Winter in the Greater Merrimack Valley, MA

A mere thirty minutes northwest of Boston sits the Greater Merrimack Valley. Located in northern Massachusetts, it’s bordered by New Hampshire and contains the cities of Lowell and Concord, as well as more than twenty other towns and villages. Although the Greater Merrimack Valley is an excellent destination year-round, it’s especially fun and vibrant during the wintertime. From November through March, the cold season transforms the Merrimack Valley into a snowy playground perfect for skiing, sightseeing, shopping, dining and more. Snow-averse folks, never fear: there are plenty of ways to sample local food, art, and culture whilst remaining cozy and warm inside.

Winter Sports in the Greater Merrimack Valley

Any winter vacation would be incomplete without taking the opportunity to sample the destination’s seasonal sports activities. Take in the scenic beauty of the Greater Merrimack Valley as you hike, ski, snowboard, snowshoe, ice skate, snow tube, and snowmobile your way across its rolling landscape. The Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford offers skiing and tubing parks. For those who would rather stay indoors, the Tsongas Center in Lowell hosts concerts, family shows, sporting events and more; alternatively, go bowling at Wamesit Lanes.

Art and Music

The Merrimack Valley is home to dozens of galleries, theaters, studios, and concert halls. Organizations like the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra and the Lexington Symphony perform music throughout the year, and the Merrimack Repertory Center puts on contemporary plays from September through May. There is something in the Greater Merrimack Valley for every type of art enthusiast, whether you prefer consuming the arts or creating your own. Visitors can take music lessons via the Groton Hill Music Center or a ceramics workshop at Pottery Mill Clay Studio.

History

The Greater Merrimack Valley is home to some of the most important historical sites in New England history, including the Minute Man National Historical Park, birthplace of the American Revolution, in Concord. Moreover, the Lowell National Historical Park preserves the beginnings of America’s Industrial Revolution. Other notable sites include Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House and the historical homes of Lexington. The Merrimack Valley is also sprinkled with several amazing museums – the Fruitlands Museum, the Museum of Printing, and the Whistler House Museum of Art, to name a few.

Dining and Lodging

Throughout the Greater Merrimack Valley, find a wide variety of lodgings, from chain hotels to local bed & breakfasts. Depending on the reason for your visit, you might lean toward a more romantic lodging experience like at the Chateau Merrimack, a landmark historic hotel like Concord’s Colonial Inn, or one of the 418 recently-renovated rooms at the luxurious Boston Marriott Burlington. Wherever you decide to stay, you will inevitably be close to plenty of the Merrimack Valley’s delicious breweries and restaurants. Lowell, especially, is home to some of the region’s best food. Be sure to check out Cobblestones, Four Sisters Owl Diner, and Athenian Corner Restaurant.

Seasonal Events and Shopping

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the many winter-themed attractions – events, pop-ups, festivals, shops, and activities – throughout the Greater Merrimack Valley. During the holiday season, kids can meet Santa while adults shop for gifts. See dazzling festive displays at the Lowell City of Lights, or take part in wintery fun including ice skating and a soup contest at the Lowell Winterfest.