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Where to see the best-decorated mansions this holiday season
Plus: Save on holiday travel with discounts on food, lodging, and attractions.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six.
Happy December, everyone! Over the weekend, we took my son skiing in New Hampshire’s White Mountains for his birthday and as we rode the scenic gondola to the top of Loon Mountain I was reminded of how lucky we are that such beauty is only a day trip away.
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Speaking of beauty, New England is full of elegant mansions decorated lavishly for the season and I’ve got all the details about where and when you can experience them. For those looking to escape New England, discover Travel Deal Tuesday discounts at Logan Airport, as well as both Southwest and JetBlue’s big sale on airfare this week.
Add luxury to your holiday season
Elegant estates across New England are launching holiday programming that includes massive outdoor light displays, candlelight tours, lavish trees, and more. So mark your calendars for what may be your best selfie this season. Last year, I visited the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree at The Breakers in Newport and it was just gorgeous.
Travel Deal Tuesday brings discounts once again
Travel Deal Tuesday is back, which means travelers can enjoy lots of discounts on airfare and hotels on Dec. 2. I chatted with Lindsay Schwimer from the travel app Hopper, who shared deals out of Logan Airport that include roundtrip airfare to Florida for less than $300 and roundtrip airfare to Las Vegas for less than $330.
Save money across New England in December
December is an expensive month, but there are plenty of things to do across New England on a budget. Find out where you can snag $4 lift tickets and $5 pizzas. You’ll find those deals and more in this running list of discounts on transportation, food, lodging, and attractions.
Travel tips
Looking for a game of pickleball in the city? PickleBOS in South Boston is celebrating its grand opening on Dec. 4 (and a Charlestown location will open in 2026).
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Providence, R.I. is getting festive this month with the return of its monthlong PVD Holiday Festival, which includes The PVD Downcity Holiday Market 2025, an open-air European-style market Dec. 4-7 that brings artisans, food vendors, workshops, and live performances.
Celebrate the holidays on the water with Boston Harbor City Cruises, which released its 2025 holiday season lineup featuring a Christmas Eve cruise, brunch with Santa, and more (and customers who book by Dec. 2 can get a 40% discount).
Deals and steals
For those eyeing an early 2026 trip, Southwest is offering up to 50% off airfare during the carrier’s cyber sale taking place Dec. 1-4 and JetBlue is offering 35% off airfare during aTravel Tuesday sale Dec. 2-3.
Be among the first to check out the Cactus Club Cafe, which is opening its first U.S. location in Boston’s Back Bay on Dec. 9, and save money on your next visit. Reserve a table between Dec. 9-15 to get a $25 credit.
Grab a discounted pizza at Sal’s Pizza in Massachusetts and New Hampshire during the restaurant’s special holiday pricing through Dec. 31. Get a small pizza for $5 (including specialty pizzas) and two large cheese pizzas for $15.
Check out more New England travel deals in December, as well as free things to do in Boston.
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I’ll leave you with this photo I took on a snowy ski trail on Loon Mountain in Lincoln, N.H. over the weekend.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi
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