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Here’s How Much It’ll Cost To Light Your Holidays-And Massachusetts Is One Of Most Expensive States

Don’t feel too bad about decking your halls with bows of lights. It’s more expensive everywhere, not just Massachusetts. However it is getting more expensive,and per usual, Massachusetts costs even…

Christmas Lights Illuminate Melbourne
(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Don't feel too bad about decking your halls with bows of lights. It's more expensive everywhere, not just Massachusetts. However it is getting more expensive,and per usual, Massachusetts costs even more. But we aren't the most expensive, so...there's that.

According to housemethod.com, the national average cost of running Christmas lights in 2022 is $16.48. What does that include? The number is based some of the  most popular items purchased at The Home Depot. Here's exactly what we are working with:

  • Three to five sets of hanging icicle lights that are 13.25 feet each
  • Two sets of string lights that are 28.8 feet each for columns and entryways
  • Two 6-foot inflatable yard decorations

As the article states, "The price associated with each state is the total cost to power lights from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day."  That's the good news. For about the cost of a craft cocktail in the city, you are lighting up your holiday! The bad news is the national average is about 13% higher than last year. And New Hampshire and Massachusetts are quite a bit higher in percentage than that.

Let's break it down, Santa's little helpers.

  • New Hampshire had the largest percent increase (40%) in the cost of running Christmas lights from 2021 to 2022
  • Massachusetts holiday revelers will pay an average of $27.03 this year. That's up about 20% over last year, which comes to $4. 53 more than last year.
  • Rhode Island's average this year is only up 9%. They will pay $18.07 to light up the season.
  • The top five most expensive states for Christmas lights:  Hawaii -#1 at $38.46.  New Hampshire is #2-at $27.85.  California is #3 at $27.65.  Massachusetts is #4 at $27.03, and Connecticut is #5 at $27.01.

FYI: Using LED lights will save you bigtime! LED Christmas tree lights offer an average of around 88% energy savings!

So, why not leave the major light show to others. Here are some to check out!

The 40 Prettiest Winter Towns in America: Seven are in New England and Just a Drive Away!

Listen, who wants to get on plane during the winter? (If you do, there are some beautiful places on this list to visit.)

But if you want a winter wonderland just a drive away, these are the most picturesque holiday towns in New England, according to Country Living magazine.

I can imagine cozying up in front of a fire in any of these towns, sipping on some cocoa and doing some holiday shopping.

Two of the towns are in Massachusetts. Sure, you have to take a ferry to get to Nantucket. Who cares?

The Christmas Stroll is a bevy of Nantucket reds, money and tinsel! (Never been, but it's on my bucket list.)

As for the sleeper hit Sandwich, sure it's fabulous in the summer, but who knew it was a go-to destination in winter?

Truth be told, all of the Cape is amazing during the colder months. But be warned, lots of places are closed for the season. If you're looking for quiet, though, it's the place to be.

Check out these perfect New England winter towns where you can cozy up with the ones you love!

7. Woodstock, Vermont

"With covered bridges, skiing, and the holiday-themed Wassail Weekend celebration, Woodstock is a bucolic town with a traditional American Main Street—and it looks particularly lovely when it's covered in snow," according to Country Living.
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6. Sandwich, Massachusetts

"Cape Cod may have a stronger rep as a beach destination, but it's gorgeous in the wintertime! The town of Sandwich is one of the oldest on the Cape, incorporated in 1639, and its scenic boardwalk is a must-visit, no matter the season," Country Living said.

5. Mystic, Connecticut

"When Santa comes to Mystic, he travels by tugboat! His arrival is followed by another Mystic tradition: the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, which celebrates the town's nautical heritage," according to Country Living's list. 

4. Nantucket, Massachusetts

"For some 50 years, the summer town of Nantucket has hosted an annual Christmas Stroll, during which carolers sing, Santa pays a visit, and revelers walk about town with jolly spirits (there may be some mulled wine involved for adults). A season of essentially zero crowds means wide open beaches for additional strolls and off-season pricing on accommodations. Win-win!" Country Living reported. 

3. Littleton, NH

Country Living says "Littleton is surrounded by skiing, but there's plenty to do in town too. The quaint spot is home to the world's longest candy counter, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records (it's 112 feet long!), and a variety of funky boutiques. Stop by the Littleton Diner for brunch, then mosey over to the Schilling Beer Co. for local brews."

2. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

"Established in 1653, Portsmouth is a quintessential New England port town located about an hour outside of Boston. In the winter, enjoy sports like fat-tire biking and ice-skating, followed by après- ski-style drinks in one of Portsmouth's many restaurants and bars," Country Living said.

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

"As cute and charming as Bar Harbor is, it gets busy in the summer. You can take advantage of the cleared-out crowds in the winter, both in town—where you can, and should, enjoy some chowder to warm yourself up—and in nearby Acadia National Park," Country Living reported.