Explore the holiday season in Acton with our detailed guide. For both Acton locals and travelers, this guide unveils the city's seasonal delights.
One of the standout events this season is “Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature,” where beautifully decorated trees inspired by beloved books come to life. Unique to this event is the chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of children's stories. Another highlight is the “Polar Express at O'Neil Cinemas,” featuring a festive screening that captures the magic of the holiday classic. And the “Acton-Boxborough Holiday Market” is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a wonderful selection of local crafts and seasonal goods. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Acton
- Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature (Concord)
- Polar Express at O'Neil Cinemas (Littleton)
- West Acton Village Holiday Stroll
- Acton-Boxborough Holiday Market
- Maynard Holiday Stroll (Maynard)
- The Umbrella Winter Market (Concord)
- Breakfast with Santa at St. Elizabeth of Hungary
- Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
- 30th Annual Festival of Trees (Methuen)
- La Salette Shrine (Attleboro)
See these and even more events listed below!
Acton Holiday Light Displays
Maynard Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Holiday lighting and Santa arrival in Memorial Park.
Description:
Join the Maynard Holiday Stroll in Downtown Maynard's Cultural District on December 7th. The evening begins with holiday lighting at Memorial Park, welcoming Santa and the Maynard firetruck. Stroll through beautifully decorated storefronts, enjoy live music and refreshments, and explore local businesses.
Where: Maynard | More Info: Maynard Holiday Stroll
Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with extensive light displays.
Description:
Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination feature over 4 million illuminated lights and handcrafted displays, including enchanting polar bear and singing penguin exhibits. The event transforms the zoo into a vibrant holiday spectacle with custom-made lanterns and various themed exhibits.
Where: Mendon | More Info: Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination
Lancaster Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Over 1 million LED lights transform a mile-long roadway into a glittering display.
Description:
Drive through a one-mile 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: Lancaster | More Info: Lancaster Celebration of Lights
La Salette Shrine
What to Expect:
Spectacular 400,000-light display with an International Creche Museum.
Description:
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette features over 400,000 lights illuminating 10 acres of land, creating a beautiful and spiritual holiday display. The festival includes an International Creche Museum showcasing diverse nativity scenes from around the world, Christmas concerts, and opportunities to meet Santa. The event is free to attend, with many areas offering free-will donations.
Where: Attleboro | More Info: La Salette Shrine
Acton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Acton-Boxborough Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling seasonal items and gifts.
Description:
The Acton-Boxborough Holiday Market offers a variety of local vendors selling seasonal items, gifts, and fresh produce, creating a vibrant community event.
Where: Acton | More Info: Acton-Boxborough Holiday Market
The Umbrella Winter Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local art and live music.
Description:
The Umbrella Winter Market is a three-day event showcasing artist, artisan, and hand-crafted work on all three floors of The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA. It features local and regional artists, an "Off-the-Wall" show, ceramics program holiday sale, and live music.
Where: Concord | More Info: The Umbrella Winter Market
Harvard Square Holiday Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local and international artisans.
Description:
The Harvard Square Holiday Fair is a juried event featuring dozens of vendors selling eclectic wares perfect for holiday gifts. Expect to find unique items like prints, pottery, photography, candles, jewelry, books, knitwear, cosmetics, and more.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: Harvard Square Holiday Fair
Acton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express at O'Neil Cinemas
What to Expect:
Classic animated film with stunning visuals.
Description:
Polar Express at O'Neil Cinemas features a classic animated film with stunning visuals and a heartwarming story.
Where: Littleton | More Info: Polar Express at O'Neil Cinemas
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
What to Expect:
Historical holiday traditions and festive decorations.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Old Sturbridge Village with historic interpreters, classic Christmas projects, and festive decorations. Stroll through the decorated village, listen to stories and live music, and sample sweet treats.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Acton Other Holiday Activities
Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature
What to Expect:
Decorated trees and wreaths inspired by acclaimed children's literature.
Description:
The 28th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature at the Concord Museum features 36 decorated trees and wreaths inspired by acclaimed children's literature. This year's event includes picture book classics, books that make kids laugh, and diverse global stories. Books include Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola, and the 2023 Caldecott Medal winner Hot Dog by Doug Salati.
Where: Concord | More Info: Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature
West Acton Village Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Scavenger hunt with cash prizes and festive activities.
Description:
The West Acton Village Holiday Stroll is a community event featuring a scavenger hunt, raffle baskets, carolers, and a petting zoo. Visit Santa at Great Spaces and enjoy hayrides on Windsor Avenue. The event culminates with a tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Acton | More Info: West Acton Village Holiday Stroll
Breakfast with Santa at St. Elizabeth of Hungary
What to Expect:
Intimate family breakfast with Santa.
Description:
Join us for a delightful morning with Santa at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, where families can share a special breakfast together.
Where: Acton | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at St. Elizabeth of Hungary
30th Annual Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Unique holiday event with a variety of decorated trees and festive activities.
Description:
The 30th Annual Festival of Trees features over 300 beautifully decorated trees, mini-trees, and wreaths, along with a $5,000 cash raffle, online auction, holiday gift shop, children's scavenger hunt, and a visit with Santa.
Where: Methuen | More Info: 30th Annual Festival of Trees
Santa Social at Krochmal Farms
What to Expect:
Family-friendly fall activities with draft-horse hayrides and pumpkin picking.
Description:
Krochmal Farms' Pumpkin Festival offers a variety of activities including pumpkin picking, horse-drawn hayrides, pony rides, and a corn maze. The event also features animal exhibits and a snack shack with delicious food options. It is a family-oriented event that celebrates the fall season in New England.
Where: Tewksbury | More Info: Santa Social at Krochmal Farms
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Westford (7 miles)
- Chelmsford (9 miles)
- Billerica (10 miles)
- Lexington (11 miles)
- Marlborough (11 miles)
- Lowell (12 miles)
- Burlington (12 miles)
- Waltham (13 miles)
- Framingham Center (13 miles)
- Tewksbury (13 miles)
- Wilmington (14 miles)
- Framingham (14 miles)
- Woburn (14 miles)
- Belmont (14 miles)
- Dracut (14 miles)
- Natick (15 miles)
- Wellesley (15 miles)
- Arlington (15 miles)
- Watertown (15 miles)
- Winchester (15 miles)
- Newton (15 miles)
- Leominster (17 miles)
- Stoneham (17 miles)
- Needham (17 miles)
- Medford (17 miles)
- Reading (17 miles)
- Somerville (18 miles)
- Cambridge (18 miles)
- Wakefield (18 miles)
- Melrose (19 miles)
- Brookline (19 miles)
- Malden (19 miles)
- Shrewsbury (19 miles)
- Nashua (19 miles)
- Fitchburg (20 miles)
- Jamaica Plain (20 miles)
- Everett (20 miles)
- Methuen (21 miles)
- Boston (21 miles)
- North Andover (21 miles)
- Chelsea (21 miles)
- Saugus (22 miles)
- Dedham (22 miles)
- Revere (22 miles)
- South Boston (22 miles)
- Norwood (23 miles)
- Salem (24 miles)
- Milford (24 miles)
- Worcester (24 miles)
- South Peabody (25 miles)
- Milton (25 miles)
- Peabody (26 miles)
- Danvers (26 miles)
- Merrimack (26 miles)
- Canton (27 miles)
- Haverhill (27 miles)
- Quincy (27 miles)
- Salem (27 miles)
- Franklin (28 miles)
- Derry (28 miles)
- Beverly (29 miles)
- Derry Village (29 miles)
- Braintree (29 miles)
- Gardner (29 miles)
- Beverly Cove (30 miles)
- Randolph (30 miles)
- Stoughton (30 miles)
- Weymouth (31 miles)
- Bedford (32 miles)
- Mansfield (33 miles)
- Woonsocket (34 miles)
- Brockton (35 miles)
- Manchester (35 miles)
- Easton (35 miles)
- Cumberland (36 miles)
- Attleboro (38 miles)
- Lincoln (39 miles)
- Smithfield (39 miles)
- Gloucester (40 miles)
- Pawtucket (42 miles)
- North Providence (44 miles)
- Taunton (44 miles)