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Old Sturbridge Village, Christmas by Candlelight
December 28, 2022 @ 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST
An event every day that begins at 2:00 pm, repeating until December 30, 2022
Do you have family visiting for the holidays? Are you looking for something fun to do while the kids are out of school? Christmas by Candlelight continues after Christmas, December 27th–30th and tickets are still available! See demonstrations of a variety of festive projects, learn about the origins of many now-classic holiday traditions, listen to Christmas carols, stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail, and so much more. Guests can even sample sweet treats like mulled cider and Polvorones!
Take in the Sights of Christmas
Enjoy the sights of Christmas throughout the Village as you explore our 200-acre campus decorated for the season. Wander down the Christmas Tree Trail and through the Christmas Wish Bridge. Take a ride on the horse-drawn carry-all. Enjoy a nightly lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm. View an intricate 500+ piece miniature nativity scene and a model train display. Warm up by the bonfire. Visit with Santa Claus. You can even see recreated Christmas decor from the 1830s, 1850s, and 1870s in the Salem Towne House!
See Holiday Traditions Recreated
Learn about the origins of many now cherished holiday traditions and watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects like baking gingerbread, mulling cider, knitting Christmas stockings, making marzipan, punching tin, and more. Several simple take-home craft kits will be available to pick up during the program and directions for some other DIY projects and recipes will be posted online at a later date.
Enjoy Stories and Live Music
Every night of Christmas by Candlelight, listen to live festive music by both costumed interpreters and outside guests. More details will be available at a later date.
You can also catch a magic show with family-favorite Magician Bob Olson or enjoy readings of classic Christmas stories. There will also be readings of “The Nativity Gospel of Saint Luke” and “The Nativity Gospel of Saint Matthew.”
Gingerbread House Contest
The Gingerbread House Contest is an annual tradition at Christmas by Candlelight! Create and register your own gingerbread house in one of several categories or simply view the creative handiwork of others when you visit the Village during Christmas by Candlelight. Judges pick the category winners and visitors vote for the “Best in Show.”
Enter this year’s contest and be entered to win one of three family memberships to the Village (a $105 value)!* Entry deadline is November 18th – click here to learn more and enter.
*Active members who win can either extend their membership for a free year or gift a one-year family membership to a family of their choice.
Holiday Shopping
Find unique souvenirs, gifts, and more at the Village during Christmas by Candlelight! Be sure to stop by the Miner Grant Store or Ox & Yoke Mercantile for an assortment of Village-made redware pottery and tin products, Christmas decor, craft kits, books, and so much more. Plus, save the date for the following special shopping events:
Pre-registration is required and tickets sell fast! Click here to purchase tickets.
December 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2022
Times: 2 – 8 PM
Cost: $32 for adults and $16 for youth (4-17); Purchase early and SAVE 10-20 percent!
