Winter in New England doesn’t mean you have to stay home until spring. In fact, some of my favorite New England towns are even better with a little snow on the ground.
And you definitely don’t have to be a skier to enjoy a New England winter getaway. You can spend a weekend wandering through snowy villages in Vermont, touring the mansions in Newport, eating your way through Boston, riding a sleigh through the countryside, or simply finding a cozy hotel with a fireplace and nowhere you need to be.
Of course, if you do love skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, you’ll have plenty of choices for that too.
These are some of the best New England winter getaways, whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a family trip, a ski vacation, or a winter escape where you never have to put on a pair of skis.
Whether you are taking a road trip around New England or you decided to get a great flight deal during the winter, you are in for some fun.
New England Winter Getaways at a Glance
Not sure where to go? These are some of the best New England winter getaways depending on the kind of trip you want.
Best overall: Woodstock, Vermont
Best for non-skiers: Newport, Rhode Island
Best for families: Lincoln, New Hampshire
Best for skiing: North Conway, New Hampshire
Best romantic getaway: Manchester, Vermont
Best city getaway: Boston, Massachusetts
Best quiet winter escape: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Best for food and culture: Western Massachusetts
Best for a less-crowded getaway: Manchester, New Hampshire
Check out the cozy hotel selections as well; you can have the best winter trip ever.
There aren’t many destinations more magical than snowy Boston, MA, during winter!
Winter may be the least popular season to visit Boston, but that makes it one of the best times to visit. You will enjoy lower prices on flights, hotels, and activities than summer in Boston.
Of course, no trip to Boston in any season would be complete without walking the Freedom Trail. You can see the Massachusetts State House, Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere’s House, and other important historical sites during the American Revolution on the Freedom Trail—don’t forget to bundle up!
If you’re lucky enough to visit Boston when it’s snowing, you can ice skate on the Boston Common Frog Pond or go sledding down Flagstaff Hill. However, if you catch some terrible weather, you can spend time inside at one of Boston’s excellent museums, like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
For a cozy evening, make dinner reservations at one of the top-notch restaurants in the North End. If you’re willing to brave the cold for a few hours, consider booking a food tour to try some pizza, pasta, cannoli, and other Italian specialties.
Regardless of how you spend your winter getaway in Boston, MA, you will have a memorable time!
Newport, Rhode Island is a town synonymous with luxury, class, and expense that most people consider a costly travel destination. Luckily for your wallet, you can visit during Newport’s off-season from November – March and get some discounts while exploring the historical town.
While you can’t go to the beach during the winter months in Newport, you can still visit the town’s gorgeous museums and restaurants and explore the famous Newport Mansions.
The most iconic museum in Newport, Rhode Island, is “The Breakers.” Originally a summer mansion for the Vanderbilt family, today, the Breakers is the best example of the Gilded Age turn-of-the-century architecture in America.
Tours of The Breakers run every day throughout the winter from 10 AM – 5 PM.
During the winter, you can also experience world-class dining in Newport at restaurants such as the Clarke Cooke House or the Black Pearl.
You can also do one of Newport’s most famous activities during the winter months – go on a tour of the Newport Mansions! The mansions are even more beautiful in the winter when decorated with snow.
Looking for a place to stay for your Newport trip?
Maine’s coast gets most of its attention during the summer, but Kennebunkport is a completely different experience in winter. The crowds thin out, hotel prices can be lower, and you get to see this popular coastal town when it feels much more like a small Maine community.
Bundle up for a walk through Dock Square, browse the shops that remain open during the winter, and take a drive along Ocean Avenue to see the rocky Maine coastline. This is also a good winter getaway if your idea of a vacation involves a great dinner and a cozy hotel rather than a day on the ski slopes.
December is an especially fun time to visit because Kennebunkport celebrates Christmas Prelude, when the town is decorated for the holidays and hosts seasonal events throughout the celebration.
Kennebunkport is one of my favorite choices for a New England winter getaway for non-skiers, particularly if you want the scenery of coastal Maine without the summer crowds.
Manchester, New Hampshire
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Manchester, New Hampshire, is a beautiful winter getaway. As the largest city in New Hampshire, it has plenty to offer in the winter. While the White Mountains aren’t far from the city, you don’t have to travel that far to reach a great place to ski and snowboard because Manchester is home to McIntyre Ski Area. This great skiing spot has an area for beginners, nine trails, two ski lifts, and a snow tubing area.
Another excellent option in Manchester is the Mall of New Hampshire if you hope to stay warm in the winter. Home to over 100 different shops, this mall is also tax-free, so it’s a terrific chance to stock up on items that you love but might cost more elsewhere, including holiday presents.
Manchester is one of those hidden gems of New England. That’s part of what makes it so unique. Others might not even know it’s there, and there will be less competition for events, hotels, and more. While it is a city, it’s still filled with that typical charm and magic New England is known for.
Stay in nearby Candia at a cozy inn to round out the weekend.
There’s nothing quite as magical as a winter weekend in Vermont, and the historic town of Woodstock in the winter is like walking right into a snow globe!
Woodstock, Vermont, is located just east of the Green Mountains in the center of the state, and while it’s beautiful in all four seasons, winter is the most enchanting. The historic homes that line the village streets are decorated for the holidays, unique shops and restaurants beckon around every corner, and winter trails provide breathtaking scenery.
Woodstock has been named one of the most beautiful towns in America by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the five best places to see historic homes by Yankee Magazine.
Start your winter vacation in Woodstock with a tour of Billings Farm & Museum, where you can mingle with a herd of friendly Jersey cows, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered fields, and explore farm life exhibits that tell the story of rural life on a hill farm in the early 20th century.
Where to stay in Woodstock
Stay at the Woodstock Inn and warm yourself up by their enormous fireplace. Or play scrabble in the game room. It doesn’t get much cozier.
Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Lincoln is one of the best winter getaways in New England. Located about 2 hours north of Boston, skiers often flock to Lincoln to ski at Loon Mountain, a small, family-friendly resort that boasts 61 named runs and 370 acres of skiable terrain.
But even non-skiers will love a winter getaway to the White Mountains.
The area is also home to the Ice Castles winter attraction. This immersive winter wonderland is made entirely from ice and includes caves, tunnels, fountains, slides, and elaborate sculptures, all carved from ice. At night, the ice glows and changes colors creating a dreamy atmosphere for visitors. Aside from exploring the frozen fortress, Ice Castles in New Hampshire also has a tubing hill, a wintry light walk through a forest, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. It’s the perfect winter destination for families looking for something fun and unique.
Where to stay in Lincoln
For a cozy, upscale vacation, book your stay at Riverwalk Resort, which has an ice skating rink free for all guests. The resort also hosts several shows on the ice each winter that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Western Massachusetts
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Western Massachusetts is the perfect New England getaway, with its mix of renowned universities, small family farms, and quaint-yet-stately towns. Though it’s perhaps most famous for its fall foliage, winter is a beautiful time to visit western Massachusetts.
For a unique experience, stop by a farm that produces maple syrup. You’ll find them scattered throughout the area, and there’s nothing like sitting in the slightly smoky, very steamy room where maple sap is boiled over a wood fire. Many farms where they make maple syrup also have “Sugar Houses” or nearby restaurants where you can order a large stack of pancakes and drench them in fresh maple syrup.
If you want to get outside, go for a wintery walk in the woods near Mount Toby or take a stroll up to the Poet’s Seat. Don’t skip the Montague Bookmill for a unique bookstore experience; stay for a tasty lunch in their cafe.
Mystic is one of the easiest New England winter getaways if you want plenty to do without planning your entire trip around snow.
Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium give you two major attractions to build a weekend around, and downtown Mystic has enough shops and restaurants to fill the rest of your time. You can also wander through Olde Mistick Village, stop for something warm to eat, or simply enjoy the waterfront without the summer crowds.
Winter is much quieter than summer in Mystic, which is part of the appeal. You won’t get the classic ski-town experience you’ll find in Vermont or New Hampshire, but that makes Mystic particularly good for families and non-skiers who still want a New England winter weekend.
It’s also an easy destination to combine with other spots along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coast if you want to turn a weekend getaway into a longer winter road trip.
North Conway, New Hampshire
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If you’re looking for a small-town winter wonderland, you’ll fall in love with North Conway, New Hampshire! This little town in the heart of the White Mountains is a favorite of New Englanders, who return year after year.
North Conway makes a great winter getaway because it has so many winter activities for both adrenaline-chasing outdoorsy travelers and not-so-active travelers who want a chilled-out trip. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for all kinds of travelers!
If you like to ski, North Conway is home to Cranmore Mountain, and Attitash Mountain Resort is a short drive away. Cathedral Mountain Guides offers ice climbing courses and mountaineering trips, including summiting Mount Washington in winter! Snowmobiling is popular in New Hampshire, and you can find many trails in the North Conway area.
And if you’re looking to chill out, North Conway is home to some of the best outlet shopping in New Hampshire (and did we mention there’s no sales tax?). Visit the breweries, like Moat Mountain and Ledge Brewing, and drop by Cathedral Ledge Distillery, New Hampshire’s only organic distillery. And North Conway Village is beyond cozy in the snow.
Where to stay in North Conway
Stonehurst Manor is rated as the best place to stay in North Conway, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just a Bed and Breakfast; it’s a Bed and Breakfast and Dinner! Plus, the rooms are layered with cozy blankets, a fireplace, and plenty of space.
If you’re looking for places to visit in New England during winter, check out Manchester, Vermont. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions. This charming New England town is nestled in the Green Mountains and is home to art galleries, hiking trails, unique shopping, and world-class spas. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the nearby ski resorts and trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and much more.
For ski lovers, Bromley Mountain and Stratton Mountain are nearby and some of the best skiing in New England. Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the Equinox Preservation Trust. With over ten different trails to choose from, this will keep you busy and active.
If you need retail therapy, check out Stratton Village for shopping or The Manchester Village Designer Outlets. This unique shopping experience is not to be missed!
Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or enjoy some time away in a classic New England winter wonderland, Manchester, Vermont, is the perfect place for a getaway.
Where to stay in Manchester
Please stay at the Reluctant Panther; it is as charming as its name. Couples will love this spot with a fireplace in each room and breakfast delivered in a wicker basket. If you love romantic inns, you will love this one.
Martha’s Vineyard sits right on the southern tip of Cape Cod and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. While you might be hesitant to visit New England in winter, the island is much warmer than the surrounding areas (although it still gets chilly!), and there are far fewer visitors than in the spring or fall. Plus, despite the season, you can still find plenty of local shops, restaurants, and boutiques open and ready for window shopping.
There are comprehensive ferry services from the mainland if you plan on bringing your car, but there are plenty of other ways to get to Martha’s Vineyard, depending on how you’d like to travel.
Stroll through the Polly Hill Arboretum or Long Point Beach to admire the island’s natural beauty covered in soft blankets of snow. Or meander through the town, filled with cottages and shops that look straight out of a storybook. There are still lots of things to do in Martha’s Vineyard with kids, if you want to bring the whole family!
If you find it a bit too cold, head to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, with collections of art and history and temporary exhibits rotating through the year– plus gorgeous island views. You can also visit two lighthouses under the museum’s care, the East Chop, and Edgartown Lighthouses. When ready to relax, head back to Lambert’s Cove Inn and warm up by the fire with a nice mug of hot cocoa.
Best New England Winter Getaways for Non-Skiers
Snow covered lighthouse during holiday season in Maine.
You don’t have to ski to enjoy winter in New England. Some of the best winter destinations have plenty to do away from the slopes.
For a city weekend, Boston is an easy choice, with museums, historic sites, restaurants, and ice skating on the Common. Newport is one of my favorites for a quieter winter trip, when you can tour the Newport Mansions and enjoy the restaurants and shops without the summer crowds.
Woodstock gives you the classic snowy Vermont experience even if you never put on skis. Visit Billings Farm, take a covered bridge drive, explore the village, and spend some time warming up by the enormous fireplace at the Woodstock Inn.
For a romantic getaway, Manchester, Vermont has shopping, restaurants, spas, and beautiful mountain scenery. And if you want something completely different, Martha’s Vineyard is wonderfully quiet in winter and gives you a chance to experience the island without its summer crowds.
Families who aren’t interested in skiing should also consider Mystic, where Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum give you plenty to do even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
What to Know Before Planning a New England Winter Getaway
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Winter travel in New England can be wonderful, but it does require a little more flexibility than visiting during the summer or fall. Weather can change quickly, and conditions can be completely different along the coast than they are in the mountains.
Be Prepared for Winter Driving
If you’re taking a New England winter road trip, keep an eye on the forecast and road conditions. Major roads are generally cleared quickly after a storm, but smaller mountain and rural roads can take longer.
I also try not to plan an itinerary that depends on driving long distances on a specific day. If a snowstorm rolls through, it’s nice to have enough flexibility to stay put for a few extra hours rather than feeling like you have to get on the road.
Check What Is Open in Winter
Winter is the off-season in some New England destinations, particularly coastal towns. Some restaurants, shops, tours, and attractions may have reduced hours or close completely for part of the season.
Check hours before your trip rather than assuming everything you visited during the summer will be open in January.
Pack for Changing Weather
Layers are much more useful than one enormous coat. Bring a warm waterproof coat, gloves, a hat, and shoes or boots with good traction.
If you’re spending time outside, warm socks make a bigger difference than you might expect. And even if snow isn’t in the forecast, sidewalks and parking lots can still be icy.
New England Winter Getaways FAQ
What is the best place to visit in New England in winter?
Woodstock, Vermont, is my pick for the best overall New England winter getaway. It has the snowy small-town atmosphere most people picture when they think of winter in New England, but you don’t have to ski to enjoy it. You can explore the village, visit Billings Farm, see the covered bridges, or simply settle in somewhere cozy for the weekend.
Where can you go in New England in winter if you don’t ski?
Boston, Newport, Mystic, Woodstock, and Manchester, Vermont, are all great New England winter getaways for non-skiers. You’ll find museums, historic sites, shopping, restaurants, spas, and plenty of winter scenery without needing to spend your vacation on the slopes.
What are the best romantic winter getaways in New England?
For a romantic winter weekend, I’d choose Manchester, Vermont, Newport, Rhode Island, or Kennebunkport, Maine. All three have beautiful inns and hotels, good restaurants, and enough to do during the day without packing your itinerary from morning to night.
Is New England worth visiting in the winter?
Absolutely. Winter is one of the prettiest times to see New England, particularly if you love snowy villages, historic inns, outdoor activities, and cozy weekends away. It can also be much quieter than fall or summer in popular destinations, although ski towns can be very busy on winter weekends.
When is the best time for a New England winter getaway?
January and February usually give you the best chance of experiencing a true snowy New England winter. December is wonderful if you want holiday events and decorated towns, while March can be a good choice for late-season skiing. Weather varies considerably from the coast to northern New England, so snow is never guaranteed for a particular weekend.
Are you ready for your New England Winter Getaway?
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