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Where to book the most festive dining spots and stays this winter
Plus: A "Wicked" dining room, snow tubing spots, and a JetBlue sale.
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Happy holidays, everyone! I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of the holiday lights. So this week, I’m writing about local restaurants with over-the-top decor this season (including an “OZmas” dining room inspired by “Wicked”) as well as a picturesque Vermont town with serious Hallmark movie vibes.
What’s more, Ice Castles in New Hampshire announced its opening date and I’ve got info about First Night Boston and a ski and stay package in Maine.
Instagram-worthy restaurants this holiday season
Two New England restaurants have taken holiday decorating to an impressive level this year, so much so that they’ve been named among the most festive restaurants in America by Thrillist. If you want a front row seat, make reservations at Grill 23 & Bar in Boston or Cava Restaurant in Southington, Conn. (which even has a Wizard of Oz-themed dining room called “OZmas.”
Book a ‘legendary’ stay in 2026
Do your travel goals in the new year include sleeping in a historic, century-old hotel? If so, these four stays on the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Hotel Icons list are downright legendary: Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Mass.; Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in Harwich, Mass.; Ocean House in Watch Hill, R.I. and Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, R.I.
Vermont is so Hallmark-y this time of year
Local photographer Jack Cohen attended Vermont’s annual Wassail Weekend in Woodstock this year and posted some pics on social media, writing, “It really doesn’t get more Hallmark or movie set then this quaint little Vermont town.” I reached out and asked if he’d share his photos with Boston.com and, lucky for us, he said yes. Enjoy.
Travel Tips
- Ice Castles in North Woodstock, N.H. opened for the season on Saturday, Dec. 27. The frozen attraction offers tunnels, archways, slides, fountains, tubing, an ice bar, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more.
- Those looking for more outside fun this winter can check out these 12 snow tubing spots across New England.
- Need New Year’s Eve plans? First Night Boston 2026 will offer performances, ice sculptures, food, fireworks, and more. Here’s all the information you need to know.
Deals and Steals
- Sonsie in Boston is celebrating the new year by hosting a 2026 Brunch Experience on Jan. 1. Diners who book a brunch on New Year’s Day are eligible to win a free meal for the entire table (excluding gratuity). There will be a drawing every hour. Reservations are required.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can book a Nordic ski and stay package at Lockwood Hotel in Waterville through March. The package includes 10% off a king room, two adult passes for cross country skiing at Quarry Road Trails (worth $40), ski rental equipment and snowshoes, and two apres ski cocktails and fondue by the fire. The package must be booked by March 7 for stays through March 10, 2026.
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 of Boston’s first snow of the season, taken by Sam Carruthers.
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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