Holiday Traditions in Western Mass

There’s nothing quite like the holidays in Western Mass. In every corner, there is a chance to soak in the holiday cheer!

This year marks the 25^th season of Bright Nights in Springfield. The light show was born in 1995 by Patrick Sullivan Director of parks, buildings and recreation management, alongside Judy Matt, President of The Spirit of Springfield. Since its start, Bright Nights continues to provide fond memories for families during the holidays.

This year you can expect to see a new display, honoring MGM Springfield. It will feature 4,728-LED lights displaying lions leaping and roaring. The park opens November 27^th and runs through January 5th, 2020.

MGM Springfield kicks off the holiday season with the return of The Ice Rink at MGM Plaza, opening on Monday, November 25! The ice rink will open on The Plaza outside of Kringle Candle. It will operate from November 25^th until January 27^th. You must be five years of age and at least 42 inches tall to skate. Rentals and tickets are available on site.

The Spirit of Springfield will host its Annual Parade of Big Balloons in Downtown Springfield on November 29^th. Join the crowd in welcoming the holiday season to Western Mass and watch Santa as he lands atop of the Springfield Fire Department Ladder #1 located at 605 Worthington St. The parade will begin at 11 am at 1500 Main Street and is estimated to attract 70k people!

Immediately following the parade, the MassMutual Center, located at 1277 Main Street, presents the Annual Festival Of Trees. Continue with the holiday cheer and take a stroll through the magical Christmas tree forest. The festival takes place from November 29th through December 15th on Wednesdays through Sunday each week.

All 130 trees, donated by local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals, are decorated uniquely. Some trees are worth $3,000 and have prizes hanging from them! Enter the raffle for the chance to win one of these spectacular treasures. Funds gained by the event allow the Springfield Boys & Girls Club to provide membership, sport, and enrichment activities for the 2,294 youth served each year.

SSO said they would get those sleigh bells “jingling, ring-ting-tingling” on December 7^th at 7:30 pm! Rock the house at Symphony Hall with the orchestra lead by Maestro Nick Palmer alongside the Young@Heart Chorus. Purchase tickets.

Santa returns to his workshop on November 30^thand will arrive by helicopter to Yankee Candle Village. Welcome him as he returns to the workshop to assist the elves. The festivities will begin at 10 am and go until 5 pm. Don’t miss your chance to tell Santa what you want for Christmas! Only good boys and girls allowed.

Celebrate the holidays with your favorite Looney Tunes characters. It is sure to be a unique experience at Six Flags New England as the park dresses up in holiday décor. Meet toy soldiers, sing along with roaming and charismatic carolers, peek at what’s hiding under the tree, and visit the North Pole where Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will greet you! For more information.