--- title: Winter Adventures Await You in Western Massachusetts description: One of the best parts of living in New England is the variety of activities we get to enjoy with our 4 distinct seasons. While the vernal equinox is right around the corner, snow is still swirling outside in New England and winter activities are in full force here in the Pioneer Valley. image: https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/hubfs/SpringfieldMA.jpeg --- [![Baystate Health Provider Recruitment Portal](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/hubfs/logo/Baystate_Health_UMass_Chan_Medical_School_2L_wht.png) ![Baystate Health Provider Recruitment Portal](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/hubfs/logo/Baystate_Health_UMass_Chan_Medical_School_2L_wht.png) ](https://choosebaystatehealth.org/) [ Opportunities ](https://choosebaystatehealth.org/opportunities/) [![Baystate Health Provider Recruitment Portal](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/hubfs/logo/Baystate_Health_UMass_Chan_Medical_School_2L_wht.png) ![Baystate Health Provider Recruitment Portal](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/hubfs/logo/Baystate_Health_UMass_Chan_Medical_School_2L_wht.png) ](https://choosebaystatehealth.org/) [ Opportunities ](https://choosebaystatehealth.org/opportunities/) # Winter Adventures Await You in Western Massachusetts - [Home](https://choosebaystatehealth.org/) - [Blog](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org) - Winter Adventures Await You in Western Massachusetts [Mar 04 2019 ](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org) [Western Massachusetts](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/tag/western-massachusetts) [winter](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/tag/winter) ![SpringfieldMA](https://blog.choosebaystatehealth.org/hubfs/SpringfieldMA.jpeg) One of the best parts of living in New England is the variety of activities we get to enjoy with our 4 distinct seasons.  While the vernal equinox is right around the corner, snow is still swirling outside in New England and winter activities are in full force here in the Pioneer Valley.  There is an abundance of fun to be had here in the heart of winter. Let’s dive in! ### **1. Start the Year Right** If you want to spend New Year’s partying local, you would be hard-pressed to find a more fun option than [First Night New Year’s Eve Party](http://www.firstnightnorthampton.org/) in Northampton. If you would like to join in the fun, make sure to Like their Facebook page!  And, if you can’t wait for the launch of 2020, check out the video below to see the fireworks display from 2019! ### **2. Skiing** The Pioneer Valley is so close to so many incredible ski destinations. For instance, in New Hampshire alone there are five major ones! Those include: [Cranmore](https://www.cranmore.com/), [Bretton Woods](https://www.brettonwoods.com/winter_sports/alpine/overview), [Loon Mountain](https://www.loonmtn.com/), [Mount Sunapee](https://www.mountsunapee.com/), [Attitash](https://www.attitash.com/). And, in Vermont there are seven other amazing choices ([Stowe](https://www.stowe.com/), [Stratton](https://www.stratton.com/), [Killington](https://www.killington.com/), [Okemo](https://www.okemo.com/), [Sugar Bush](https://www.sugarbush.com/), [Jay Peak](https://jaypeakresort.com/), [Suicide Six](https://www.woodstockinn.com/do/things-to-do/the-mountain))!  No matter where you want to go, a winter ski night will be a winning choice. ### **3. Frozen Waterfalls** Many people think of hiking to a waterfall as a spring, summer or fall activity, but winter can be a great choice too! It’s common for smaller waterfalls to freeze during the cold season and the shapes created are just breathtaking. Here’s [a giant list of waterfalls](http://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/massachusetts.php) you can discover right here in our fair state. ### **4. Meltdown 2019** Okay, so technically spring begins on Wednesday, March 20th, but we are still going to add the [Meltdown 2019: a festival for kids and their grown-ups](https://wrsi.com/meltdown/) to this list because you simply must go! This year, it’s on Saturday, March 30, 2019.   Why is it so awesome? Well, for starters it’s free. But beyond that, this event offers participants music, authors, puppets, storytellers, a petting farm, a bounce house, a circus, a food court, vendors and even more! It’s a whole thought of fun and is a perfect way to kick off your spring. ### **5. Ice Castles** Up for a 3 hour day trip heading north?  [The ice castles in Lincoln New Hampshire](https://icecastles.com/new-hampshire) are definitely worth the drive!  The ice castles are built by professional ice artists and include gorgeous LED-lit sculptures, ice tunnels and slides, fountains, and more.  Perfect for exploring with kids, or indulging your inner-child! ### **6. Get Magical!** Need to dethaw?  Break out your brightest t-shirt and head to [Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in Deerfield, MA](http://www.magicwings.com/).  This tropical butterfly sanctuary allows you to enjoy the heat while butterflies perch on your shoulder, quails dance around your feet, and lush vegetation makes you forget about snow.  While you’re there, make a pit stop at nearby [Richardson’s Candy](http://www.richardsonscandy.com/candy/) for a delectable treat (or two).  The chocolate is so good it’s been featured on the Food Network! ### **7. Maple syrup season** Just when winter starts to wear on even the heartiest New Englanders, maple syrup season arrives.  In mid-to-late February, when the nights are below freezing and the days are above freezing, the sap starts to flow and the numerous sugar shacks around the valley begin serving delicious pancakes and maple treats.  It’s a sure sign that spring is around the corner.  ### **8. Bright Nights** While [Bright Nights at Forest Park](https://www.brightnights.org/) has already passed this year, it is never too soon to start planning for next year! This event, which takes place annually from November – January in Springfield is a must-see. The event has been in existence since 1995 and is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. It’s even been ranked as such! [Per their website it is](https://www.brightnights.org/about/), *“one of the Top 100 Attractions in North America by the American Bus Association, listed on People.com as ‘One of the Top Ten Holiday Happenings in America,’ and been featured in the New York Times, and magazine that include Motorhome, Colonial Homes, Yankee and U.S. Airways, as well as on Yahoo.com.” * -- Ready to love winter? How about unfreezing your career search? We’d love to hear from you. 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