Fall Pumpkins in Massachusetts
It’s that time of year when the leaves are changing and the temperatures are steadily dropping throughout Massachusetts. It can all mean just one thing: fall has officially arrived in New England. But, in spite of the brisk weather, the city of Boston still hosts some fantastic seasonal festivals. Here are just four of our favorite, can’t-miss events for 2015.
Salem Haunted Happenings (October 1-31, 2015)
As the epicenter of the infamous witch trials that bore its name, Salem, Massachusetts has the unique distinction of being the place to visit in New England every Halloween. While not technically in downtown Boston, the annual Salem Haunted Happenings festival draws nearly 30,000 attendees each year. The event is a culmination of hundreds of smaller goings-on throughout the town, including street fairs, film nights, haunted tours, costume balls, live concerts, and a Grand Parade.
Suffolk Downs Racing & Food Truck Festival (October 31, 2015)
Love it or hate it, horse racing has been a contentious issue throughout Massachusetts over the past few years. That said, the state’s famed Suffolk Downs racetrack is hosting a live racing event October 31st with thoroughbred and Steeplechase races, local craft beer booths, food trucks, and kids’ activities. Best of all, the family-friendly event provides free parking and free admission!
Boston Christmas Festival and Gingerbread House Competition (November 6-8, 2015)
Every year, Boston kicks off the Christmas season early with its annual Boston Christmas Festival and Gingerbread House Competition. This large arts and crafts show hosts more than 300 artisans offering a wide array of unique handmade gifts including clothing, home goods, jewelry, holiday decor items, and gourmet foods. The Gingerbread House Competition is the real show-stealer, however, with creations by some of the city’s best chefs. In the end, every house is sold off with all proceeds benefitting Housing Families – a Massachusetts nonprofit that works to end family homelessness.
Boston Common Holiday Lightning (Late November 2015)
Every year, in late November, the people of Nova Scotia ship a special Christmas tree to the city of Boston. The gift commemorates a 1917 maritime disaster that took place in the waters off Halifax, after which Boston was the first to provide substantial disaster aid to the city’s people. During the annual Boston Common Holiday Lightning, this single tree is the first to be lit, followed by more than 80 additional trees in the park and nearby Boston Garden.
New England is the country’s most famous destination for “leaf peeping”. So, it’s no surprise that a number of great day trips depart Boston throughout the fall to provide visitors with the best opportunities to experience the fall foliage. The Fall Foliage Sightseeing Tour is an all-day affair that takes travelers on a guided bus tour of eastern Massachusetts and north into New Hampshire to witness some of the area’s most spectacular foliage displays.
-Contributed by Mike Richard
4 Can’t-Miss Fall Festivals in Boston from Boston Things to Do