You Won't Want to Miss These Events
November is the season of gratitude and giving, and with the holiday season right around the corner, it's fitting that there are fantastic events that highlight local makers. Here are two you need to know about to shop high-end, one of a kind gifts:
botanic garden seasonal delights
Discover two enchanting events at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA. Gnomevember (November 1–30, 2025) invites visitors to explore whimsical garden gnomes crafted by local artists, each with a unique personality and story. Night Lights: Dazzling Gardens (November 22, 2025–January 4, 2026) transforms the garden into a winter wonderland with over half a million lights, festive activities, and themed nights.
Gnomevember at New England Botanic Garden
- New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
- Recurring daily
The gnomes return! Visit New England Botanic Garden this fall to explore a whimsical world of garden gnomes! Visiting from near and far, the Garden’s cast of specially designed and crafted gnomes…
Night Lights: Dazzling Gardens
- New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
- Recurring daily
Experience Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden, one of the region’s most dazzling winter light displays! Revel in the wonder of the winter season with friends, family, and half a million…
Division 1 football in Central MA
Join the action on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as the Holy Cross Crusaders host the Lafayette Leopards with kickoff at 1 p.m. at Fitton Field in Worcester, MA. Marking 2025 Family Weekend, and Salute to Service Military Appreciation Day, the game features special recognition of service members alongside energetic campus-spirit fervor and Senior Day celebrations. Tickets start at $28, making this an accessible, lively outing for football fans. Arrive early to join pre-game tailgating, soak up the action, and honor the military while experiencing high-intensity D1 collegiate football.
Worcester Art Museum hosts Diwali day
Celebrate Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, at the Worcester Art Museum on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy free admission to the museum, thanks to the India Society of Worcester. Experience vibrant Indian dance and music performances, art-making activities, henna art, and traditional cuisine. This event marks the 10th year of collaboration between the India Society of Worcester and the museum, offering a rich cultural experience for all ages.
world-class music and dance
Experience world-class performances in Worcester this November. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, renowned violinist Kyung Wha Chung graces Mechanics Hall at 4:00 PM, delivering a recital with pianist Kevin Kenner. Tickets range from $15 to $84. On Friday, November 7, 2025, the Orchestre National de France, conducted by Cristian Măcelaru, performs at 8:00 PM at Mechanics Hall, featuring pianist Daniil Trifonov. Tickets range from $75 to $124. Also on November 7, Complexions Contemporary Ballet takes the stage at 7:30 PM at The Hanover Theatre, showcasing their innovative dance style. Tickets range from $49 to $79. Each event offers a unique cultural experience in Worcester's historic venues.
magical moments with The Nutcracker
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory in Worcester, MA, invites children to enjoy Cookies & Tea with Clara at 10:30 AM, featuring storytelling, dancing, and treats. The beloved ballet The Nutcracker follows, with performances on November 29–30 and December 5–7, 2025. Tickets range from $52–$72, offering families a full holiday experience that combines interactive fun for kids with the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, making it a festive must-see.
The Nutcracker
Kick off your holiday season Thanksgiving weekend with a spectacular treat for the whole family! Experience the dazzling lighting and scenery by Broadway designers! Featuring live music from The…
comic book meets classic tale
Experience Frankenstein: A Living Comic Book, a dynamic stage production that reimagines Mary Shelley's classic tale through immersive comic book design and theatrical techniques. This electrifying show blends visual storytelling with live performance, exploring themes of creation and responsibility. Recommended for ages 7 and up, it's an engaging experience for families and fans of the original novel. Attend on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM at The Center at Eagle Hill in Hardwick, MA. Tickets range from $15 to $25.
Middle Eastern music celebration
"A Cultural Mosaic: Live Music & Dance" is a vibrant celebration of Middle Eastern heritage, featuring Armenian, Turkish, and Arabic music, belly dance performances, and traditional line dancing. Held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC). General admission tickets are $32, with premium seating at $42 per seat.
From this JMAC Presenter: Be transported back to the 1970s and 1980s when Middle Eastern restaurants and nightclubs were hopping seven nights a week in New England!…
sensory-friendly hockey experience
The Worcester Railers' Autism Acceptance Game on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 3:05 PM at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, offers a sensory-friendly environment tailored for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Features include reduced audio-visual stimuli, a "Cool Down Zone," and $10 kids' tickets with adult purchase.
Autism Acceptance Day returns to the DCU Center on Sunday, November 9th! The Railers will be offering an evening with decreased auditory and visual stimulation for…
the holiday season has begun
The American Patchwork Quartet's performance on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Prior Performing Arts Center in Worcester, MA, is a must-see event. This Grammy-nominated ensemble blends jazz, Hindustani classical, and Americana, offering a unique musical experience. Tickets range from $35 to $59. The venue's intimate setting enhances the performance, making it a memorable evening for music enthusiasts.
A potent symbol of unity in diversity, the American Patchwork Quartet draws influences from American folk, jazz and country as well as West African and East Asian…
Follow the yellow brick road to Hanover Theatre
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, The Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA, presents two events perfect for fans of the upcoming Wicked movie. At 4:00 PM, enjoy a screening of The Wizard of Oz, the classic film that inspired the Wicked series. Then, at 7:00 PM, join the Wicked Sing-Along, where you can belt out favorites like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” with fellow fans. Both events are general admission, with tickets priced at $10 for The Wizard of Oz and $20 for the Wicked Sing-Along. These events offer a magical way to celebrate the beloved stories ahead of the Wicked movie premiere.
The Wizard of Oz
Relive the magic and wonder of one of the most beloved films of all time. Rated G Join Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they embark on an unforgettable adventure…
Wicked Sing-Along
Step into the magical world of Wicked like never before with a special sing along! Rated PG Belt out your favorite songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” as you watch Elphaba and Glinda on…
Thanksgiving done for you
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at Beechwood Hotel’s annual buffet on Thursday, November 27th. Enjoy a gourmet spread featuring roasted turkey, prime rib, seafood, and seasonal sides. Seatings are available at 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. Adults $89; children 6–12 $26; under 6 dine free.
*UPDATE* Thanksgiving Seatings are at Full Capacity. Thank you to everyone who has made a reservation! This Thanksgiving Day, gather with those you hold most dear at…
holiday gift shopping events
Kick off your holiday gift shopping with two local events. On Saturday, November 29, visit the Barn at Blackstone National in Sutton, MA from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a free artisan fair featuring handcrafted goods and unique gifts. From Friday through Sunday, November 28–30, the Worcester Center for Crafts hosts its Holiday Festival of Crafts. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, with $5 admission, showcasing over 50 juried craft artists and a festive marketplace perfect for finding special gifts.
Holiday Festival of Crafts
Once a year, the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving, the Worcester Center for Crafts is transformed into a European-style holiday marketplace complete with twinkly lights and the…
Blackstone National
Join Us for the Artisan Fair! Celebrate creativity and community this Small Business Saturday with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. FREE ENTRY for shoppers! Explore handcrafted goods, unique…
the holiday season has begun
Kick off your holiday season with an electrifying holiday rock-opera experience with Trans‑Siberian Orchestra! On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the show hits the DCU Center, with two performances at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Ticket prices start around $69, offering a magical night of music and light.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) returns to Worcester this holiday season with an all-new production of their timeless holiday rock opera, "The Ghosts of Christmas…
more to explore
Handmade Holiday Gift Guide
Discover Specialty Shops Vaillancourt Folk Art 9 Main Street #1H, Sutton Vaillancourt Folk Art started in 1984 when the…
Holiday Season Travel Options in Central MA
Planes Worcester Regional Airport acts as a transportation nucleus for Central Mass. and the surrounding regions. Major…
Where to Shop in Central Massachusetts
explore our shopping guides Start your holiday shopping season by looking at our curated guides and itineraries…
Christmas Tree Farms in Central MA
Source: Bell Brook Farm; Photo by Joe Gonzalez-Dufresne Bell Brook Farm West Brookfield, MA With fresh cut trees…
Events Calendar
Explore the premier events calendar for Central Massachusetts. From local events this week to the big annual events & cultural festivals - sort by dates and filter by categories to find fun things to do in Central Massachusetts.