Massachusetts’ Most Magical Christmas Light Displays That Families Can’t Stop Talking About in 2025

Every year, Massachusetts rolls out a bunch of Christmas light shows that draw families and visitors from all over the region. Honestly, these events just feel like a fun, festive way to get outside and soak up holiday traditions during the winter.

You’ll find these light shows in parks, zoos, farms, and gardens. I’ve put together some info to help you plan your trip and catch the best Massachusetts holiday events in 2025.

1) Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights

If you want to see Christmas lights from your car, I’d say the Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights is a solid pick for families or anyone who just wants to stay cozy. This drive-through event happens in Methuen, Massachusetts every holiday season and the route is packed with bright displays.

They keep the lights on from late November until the end of December. You can pick from several time slots each night, but the last cars get in at 8:15pm. For 2024, weekday tickets run $21.99 if you buy online and $30 at the gate. Weekend and holiday tickets are $24.99 online, still $30 if you show up in person. If you drive a bigger vehicle, you’ll pay a little more.

I always tell people to grab tickets online ahead of time. If online tickets sell out, you’re out of luck at the gate. The price covers everyone in your car, so it’s actually a pretty good deal for groups. Some displays have flashing lights, just as a heads up.

This event draws a crowd, especially on weekends. Hotels pop up nearby in Methuen and along I-495, so you’ll find a place to stay if you want to make a night of it.

Rating: 4.5 (23 reviews)
Location: 445 Merrimack St, Methuen, MA 01844
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost (per car)	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 29–Dec 30, 2024	5–6pm, 6–7pm, 7–8pm, 8–9pm (last 8:15pm)	445 Merrimack St, Methuen, MA	$21.99–$24.99 online	Hotels in Methuen	fiestashows.com

2) Canale Christmas Lights

I swing by Canale Christmas Lights in Hyde Park every year. It’s a popular neighborhood display in the Boston area, and the lights spill over the house and yard, lighting up the street with a cheerful glow. This spot has become a local tradition, drawing both neighbors and out-of-towners.

A local family runs the whole thing. Their style? Simple but super cheerful, with classic lights and holiday figures everywhere. They usually turn the lights on daily in December, around sunset, and let them shine into the evening. I always see folks strolling by, snapping photos.

There’s no ticket price. Most people just park on the street and walk up for a closer look. Since it’s a regular home, I try to be respectful—no blocking driveways or making a mess.

Rating: 4.4 (7 reviews)
Location: 42 Meadowview Rd, Hyde Park, MA 02136
Contact: (617) 971-8391
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December	Sunset–Evening	42 Meadowview Rd, Hyde Park, MA 02136	Free	Booking.com hotels in Hyde Park	https://www.facebook.com/canalechristmaslights/

3) Bright Nights at Forest Park

If you want a holiday light show with some real history, Bright Nights at Forest Park is the one I always mention. They kicked things off back in 1995, and now over 7 million people have rolled through. The event runs every year from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.

The route covers about three miles. I drive through and spot all kinds of themed displays and glowing characters. With over 750,000 lights, it’s definitely one of the biggest winter light shows in the state.

You get to enjoy the lights from your car, so it doesn’t matter if it rains or snows. They set up the displays for easy viewing and smooth traffic, so I rarely wait long.

Rating: 4.4 (1,046 reviews)
Location: 295 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108
Contact: (413) 733-3800
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Location	Cost (approx.)	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Thanksgiving–New Year’s Day	Evenings (hours vary by night)	295 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108	$23–$30 per car, higher for limos/buses	Hampton Inn Springfield, Sheraton Springfield, Hilton Garden Inn	http://brightnights.org/

4) North Shore Holiday Light Show

When I visited the North Shore Holiday Light Show in Haverhill, I found a drive-through display packed with thousands of lights. They set up creative shapes and scenes across a huge area, so there’s a lot to see as you drive along. Each section is bright and set to holiday music you tune in from your car.

You buy tickets per vehicle, not per person. The event usually kicks off in late November and keeps going through December, with shows every night. Lines get long close to Christmas, so I think it’s smarter to go early in the season or on a weeknight.

The route is easy for anyone to drive, and it’s great for families or groups of friends. Sometimes you’ll find local food vendors near the entrance or exit. You have to stay in your car—walking through the lights isn’t allowed.

Rating: 3.7 (415 reviews)
Location: 1058 Boston Rd, Haverhill, MA 01835
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov – Dec 31	Evenings	1058 Boston Rd, Haverhill, MA	Per vehicle ticket	Nearby Hotels	http://northshorelightshow.com/

5) The Hills Christmas Light Display

I checked out The Hills Christmas Light Display in Somerset, which is a residential holiday light show. It’s tucked away on a quiet street, so parking isn’t a headache. The display fills the front yard and is easy to see from the sidewalk.

The lights sync up with holiday music, which is always a nice touch. I noticed local families stopping by, both walking and driving, just to watch the show. It’s free and usually on every night during the Christmas season.

You won’t find vendors or food stands here. Since it’s outside, I’d bundle up before heading over. The Hills Christmas Light Display draws both locals and visitors from nearby towns.

Rating: 4.6 (9 reviews)
Location: 63 Patton Ave, Somerset, MA 02725
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website Address
Early Dec – Dec 25	Evenings	63 Patton Ave, Somerset, MA	Free	Holiday Inn Express Fall River North	https://www.facebook.com/thehillschristmaslightshow?mibextid=ZbWKwL

6) South Shore Celebration of Lights

I found the South Shore Celebration of Lights at the Marshfield Fairgrounds, where they transform the whole place with over one million LED lights. The display stretches more than a mile, so you get a nice long driving tour.

The route has a 300-foot tunnel of lights and a bunch of animatronic scenes. They sell tickets per vehicle, not per person. You can pick your date and time online, and prices vary for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. If you’re driving a limo or school bus, you’ll need a special van ticket.

The event gets crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in December. I’d book early if you want to make sure you get in. If your plans change, it’s easy to adjust your ticket, which is pretty convenient.

Rating: 4.3 (10 reviews)
Location: 62 S River St, Marshfield, MA 02050
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
2025 dates not listed	Evening hours (varies)	62 S River St, Marshfield, MA 02050	$21.99–$50 per car	Hotels in Marshfield, MA	Link

7) Lancaster Celebration of Lights

Every year, I make it a point to check out the Lancaster Celebration of Lights for some of the best holiday displays in central Massachusetts.

They set up a drive-through light show right on Seven Bridge Road in Lancaster.

You drive slowly along the route while holiday scenes and glowing figures light up the night.

The show sprawls across a big area, but the displays themselves are pretty simple and straightforward.

Usually, I spend about twenty minutes making my way through.

Families love this event, especially if they want to stay warm and cozy inside the car.

When December rolls around, north-central Massachusetts gets its fair share of snow, which honestly just makes the whole thing feel even more festive.

Weekends can get packed, though.

If you don’t want to wait forever in line, try to show up early.

Sometimes you’ll find snacks or hot drinks at the entrance or exit, but it’s a bit unpredictable.

Ticket prices seem to change from year to year, so I always check their website before I go.

Rating: 3.6 (32 reviews)
Location: 318 Seven Brg Rd, Lancaster, MA 01523
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov-Dec 2025*	Evenings*	318 Seven Brg Rd, Lancaster, MA	Varies by vehicle	Nearby hotels	Visit Website

*Check website for specific 2025 dates and hours.