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Holiday Happenings

The holiday season is here, and MetroWest is brimming with festive events and activities to make your celebrations unforgettable! From enchanting light displays and seasonal markets to family-friendly performances and unique shopping experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to start new traditions or continue beloved ones, our guide to holiday happenings in MetroWest will help you make the most of this magical time of year.

Holiday Market at Happy Goats Farm Nov 30 (Holliston, MA) Don’t miss the 5th Annual Holiday Market on Saturday, November 30th, from 11 AM to 3 PM! Held rain or shine in the cozy greenhouse, this festive event features cuddly tiny goats, candle-making fun, and unique holiday gifts—perfect for kicking off the season in style!

Winter Wonderland at Southwick’s Zoo Nov 21 – Dec 29 (Mendon, MA) Take a magical journey through Southwick’s Zoo to view spectacular holiday lights and handcrafted displays, plus engaging performances. Join in a sing along with the Queen of Arendelle and the Spirit Queen. Laugh your way through the Holiday Variety Show, then meet St. Nicholas in Santa’s Barn.

Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village Nov 29 – Dec 30 (Sturbridge, MA) Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, and more.

16th Annual Festival of Trees at The Garden at Elm Bank Nov 29 – Dec 30 (Wellesley, MA) This holiday season, visitors to the Garden at Elm Bank can enjoy a magical experience. The walking path winds through illuminated gardens and an intricate train display, leading to historic trees, a festive scavenger hunt, and an exciting holiday tree raffle. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Festival of Trees serves as its largest annual fundraiser, supporting its mission and programs.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Block Party Dec 6 (Framingham, MA) The city of Framingham will host the 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Outdoor Holiday Block Party on Friday, December 6 5pm-8pm. The Holiday Block Party will extend from City Hall Plaza Down Union Avenue and include Free Digital Pictures, Hot Chocolate and Treats, Music, a Story Walk, Free Books, and more. All are welcome to watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in grand style atop a Framingham Fire Engine before lighting the tree.

Ayla Brown Christmas, Hopkinton Center for the Arts Dec 6 & 7 (Hopkinton, MA) Ring in the holidays with Ayla Brown’s fantastic mix of amazing music and storytelling.

Westborough Community Chorus Presents “Winter Festival” Dec 6 – 8 (Westborough, MA) Celebrate the season with the Westborough Community Chorus at their annual Winter Festival! Enjoy an evening of uplifting music, festive performances, and holiday cheer for the whole family. Featuring a variety of seasonal songs and entertainment, this event is a perfect way to kick off the holidays and support local arts.

A Christmas Carol, The Wayside Inn Dec 7, 13 & 14 (Sudbury, MA) Ring in the holidays with Charles Dicken’s classic tale at the historic Wayside Inn.

Ashland Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Dec 7 (Ashland, MA) Join the festive fun in downtown Ashland with a holiday stroll featuring local boutiques, pop-up shops, and seasonal activities at The Corner Spot. Enjoy marshmallow roasting, wreaths from the Boy Scouts, cookies from the Girl Scouts, hot chocolate, cider, noodles from Doragon Eatery, and a visit with Santa. End the evening with Ashland’s Annual Tree Lighting to kick off the holiday season!

Hudson Holiday Stroll Dec 7 (Hudson, MA) Enjoy a magical evening with festive activities, live music, a petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, delicious food from local restaurants, unique shopping opportunities, and fun games for all ages. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly event in downtown Hudson, rain or shine!

A Wreath of Franklin Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll Dec 7 (Franklin, MA) Enjoy specialty cocktails, family crafts, artisanal goodies, and live music as you ramble through town looking at all of the over-the-top wreaths decorated by local organizations and businesses, each designed to illustrate their own story of the season.

Marlborough Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Dec 8 (Marlborough, MA) A holiday stroll worthy of 300 years of history! As this tricentennial year winds down, this event will be heating things up. There will be excitement throughout town with holiday cheer for everyone and a fabulous trolly to take you all over town!

The Grinch Interactive Experience at Lookout Farm Dec 13 (South Natick, MA) Delight in a family-friendly adventure filled with holiday cheer, whimsical activities, and a chance to meet the Grinch himself!

Claflin Hill Holiday Pops Concert Dec 14 (Milford, MA) Celebrate winter’s magic with the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra and Greater Milford Community Chorus. The warm sounds of the holidays will fill the Grand Ballroom with festive seasonal favorites, including a holiday sing-along and a visit from jolly ol’ St. Nick!

Breakfast with Santa at The VERVE Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Dec 15 (Natick, MA) Savor a delicious breakfast buffet, meet Santa, and create magical holiday memories with family and friends. Reservations are required, so secure your spot today!

Holiday Market Edition of the Holliston Farmers Market Dec 15 (Holliston, MA) inside the Holliston Mill! Browse an array of local vendors offering unique gifts, seasonal goodies, and handmade crafts, all perfect for the holidays. Enjoy live music, warm drinks, and the joyful community atmosphere as we ring in the festive season together.

Kwanzaa 2024 Dec 19 (Medway, Ma) Join Medway Marches at the Thayer Homestead for a vibrant night of Kwanzaa celebration and education! This year’s event will feature crafts, music, dance, and delicious food, making for an unforgettable evening. Casual attire is encouraged, with bonus points for African or Kwanzaa-themed outfits. Bring your appetite, creativity, and dancing shoes for a joyful celebration of culture and community. Reserve your tickets now

Winter Solstice Celebration: The Joy of Light! with April Ropes & Lisa Campbell Dec 21 (Hudson, MA) Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Synergy Wellness Center with an evening of guided meditation, energy healing, and solstice empowerment. Create a nature-inspired healing mandala, enjoy a candle-lit meditation circle, and receive a hands-on solstice attunement and gift to honor the return of the sun and rekindle your inner light.

Community Menorah Lightings Dec 25 – Jan 2
Below, are a list of public menorah lightings, their times, and places. Join your neighbors for one or all of the lightings. All the public menorah lightings are Free of Charge. Open to the public… of every background, affiliation or denomination!

During each lighting ceremony: