Holiday shopping season may have started before Thanksgiving, but what we like to call the Harvest to Holidays time of year is getting underway now. The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) embrace the holiday season with beautiful décor, festive menu items and plenty of local events to bring on the joy of the season. Plan your next romantic getaway to one of the nine DINE inns and you’ll enjoy a myriad of New England holiday events. We’ve created this blog series to help with planning your holiday getaway. Combine that with unique shopping and outdoor adventures at each of the DINE inn communities, and you’ll enjoy the perfect holiday getaway topped off with sumptuous breakfasts, crackling fires and guest rooms perfect for snuggling with your favorite Santa’s helper.
Here’s a rundown on the festive holiday events coming up at your favorite DINE inns in Massachusetts.
For a dose of holiday cheer that will light your night, Garden Aglow at the Heritage Museum and Gardens near the inn is a series of outdoor festive light displays to walk through Nov 22-Dec 23, 2022. Roast marshmallows by a campfire, enjoy lawn games and grab a bite to eat from Lilly’s Café or the Cape Cod Donut Truck. Purchase tickets in advance.
If you want to get into the holiday spirit book your holiday stay during Chatham’s Christmas by the Sea Stroll Weekend December 9 -11, 2022. There will be a light parade around downtown, the annual tree lighting ceremony, plenty of caroling, a visit from Santa, and more. Local businesses and restaurants will offer sp
ecial holiday menus, sales and deals.
Best of all, add a holiday high tea at the Captain’s House Inn to the festivities. You’ll indulge in a three-tiered platter of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes. It’s always an excellent idea to warm up with a cup of hot tea on a cold winter day. Here’s the menu.
Bring the whole family and get in on all the holiday fun at this historic inn. A number of holiday events are in store at Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern to enhance a tour of Historic Deerfield and a stay in the inn’s beautifully appointed inns. Rooms and suites vary from one to two beds, perfect for families traveling together.
Add a Carriage Ride to your stay, Saturday and Sunday afternoons 12:00-3:00pm on December 10, 11, 17&18th. Private 30-minute carriage rides are provided by Clay Hill Farm on Old Main Street in Historic Deerfield. It’s $60 for up to 4 people and then $5 for each additional person up to 8. Bring your own blankets and enjoy a wonderful outdoor activity. Reservations strongly suggested to guarantee your time 413-774-5587 Payment is taken at time of booking.
Bring the children or grandchildren to the Deerfield Inn for dinner with Santa & Mrs. Claus on Dec. 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20th from 4:00- 6:00pm. For a little more jingle in the season, Santa & Mrs. Claus will join your table to share a story and listen to your children’s holiday wishes. The full children’s and regular dinner menu available with complimentary Mrs. Claus cookies. The Santa Experience is $25 in addition to your meal plus tax and 21% gratuity. Reservations are required at 413-774-5587 and unfortunately, to get Santa & Mrs. Claus back to the North Pole to feed the reindeer, the restaurant is not able to accept walk-ins for this event.
Now here’s a fun way to show off that holiday sweater you got last year! The Holiday Sweater Event will be Dec. 16th from 11:30am -9:00pm. Come dressed in your favorite Holiday sweater and receive 15% off your entrée in the restaurant while listening to live music with TJ & The Peepers from 6:00-9:00pm. Reservations are requested at 413-774-5587.
There’s no place like Marblehead, MA for shopping at beautiful, independently owned stores for that unique gift. This historic town is filled with lovely stores and restaurants, and makes the perfect destination for a quick holiday retreat.
Return to the inn after a day of holiday shopping and reveling in Marblehead and enjoy your favorite spirits or glass of wine in the tavern and then return to your beautifully appointed guest room for visions of sugarplums dancing in your head!
Better yet, book the “Sweeten Up The Season” enhancement package and revel in the season. The package includes 2 holiday special cocktails from the tavern (or 2 splits of Champagne),2 Harbor Light Inn keepsake mugs with specialty hot chocolate, a Box of sweet sloops from local chocolatier Harbor Sweets in their festive holiday bag and a small lighted Christmas tree in the room to add festivity during your stay. The package is $75 in addition to your room charges and must be booked in advance.
Next week, we’ll explore holiday happenings in other parts of DINE country. Plan to make the most of these holiday events by combining it with a getaway to your favorite DINE inn. Don’t forget to book your stay directly with the inn.
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod
In Maine: Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport.
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