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Kick off 2026 with these New England winter events
Skiing at night, free things to do in Boston, and more.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six.
Happy New Year! I hope 2026 brings plenty of opportunities for travel and adventure. My family is looking forward to getaways in Cape Cod, Maine, and California in the new year.
This week, I’m writing about nighttime fun on New England’s slopes, nonstop flights between Boston and a Midwestern city coming in 2026, Winter Fest in New Hampshire, and more.
Enjoy nighttime excursions at these New England ski mountains
When the sun goes down, the lights go up at many New England ski resorts. Find out about nighttime events such as “Midnight Madness” and “Skin the Moon” at regional spots, as well as free and discounted ski nights. Speaking of ski mountains, find out why this snow groomer in Vermont works in his socks (which made me chuckle).
Save money in Boston in January
After the expenses of the holidays, free fun sounds pretty enticing right now and I’ve got a list of 10 free events happening in Boston in January worth considering. I’ve always wanted to try curling so free lessons might be just the motivation I need to finally do it.
Direct flights between Boston and Madison, Wisconsin are coming
What do Boston and Madison, Wisconsin have in common? Plenty, according to Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Boston is a national hub for higher education, health care, life sciences, technology, and innovation. Sound familiar? Those strengths align closely with what makes Dane County thrive,” wrote Agard. Luckily, two airlines just announced nonstop routes between the cities next year: Both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines will begin flying between Boston and Madison in June 2026.
Travel Tips
- For those looking for ways to pass the time at Logan Airport, Terminals A, B, and C now offer 20 free classic arcade games (including my favorite, Galaga!).
- Are you a fan of breweries? Rhode Island is home to nearly 40 breweries and brewpubs and you can earn rewards and prizes when you download the RI Brewery Passport App and “check in” when you visit them.
- Bundle up for some outside fun in Concord, N.H. during Winter Fest on Jan. 24, which will feature an ice carving competition between New England sculptors, food trucks, and an ice bar.
Deals and Steals
- Enjoy a museum or zoo for free on MLK Day in Boston and surrounding areas on Jan. 19. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the Museum of Fine Arts, the ICA, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo are all free.
- Save money on a Vermont getaway by snagging one free night of lodging when you book three or more nights at Smugglers’ Notch in Jeffersonville. The deal must be part of the “Mountain Experience” or “Winter Experience Vacation Package,” is good through Jan. 30, and applies to stays between March 1-31.
I’ll leave you with this photo of the State House building on a snowy day, taken by Kelly Chan (who produces this newsletter!).
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Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi
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