celebrations

Spend a holiday getaway in the Heart of Massachusetts

The historic region offers seasonal festivities with classic small-town charm.

Old Sturbridge Village

2 minutes to read

The Heart of Massachusetts welcomes visitors this holiday season for festivities with a small-town twist. Comprised of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest Boston, the region’s historic towns have events for guests of all ages.

Visitors can expect a wide array of activities like sleigh rides, holiday strolls, performances from local artists, and tree lightings and displays. There are also plenty of opportunities for winter recreational activities like skiing, tubing, hiking, ice fishing, and more.

Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden

Located in Boylston, the displays are made up of thousands of lights. Guests can enjoy s’mores and seasonal beverages while cozying up by fire pits. The garden also has an outdoor skating rink, plenty of photo opportunities, and a Garden Shop. Night Lights will be open from Nov. 23 until Jan. 5.

Winter Wonderland at Southwick’s Zoo

Illuminated by over four million lights, this Mendon zoo features live performances, gift shopping, polar bear and penguin displays, and a meet-and-greet at Santa’s Barn. The festival will run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 29.

Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

Visitors can experience old traditions and historic Christmas festivities in Sturbridge, which will feature costumed historians, a decorated village, handmade crafts and shops, and live music. The Christmas Tree Trail takes visitors along a path lit with glowing lanterns and string lights. Christmas by Candlelight is open on select dates from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30.

Red Apple Farm Winter Lights

This orchard in Phillipston will glow with arrays of more than 200,000 lights. After exploring the displays, guests can gather at the Brew Barn for bonfires, wood-fired pizza, and local beers. The farm also offers seasonal treats like hot chocolate, cider donuts, and homemade fudge. This event runs from Nov. 29 until Dec. 31.

Polar Express Holiday Celebration at Wachusett Mountain

Skiiers on Wachusett Mountain. *Photo courtesy of Heart of MA.*

Enjoy a screening of the classic holiday movie “Polar Express” at Princeton. The ski resort has a hot chocolate and waffle bar, as well as photo-ops with Santa and fluffy Saint Bernard dogs. The screening is on Dec. 14.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described the rink at the New England Botanic Garden as an “ice skating” rink. The rink is actually made of a synthetic material called Glice. Boston.com regrets the error.

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