New Bedford Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in New Bedford and surrounding areas
New Bedford brings the holiday season to life with holiday activities and Christmas markets along the historic waterfront and downtown. Enjoy the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops 2025, The Magic of Christmas Kids Dance Party with Characters, and seasonal Sea Glass Christmas Tree Maker sessions for family fun. With festive events, tree lightings, and local attractions framed by historic wharves, New Bedford offers lights, shopping, and seasonal experiences that celebrate community traditions and craft-based markets.
Find the best New Bedford Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
30 eventsCity-wide holiday celebration with historic traditions
Christmas Shows
18 eventsNew England's beloved holiday tradition in an intimate theater setting.
Christmas Lights
16 events112th annual Lighting of the Green in 'The Christmas City'
Other Christmas Activities
33 eventsKids dance party with Christmas characters
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Christmas in Newport
(Newport)
City-wide holiday celebration with historic traditions
-
Christmas in Edgartown
(Edgartown)
Charming New England town's annual holiday transformation
-
The Magic of Christmas Kids Dance Party with Characters
Kids dance party with Christmas characters
-
The Nutcracker
(Providence)
Annual holiday tradition featuring Tchaikovsky's classic ballet.
-
Illuminate PVD New Year's Eve Celebration and Fireworks Display
(Providence)
New Year's Eve fireworks over the Providence River
-
A Christmas Carol
(Providence)
New England's beloved holiday tradition in an intimate theater setting.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about events and activities in New Bedford
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around New Bedford
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near New Bedford
Fall River
- Fall River Historical Society Annual Open House: A Victorian Christmas Extravaganza
- Venus De Milo Christmas Buffet
- New Bedford Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
Bristol
See all in Bristol →Newport
- Newport Illuminated Boat Parade
- IYRS Holly Jolly Weekend - Holiday Party & Artisan Market
- Holiday Paper Flower Arrangement Workshop
Providence
- 2025 BuyArt Small Works Holiday Show + Sale
- RAIN – A Beatles Christmas Tribute
- Christmas on the Hill
New Bedford Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual events include the Holiday Stroll, the Christmas parade, the Holiday Craft Fair, and the downtown tree lighting. These events draw crowds and feature festive activities for all ages.
New Bedford’s traditions include the Holiday Stroll with antique fire truck rides, the Christmas parade, and the annual tree lighting at the Free Public Library. Local families also enjoy visiting decorated neighborhoods and attending craft fairs.
The historic district and neighborhoods around downtown are known for their festive decorations. Many families also enjoy exploring residential streets with elaborate home displays.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at events like the Holiday Craft Fair, AHA! Night, and the Holiday Stroll. Downtown galleries and shops often feature local artisans during the season.
Free activities include viewing Christmas lights, attending the tree lighting, and visiting holiday markets. Events like AHA! Night and the Holiday Stroll offer festive fun without a cost.
Families enjoy the Holiday Stroll, meeting Santa at Custom House Square, and exploring the decorated downtown. Craft fairs and AHA! Night also offer kid-friendly activities and entertainment.