14 Historic Inns In Massachusetts Where You Can Spend The Holidays
New England winters have a special magic, and Massachusetts offers the perfect backdrop for a cozy holiday getaway. Historic inns across the state combine centuries of charm with festive decorations, crackling fireplaces, and warm hospitality.
From coastal retreats to countryside escapes, these historic inns provide unforgettable holiday experiences wrapped in timeless Massachusetts charm.
1. Publick House Historic Inn – Sturbridge
Established in 1771, this quintessential New England inn stands proudly on Sturbridge Common. Holiday traditions here include gingerbread house displays, festive afternoon teas, and rooms adorned with period-appropriate decorations.
Guests rave about the legendary baked goods from their bakery, especially the pecan sweet rolls. The Tap Room’s stone hearth provides a gathering spot where visitors sip hot mulled cider while sharing stories.
2. Red Lion Inn – Stockbridge
Norman Rockwell’s paintings come alive at this iconic 1773 Berkshires landmark. During December, the grand porch features twinkling lights while the interior showcases multiple decorated trees and antique ornament collections.
Cozy guest rooms blend historic charm with modern comforts – many featuring four-poster beds and period furnishings. Their holiday concert series in the main lobby creates magical evenings where guests gather around the baby grand piano.
3. Concord’s Colonial Inn – Concord
Revolutionary War history surrounds this charming 1716 inn where holiday traditions blend with historical significance. The original structure served as a storehouse for arms and provisions during the American Revolution.
During December, wreaths adorn the white clapboard exterior while inside, colonial-style decorations create a festive atmosphere. Their special holiday high tea features house-made scones and seasonal treats served on fine china.
4. The Old Inn On The Green – New Marlborough
Step back in time at this 1760s stagecoach stop where electricity takes a holiday – the dining rooms are exclusively candlelit. Winter snowfall transforms the property into a secluded wonderland perfect for romantic getaways.
The award-winning restaurant serves farm-to-table holiday feasts that change nightly. Guest rooms feature original wide-plank floors, working fireplaces, and antique furnishings that create an authentic early American experience.
5. Inn On Boltwood – Amherst
Literary heritage meets holiday elegance at this sophisticated inn in downtown Amherst. Originally built in 1926, its Georgian-style architecture creates a distinguished backdrop for seasonal celebrations.
The property’s proximity to Emily Dickinson’s homestead inspires their poetry-themed holiday events. Their spectacular lobby Christmas tree features ornaments representing famous literary works. Guest rooms blend historic touches with contemporary comforts.
6. The Old Mill Inn – Hatfield
Water-powered history comes alive at this converted 1870s gristmill perched beside a rushing stream. Massive wooden beams and original mill machinery create a rustic backdrop for their elaborate holiday decorations.
The sound of flowing water provides a soothing soundtrack throughout the property. Their signature holiday breakfast features apple-cinnamon pancakes made with flour ground in the restored mill. Rooms showcase original brick walls and oversized windows.
7. New Boston Inn – Sandisfield
Ghost stories and holiday traditions intertwine at this 1737 stagecoach stop deep in the Berkshire hills. The inn’s resident friendly ghost “Harriet” is said to add her own touches to the holiday decorations each year.
The original taproom features low ceilings, wide-plank floors, and a massive fireplace where mulled wine simmers during winter evenings. Their legendary seven-course holiday dinners showcase colonial-era recipes with modern interpretations.
8. Deerfield Inn – Deerfield
History lessons blend with holiday magic at this 1884 inn located in the heart of Historic Deerfield’s museum village. The entire street transforms into a colonial Christmas scene with authentic decorations and guided candlelight tours.
The inn’s restaurant, Champney’s, serves heritage recipes discovered in local historical archives. Guest rooms named after important Deerfield residents feature period-appropriate furnishings and festive touches that honor New England traditions.
9. The Mansion At Ocean Edge – Cape Cod
Gilded Age splendor defines holiday celebrations at this 1912 Brewster estate overlooking Cape Cod Bay. The mansion’s Tudor-style architecture provides a dramatic backdrop for elaborate decorations including a two-story Christmas tree in the grand foyer.
Guestrooms in the original mansion feature ornate woodwork and period details. Holiday activities include beach bonfires with s’mores, festive cocktail workshops, and guided tours of the mansion’s architectural highlights.
10. The Fairmont Copley Plaza – Boston
Boston’s grande dame hotel has welcomed guests since 1912, creating holiday traditions that span generations. The lobby’s spectacular decorations include a ceiling-high tree and gingerbread replica of the historic building.
Festive afternoon teas feature three-tiered stands of seasonal treats accompanied by live harp music. The hotel’s resident canine ambassador, a black Labrador named Carly Copley, often wears holiday attire while greeting guests in the ornate lobby.
11. Omni Parker House – Boston
America’s longest continuously operating hotel boasts impressive holiday credentials – Charles Dickens first read “A Christmas Carol” here in 1867. The grand staircase and lobby transform with Victorian-inspired decorations honoring this literary connection.
The birthplace of Boston cream pie serves holiday versions of this famous dessert. Many guest rooms overlook the historic Freedom Trail decorated for the season, while the hotel’s famous Press Room bar offers special holiday cocktails.
12. Hawthorne Hotel – Salem
Salem’s landmark hotel transitions from Halloween fame to holiday charm each December. Built in 1925, the brick facade and grand entrance become adorned with evergreen garlands, red bows, and twinkling lights.
The Grand Ballroom hosts spectacular holiday events including their famous Dickens Feast. Guest rooms offer views of Salem Common’s holiday light display. Their special winter package includes tickets to nearby holiday house tours featuring historic Salem mansions.
13. The Wayside Inn – Sudbury
America’s oldest operating inn welcomes winter visitors with colonial-era charm dating back to 1716. Immortalized in Longfellow’s Tales of a Wayside Inn, this historic landmark transforms during the holidays with evergreen garlands and traditional decorations.
The crackling fireplaces and candlelit dining rooms create an atmosphere that transports guests to simpler times. Their special holiday menus feature New England classics with modern twists.
14. The Eliot Hotel – Boston
European elegance defines this 1925 neo-Georgian boutique hotel located in Boston’s Back Bay. Holiday decorations maintain sophisticated restraint – focusing on fresh garlands, white lights, and subtle touches that complement the architecture.
The award-winning Uni restaurant creates special holiday tasting menus featuring seasonal ingredients. Suites feature separate living rooms where guests can arrange private decorated trees. Their location near Newbury Street provides access to Boston’s best holiday shopping.
