Plan the Perfect Winter Holiday in Ipswich, MA

It’s winter in New England, and if you want to see idyllic snow-covered scenery, Ipswich, MA is the place to be. There’s stunning landscape, locally-made brews, and holiday cheer to be enjoyed. Plan a winter getaway and discover the stunning views and fun things to do in Ipswich.

Winter Wonderland at the Estate

If you visit Castle Hill on the Crane Estate during December, you’ll be in for a holiday treat. Christmas at Castle Hill is a tradition for many, with the gorgeous rooms of the Great House decorated for the holidays. It’s like stepping into a scene from a magical Christmas movie and it will certainly make for amazing holiday photos.

After the holidays, the Great House is closed until March, but the Castle Hill grounds remain available to explore. The 165-acre gardens and natural landscapes are truly magical when covered in fresh snow, and the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean are truly breathtaking.

Raise A Glass with Ipswich Brews

Ipswich is a town with some incredible breweries that specialize in crafting some of the region’s most beloved beers and ales.

Ipswich Ale Brewery

Ipswich Ale Brewery has been a fixture on the North Shore since 1991, focusing on tradition, innovation, and crafting great brews. You can visit the brewery’s onsite restaurant, Brewer’s Table Restaurant, which features 15 tap lines of Ipswich beers. Pairing with the delicious brew is an eclectic lunch and dinner menu that will surely please the stomach and taste buds. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, you’ll feel like you’re part of a close-knit community as you chase away the winter blues together with good cheer and food.

1634 Meadery

Located in downtown Ipswich, 1634 Meadery is a small meadery that offers a huge variety of meads. Using locally harvested honey and fruits, they create sweet, dry, fruity, and spiced means for your enjoyment. Stop in for a flight of mead, which has six preselected samples that best represent the meadery’s style. You can also get full glasses of mead and bottles of mead for offsite consumption.

Winter at Wolf Hollow

Wolves don’t hibernate, so Wolf Hollow is open year-round for your education and wolf-viewing pleasure. Buy walking tour tickets in advance, bundle up, and be in awe of the incredible wolves that live in the sanctuary’s enclosures. Don’t worry about getting too cold – the tour is only 45 minutes long so you won’t be outside for long.

Winter Sports at Appleton Farms

When there’s snow on the ground, you have to visit Appleton Farms! The grounds become a wonderland of winter activities. You can experience cross-country skiing on trails groomed by the North Shore Nordic Association. The only cost is a parking fee for non-members. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can rent snowshoes from the Farmhouse for a couple hours, too! Just be sure to get there early; advanced rentals aren’t available, so they’re first come, first served.

Don’t assume that winter isn’t the time to expand your horizons and explore new places. Ipswich has a variety of things to do when the weather turns cold. Book your weekend getaway and have a winter vacation you’ll never forget.