The holidays are coming and each of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) offers that perfect traditional New England experience. DINE innkeepers get calls each day asking where travelers can find that perfect “Hallmark experience.” Rest assured, Hallmark lovers – you’ll find that wonderful story sealed with a kiss at any of the ten DINE inns.
Last week we highlighted the wonderful events and packages offered by DINE inns located in Maine. Both Camden and Kennebunkport, Maine offer holiday events with decades-long legacy. Pair those events with a stay at Camden Maine Stay Inn or the Inn at English Meadows, and you can be sure you’ll write your own Hallmark movie by the end of your getaway.
This week, we take the blog on the road to our Massachusetts DINE member inns. From dinner with Santa and Ms. Claus, to a town-wide holiday stroll not to mention your share of ugly Christmas sweaters, tree lightings, holiday parades and more, you’ll find that quintessential New England holiday experience, especially when combined with a beautiful Massachusetts inn.
At the Deerfield Inn, Deerfield, MA
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the Deerfield Inn overflows with holiday cheer. It starts with Holiday Music wafting through Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern from 6:00-9:00pm on November 26, December 2, 9, 16,and 30, 2021. In addition, for a little more jingle on December 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14th, Santa and Ms. Claus will join your table to share a story and listen to your family’s holiday wishes. Don’t worry, everyone is on Santa’s “good list” at this event. This Santa Experience is $25. The full children’s and regular dinner menu available with complimentary Ms. Claus Cookies (plus, tax and 21% gratuity). While they take the holidays seriously with beautiful trees throughout the inn, 
come celebrate Ugly Sweater Day on December 17, 2021. From 11:30am-9:00pm, arrive dressed in your favorite holiday sweater and receive 15% off your entrée. For all of these dining events, be sure to make reservations ahead of time by calling 413-774-5587.
The town of Historic Deerfield is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting, or Hallmark movie during the holidays. Green and red bunting and historic handmade decorations are found throughout the town. Come inside the Deerfield Inn and you’ll find a number of uniquely decorated trees in the common areas throughout the inn. Weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can add a ride on a horse drawn carriage too for the perfect romantic getaway.
At the Harbor Light Inn, Marblehead, MA
Each year for the past 50 years, the town of Marblehead, MA has gathered holiday revelers together to usher in the holidays the first weekend in December with the annual Christmas Walk. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Christmas Walk’s schedule of events spans over four days, December 2-5, 2021. You’ll find everything from fabulously decorated gingerbread houses to wreaths, a tree lighting, holiday concerts and parades, ice sculptures, and Santa arrives into the harbor via lobster boat. Save your holiday shopping for the Holiday Shop and Stroll, Marblehead’s fun and festive shopping event of the year. Your favorite local retailers will be throwing parties all over town with special offers and treats on December 2, 2021. Each day is packed with events, and it’s all easily accessible from the Harbor Light Inn.
Return after a packed day of holiday shopping and picture taking to the Harbor Light Inn, beautifully decorated in traditional decorations befitting of this historic inn. Make it a true holiday getaway with the Sweeten up the Season package. You’ll arrive to a small lit Christmas tree for the guest room, two Harbor Light Inn keepsake mugs with hot chocolate spoons, a box of sweet sloops from local chocolatier Harbor Sweets in their festive nutcracker box topped off with two holiday special cocktails from the inn’s cozy tavern (or 2 splits of champagne). Be sure to add this package to your reservation when you book online. Christmas Walk weekend is a busy one at Harbor Light Inn, so book soon for that event. The Sweeten up the Season package is available throughout the season, although quantities are limited. You can pick and choose from the inn’s list of special enhancements to sweeten your special getaway throughout the year.
At Captain’s House Inn, Chatham, MA
Looking for a seaside Hallmark experience? You’ll find it on Cape Cod at Chatham’s Christmas By The Sea Stroll Weekend, December 10-12, 2021. A light parade precedes the traditional holiday tree lighting, complete with Santa. Throughout the weekend, look forward to carolers, entertainment, and festive characters strolling throughout Main Street (have your camera ready for selfies). Plus, Chatham’s shops, restaurants and businesses will be open and bustling with holiday cheer. Looking for something unique for that hard to shop for person? The eclectic shops on Chatham’s Main Street offer up so many unique treasures.
Combine your holiday events by the sea with a stay at the Captain’s House Inn. You’ll find traditional holiday decorations, spacious accommodations and the inn’s signature complimentary afternoon tea, which is a perfect way for inn guests to relax after a day of holiday cheer. Upgrade to High Tea and share a 3-tiered platter of pastries and scones, plus beautifully served hot tea for $14 (for guests; $24 for non-overnight guests). Captain’s House Inn’s High Tea is open to both guests and the public, and a lovely way to warm up after a day of exploring Chatham and Cape Cod’s attractions.
Feeling a bit of the holidaze? Take time away from the holiday hustle and bustle and combine a relaxing getaway with a quintessential holiday event and a welcoming New England inn. Don’t forget to book directly with the inn and avoid all the third party travel sites to get the best availability and offers.
In Maine: Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden and Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport.
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod
In Vermont: Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton
In New Hampshire: Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
Top photos:
Dining Room with Santa Cheers: Credit to Captain’s House Inn
Snowman Wreath: Credit to Deerfield Inn