Get ready for a festive season of adventure in Marlborough! Our guide has all the exciting holiday activities. Whether you're rediscovering your hometown or visiting Marlborough for the first time, our guide is here to help you celebrate the season.
One event to discover is Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, where visitors can experience the charm of a historic village lit by candlelight, complete with traditional decorations and caroling. The Festival of Illumination at Southwick's Zoo features dazzling light displays that intertwine with wildlife, creating a unique holiday atmosphere. And definitely don't forget the Lancaster Celebration of Lights, which boasts an impressive array of illuminated sculptures and festive activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Marlborough
- Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
- Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination (Mendon)
- Lancaster Celebration of Lights (Lancaster)
- La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival (Attleboro)
- WinterLights at Naumkeag (Stockbridge)
- Sturbridge Tree Lighting (Sturbridge)
- First Parish of Bolton Annual Holiday Bazaar (Bolton)
- Holiday Market at Maynard Elks (Maynard)
- Somerville Holiday Farmers Market (Somerville)
- Chestnut Hill Christmas Market (Chestnut Hill)
See these and even more events listed below!
Marlborough Holiday Light Displays
WinterLights at Naumkeag
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with festive music and seasonal treats.
Description:
WinterLights at Naumkeag features hundreds of thousands of energy-efficient LED holiday lights, festive music, and seasonal treats, transforming the 48-acre grounds into an illuminated winter spectacle.
Where: Stockbridge | More Info: WinterLights at Naumkeag
Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and sound displays.
Description:
Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland and The Festival of Illumination feature over 4 million dazzling lights and handcrafted displays showcasing fairytales, legends, and myths. Guests can enjoy a train ride through the Enchanted Holiday Forest, artisanal food, and live performances, including acrobatic shows and meet-and-greets with Santa.
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 and a 90-foot Christmas tree.
Description:
The Lancaster Celebration of Lights is a drive-through holiday light show featuring over 1 million LED lights, including a 90-foot Christmas tree and a 300-foot multi-colored tunnel, located at the Lancaster Fairgrounds in Lancaster, MA.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Lancaster Celebration of Lights
La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Extensive light display with cultural nativity scenes.
Description:
The La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival features over 400,000 lights illuminating the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, with a diverse array of cultural interpretations of the nativity story in the International Creche Museum. The event includes daily light displays, a food court, and various holiday activities.
Where: Attleboro | More Info: La Salette Shrine Christmas Festival
Marlborough Holiday Markets and Shopping
First Parish of Bolton Annual Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday market with local artisans and baked goods.
Description:
The First Parish of Bolton Annual Holiday Bazaar features local vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and baked goods, including apple pies and dumplings. The event also includes a silent auction, lottery tree, and themed baskets for raffle.
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 cooking breakfast, unloading trees, and selling trees starting November 29th.
Where: Maynard | More Info: Holiday Market at Maynard Elks
Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local artisans selling handmade items.
Description:
The Chestnut Hill Christmas Market offers a variety of local artisans and vendors selling jewelry, clothing, handmade crafts, and delicious food. The event also includes Christmas trees and handmade wreaths, with proceeds supporting non-profit mission partners.
Where: Chestnut Hill | More Info: Chestnut Hill Christmas Market
Somerville Holiday Farmers Market
What to Expect:
Weekly market with 71 local food vendors.
Description:
The Somerville Winter Farmers Market at the Center for the Arts at the Armory offers a weekly winter market featuring 71 local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods, including fresh produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, tamales, pastries, chocolate, and skincare products.
Where: Somerville | More Info: Somerville Holiday Farmers Market
Salem Yule Marketplace
What to Expect:
Unique goth-themed gifts and artisanal items.
Description:
The Salem Yule Marketplace is a goth-themed market featuring handmade art, vintage items, and unique gifts for all subgenres of goths and goth-adjacent enthusiasts.
Where: Salem | More Info: Salem Yule Marketplace
Marlborough Art Festival
What to Expect:
Highly selective showcase of over 170 independent artists and makers.
Description:
The Marlborough Art Festival is a highly selective, beautifully curated showcase featuring over 170 of the finest independent artists and makers. This event is a treasure trove of gift ideas, one-of-a-kind home furnishings, fashion, jewelry, and fine art. It offers a lively ambiance with two cafes and a special exhibit in the Sculpture Cafe.
Where: Marlborough | More Info: Marlborough Art Festival
Marlborough Thanksgiving Sunday Antique Show
What to Expect:
Annual gathering for antique collectors and dealers.
Description:
The Marlborough Thanksgiving Sunday Antique Show at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA, features a variety of antique items and collectibles. This event has been a tradition for collectors and dealers, offering a unique opportunity to explore and purchase rare and historical pieces.
Where: Marlborough | More Info: Marlborough Thanksgiving Sunday Antique Show
24th Annual New England Holiday Craft Spectacular
What to Expect:
Indoor shopping extravaganza with over 150 artisans and specialty foods.
Description:
The 24th Annual New England Holiday Craft Spectacular at Starland Sportsplex in Hanover, MA, features over 150 artisans showcasing exceptional American-made items like hand-painted ornaments, original crochet afghan blankets, and seasonal painted slate signs. Enjoy a delectable array of specialty foods, including traditional cannoli, gourmet toffee, and organic maple syrups. Explore an enticing selection of gifts ideal for food enthusiasts.
Where: Hanover | More Info: 24th Annual New England Holiday Craft Spectacular
29th Annual Castleberry Faire Holiday Arts and Craft Festival
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans' handmade crafts and artwork.
Description:
The 29th Annual Castleberry Faire Holiday Arts and Craft Festival is a premier event in Wilmington, MA, featuring an array of local artisans showcasing their handmade crafts and artwork. This three-day festival offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of holiday gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: 29th Annual Castleberry Faire Holiday Arts and Craft Festival
Marlborough Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
What to Expect:
Historical holiday festivities with live music and demonstrations.
Description:
At Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, immerse yourself in 19th-century holiday traditions. Watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated village, and listen to live music. Enjoy sweet treats and explore historical homes adorned for the season. Discover the origins of Christmas traditions and sample Italian Christmas customs.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Marlborough Other Holiday Activities
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. The event includes a coloring contest and a holiday raffle with opportunities to donate toys for the Cops & Kids Toy Drive or wishlist items for Wings of Freedom.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Sturbridge Tree Lighting
Breakfast with Santa at The VERVE Hotel
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and a festive breakfast buffet.
Description:
Join us for a festive holiday event at The VERVE Hotel, featuring a delicious breakfast buffet, children's activities, and photos with Santa. Enjoy cookie decorating, story time with Santa, and a visit from the jolly old man himself. Each child will leave with a small gift from Santa.
Where: Marlborough | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at The VERVE Hotel
Winter Paint & Sip at Broken Creek Vineyard
What to Expect:
Step-by-step painting of a Christmas tree on a large wine glass.
Description:
Join us at Broken Creek Vineyard for a 90-minute Holiday Wine Glass Paint & Sip event. Hand paint a Christmas tree on a large 20 oz wine glass guided by your art instructor step-by-step using stencils. No experience necessary. Your ticket includes everything you need to create your masterpiece, along with access to Broken Creek Vineyard's wines and other beverages.
Where: Marlborough | More Info: Winter Paint & Sip at Broken Creek Vineyard
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Framingham Center (7 miles)
- Framingham (8 miles)
- Shrewsbury (9 miles)
- Natick (11 miles)
- Acton (11 miles)
- Wellesley (14 miles)
- Worcester (14 miles)
- Milford (14 miles)
- Leominster (16 miles)
- Waltham (16 miles)
- Needham (17 miles)
- Westford (17 miles)
- Newton (18 miles)
- Lexington (18 miles)
- Watertown (19 miles)
- Belmont (19 miles)
- Franklin (20 miles)
- Chelmsford (20 miles)
- Billerica (21 miles)
- Arlington (21 miles)
- Fitchburg (21 miles)
- Norwood (21 miles)
- Dedham (21 miles)
- Burlington (21 miles)
- Brookline (22 miles)
- Jamaica Plain (22 miles)
- Woburn (22 miles)
- Winchester (22 miles)
- Cambridge (23 miles)
- Lowell (23 miles)
- Somerville (23 miles)
- Medford (23 miles)
- Wilmington (24 miles)
- Woonsocket (24 miles)
- Tewksbury (24 miles)
- Canton (25 miles)
- Stoneham (25 miles)
- Boston (25 miles)
- Malden (25 miles)
- South Boston (26 miles)
- Milton (26 miles)
- Dracut (26 miles)
- Everett (26 miles)
- Melrose (26 miles)
- Reading (26 miles)
- Chelsea (27 miles)
- Wakefield (27 miles)
- Cumberland (27 miles)
- Mansfield (28 miles)
- Stoughton (28 miles)
- Gardner (28 miles)
- Revere (28 miles)
- Quincy (29 miles)
- Saugus (29 miles)
- Randolph (29 miles)
- Smithfield (29 miles)
- Nashua (29 miles)
- Braintree (30 miles)
- Lincoln (30 miles)
- Attleboro (31 miles)
- Easton (31 miles)
- Methuen (32 miles)
- North Andover (32 miles)
- Weymouth (32 miles)
- South Peabody (33 miles)
- Brockton (33 miles)
- Pawtucket (33 miles)
- Peabody (34 miles)
- North Providence (35 miles)
- Salem (35 miles)
- Danvers (35 miles)
- Salem (36 miles)
- Merrimack (36 miles)
- Johnston (36 miles)
- Providence (37 miles)
- Beverly (37 miles)
- East Providence (38 miles)
- Haverhill (38 miles)
- Beverly Cove (38 miles)
- Derry (39 miles)
- Taunton (39 miles)
- Cranston (40 miles)
- Derry Village (40 miles)
- Bedford (42 miles)
- West Warwick (45 miles)