentation on his new book, Plants for the Winter Garden, at Seekonk Public Library. The Little Theater of Fall River presents "The Fire Barn" - performances of Gruesome Playground Injuries, with eight performances from January 19 to January 28. 


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The Berkshires

Calling all winter enthusiasts! It’s time to sharpen your skis, clip into boots, and crush some fresh powder! Come ski the Berkshires this winter. Jiminy Peak, Berkshire East, Catamount, Bousquet, and Ski Butternut are ready to welcome you to their snowy slopes. Check the websites for updates on conditions, open lifts and trails, classes, events, and live entertainment. Not a skier? Not a problem! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the thrill of tubing at most ski areas - even under the lights! Afterward, warm up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa and a little nosh to fill the belly in a cozy onsite restaurant or pub. Bring the family, friends, or plan a solo getaway #intheBerkshires!


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Greater Merrimack Valley

The 78th Annual Golden Gloves at Lowell Memorial Auditorium will be held Thursdays from January 9–March 6. Don’t miss a moment of one of the longest-standing New England sports traditions, as the best amateur boxers from the area battle it out across the weeks to see who will be crowned champion. Thursday Night is Fight Night! Lowell has a great tradition of boxing dating back 74 years ago. When you go to a Golden Gloves show in Lowell, you know that it is unlike other boxing shows or any other sporting event in general. There is electricity in the air, fans get a certain charge when they watch these fighters give every ounce of themselves for something that can’t be seen or touched. Find out more!


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Central Massachusetts

A new year brings new adventures in Central MA: Cirque du Soleil returns with its high-energy and high-acrobatic production OVO. At Worcester’s Mechanic’s Hall, Music Worcester presents Rodney Marsalis Big Brass, America’s premier large brass ensemble. And at DCU Center, IceCats Night makes a return with the expectation of a sold-out arena. Extend your adventure by staying overnight in the region at one of our brand-name or boutique hotels, or a fully furnished rental. 


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Franklin County

Champney's Restaurant at the Deerfield Inn presents Robert Burns Night, a traditional Scottish dinner, from 6 to 9 pm on Saturday, January 25! The great poet Robert Burns, who saved his country’s literary heritage, was lively and amusing company. He has been honored with a traditional feast since 1801, which remains much the same in format and menu 215 years later. Pipes, songs, poems, scotch, and a dose of real haggis combine to make a cold winter night a little brighter and warmer! Cost is $95/person plus tax and 21% gratuity. Make your reservations at 413-774-5587. $100 off your room with your dinner reservation to the Robert Burns Dinner! Find out more.


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Photo: WINTERACTIVE 2024 by Annielly Camargo

Greater Boston

The viral outdoor public art experience WINTERACTIVE will return to Boston from January 15 to March 30, 2025. Enjoyed by an estimated 650,000 visitors in 2024, the walkable experience was named “Best Public Art Installation” by Boston Magazine and honored with a Boston Design Week Social Impact Award. This year it will feature an expanded 17-20 site footprint featuring an incredible array of artworks installed throughout the streets of Downtown Boston – many of which are being premiered in the United States for the very first time!


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Cape Cod

The arts are alive this winter on Cape Cod! Opening January 11 and running through February 23, the Cotuit Center for the Arts hosts the winter art exhibit "Transformation." The interactive exhibit, which features artists' interpretation of this theme, is geared towards younger patrons, with work hung lower than standard. Then, on January 26-27, the Cape Symphony Orchestra presents "Passport to Rome" at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From classical music to ballet to opera and beyond, Italy’s contributions to the art of music are undeniable. This concert celebrates that fact with stunning works by Rossini and Respighi, and soul-stirring Vivaldi concertos performed by Cape Symphony stars. Plan your winter getaway to Cape Cod today at CapeCodChamber.org.


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Western Mass

Explore Western Mass in January for ski and après ski fun! Berkshire East Mountain Resort celebrates Learn to Ski & Snowboard month in January with great deals on ski and snowboard lessons. Après ski, you’ll want to visit one-of-a-kind attractions like the Smithsonian-affiliated Springfield Museums, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Eric Carle Museum. Is sipping a cocktail by the fireplace more your style? We have that too! Get all your information to plan a January getaway here.


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Hampshire County

Rediscover the magic of winter in New England with a shadow puppet presentation of the classic children’s book "Owl Moon" followed by a walk in the moonlit winter woods to call for owls. Hear locals share their stories during Valley Voices at The Iron Horse. Travel back in time to experience classic Jethro Tull with Minstrels in The Gallery at The Drake. Need to wind down from the holiday season? Soak in the Soundbath with Kamauu, a one-hour synthesis of music, meditation, and yoga at BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity.



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North Central Mass

Kick off the year with exciting activities in our area! Celebrate at the New Year’s Day Bash at Moonhill Brewing and Gardner Ale House, or enjoy a concert at Groton Hill Music Center. Take advantage of free admission on the first Thursday at Fitchburg Art Museum and the first Sunday at The Icon Museum and Study Center. For winter thrills, ski at Wachusett Mountain, splash at Great Wolf Lodge, or enjoy winter horseback riding at Cornerstone Ranch. Fun for everyone!



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Photo: Randi Baird

Martha's Vineyard

Peaceful January is ideal for solo/couple/friend wanderings along secluded beaches, hiking trails, peaceful Towns. Immerse yourself in island beach and trail wildlife, fresh air and inspiring vistas. Take an Alpaca Walk-and-Talk; tuck-in to MV Museum for Secret Life of Seaweed (through January 26) and Human/Nature-Art-and-Conservation on MV (through January 12); enjoy live music at Offshore Ale, The Ritz Cafe. Stay at a comfy inn/B&B/’hotel, dine out, shop quiet season prices at shops & boutiques, get a spa facial. It’s all here for winter!


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Photo: Work by Mariel Capanna

Mohawk Trail Region

The Clark Art Institute will offer free admission for all visitors from January through March 2025! During the free admission season, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Clark’s noted permanent collection and special exhibitions, Abelardo Morell: In the Company of Monet and Constable (open through February 17, 2025) and Wall Power! Modern French Tapestry from the Mobilier national, Paris (open through March 9, 2025) and Mariel Capanna: Giornata (opens February 15, 2025) A–Z: Alphabetic Highlights (open January 21, 2025)


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MetroWest

Celebrate the New Year with the whole family on 12/31 at Ecotarium’s Ring in the Noon Year or Rail Trail’s Apple Juice Toast, or party with dinner and craft cocktails at Less Than Greater Than or with music from Crossroad at Skybokx109. Don’t miss the Bourbon Whiskey Dinner at Wayside Inn 1/9. Honor Dr. Martin Luther King at Natick’s Community Celebration 1/20. Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the year of the Snake at the Museum of Fine Arts 1/30.



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Regional Tourism Councils

The Berkshires Cape Cod Central Massachusetts  Franklin County 

Greater Boston Greater Merrimack Valley Hampshire County North Central Mass 

Martha's Vineyard MetroWest Mohawk Trail Nantucket Island North of Boston 

Plymouth County Southeastern Mass Western Mass


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Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

Junction Route 6 & 132 5 Patti Page Way | Centerville, Cape Cod, MA 02632 US