Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

The glow of candlelight, the sound of carolers, and the scent of mulled cider are set to fill the air once again as one of New England’s most cherished holiday traditions makes its return. Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village will welcome visitors back starting November 28, 2025, and running select evenings through December 30.

For more than two decades, Old Sturbridge Village Christmas has offered families and history lovers an enchanting way to celebrate the season by stepping back nearly 200 years into an old-fashioned New England village aglow with festive warmth.

Guests can wander the candlelit streets of the 200-acre living history museum, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through gently falling snow, and watch as the 4:30 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony fills the town common with golden light. As dusk settles, the entire village transforms into a storybook scene with firelit kitchens, costumed historians, and the timeless melodies of traditional carols drifting through the crisp winter air.

“Christmas by Candlelight offers a truly unique way to celebrate the season by slowing down and stepping back in time,” said Rhys Simmons, Director of Interpretation at Old Sturbridge Village. “We’re proud to provide an experience that blends New England charm, history, and holiday spirit in a way that delights families year after year.”

That connection to simpler times is part of what makes this event so special. Visitors can explore 19th-century crafts like pottery, printing, and tinmaking as costumed artisans demonstrate the tools and techniques of early New England trades. Children can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in their cozy cabin, marvel at an expansive model train display, or create their own keepsake craft to take home.

Each evening, the Christmas Tree Trail sparkles with more than 100 decorated evergreens, leading visitors to the Wish Bridge, where hundreds of handwritten wishes hang from the railings as a touching symbol of holiday hope and community.

Live music sets the mood throughout the village as local performers bring to life Upon a Midnight Clear: An Acoustic New England Christmas, presented by ClockJack Productions. Guests can enjoy classic carols and new favorites while they stroll from building to building, pausing to warm their hands by outdoor fire pits or sip steaming mugs of cocoa or cider.

The aromas of hearth-side baking drift through the air as interpreters prepare gingerbread and other period dishes over open flames. Visitors can savor hearty soups and stews or stop at the Ox & Yoke Mercantile, where one-of-a-kind holiday gifts such as handmade pottery, tin ornaments, and spiced candies line the shelves.

A highlight for many families, the annual Gingerbread House Contest returns this year, showcasing dozens of imaginative edible creations. Guests can vote for their favorite display or even enter their own confectionery masterpiece by November 16.

Beyond the seasonal nostalgia, Christmas by Candlelight also highlights multicultural holiday celebrations, with this year’s exhibits focusing on French-Canadian traditions that reflect the diverse heritage of New England.

The event runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on select dates: November 28–30 and December 5–7, 12–14, 19–23, and 27–30. Timed entry slots start at 2, 3, 4, and 5 p.m. Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly. Purchasing in advance online before November 28 is recommended for the best pricing.

As winter settles over Massachusetts, Old Sturbridge Village once again invites visitors to experience the warmth, light, and spirit of a New England Christmas illuminated by hundreds of candles, cherished memories, and timeless traditions.

For tickets and more information, visit oldsturbridgevillage.org.