The festive season is here, Framingham Center! Let our guide help you find all the holiday excitement. Whether Framingham Center is your home base or your holiday escape, our guide maximizes your seasonal enjoyment.
Experience enchanting displays at the Festival of Lights at Worcester Common, where luminous decorations create a winter wonderland. Unique candlelit tours transform Old Sturbridge Village into a charming, historic celebration with quaint festivities. And the Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing glittering gardens that celebrate the beauty of the season. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, see below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Framingham Center
- Festival of Lights at Worcester Common (Worcester)
- Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (Boylston)
- Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
- Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination at Southwick Zoo (Mendon)
- Framingham’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party (Framingham)
- Holiday Shows at The Hanover Theatre (Worcester)
- Handel’s Messiah at Mechanics Hall (Worcester)
- Natick Holiday Lighting Festival (Natick)
- Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll (Hopkinton)
- Hudson Holiday Stroll (Hudson)
See these and even more events listed below!
Framingham Center Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights at Worcester Common
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with ice skating and live performances.
Description:
The Festival of Lights at Worcester Common features lighting displays, ice skating, food vendors, community organizations, and performances, including a headline show by Michelle Brooks Thompson. The event highlights the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m.
Where: Worcester | More Info: Festival of Lights at Worcester Common
Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
What to Expect:
Immersive winter light display with a skating rink.
Description:
Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill features a breathtaking winter light display with over a quarter million lights, colorful landscapes, and immersive experiences. Enjoy popular favorites like s'mores, seasonal drinks, a model train, holiday shopping, and fun photo opportunities for the whole family. This year, a new skating rink debuts, bringing joy to young hearts.
Where: Boylston | More Info: Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Framingham’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Framingham’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party features free digital pictures, hot chocolate, treats, music, a story walk, and free books at City Hall Plaza on Union Avenue. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive atop a Framingham Fire Engine before lighting the tree, while kids of all ages tour the Story Walk produced by the Public Library Book Mobile. Attendees also snack on popcorn, cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate, and enjoy holiday tunes provided by the Rousseau Family’s antique oil truck. Attendees can pose for pictures in front of a green screen with festive backgrounds, with digital downloads available the next day for free.
Where: Framingham | More Info: Framingham’s 32nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party
Natick Holiday Lighting Festival
What to Expect:
Spectacular public lighting display.
Description:
Natick Holiday Lighting Festival features beautifully illuminated public spaces, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Natick | More Info: Natick Holiday Lighting Festival
Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination at Southwick Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with extensive light displays.
Description:
Southwick Zoo's Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination feature over 4 million illuminated lights and dazzling displays, including enchanting polar bear and singing penguin exhibits. Guests can enjoy a ride through the Enchanted Holiday Forest, holiday performances, and exclusive meet & greets with Santa. The event also includes concessions and shopping at the Purple Peacock Gift Shop.
Where: Mendon | More Info: Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination at Southwick Zoo
Framingham Center Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping with special deals and a drawing.
Description:
The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll is an event where participants can do their holiday shopping and take advantage of special deals at participating businesses while entering a drawing for a $300 prize. Passports and guides are available at participating businesses for more information.
Where: Hopkinton | More Info: Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll
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, a festival of wreaths, Goodnow Story Time and Book Nook, and a touch-a-truck event.
Where: Sudbury | More Info: Town of Sudbury Holiday Village
Silver Bells Holiday Fair at Memorial Congregational Church
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with proceeds supporting a youth mission trip.
Description:
The Silver Bells Holiday Fair at Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury, MA, offers a variety of holiday shopping options, including needlework, toys, games, puzzles, Christmas white elephants, books, jewelry, plants, bakery items, and chocolates. All proceeds from the shoppe will support the MCC Youth Group Mission Trip to Puerto Rico.
Where: Sudbury | More Info: Silver Bells Holiday Fair at Memorial Congregational Church
First Parish of Bolton Annual Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Celebrating community spirit with local artisans and seasonal items.
Description:
First Parish of Bolton Annual Holiday Bazaar is a community-driven event featuring local artisans, handmade crafts, and seasonal items, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Where: Bolton | More Info: First Parish of Bolton Annual Holiday Bazaar
Holiday Market at Maynard Elks
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday market with volunteer opportunities.
Description:
The Maynard Elks Holiday Market offers a variety of seasonal items and gifts, with volunteers needed for setting up, cooking breakfast, unloading trees, and selling trees starting November 29th.
Where: Maynard | More Info: Holiday Market at Maynard Elks
Natick Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Seasonal shopping with local vendors.
Description:
The Natick Christmas Market offers a variety of gift ideas, catering, bakeries, and floral arrangements to help families prepare for the holiday season.
Where: Natick | More Info: Natick Christmas Market
Framingham Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Diverse array of local handmade crafts.
Description:
The Framingham Rotary Holiday Craft Fair features over 110 local crafters and artists showcasing unique handmade items, offering a diverse range of gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Framingham | More Info: Framingham Holiday Craft Fair
Wilbraham United Church Holly Fair
What to Expect:
Annual holiday market with local artisans.
Description:
The Wilbraham United Church Holly Fair is an annual event featuring over 80 artisans selling handmade crafts and seasonal items. It takes place on December 14, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Where: Wilbraham | More Info: Wilbraham United Church Holly Fair
Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Fundraiser with a festive auction and diverse vendor offerings.
Description:
The Chestnut Hill Christmas Market is an annual event featuring a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and delicious food. Proceeds support non-profit mission partners, and the market includes a festive auction and activities for all ages.
Where: Chestnut Hill | More Info: Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
Framingham Center Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Handel’s Messiah at Mechanics Hall
What to Expect:
Annual holiday tradition with a renowned choral ensemble.
Description:
The Worcester Chorus presents Handel's Messiah at historic Mechanics Hall, a holiday tradition featuring the city's oldest and longest-running choral ensemble, directed by Chris Shepard. The performance includes vocal soloists and the Worcester Festival Orchestra.
Where: Worcester | More Info: Handel’s Messiah at Mechanics Hall
Merrimack Valley Ringers Handbell Concert at Worcester Art Museum
What to Expect:
Auditioned community handbell ensemble performing diverse musical pieces.
Description:
The Merrimack Valley Ringers present a captivating handbell concert at Worcester Art Museum, featuring a diverse range of musical pieces that delight audiences with their unique sound.
Where: Worcester | More Info: Merrimack Valley Ringers Handbell Concert at Worcester Art Museum
Holiday Shows at The Hanover Theatre
What to Expect:
World-class performances with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Hanover Theatre presents a variety of holiday shows featuring talented performers and festive entertainment. From classic musicals to contemporary productions, these events offer a delightful way to celebrate the season.
Where: Worcester | More Info: Holiday Shows at The Hanover Theatre
Wayland Center Holiday Festivities
What to Expect:
Historic house tours and live music performances.
Description:
Wayland Center presents a holiday celebration featuring seasonal music, fun activities, and refreshments. The Grout-Heard House Museum will be adorned with greenery, and the Wayland Garden Club will serve refreshments. Girl Scouts will decorate the Stone Room, and children can participate in a playful scavenger hunt. Wayland High School musicians will perform, and visitors are encouraged to tour the historic house. The Wayland Free Public Library will also serve refreshments, and local musician David Polansky will lead a sing-along. First Parish will host an outdoor caroling fest, and the Depot will offer unique items and Booster apparel.
Where: Wayland | More Info: Wayland Center Holiday Festivities
Framingham Center Other Holiday Activities
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
What to Expect:
Historic holiday festivities with classic Christmas projects and live music.
Description:
At Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, relish old traditions and create new ones by watching demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, strolling through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listening to stories and live music, and sampling sweet treats.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Ashland Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony with carolers and hot cocoa.
Description:
The Ashland Holiday Stroll is a delightful downtown event featuring local boutiques, pop-shops, and holiday activities. Enjoy roasting marshmallows by the fire pit, buying wreaths from the Boy Scouts, and grabbing cookies from the Girl Scouts. The event also includes a tree lighting ceremony with carolers and hot cocoa.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Ashland Holiday Stroll
Hudson Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Horse carriage rides and roasting marshmallows.
Description:
Join the Hudson Holiday Stroll for a day of holiday cheer with yummy samples, demonstrations, and more festive activities.
Where: Hudson | More Info: Hudson Holiday Stroll
Holliston Menorah Lighting
What to Expect:
Community menorah lighting with traditional Chanukah treats.
Description:
The Holliston Menorah Lighting is a community event featuring the lighting of a large menorah, accompanied by lively music, Israeli-style donuts, Chanukah chocolate gelt, and hot apple cider. It is an inclusive celebration open to all backgrounds and denominations.
Where: Holliston | More Info: Holliston Menorah Lighting
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
Sturbridge Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Interactive activities with Santa and local performers.
Description:
The Sturbridge Tree Lighting Ceremony features Santa, Holly the Elf, balloon making, DJ Music Matters, and performances by the Tantasqua Choraleers and Tantasqua ShowChoir. Local vendors like The Publick House and Hearthstone Market will be present, along with a coloring contest and holiday raffle.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Sturbridge Tree Lighting
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Framingham (2 miles)
- Natick (5 miles)
- Marlborough (7 miles)
- Wellesley (7 miles)
- Needham (10 miles)
- Milford (12 miles)
- Waltham (12 miles)
- Newton (12 miles)
- Acton (13 miles)
- Watertown (14 miles)
- Norwood (14 miles)
- Shrewsbury (14 miles)
- Dedham (14 miles)
- Belmont (15 miles)
- Franklin (15 miles)
- Lexington (15 miles)
- Jamaica Plain (16 miles)
- Brookline (16 miles)
- Arlington (16 miles)
- Cambridge (18 miles)
- Canton (18 miles)
- Somerville (18 miles)
- Winchester (19 miles)
- Worcester (19 miles)
- Medford (19 miles)
- Burlington (19 miles)
- Woburn (19 miles)
- Milton (19 miles)
- Westford (19 miles)
- Boston (20 miles)
- South Boston (20 miles)
- Billerica (20 miles)
- Woonsocket (21 miles)
- Stoughton (21 miles)
- Malden (21 miles)
- Everett (21 miles)
- Chelmsford (21 miles)
- Stoneham (21 miles)
- Mansfield (21 miles)
- Chelsea (22 miles)
- Wilmington (22 miles)
- Melrose (22 miles)
- Randolph (22 miles)
- Quincy (22 miles)
- Leominster (23 miles)
- Cumberland (23 miles)
- Revere (23 miles)
- Braintree (23 miles)
- Reading (24 miles)
- Wakefield (24 miles)
- Tewksbury (24 miles)
- Lowell (24 miles)
- Easton (25 miles)
- Saugus (25 miles)
- Attleboro (26 miles)
- Weymouth (26 miles)
- Lincoln (26 miles)
- Brockton (26 miles)
- Smithfield (27 miles)
- Dracut (27 miles)
- Fitchburg (27 miles)
- South Peabody (29 miles)
- Pawtucket (29 miles)
- Peabody (30 miles)
- North Providence (31 miles)
- Salem (32 miles)
- North Andover (32 miles)
- Methuen (32 miles)
- Danvers (32 miles)
- Nashua (32 miles)
- Taunton (33 miles)
- Providence (33 miles)
- Johnston (33 miles)
- East Providence (34 miles)
- Beverly (34 miles)
- Gardner (34 miles)
- Beverly Cove (35 miles)
- Cranston (36 miles)
- Salem (36 miles)
- Haverhill (38 miles)
- Middleborough (39 miles)
- Merrimack (39 miles)
- Derry (41 miles)
- Warwick (41 miles)
- Derry Village (42 miles)
- West Warwick (42 miles)
- Coventry (43 miles)
- Fall River (44 miles)
- Bristol (44 miles)