Christmas by Candlelight
/ Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
The region's living history museum - Old Sturbridge Village - offers visitors a lookback at Christmas traditions of the 19th century. The Village offers evenings filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common.
At North Pole Village, families will find Santa and his whimsical elves, Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop, a magical talking Christmas tree, and an expanded train display, including some of the trains from the movie ?Joy. Escape the frenzy of a modern Christmas with an enchanted visit to Old Sturbridge Village. +discover
Sleigh Rides and Fireplace Feasts
/Salem Cross Inn, West Brookfield
Warm up with Fireplace Feasts at the historic Salem Cross Inn, a unique dining experience which includes prime rib roasted in a great fieldstone fireplace using an antique 1700's roasting jack. Depending on the weather, visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride on the property's beautiful 600-plus acres of farmland.
The Inn also hosts plays (Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales), traditional turkey and farmer dinners in its antique barn. Also mark your calendars for their NYE celebration. +discover
Skating Under the Lights
/Worcester Common, Worcester
The Oval, a 12,000-square-foot ice rink located in the center of historic Worcester Common, is open all season. Affordable rates, skate rentals, and concessions make this the perfect winter day trip! +discover
Holiday Strolls in Historic Homes
/Worcester Historical Museum, Worcester
View uniquely themed holidays trees throughout one of Worcester's most historic houses along with local florist arrangements and encounter docents who will share the story of the Salisburys and their impact on the Worcester of today. Candlelight tours Fridays in December from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. +discover
Boston Pops Holiday Tour
/ The Hanover Theatre for Performing Arts, Worcester
Capturing the magic of the Christmas season and the winter charms of New England, the Boston Pops will perform their signature Sleigh Ride, as well as other Holiday classics, and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. +discover
Winter Reimagined
/ New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, West Boylston
See winter in a whole new light! The entire family will enjoy this magnificent light extravaganza at the breath-taking New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, which opens on November 25. Check for special programs and events before you book your weekend getaway to Central Massachusetts! +discover
A Dickens' Christmas
/ Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, Worcester
The 10th annual production of A Christmas Carol returns to The Hanover Theatre for Performing Arts from December 15 until 23 with more magic than ever. Warm your hard with Troy Siebels lavish and innovative adapation of Charles Dicken's holiday classic. +tickets on sale
Holiday Happenings at the Winery
/ Hardwick Winery, Hardwick
Drink and be merry at Central Massachusetts' award-winning winery! Winter sangria, hot mulled wine, and a New Year's Eve celebration are some of the holiday happenings to check out when in the region. +discover
Celebrate the Holidays on a Farm
/ Heifer Farm, Rutland
/ Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn, Spencer
Bring the entire family to celebrate the holidays at Heifer Farm and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Hayrides, homemade soup, hot cocoa and cider make this tradition a must-do this season! Families can decorate gingerbread cookies, make international crafts and shop at the farm's gift store. The farm holds a Holiday Open House on December 9-10. +discover
Get yourself in the Christmas spirit any time of year at the Oakwood Christmas Barn, in operation for over 40 years. Head to the 160 year old barn to grab a mug of hot homemade cider while you wander through a gazebo bursting with vintage ornaments and dazzling Christmas trim. +discover
Take to the Slopes!
/ Wachusett Mountain, Princeton
/ Ski Ward, Shrewsbury
Enjoy family-friendly ski resorts for all skill levels--complete with skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, indoor restaurants and plenty of hot cocoa! +discover wachusett mountain or +discover ski ward
