2026 New England winter activities and festivals

2026 New England winter activities and festivals




Scenic Six

Plus: Cozy getaways, new year travel deals, restaurants to try, and more.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is hosting its Winter Festival Feb. 13-22. Handout

You’re reading Scenic Six, Boston.com’s guide to New England travel. Sign up to get hidden gems, travel tips, and must-visit spots in your inbox every week.


Welcome back to Scenic Six.

During a road trip to New York this past weekend, I was cruising social media from the passenger’s seat and noticed that folks planning their first visit to Boston this year are asking for recommendations for what to do and see. I’m hoping you lovely readers can help me compile a list that will help our fellow travelers out (and I’ll be sure to share the results).

This week, I’m also helping you save money on the slopes and in the skies. Plus, read ahead for winter festivals in Maine, an iconic chairlift in Vermont, and a Rhode Island destination named one of the best American cities for a winter weekend getaway.

Share your Boston travel tips

Many travelers will experience Boston for the first time this year so I’m thinking a list of what to see and do would be helpful and I’d love some help compiling it. What is the one tip you have for Boston-bound travelers in 2026? Mine is: Don’t leave Boston without visiting the North End, famous for its feasts, food, and desserts.

Why Rhode Island is the winter place to be

Newport was recently named among the most perfect U.S. cities for a cozy winter weekend getaway. Here’s an idea: plan your trip around the 38th Annual Newport Winter Festival, taking place Feb. 13-22. The festival will include a chili cookoff, seafood fest, hot drink contest, live music, magic, comedy, and more.

Take an iconic ride up a Vermont mountain

Skiers have been making the solo trip up General Stark Mountain at Mad River Glen in Fayston, Vermont since 1948, making it the oldest operating single chairlift in the U.S. I chatted with Ry Young, a mountain employee and third-generation skier there, about the lift’s history, why skiers should experience it, and why snowboarders are banned at the mountain.

Travel Tips

Deals and Steals

I’ll leave you with this photo of a wintery scene in Rockport, taken by reader Timmy F.

Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter. 

Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.

— Kristi 

Profile image for Kristi Palma

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.



Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *