The holiday season is approaching, and with that comes well-deserved time off from school! And while some are busy visiting family and others traveling, many of us will be staying home for the holidays. However, remaining in the boros doesn’t mean vacation has to be boring. Here is a compiled list of the top five places and activities near us to explore during break.

#5: Hanover Theatre

One of the best parts of break is spending time with family, so what could be better than watching a show at Hanover Theatre? There are so many amazing reasons to attend theater productions: dressing up, delicious food and of course the show itself. This could be a one-time activity, or even become a continued tradition for years to come. Either way, watching a theater production is a definite way to get into the holiday spirit. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, as they might sell out quickly!

#4: Skiing at Wachusett

As a physical activity, skiing is the perfect way to remain active this holiday season. Wachusett Mountain boasts trails for skiers of all abilities, making it ideal for large groups with varying skill levels. Not to mention, the mountain hosts other activities for families and children as well, including events like skiing with Princess Elsa or magic shows. 

#3: Lalajava

Whether it’s a coffee, hot chocolate or another specialty drink, Lalajava has you covered. Its palm trees, reggae music and colorful umbrellas will make you feel like you aren’t in snowy New England. The prices are reasonable, and its chill atmosphere makes it a great spot to meet up with friends for a steaming mug of your preferred drink (in addition to their famous grilled cheeses).

#2: Christmas lights at Stone Zoo 

This gift is for anyone looking to achieve the ultimate Pinterest-worthy pictures. ZooLights offers tree-lined paths surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, allowing visitors to walk Stone Zoo’s 26 acres and view the animal exhibits in a magical setting. This particular activity is great for people of all ages and physical abilities, as the paths are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

#1: Ice skating 

First on the list is ice skating on the Oval in Worcester. The winter months are a great time to go ice skating, especially when you’ve been cooped up inside. It is a perfect outing for families and friends to remain active amidst the often-dreaded cold. This is always a fun activity, and a relatively inexpensive one; tickets cost $5 for admission and $5 for skate rental.