Holiday lights are bringing me so much joy this year. On more than one occasion, my family has bundled into the car for an evening drive through local neighborhoods to see the homes brightly lit up with twinkling lights or with lawns full of festive inflatables. It’s an activity that’s fun for all ages!
But knowing where to go can be tricky. Each town is different, and the best way I have found to get lists of individual houses that are decorated, are town Facebook groups or the North Shore Holiday Lights group. Below I’ve put together a list of big, drive-thru displays along with some town-by-town information. I hope you and your family enjoy the lights as much as mine.
Beverly
Railroad Avenue: Brightly lit up from all angles of the house! Private residence. 48 Railroad Avenue, Beverly.
Odell Avenue: Fun, character blow-ups and lights. Private residence. 35 Odell Avenue, Beverly.
McKay Street: Lights, lights, and more lights. Great job on the roof! Private residence. 147 McKay Street, Beverly.
Danvers
Arthur Street: The light up arches are sparkling here. Two homes are completely covered and you can get out for a photo op. Arthur Street, Danvers.
Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea
Winter Lights on Cape Ann: Local businesses throughout Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their establishments with twinkling lights and/or creative window displays! Over 100 lighted locations will help bring joy to all those who visit from November 26 through January 2, 2022.
Hamilton & Wenham
The Community House put together a list of 15 houses participating in their H-W Holiday Lights Tour. This list is free to access and is available at communityhouse.org/hamilton-wenham-holiday-lights-tour.
Peabody
Tara Road: Tons of blow-ups and lights on their front lawn. Now in their second year! Private residence. 19 Tara Road, Peabody.
Tri-Town (Boxford/Middleton/Topsfield)
Masco PAC Holiday Lights List: For those living in, or wanting to drive around, the Tri-Town area (Boxford/Middleton/Topsfield) the Masco PAC has a great list going. You can access this by making a donation on their fundraiser page.
Orchard Lane: Cruise slowly around the cul-de-sac to take all these lights in. The whole house is decked out. Pretty impressed by this one! 18 Orchard Lane, Topsfield.
River Street Christmas Lights: This is a walk-through light display and light show. Open nightly (weather permitting), through 12/31, from 5-9pm. Hot chocolate and cookie decorating are available select nights. This is at a private residence, but you are invited to walk through their yard and parking is available next door at the American Legion. Donations are being collected this year for Middleton Food Pantry and the Semper Fi Fund. 67 River Street, Middleton.
Stickney Christmas Lights: Celebrating 15 years of lights. There is mailbox in the front of the house collecting donations for No Kid Hungry. Private residence. 5 2nd Avenue, Middleton.
Other Towns:
Greater Boston Celebration of Lights: Located in Waltham, MA, drive over 1 mile of roadway that has been transformed into a glittering display of over 1 million LED lights and animatronic scenes. Listen to music played through FM radio in your own vehicle during this safe, holiday experience. Tickets are $21.99 per car on weeknights, $24.99 on weekends and holidays. 200 Trapelo Road, Waltham.
Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium: This is a stunning drive-thru light show, that is open nightly from 5-10pm, through 1/1/22. Tickets start at $50 per vehicle. 67 Washington Street, Foxborough.
North Shore Holiday Lights Show: This is a drive-thru light show, filled with tons of light displays. Open nightly through 12/30. Tickets begin at $23 per vehicle. Crescent Farms, 1058 Boston Rd, Haverhill.
ZooLights: The Stone Zoo has added numerous animal-themed lanterns throughout the property for the holidays. Tickets are available nightly until 1/9/22. Read about my recent visit in this post. 149 Pond Street, Stoneham.
Happy holidays!