15 Massachusetts Historic Inns Serving Christmas Dinner By The Fireplace
Massachusetts knows how to celebrate the holidays with style, history, and plenty of crackling fireplaces.
Picture this: you’re sitting in a centuries-old inn, the scent of roasted turkey fills the air, and flames dance in a massive stone hearth nearby.
These historic Massachusetts inns transform Christmas dinner into an unforgettable experience where colonial charm meets holiday magic, creating memories that’ll warm your heart long after the embers fade.
1. Publick House Historic Inn – Sturbridge
Since 1771, this Sturbridge gem has been serving travelers with the kind of warmth that only centuries of hospitality can create.
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, especially during Christmas when the entire property sparkles with festive cheer. The dining rooms feature massive fireplaces that crackle merrily while you feast on traditional New England fare with a holiday twist.
Turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings arrive at your table while you bask in the glow of both flames and candlelight. The inn’s commitment to preserving history means every wooden beam and floorboard tells a story.
Families have been gathering here for generations, making it a tradition as reliable as Santa’s annual visit. The staff treats every guest like they’re coming home for the holidays.
Address: 277 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
2. The Red Lion Inn – Stockbridge
Norman Rockwell didn’t just paint this iconic inn—he practically made it famous as the heart of small-town American Christmas spirit.
Operating continuously since 1773, The Red Lion wraps you in elegance the moment you arrive. Multiple fireplaces throughout the property create cozy pockets of warmth perfect for pre-dinner drinks or post-feast conversation.
Their Christmas dinner showcases culinary excellence with locally sourced ingredients prepared by chefs who understand that holiday meals deserve extra magic. The dining room’s colonial architecture provides the perfect backdrop for your feast.
White tablecloths, sparkling china, and the gentle crackle of burning logs create an atmosphere that’s simultaneously fancy and comfortable. You’ll want to linger over dessert just to soak in more ambiance.
Stockbridge becomes a winter wonderland during December, making this inn the ultimate holiday destination.
Address: 30 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01262
3. Concord’s Colonial Inn – Concord
Where Revolutionary War history meets revolutionary holiday feasts, this Concord treasure has been welcoming guests since 1716.
Parts of the building actually served as a storehouse for supplies during the famous battle, so you’re literally dining where history happened. Some fireplaces are original, while others have been restored, but all contribute to the inn’s centuries-old ambiance.
Christmas dinner transforms the colonial dining rooms into festive gathering spaces where modern culinary creativity honors traditional recipes. Imagine enjoying perfectly roasted meats while sitting in rooms where patriots once plotted independence.
The inn balances historical authenticity with contemporary comfort, ensuring your holiday meal satisfies both history buffs and food lovers. Flickering firelight casts shadows on walls that have witnessed centuries of celebrations.
Staff members share fascinating tidbits about the building’s past between courses, making dinner both delicious and educational.
Address: 48 Monument Sq, Concord, MA 01742
4. Longfellow’s Wayside Inn – Sudbury
Often referred to as America’s oldest operating inn, its continuous operation is a long-standing tradition but not fully documented across nearly three centuries.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized this place in his poetry, and stepping inside explains exactly why he found it so inspiring. Ten massive fireplaces throughout the property create an atmosphere so cozy you’ll want to move in permanently.
While the inn typically closes on Christmas Day, it offers festive holiday meals throughout December that preserve old New England traditions.
Every detail reflects careful preservation of historical authenticity while ensuring modern guests enjoy exceptional comfort. The inn sits on grounds that include a working grist mill and chapel, making it perfect for pre-dinner exploration.
Reservations fill up faster than Santa’s sleigh, so book early to secure your spot at this legendary table.
Address: 72 Wayside Inn Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776
5. Old Inn on the Green – New Marlborough
Tucked into the Berkshire hills, this 1760s inn redefines intimate holiday dining with a sophistication that feels effortlessly refined.
Although the inn uses candlelight and firelight to create atmosphere, electric lighting is available; they simply choose not to use it in the dining rooms to preserve the ambiance.
The menu changes seasonally but always emphasizes farm-to-table freshness with ingredients sourced from nearby producers. Chefs transform traditional holiday ingredients into culinary masterpieces that honor both heritage and innovation.
This isn’t your grandmother’s Christmas dinner, unless your grandmother happened to be a Michelin-starred chef with impeccable taste. The intimate setting means fewer guests, creating an exclusive atmosphere perfect for special celebrations.
Wide-plank floors creak authentically underfoot, reminding you that these walls have sheltered holiday gatherings for over 250 years. Romance practically oozes from every corner of this enchanting establishment.
Address: 134 Hartsville–New Marlborough Rd, New Marlborough, MA 01230
6. The Williams Inn – Williamstown
Nestled in the charming college town of Williamstown, this inn combines academic sophistication with down-home holiday hospitality.
Though the current building opened in 2019, it continues the legacy of earlier Williams Inns and retains the atmosphere of a classic New England winter retreat. Large windows frame views of the surrounding landscape that look especially magical when dusted with December snow.
Their holiday menu balances elegance with comfort, offering dishes that feel both special and satisfyingly familiar. Local ingredients shine in preparations that showcase New England’s culinary heritage with contemporary flair.
After dinner, you can waddle back to the fireplace to let your meal settle while enjoying the inn’s extensive collection of local art. The Williams College campus next door transforms into a winter wonderland worth exploring before or after your feast.
Staff members provide service that’s attentive without being stuffy, making everyone feel like honored guests rather than customers. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to return year after year.
Address: 101 Spring St, Williamstown, MA 01267
7. Inn on Boltwood – Amherst
Where historic charm gets a stylish makeover, this Amherst boutique inn proves old buildings can learn new tricks without losing their soul.
The fireplace here anchors a beautifully designed space that blends original architectural elements with sleek contemporary touches. Christmas decorations strike the perfect balance between festive and sophisticated, never veering into tacky territory.
Their culinary team crafts holiday menus that read like poetry and taste even better than they sound. Expect creative twists on traditional dishes that surprise your palate while still delivering that essential Christmas comfort.
The dining room’s large windows overlook historic Amherst Common, providing picturesque views of the quintessential New England town green. Being steps from Emily Dickinson’s home adds literary cachet to your holiday experience.
This inn attracts a younger, hipper crowd without alienating traditionalists who appreciate good food and warm fires. Service hits that sweet spot between professional and personable, making solo diners and large families equally comfortable.
Address: 30 Boltwood Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
8. Hawthorne Hotel – Salem
Famous for witches and maritime history, Salem adds Christmas magic to its already spellbinding atmosphere, especially at this iconic 1925 hotel.
The Hawthorne Hotel sits right on Salem Common, putting you at the heart of one of America’s most historically significant cities. While not every dining space has a fireplace, the hotel features several cozy, fire-warmed areas perfect for winter relaxation.
Christmas dinner here feels like attending a festive gathering at a wealthy relative’s mansion—if that relative had impeccable taste and hired amazing chefs. Traditional New England seafood makes appearances alongside classic holiday meats, honoring Salem’s fishing heritage.
The hotel’s Federal-style architecture provides a sophisticated backdrop for holiday celebrations that feel both grand and intimate. After dinner, you can stroll through Salem’s decorated streets, working off calories while soaking in small-town Christmas charm.
Ghost tours might be Salem’s Halloween claim to fame, but Christmas here casts its own enchanting spell. The staff’s warm hospitality ensures every guest feels bewitched in the best possible way.
Address: 18 Washington Sq W, Salem, MA 01970
9. Deerfield Inn – Deerfield
Situated on Historic Deerfield’s famous mile-long street, this inn transports you straight into a living history book decorated for the holidays.
Built in 1884 but honoring much earlier colonial traditions, the inn maintains authenticity while providing modern comfort. Several fireplaces warm different gathering spaces, each one inviting you to linger with a hot cider or post-dinner coffee.
The Christmas menu showcases regional specialties prepared with techniques that honor both historical methods and contemporary culinary standards. Dining here feels like joining a colonial family’s holiday celebration, assuming that family employed professional chefs and sommeliers.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the historic village, where preserved 18th-century homes stand as testimony to early American life. The entire town becomes a Christmas card come to life during December, with simple, elegant decorations that colonists would recognize.
Address: 81 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA 01342
10. Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham
Cape Cod luxury reaches its pinnacle at this sprawling oceanfront resort where Christmas dinner becomes a truly spectacular affair.
Since 1914, this inn has been defining elegant seaside hospitality, and their holiday celebrations maintain that century-plus legacy beautifully. Multiple dining venues each feature their own fireplaces, creating intimate spaces within the grand resort setting.
The Christmas menu leans heavily on fresh seafood—because you’re on Cape Cod, after all—while still offering traditional holiday favorites. Imagine lobster tail alongside your turkey, or fresh oysters as a starter before diving into stuffing and cranberry sauce.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning ocean views that remain breathtaking even in winter’s gray light. The resort’s impeccable service ensures every detail exceeds expectations, from the perfectly folded napkins to the precisely timed courses.
This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience that justifies splurging on your holiday celebration. Afterwards, bundle up for a beach walk to witness winter waves crashing under December skies—pure magic.
Address: 297 Shore Rd, Chatham, MA 02633
11. The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort – Brewster
Originally built as a private estate, this magnificent mansion now shares its grandeur with guests seeking upscale holiday dining experiences.
The building’s gilded-age architecture creates an atmosphere of refined elegance perfect for special occasion dining. Ornate fireplaces serve as focal points in multiple rooms, their mantels decorated with tasteful Christmas greenery and flickering candles.
Chefs prepare Christmas feasts that match the mansion’s sophistication, with presentations so beautiful you’ll hesitate before disturbing them with your fork. Fresh Cape Cod ingredients shine in dishes that balance innovation with the comforting familiarity holiday meals require.
The resort’s extensive grounds offer beautiful walking paths perfect for pre-dinner strolls or post-feast digestive waddles.
Service here anticipates your needs before you even realize you have them—that’s the kind of attention to detail that separates good from exceptional. You’ll feel like temporary aristocracy enjoying Christmas at your country estate.
Address: 2907 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631
12. The Groton Inn – Groton
Although the original inn dates to 1678, the current building is a faithful reconstruction completed in 2018 after a devastating fire, continuing the spirit and tradition of the historic property.
The Groton Inn keeps things refreshingly unpretentious while maintaining high standards for food quality and guest comfort. Their fireplace creates a cozy focal point that draws diners into easy conversation with fellow guests, fostering that community spirit Christmas dinners should inspire.
The holiday menu features honest, well-prepared New England classics without unnecessary fussiness or pretension. Sometimes the best Christmas dinner is simply excellent roast turkey with all the traditional accompaniments, executed perfectly.
This inn reminds you that historic doesn’t have to mean formal or stuffy—it can simply mean welcoming and comfortable. The building’s low ceilings and creaky floors add character that newer establishments can’t replicate no matter how hard they try.
Groton itself offers quintessential New England small-town atmosphere, with a historic center worth exploring before your reservation. Local families return here year after year, creating multigenerational traditions around the inn’s hearth and tables.
Address: 128 Main St, Groton, MA 01450
13. New Boston Inn – Sandisfield
Way off the beaten path in the Berkshire hills, this 1737 stagecoach stop offers authentic colonial atmosphere without any tourist-trap phoniness.
The massive stone fireplace dominates the dining room, providing both literal and figurative warmth to holiday gatherings. Rough-hewn beams overhead and wide plank floors underfoot remind you this building has sheltered travelers through nearly three centuries of Massachusetts winters.
The inn offers festive holiday dinners during the season, though availability on Christmas Day varies year by year. Think generous portions of perfectly roasted meats, vegetables from nearby farms, and desserts that showcase regional specialties like Indian pudding.
The inn’s remote location means darker skies perfect for stargazing after your feast—weather permitting, of course. Service comes with genuine small-town friendliness that makes everyone feel like regulars even on their first visit.
Cell service can be spotty out here, which actually enhances the experience by encouraging real conversation over digital distraction. It’s the kind of place that reminds you what holidays were like before smartphones existed.
Address: 101 N Main St, Sandisfield, MA 01255
14. Harbor View Hotel – Edgartown
Martha’s Vineyard exudes special magic during the quieter winter months, and this iconic waterfront hotel captures that off-season enchantment perfectly.
Since 1891, the Harbor View has been welcoming visitors to Edgartown’s shores with gracious hospitality and stunning water views. Their fireplaces provide essential coziness during breezy December evenings when you want warmth along with your ocean vistas.
The Christmas menu celebrates the island’s maritime heritage with exceptional seafood preparations alongside traditional holiday offerings. Fresh local fish and shellfish arrive daily, ensuring peak quality in every bite.
Dining here during the holidays feels like you’ve discovered a secret—the summer crowds have departed, leaving the island’s beauty for those smart enough to visit off-season. Large windows frame harbor views that remain captivating even when boats are tucked away for winter.
The hotel’s Victorian-era elegance combines beautifully with relaxed island casualness, creating an atmosphere that’s simultaneously refined and comfortable. It’s fancy enough for a special occasion but welcoming enough that you won’t stress about your kids’ table manners.
Address: 131 N Water St, Edgartown, MA 02539
15. Inn at Hastings Park – Lexington
Revolutionary War history permeates Lexington, and this beautifully restored collection of 19th-century buildings puts you right in the middle of where American independence began.
The inn combines boutique hotel sophistication with genuine historical character, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and authentic. Their fireplace anchors a gathering area where guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks while discussing the day’s historical explorations around town.
Christmas dinner showcases locally sourced ingredients prepared with creativity and skill that honors both tradition and innovation. The menu changes to reflect seasonal availability, ensuring peak freshness in every dish.
Being walking distance from Lexington Battle Green means you can easily explore one of America’s most important historical sites before or after your meal. The town decorates beautifully for Christmas, with period-appropriate touches that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Service strikes that perfect balance between professional attentiveness and genuine warmth that makes guests feel truly welcome. It’s the kind of place where staff remember your name and preferences, even on your first visit.
Address: 2027 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02421