Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the charm of the season in Framingham with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a Framingham native or a curious explorer, this guide illuminates the city's festive charm.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the enchanting Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, where visitors can step back in time and experience traditional holiday celebrations. The 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party in Framingham offers a vibrant community gathering, complete with festive activities and live entertainment. And the Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination at Southwick Zoo is something you definitely don’t want to miss, showcasing dazzling light displays in a captivating zoo setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Framingham Holiday Light Displays
Framingham’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party
- What to Expect
- Grand tree lighting with festive activities and Santa's arrival by fire engine.
- Description
- Framingham’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party features a grand tree lighting, free digital pictures, hot chocolate, treats, music, a story walk, and free books. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive atop a Framingham Fire Engine, and attendees can snack on popcorn, cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate while enjoying holiday tunes.
- Where
- Framingham | More Info : Framingham’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party
Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination at Southwick Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with extensive light displays and animal exhibits.
- Description
- Southwick's Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 4 million illuminated lights and large-scale displays, featuring polar bear and singing penguin exhibits.
- Where
- Mendon | More Info : Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination at Southwick Zoo
Lancaster Celebration of Lights
- What to Expect
- Over 1 million LED lights transform a mile of roadway into a glittering holiday display.
- Description
- Drive through a spectacular display of over 1 million LED lights featuring a 90-foot Christmas tree and 300 multi-colored tunnels at the Lancaster Celebration of Lights.
- Where
- Bolton | More Info : Lancaster Celebration of Lights
Framingham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Town of Sudbury Holiday Village
- What to Expect
- Live music and artisan gift market.
- Description
- The Town of Sudbury Holiday Village features live music, an artisan gift market, hearty soup lunch, and a festival of wreaths, along with Goodnow Story Time and a Touch Truck.
- Where
- Sudbury | More Info : Town of Sudbury Holiday Village
Ashland Holiday Stroll
- What to Expect
- Holiday stroll with local shopping and festive activities.
- Description
- The Ashland Holiday Stroll is a delightful downtown event featuring local boutiques, holiday activities, and festive food. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit, buy wreaths from the Boy Scouts, and enjoy hot chocolate and cider while browsing through the various vendors and activity booths.
- Where
- Ashland | More Info : Ashland Holiday Stroll
Tyngsboro Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts from local vendors.
- Description
- The Tyngsboro Holiday Craft Fair features over 50 vendors selling unique and amazing items, perfect for holiday shopping.
- Where
- Tyngsboro | More Info : Tyngsboro Holiday Market
Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans and vendors.
- Description
- The Chestnut Hill Christmas Market is an annual event featuring a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and delicious food. The market also includes Christmas trees and handmade wreaths, with proceeds supporting non-profit mission partners.
- Where
- Chestnut Hill | More Info : Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
Framingham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Claflin Hill Symphony Holiday Pops Concert
- What to Expect
- Classical music performance with community chorus.
- Description
- The Claflin Hill Symphony Holiday Pops Concert features a grand performance by the 60-piece orchestra and the Greater Milford Community Chorus, showcasing traditional and international holiday music with sing-alongs and classic pieces like "Sleigh Ride" and "Stille Nacht."
- Where
- Milford | More Info : Claflin Hill Symphony Holiday Pops Concert
Framingham Other Holiday Activities
Hudson Holiday Stroll
- What to Expect
- Horse-drawn carriage rides and festive activities.
- Description
- The Hudson Holiday Stroll is a family-friendly event featuring horse carriage rides, live music, and visits with Santa. Enjoy activities like toasting marshmallows and exploring vendor stalls.
- Where
- Hudson | More Info : Hudson Holiday Stroll
Milford Chanukah Shabbos Party and Menorah Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community menorah lighting with traditional Chanukah treats.
- Description
- The Milford Chanukah Shabbos Party and Menorah Lighting features lively music, Israeli-style donuts, and hot apple cider, celebrating the Jewish holiday with community and joy.
- Where
- Milford | More Info : Milford Chanukah Shabbos Party and Menorah Lighting
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
- What to Expect
- Historic holiday festivities with live music and demonstrations.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Old Sturbridge Village with historic interpreters, classic Christmas projects, and festive decorations.
- Where
- Sturbridge | More Info : Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge Annual Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Interactive activities with Santa and local performers.
- Description
- The Sturbridge Annual Tree Lighting features Santa, Holly the Elf, balloon making, DJ Music Matters, and performances by the Tantasqua Choraleers and Tantasqua ShowChoir. The event includes a coloring contest and a holiday raffle with opportunities to support local charities.
- Where
- Sturbridge | More Info : Sturbridge Annual Tree Lighting