Strolling into the Holidays
Breathe in the Festive Atmosphere
Attending Christmas strolls can be a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season, offering a range of experiences and reasons to participate. Here at These Days with Devon, we stroll along all through the year, and quite merrily we might add. But during the holiday time we truly come to life and we want to share some of our best Christmas-themed strolls with you and all the reasons you may want to consider making one part of your holiday tradition....
Holiday strolls immerse you in a festive atmosphere with Christmas lights, decorations, and music, creating a magical and joyous ambiance. They create a sense of togetherness and provide an opportunity to support small businesses and find unique gifts for loved ones. There’s carolers and live entertainment to enhance the experience and bring the holidays to life. Some strolls take place in historic towns and offer insights into local traditions and customs. You’ll be dazzled with the holiday lights and illuminating displays. There’s something for everyone and it’s like stepping into an old time Christmas card. Over the years we’ve been to many of the strolls so now we can share this with you and you can decide which one tickles your fancy.
Whether you're looking to enjoy the festivities, connect with your community, find unique gifts, or simply bask in the holiday spirit, attending Christmas strolls can provide a wonderful and memorable experience during the most wonderful time of the year.
Massachusetts is known for its charming Christmas strolls and festive events in various towns and cities. Here are some of the best Christmas strolls in the state presented by These Days with Devon. Devon loves enjoying these festivities with her friends and family as we are sure you do as well!
Special Holiday Stroll Spotlight: Beacon Hill
The Beacon Hill neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts, is known for its picturesque and historic streets lined with beautiful 19th-century brownstone homes and iconic doors that are a highlight of the neighborhood's charm, especially during the Christmas season. During the holidays, Beacon Hill residents take great pride in decorating their doors and front entrances to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Here are Some Key Features of Beacon Hill Doors During The Christmas Season:
Wreaths and Garlands: Many residents adorn their front doors with elaborately decorated wreaths and garlands. These decorations often feature traditional holiday elements such as pinecones, holly berries, red ribbons, and twinkling lights.
Candles in the Windows: One of the most enchanting traditions in Beacon Hill is the placement of candles in the windows. The soft, warm glow of electric or real candles in the windows creates a cozy and inviting ambiance that harks back to the historical charm of the neighborhood.
Festive Decorations: Beacon Hill residents go all out in their Christmas door decorations. You will find an array of holiday-themed items, from large red bows to ornaments, snowflakes, and even miniature Christmas trees.
Fresh Greenery: The use of fresh greenery, such as evergreen boughs and pine branches, is common in Beacon Hill. These natural elements add a touch of rustic charm to the holiday decor.
Variety of Styles: Beacon Hill is known for its diverse architecture, and the Christmas door decorations reflect this diversity. You will find doors with both traditional and modern decorations, each with its unique flair and personality.
Historical Significance: Many of the doors in Beacon Hill are considered historic, and the preservation of the neighborhood's architectural heritage is of utmost importance. The Christmas decorations are often tastefully and thoughtfully integrated into the historical character of the homes.
Community Tradition: Beacon Hill residents take pride in their neighborhood's sense of community. The decorations are a way for neighbors to come together, creating a festive atmosphere that draws residents and visitors alike to admire the holiday spirit.
Visiting Beacon Hill during Christmas is a beloved tradition for many Bostonians and tourists. The doors and homes are often featured in holiday home tours, and the neighborhood exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the festive season. It is a perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas in a historical and charming urban setting.
And the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll is Thursday, December 7th, 2023!
See you there... And don’t forget to check out our previous posts with many of Devon’s favorite shops on Charles Street mentioned, like Upstairs Downstairs and the new Beacon Hill Books and Café!
Nantucket Christmas Stroll
Nantucket's Christmas Stroll is a beloved holiday tradition. Historic downtown streets are adorned with decorations, and local shops offer festive treats and gifts. The highlight is the lighting of the Christmas tree in the heart of town. We speak from experience when we say, it’s like going back in time because walking along this cobblestone island creates a timeless ambiance. You might encounter horse-drawn carriages offering rides during the stroll, which can evoke a sense of a bygone era when horse-drawn transportation was more common. This stroll takes place the first weekend in December each year. This year, 2023, it is on December 1st - 3rd and is the 49th annual Nantucket Stroll!
These Christmas strolls and events capture the spirit of the season and offer a delightful way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Be sure to check specific dates and times, as events may vary from year to year. Mery Merry...
For some fun ways to add to the strolling experience, (and we’ve got plenty) sometimes we bring our flasks and sip our way along the stroll.... other times we bring our old tiny boom box and carry the music along as we promenade together. Have you ever heard Reindeer Boogie, Hey Santa Claus, or Cindy Lauper’s Feels Like Christmas? They sound even better when you are surrounded by loved ones listening, singing, and frolicking together.