Get the big picture of the festive season in Braintree! Our guide includes all the essential holiday activities. Whether you call Braintree home or are exploring it for the first time, our guide unlocks all the festive secrets.
One highlight of the season is the Edaville RailRoad Festival of Lights, where families can enjoy festive train rides through dazzling light displays. The Enchanted Village in Avon captivates visitors with its whimsical attractions, featuring beautifully decorated scenes that bring the holiday spirit to life. And the Santa’s Holly Jolly Hayrides at Wards Berry Farm is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering charming rides through the farm with plenty of holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Braintree
- Edaville RailRoad Festival of Lights (Carver)
- Santa’s Holly Jolly Hayrides at Wards Berry Farm (Sharon)
- Enchanted Village in Avon (Avon)
- Patriot Place Annual Tree Lighting (Foxborough)
- Christmas Light Displays South Shore Boston (South Shore)
- Holly Jolly Hingham Hayrides & Holiday Fun (Hingham)
- Marshfield Festival of Lights (Marshfield)
- Winter Wonderland Holiday lights at Southwick zoo (Mendon)
- Marina Bay Quincy Holiday Market (Quincy)
- Quincy Christmas Holiday Parade (Quincy)
See these and even more events listed below!
Braintree Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Light Displays South Shore Boston
What to Expect:
One-mile LED light display with animatronic scenes.
Description:
Over 1 mile of roadway at the Marshfield Fairgrounds transformed into a glittering display of over 1 million LED lights, featuring a 300’ multi-colored tunnel and animatronic scenes.
Where: South Shore | More Info: Christmas Light Displays South Shore Boston
La Salette shrine
What to Expect:
Extensive light display with cultural nativity scene exhibits.
Description:
The La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts, features over 400,000 lights illuminating 10 acres of land, including an International Creche Museum showcasing diverse nativity scenes from around the world. The event also includes Christmas concerts, Santa meet-and-greets, and various holiday activities.
Where: North Attleboro | More Info: La Salette shrine
Edaville RailRoad Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Vintage steam train rides through thousands of Christmas lights.
Description:
Edaville RailRoad Festival of Lights features steam train rides, Christmas lights, food, local businesses, and crafters, creating a festive atmosphere with Santa and vintage amusement rides.
Where: Carver | More Info: Edaville RailRoad Festival of Lights
Winter Wonderland Holiday lights at Southwick zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Southwick's Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 4 million illuminated lights and handcrafted displays, featuring enchanting polar bear and singing penguin exhibits.
Where: Mendon | More Info: Winter Wonderland Holiday lights at Southwick zoo
Drive thru Holiday Lights Mashpee
What to Expect:
Spectacular musical light show with Rudolph-themed inflatables.
Description:
The Cape Cod Children's Museum presents a FREE drive-thru community event featuring a spectacular musical light show. The display includes a Rudolph-themed wall of inflatables, making it a delightful holiday experience for all ages.
Where: Mashpee | More Info: Drive thru Holiday Lights Mashpee
Patriot Place Annual Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Unique holiday celebration with pyrotechnic fireworks and holiday performances.
Description:
Join us at Patriot Place for the annual Holiday Giving Tree Lighting, featuring a tree lighting countdown, pyrotechnic fireworks display, and holiday performances. The event benefits Cradles to Crayons, with ornaments containing special holiday requests for children in need. Visitors can take an ornament, purchase an assigned gift, and drop off gifts at the Patriot Place Management Office.
Where: Foxborough | More Info: Patriot Place Annual Tree Lighting
Marshfield Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Over 1 million LED lights and animatronic scenes.
Description:
Drive through a spectacular display of over 1 million LED lights at the Marshfield Fairgrounds, featuring a 300-foot multi-colored tunnel and animatronic scenes.
Where: Marshfield | More Info: Marshfield Festival of Lights
Plymouth Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Annual tree lighting with a Christmas parade.
Description:
Join Santa and the Town of Plymouth for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on the Town Hall Green, part of the Christmas in Historic Plymouth Celebration. This family-friendly event includes a Christmas Parade and the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Plymouth Tree Lighting
Lighting of the Green and Lights On Festival Taunton
What to Expect:
Historic Taunton Green transformed into a holiday lights display.
Description:
The Lighting of the Green and Lights On Festival in Taunton transforms historic Taunton Green into a vibrant display of holiday lights and music, featuring live entertainment at over 30 downtown sites. Downtown businesses decorate their storefronts for the annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest, and visitors can enjoy holiday lights through New Year's Day.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Lighting of the Green and Lights On Festival Taunton
Braintree Christmas tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with a drive-in style tree lighting.
Description:
The Braintree Christmas tree lighting is an annual event featuring a beautifully decorated tree at the Town Hall Memorial Veterans Hall, accompanied by festive activities and community gatherings.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas tree Lighting
Holiday Lights at the Park Middleboro
What to Expect:
Vibrant light displays in a scenic park setting.
Description:
Holiday Lights at the Park Middleboro features festive light displays illuminating Battis Field on select evenings.
Where: Middleboro | More Info: Holiday Lights at the Park Middleboro
Taunton on the Green Holiday walk thru
What to Expect:
Historic downtown area transformed into a holiday lights spectacle.
Description:
The historic Taunton Green is transformed into a spectacular holiday lights display with live music and activities at over 30 downtown sites. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, and visit Santa's house on the Green.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Taunton on the Green Holiday walk thru
Braintree Holiday Markets and Shopping
Marina Bay Quincy Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Marina Bay Quincy Holiday Market features over 20 craft vendors at Break Rock Brewing, Aria Salon & Spa, and Capella Yoga. Enjoy holiday shopping, live music, and festive treats while overlooking the beautiful holiday lights along Marina Bay. Free gift wrapping and hot chocolate are available, and the Grinch will make a special appearance.
Where: Quincy | More Info: Marina Bay Quincy Holiday Market
Bridgewater Christmas on the Commons
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday activities with a festive atmosphere.
Description:
Join us at Bridgewater Christmas on the Common for a family-friendly holiday celebration featuring food, live music, photos with Santa, pony rides, and shopping. The event includes a Christmas parade and live music at Friends Music Alley.
Where: Bridgewater | More Info: Bridgewater Christmas on the Commons
Dickens Festival Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday experience with handcrafted goods and Victorian atmosphere.
Description:
The Dickens Festival Holiday Craft Fair at All Souls Church in Braintree, MA, transforms into a Victorian marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, costumed characters, and festive activities. Enjoy free visits with Father Christmas, a bake sale, and raffles while interacting with artisans selling their unique creations.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Dickens Festival Holiday Craft Fair
Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Fundraiser for non-profit mission partners with a festive auction.
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
Boston Gifted Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Celebrating 21 years with over 90 local artisans and makers.
Description:
The Boston Gifted Holiday Market is a one-day juried event featuring over 90 local makers and artisans showcasing handcrafted treasures in the historic Fairmont Copley Plaza Ballroom.
Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Gifted Holiday Market
Medford Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local artisans.
Description:
The Medford Craft Fair features over 20 local craft vendors offering handmade items, including fine art, jewelry, and pottery. The event also includes raffles and food to benefit the Medford Senior Center.
Where: Medford | More Info: Medford Holiday Craft Fair
Somerville Christmas Farmers Market
What to Expect:
Locally sourced food with a SNAP match program.
Description:
The Somerville Winter Farmers Market at the Center for Arts at the Armory offers a weekly gathering of 71+ local food vendors, featuring fresh produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, tamales, pastries, chocolate, and skincare products. The market supports local farmers and food producers, ensuring sustainable and healthy food options.
Where: Somerville | More Info: Somerville Christmas Farmers Market
Braintree Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hingham Downtown Christmas in the Square
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with live music and Santa's arrival.
Description:
Hingham Downtown Christmas in the Square is a long-standing holiday tradition featuring live music, Santa's arrival in a firetruck, visits with Santa, and an ice sculpture demonstration, all set in the charming downtown area.
Where: Hingham | More Info: Hingham Downtown Christmas in the Square
Hanover Four Corners Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse activities and local vendors.
Description:
The Hanover Four Corners Winter Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring carolers, variety crafts, decorations, local shops, and live performances. Enjoy luminaries lining the roadways, an outdoor Polar Express movie, DIY picture stations, and a petting zoo. The event includes a scavenger hunt, raffle, and holiday shopping opportunities.
Where: Hanover | More Info: Hanover Four Corners Winter Festival
Southeastern Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Holiday concert by a diverse group of local musicians.
Description:
The Southeastern Philharmonic Orchestra presents a festive holiday concert at Whitman Town Hall, featuring a diverse range of musical pieces performed by local musicians from teens to seasoned professionals.
Where: Whitman | More Info: Southeastern Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
The Christmas Show Rockland
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday entertainment with local performances.
Description:
The Christmas Show Rockland is a festive celebration featuring holiday-themed entertainment, including concerts and plays, showcasing the town's diverse offerings and community engagement.
Where: Rockland | More Info: The Christmas Show Rockland
Braintree Other Holiday Activities
Enchanted Village in Avon
What to Expect:
Historic holiday display with animated figures and a colorful inner tube slide.
Description:
The Enchanted Village in Avon is a historic holiday display featuring 59 mechanical figures and 18 vignettes, now on permanent display at Jordan's Furniture. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride on the colorful inner tube slide and take pictures with Santa.
Where: Avon | More Info: Enchanted Village in Avon
Santa’s Holly Jolly Hayrides at Wards Berry Farm
What to Expect:
Holiday hayrides with Santa and festive farm scenery.
Description:
At Wards Berry Farm, Santa’s Holly Jolly Hayrides offer a delightful holiday experience with festive hayrides through the farm, featuring Santa and his merry crew.
Where: Sharon | More Info: Santa’s Holly Jolly Hayrides at Wards Berry Farm
Holly Jolly Hingham Hayrides & Holiday Fun
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn hayrides and festive holiday activities.
Description:
Join Holly Jolly Hingham for festive holiday activities, including horse-drawn hayrides, visits with Santa, live music, and ice sculpture demonstrations in downtown Hingham.
Where: Hingham | More Info: Holly Jolly Hingham Hayrides & Holiday Fun
Santa arrives by Helicopter Quincy
What to Expect:
Santa's helicopter landing at Pageant Field.
Description:
Santa and his elves arrive in Quincy by helicopter, landing at Pageant Field, for a fun family event where you can say hello to friendly costumed characters.
Where: Quincy | More Info: Santa arrives by Helicopter Quincy
Quincy Christmas Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with floats, marching bands, and costumed characters.
Description:
The 71st Annual Quincy Christmas Parade features floats, marching bands, and costumed characters filling Quincy streets with holiday joy. The parade route begins at the intersection of Hancock Street and Walter J. Hannon Parkway, continuing to North Quincy High School.
Where: Quincy | More Info: Quincy Christmas Holiday Parade
Tree Lighting at Dandelion Park Marshfield
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday lighting event.
Description:
The Tree Lighting at Dandelion Park in Marshfield is a festive event where the community comes together to celebrate the holiday season with lights and festivities.
Where: Marshfield | More Info: Tree Lighting at Dandelion Park Marshfield
Santa Parade at Patriot Place
What to Expect:
Free Santa photo reservations and digital video greeting cards.
Description:
Families are invited to a festive parade at Bass Pro Shops to kick off the Christmas season, featuring Santa as he returns to open Santa's Wonderland. Visit Santa and enjoy free photo opportunities, digital video greeting cards, and more.
Where: Foxborough | More Info: Santa Parade at Patriot Place
Cookies with Santa at Buttonwood Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Buttonwood Park Zoo with Cookies, Paws & Santa Claus. Join in festive fun, decorating your own sweet treats, enjoying animal encounters, unlimited rides, and indulging in delicious hot cocoa. This event offers a day filled with joy and festive cheer.
Where: New Bedford | More Info: Cookies with Santa at Buttonwood Zoo
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Quincy (3 miles)
- Weymouth (3 miles)
- Randolph (3 miles)
- Milton (5 miles)
- Stoughton (7 miles)
- Canton (8 miles)
- Brockton (8 miles)
- Dedham (9 miles)
- South Boston (9 miles)
- Jamaica Plain (9 miles)
- Norwood (10 miles)
- Brookline (11 miles)
- Boston (11 miles)
- Cambridge (13 miles)
- Needham (13 miles)
- Chelsea (13 miles)
- Somerville (14 miles)
- Easton (14 miles)
- Newton (14 miles)
- Revere (14 miles)
- Everett (14 miles)
- Watertown (15 miles)
- Malden (16 miles)
- Medford (16 miles)
- Belmont (16 miles)
- Wellesley (16 miles)
- Mansfield (16 miles)
- Arlington (17 miles)
- Waltham (17 miles)
- Melrose (18 miles)
- Saugus (18 miles)
- Winchester (18 miles)
- Natick (19 miles)
- Stoneham (20 miles)
- Lexington (20 miles)
- Woburn (21 miles)
- Wakefield (21 miles)
- South Peabody (21 miles)
- Taunton (21 miles)
- Framingham (22 miles)
- Franklin (22 miles)
- Middleborough (22 miles)
- Salem (22 miles)
- Peabody (23 miles)
- Reading (23 miles)
- Burlington (23 miles)
- Attleboro (23 miles)
- Framingham Center (23 miles)
- Wilmington (25 miles)
- Beverly (25 miles)
- Beverly Cove (25 miles)
- Danvers (26 miles)
- Milford (27 miles)
- Cumberland (27 miles)
- Billerica (28 miles)
- Acton (29 miles)
- Lincoln (30 miles)
- Woonsocket (30 miles)
- Pawtucket (30 miles)
- Marlborough (30 miles)
- Tewksbury (30 miles)
- East Providence (33 miles)
- Chelmsford (33 miles)
- Gloucester (33 miles)
- Providence (34 miles)
- Lowell (34 miles)
- North Providence (34 miles)
- Westford (34 miles)
- Smithfield (34 miles)
- North Andover (35 miles)
- Fall River (36 miles)
- Dracut (36 miles)
- Cranston (37 miles)
- Shrewsbury (37 miles)
- Johnston (37 miles)
- Methuen (37 miles)
- Bristol (39 miles)
- New Bedford (39 miles)
- Haverhill (40 miles)
- Warwick (41 miles)
- Worcester (41 miles)
- Salem (42 miles)
- West Warwick (44 miles)
- Leominster (45 miles)