Anticipating the holidays in Chelmsford? Our guide will lead you to all the festive fun! Whether you're a familiar face in Chelmsford or a new visitor, our guide shows you the best holiday activities.
Popular events include Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, where the charm of the historic village shines warmly through candlelit paths and festive decorations. Featuring enchanting light displays and joyful encounters, Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland is a delightful way to enjoy the season with family. And the Festival of Illumination is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transforms the landscape into a dazzling tapestry of lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Chelmsford
- Santa's Village (Jefferson)
- Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
- La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival (Attleboro)
- Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination (Mendon)
- Santa Social at Krochmal Farms (Tewksbury)
- Lancaster Celebration of Lights (Lancaster)
- Chestnut Hill Christmas Market (Chestnut Hill)
- Wilbraham United Church Holly Fair (Wilbraham)
- Tyngsboro Holiday Market (Tyngsborough)
- Fall River Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair (Fall River)
See these and even more events listed below!
Chelmsford Holiday Light Displays
Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and animal exhibits.
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 winter scene with larger-than-life dazzling displays.
Where: Mendon | More Info: Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination
Lancaster Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
One-mile LED light display with a 90-foot Christmas tree and 300-foot tunnel.
Description:
Lancaster Celebration of Lights features over 1 million LED lights transforming a mile of roadway into a glittering display, including a 90-foot Christmas tree and a 300-foot multi-colored tunnel.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Lancaster Celebration of Lights
La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Extensive light display with cultural nativity scene exhibits.
Description:
The La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival features over 300,000 lights illuminating 10 acres of land, including a unique 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: Attleboro | More Info: La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival
Chelmsford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Tyngsborough Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts and gift ideas from local vendors.
Description:
The Tyngsborough Holiday Craft Fair features over 50 vendors selling unique items and amazing gift ideas. It is a great place to start your holiday shopping, with a variety of handmade crafts and seasonal items available.
Where: Tyngsborough | More Info: Tyngsborough Holiday Craft Fair
Wilmington Fall into Holidays Fair
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade holiday gifts and decorations.
Description:
The Wilmington Fall into Holidays Fair is a vibrant event featuring local crafters and artisans showcasing their unique handmade items. Visitors can explore a diverse array of gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats, making it an ideal destination for holiday shopping.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Wilmington Fall into Holidays Fair
Fall River Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Largest and finest craft show in the area, featuring local artisans.
Description:
The 48th annual Fall River Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School features over 200 artisans showcasing handmade work. The event welcomes both hobby and professional artisans, emphasizing high-quality products. It is open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM on December 7th and 8th, 2024.
Where: Fall River | More Info: Fall River Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair
Ashland Pre-Thanksgiving Market
What to Expect:
Local artisanal goods and community-made items.
Description:
The Ashland Pre-Thanksgiving Market offers a variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, dairy products, baked goods, sweets, prepared foods, and beverages from local vendors. Enjoy a diverse selection of artisanal goods and community-made items.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Ashland Pre-Thanksgiving Market
Tyngsboro Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique items from over 50 vendors.
Description:
The GLTPO Holiday Craft Fair in Tyngsborough features over 50 vendors selling unique and amazing items, perfect for holiday shopping. Guests can find the perfect gift or something special for themselves in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Tyngsborough | More Info: Tyngsboro Holiday Market
Wilbraham United Church Holly Fair
What to Expect:
Local artisans and holiday treats.
Description:
Wilbraham United Church's Holly Fair is a festive event featuring over 80 local artisans, a cookie walk, and a variety of holiday treats and gifts. The fair offers a delightful shopping experience with something for everyone.
Where: Wilbraham | More Info: Wilbraham United Church Holly Fair
Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Fundraiser and fellowship event with local artisans and vendors.
Description:
The Chestnut Hill Christmas Market is an annual event held on the first Friday and Saturday in December, featuring a variety of vendors selling jewelry, clothing, handmade crafts, 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
Chelmsford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments and festive decorations.
Description:
At Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, immerse yourself in historic Christmas traditions. Watch demonstrations of classic projects, stroll through the decorated village, and enjoy live music and sweet treats.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Chelmsford Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Custom-designed roller coaster with reindeer-inspired theme.
Description:
Santa's Village offers a family-friendly atmosphere with the new Midnight Flyer roller coaster, featuring Midnight blue cars and Northern Lights-inspired green track. The coaster is designed for children at least 36 inches tall and three years old, climbing over 40 feet before descending into hops, twists, and turns at 25 mph.
Where: Jefferson | More Info: Santa's Village
Marlborough Thanksgiving Sunday Antique Show
What to Expect:
Unique collection of antiques and collectibles.
Description:
The Marlborough Thanksgiving Sunday Antique Show is an event where collectors and enthusiasts gather to explore a wide variety of antiques and collectibles. Held at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, this show offers a unique opportunity to find rare and unique items.
Where: Marlborough | More Info: Marlborough Thanksgiving Sunday Antique Show
Santa Social at Krochmal Farms
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn hayrides through the corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Description:
Krochmal Farms offers a festive fall experience with a pumpkin patch, horse-drawn hayrides, pony rides, and animal exhibits. Families can enjoy a variety of activities amidst the beautiful New England foliage.
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!
- Lowell (3 miles)
- Westford (4 miles)
- Billerica (6 miles)
- Dracut (6 miles)
- Tewksbury (7 miles)
- Acton (9 miles)
- Wilmington (11 miles)
- Burlington (11 miles)
- Methuen (13 miles)
- Nashua (13 miles)
- Lexington (13 miles)
- North Andover (14 miles)
- Woburn (14 miles)
- Reading (15 miles)
- Salem (16 miles)
- Winchester (16 miles)
- Stoneham (16 miles)
- Wakefield (16 miles)
- Arlington (17 miles)
- Waltham (17 miles)
- Belmont (17 miles)
- Melrose (18 miles)
- Medford (18 miles)
- Watertown (18 miles)
- Haverhill (19 miles)
- Merrimack (19 miles)
- Derry (20 miles)
- Malden (20 miles)
- Newton (20 miles)
- Marlborough (20 miles)
- Somerville (20 miles)
- Derry Village (20 miles)
- Saugus (20 miles)
- Cambridge (20 miles)
- Leominster (21 miles)
- Everett (21 miles)
- Framingham Center (21 miles)
- Wellesley (21 miles)
- Natick (22 miles)
- South Peabody (22 miles)
- Fitchburg (22 miles)
- Framingham (22 miles)
- Chelsea (22 miles)
- Danvers (22 miles)
- Brookline (22 miles)
- Revere (22 miles)
- Peabody (23 miles)
- Boston (23 miles)
- Needham (23 miles)
- Jamaica Plain (24 miles)
- South Boston (25 miles)
- Salem (25 miles)
- Beverly (25 miles)
- Bedford (25 miles)
- Beverly Cove (26 miles)
- Dedham (27 miles)
- Shrewsbury (27 miles)
- Manchester (28 miles)
- Milton (29 miles)
- Norwood (29 miles)
- Quincy (30 miles)
- Gardner (32 miles)
- Worcester (32 miles)
- Canton (33 miles)
- Milford (33 miles)
- Braintree (33 miles)
- Weymouth (34 miles)
- Randolph (34 miles)
- Stoughton (35 miles)
- Franklin (36 miles)
- Gloucester (36 miles)
- Mansfield (40 miles)
- Brockton (40 miles)
- Easton (42 miles)
- Woonsocket (42 miles)
- Concord (43 miles)
- Cumberland (44 miles)