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Spend the perfect Christmas in this New England town
A close-by trip for New Englanders, this coastal Maine town is "straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie."
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The holiday season is in full swing and I recently met friends for dinner and shopping at the Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village in Salem, N.H. The outdoor holiday market is so festive and I highly recommend settling in before a firepit with a Mistletoe Margarita from the outside bar.
For more festive outings this month, I’ve rounded up the best destinations in New England at Christmastime. If you’re eyeing future getaways, discover which Mass. spot was named one of the hottest destinations for 2026. This week, I’m also taking you inside a $13,000 flight between Boston and Paris and sharing ski and dessert deals.
Visit a Christmas-y town this month
There’s still time to get to Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, which kicked off Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 14. The coastal Maine celebration, which is “straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie,” was named one of the best Christmas destinations in America by Conde Nast Traveler. It’s one of several destinations on these roundups of the most Christmas-y towns in New England and the best places in New England to visit around Christmas.
Here’s what a $13,000 flight looks like
An ultra-luxe flight to Paris aboard Air France is coming to Boston in 2026. Travelers in the airline’s new La Premiere cabin enjoy a five-window suite with a chaise lounge that turns into a bed, meals prepared by top chefs, pajamas, a curated wine list, private closet, and more. The Boston service begins July 20 and roundtrip airfare between Boston and Paris starts at $13,000.
Mass. has one of the hottest destinations of 2026
Martha’s Vineyard was just named among the hottest travel destinations on the planet in the 2026 Go List by Fodor’s Travel. The publication called the Mass. island “a classic New England summer escape with newfound culinary appeal.” During a lovely summer day trip there, I explored Oak Bluffs, climbed Edgartown Harbor Light, and saw the beautiful Aquinnah Cliffs. Check out more things to do on Martha’s Vineyard.
Travel tips
Are you looking for a great stay in the White Mountains this winter? RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, N.H. was just named among the best ski hotels in America by USA Today readers.
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Wine lovers, get your tickets to the 37th Annual Boston Wine & Food Festival at Boston Harbor Hotel, which runs from Jan. 23 through March 28, 2026. There are more than 40 events, including winemaker dinners, pop-ups, brunches, master classes, and more.
Need a beach escape? A Florida escape? How about both? JetBlue just launched daily, year-round service between Logan Airport and Florida’s Daytona Beach.
Deals and steals
Attention, dessert lovers: Beacon Hill’s 75 Chestnut is slashing the price of its house made desserts in half every week during Sweet Tooth Tuesday. What’s more, those who share their own dessert recipe could win dinner for two.
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Lark and Bluebird properties are wrapping your stay in holiday spirit when you book the Winter Wonderland package through Dec. 30. Travelers receive a small pre-lit tree in their room, hot chocolate with marshmallows, a set of two mugs, and a cozy blanket. The package is available at properties across Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
Skiers and riders can save money on lift tickets at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, N.H. (named the No. 1 ski town in America) during the mountain’s Sunday Deal Days, taking place in 2026 on Jan. 11, Feb. 8, and March 15. A limited number of discounted lift tickets are available for $59 (a $40 or more discount) when purchased online in advance.
Check out more New England travel deals in December, as well as free things to do in Boston.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took at the Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village.
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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