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Vermont has the ‘picture-perfect’ Christmas getaway
Plus: ZooLights, $4 skiing passes, Amtrak winter sale and Kennebunkport's annual Christmas Prelude.
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This week, we’ll discuss beautiful Boston, a picturesque Christmas getaway, and the most affordable New England ski resorts this season. How does a day on the slopes for $4 sound? We’ll discuss that too.
A ‘picture-perfect’ Christmas holiday awaits in Vermont
For those who dream of skiing for Christmas, it doesn’t get much prettier than the powder-filled slopes in Stowe, Vermont. Travel + Leisure magazine just named Stowe one of the best Christmas getaways on the planet, calling it “one of the most picture-perfect places to go for Christmas.” Travelers looking for ski-in, ski-out access can stay at the Lodge at Spruce Peak.
Affordable skiing? Yes, please.
Speaking of skiing, we all know the sport can be pricey. HomeToGo released a list of the most affordable ski resorts in the U.S. and three New England spots made the top 10: Maine’s Sugarloaf Mountain and Sunday River and Vermont’s Jay Peak. At Sugarloaf, the region’s most affordable, a one-day lift pass is $124 and an overnight stay is $105.37, for a total of $229.37 per person.
Boston named a top winter getaway
I’ve lived here for a long time and still don’t take Boston’s beauty for granted. When skating on the Frog Pond during the wintertime, I often pause to appreciate the twinkling trees and lit up city beyond. Travel publication Afar just called Boston one of the world’s most beautiful places for a winter getaway. What do you think is the most beautiful spot in Boston during the winter months?
Travel tips
- Zoo goers can stroll along tree-lined paths lit with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights at ZooLights at Stone Zoo, which kicks off Nov. 15 and runs through Jan. 5, 2025. Along the way, visitors can meet various zoo animals and attend meet and greets with Santa after Nov. 25.
- Watch Santa come to town on a lobster boat during the 43rd annual Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, taking place Dec. 5 to 15. The town, named one of the most fantastic Christmas destinations by Country Living, will host a street festival, caroling, crafts, fireworks, and more.
- Ferry travelers should plan accordingly, according to the Steamship Authority, after the MV/Nantucket has been pulled from service for “unanticipated repairs.” Due to the change, vehicle reservations are on hold and online booking on the Hyannis-Nantucket route is unavailable through Nov. 17.
Deals and Steals
- How does a day of skiing in the White Mountains for $4 sound? That’s how much it will cost skiers and riders at King Pine Ski Area in Madison, N.H. on Thursday, Dec. 19 in honor of the ski area’s Founders Day. Tickets must be reserved online ahead of time.
- Train travelers can get from Boston to Providence, R.I. for as little as $13 this winter. It’s part of Amtrak’s winter flash sale, which is currently offering 40% off trips on coach class on some of Amtrak’s most popular trains as well as business class seats on Acela. Travel must be booked by Nov. 14.
- For those who don’t want to cook, several Boston restaurants are serving Thanksgiving dinner. Some of the more affordable spots include a turkey dinner for $35 at Lucie Drink + Dine, for $70 at Bambara Kitchen & Bar, and for $75 at Capo (which includes a full plate to go for next-day leftovers).
I’ll leave you with this photo of a warm fall evening on the Charles River Esplanade, taken by Julie Ross.
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