Discover the charm of the holidays in Worcester with our detailed guide. For Worcester experts and novices alike, our guide reveals hidden gems and beloved traditions.
Popular events during this festive season include the captivating "The Nutcracker" at Hanover Theatre, showcasing enchanting choreography and memorable music. The heartwarming ambiance of "Christmas by Candlelight" invites attendees to experience the magic of the season illuminated by soft candlelight and classic carols. And the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at DCU Center is something you definitely don’t want to miss, blending stunning visuals with a unique rock twist on holiday classics. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Worcester Discussion!
See the Latest Holiday News for Worcester!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Worcester
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra at DCU Center
- The Nutcracker at Hanover Theatre
- Christmas by Candlelight (Sturbridge)
- A Magical Cirque Christmas at Hanover Theatre
- Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museum and Gardens (Sandwich)
- Lancaster Celebration of Lights (Lancaster)
- Sturbridge Tree Lighting (Sturbridge)
- Mechanics Hall Holiday Concert
- Caroling with the Mayor in Gardner (Gardner)
- Holiday Bazaar & Cookie Sale at Unitarian Universalist Church (Winchendon)
See these and even more events listed below!
Worcester Holiday Light Displays
Lancaster Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Over one million LED lights transform a roadway into a glittering display.
Description:
Drive through a dazzling one-mile display of over one million LED lights featuring a 90-foot Christmas tree and 300 multi-colored tunnel.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Lancaster Celebration of Lights
Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museum and Gardens
What to Expect:
Unique holiday light display with interactive activities.
Description:
Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museum and Gardens features beautiful light displays, festive seasonal décor, and various fun activities. Visitors can stroll through the lighted gardens, visit Santa in a 1913 Ford Model T, ride the 1908 Looff carousel, and enjoy seasonal treats.
Where: Sandwich | More Info: Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museum and Gardens
Worcester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Bazaar & Cookie Sale at Unitarian Universalist Church
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local small businesses.
Description:
The Holiday Bazaar & Cookie Sale at Unitarian Universalist Church in Winchendon, MA, features a variety of vendors selling kitchen accessories, children's clothing, custom wreaths, hot chocolate bombs, bath items, wooden crafts, jewelry, books, ornaments, and fresh cookies. The event adheres to state COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring a safe shopping experience.
Where: Winchendon | More Info: Holiday Bazaar & Cookie Sale at Unitarian Universalist Church
Worcester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at DCU Center
What to Expect:
Visually stunning concert with lasers, pyrotechnics, and classical rock elements.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings their electrifying holiday rock opera to DCU Center, featuring a story told through lasers, pyrotechnics, and music. The performance includes some of the band's greatest hits and a visually dazzling experience with giant video screens and a pyrotechnics display.
Where: Worcester | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at DCU Center
The Nutcracker at Hanover Theatre
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker at Hanover Theatre is a two-act ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, featuring live music from the Hanover Theatre Nutcracker Orchestra. The production includes dazzling lighting and scenery by Broadway designers, brilliant dancing, and vibrant costumes. The story revolves around Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift and enters a magical world where the Nutcracker and other characters come to life.
Where: Worcester | More Info: The Nutcracker at Hanover Theatre
A Magical Cirque Christmas at Hanover Theatre
What to Expect:
Acrobatic performances with holiday-themed storytelling.
Description:
A Cirque Christmas at Hanover Theatre features a spectacular blend of acrobatics, music, and storytelling, celebrating the holiday season with elegance and flair.
Where: Worcester | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas at Hanover Theatre
Mechanics Hall Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday music performed by a symphony orchestra with guest performers.
Description:
The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra presents a 43rd Annual Holiday Pops Concert at Mechanics Hall, featuring conductor Jorge Soto, vocal soloists Jane Shivick and Christon Carney, and special guest performers including the Salisbury Singers and Irish Step Dancers from the Murphy Academy of Irish Dance. This annual holiday extravaganza includes traditional favorites, light classics, and holiday gems.
Where: Worcester | More Info: Mechanics Hall Holiday Concert
Worcester Other Holiday Activities
Christmas by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Historical Christmas project demonstrations and decorated village.
Description:
At Christmas by Candlelight, immerse yourself in historical Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village. Watch classic Christmas project demonstrations, stroll through the decorated village, and enjoy live music and sweet treats.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight
Caroling with the Mayor in Gardner
What to Expect:
Caroling with the Mayor in a lively downtown setting.
Description:
Join the Mayor for a joyful caroling session in Downtown Gardner, accompanied by festive entertainment and food trucks.
Where: Gardner | More Info: Caroling with the Mayor in Gardner
Sturbridge Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Santa and local music performances.
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 Publick House and Hearthstone Market will be present, and there will be 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!
- Shrewsbury (5 miles)
- Marlborough (14 miles)
- Milford (17 miles)
- Leominster (18 miles)
- Framingham Center (19 miles)
- Framingham (20 miles)
- Fitchburg (22 miles)
- Natick (23 miles)
- Woonsocket (23 miles)
- Gardner (24 miles)
- Franklin (24 miles)
- Acton (24 miles)
- Wellesley (26 miles)
- Smithfield (27 miles)
- Cumberland (28 miles)
- Westford (29 miles)
- Needham (29 miles)
- Waltham (30 miles)
- Lincoln (30 miles)
- Newton (31 miles)
- Norwood (31 miles)
- Lexington (32 miles)
- Chelmsford (32 miles)
- Watertown (33 miles)
- Dedham (33 miles)
- Belmont (33 miles)
- North Providence (33 miles)
- Mansfield (34 miles)
- Johnston (34 miles)
- Billerica (34 miles)
- Pawtucket (34 miles)
- Canton (34 miles)
- Attleboro (34 miles)
- Arlington (35 miles)
- Jamaica Plain (35 miles)
- Brookline (35 miles)
- Ludlow (35 miles)
- Burlington (35 miles)
- Lowell (36 miles)
- Providence (36 miles)
- Woburn (36 miles)
- Winchester (36 miles)
- Cambridge (36 miles)
- Somerville (37 miles)
- Stoughton (37 miles)
- Medford (37 miles)
- Amherst (37 miles)
- Wilmington (38 miles)
- Tewksbury (38 miles)
- Milton (38 miles)
- Dracut (38 miles)
- East Providence (38 miles)
- Easton (38 miles)
- Cranston (38 miles)
- Boston (39 miles)
- Nashua (39 miles)
- South Boston (39 miles)
- Stoneham (39 miles)
- Malden (39 miles)
- Coventry (39 miles)
- Everett (40 miles)
- Randolph (40 miles)
- Melrose (40 miles)
- Chelsea (40 miles)
- Reading (40 miles)
- Mansfield City (41 miles)
- Wakefield (41 miles)
- Quincy (41 miles)
- Braintree (41 miles)
- North Chicopee (41 miles)
- Revere (42 miles)
- West Warwick (42 miles)
- Springfield (42 miles)
- Holyoke (42 miles)
- Chicopee (42 miles)
- Brockton (42 miles)
- Saugus (43 miles)
- Windham (43 miles)
- Northampton (43 miles)
- West Springfield (43 miles)
- Warwick (44 miles)
- Agawam (44 miles)
- Weymouth (44 miles)
- Taunton (44 miles)
- Merrimack (44 miles)
- Methuen (45 miles)