November 17–December 8
Methuen Festival of Trees (Methuen)
The Festival of Trees has been a marvel of the Merrimack Valley for over two decades. Featuring over 240 trees, wreaths, and displays that you could win, this family celebration has something for everyone.
November 18–January 1
Edaville Festival of Lights (Carver)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is one of the most-loved festivals of its kind, with generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax in warm, dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides, Thomas Land rides, and a visit with Santa. Enjoy a meal or seasonal treats while roaming Edaville’s sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays.
November 23–December 31
ZooLights at Stone Zoo (Stoneham | 5–9 p.m.)
ZooLights promises to dazzle visitors of all ages this holiday season. Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to bald eagles, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Plus, meet Stone Zoo’s reindeer up close during nightly photo opportunities.
November 23–December 9
Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Festival of Trees (Wellesley)
The Festival of Trees, displayed in the Hunnewell Carriage House, offers beautifully decorated holiday trees that are donated and decorated by local businesses, garden clubs, and individuals. Visitors “vote” with their raffle tickets, in hopes of being the tree winner at the end of the festival. Visitors can enjoy the decorated buildings and grounds at Elm Bank with a stroll or a horse-drawn wagon ride. For the young at heart, there is a pajama story time, Santa visits, and kids’ craft workshops.
November 24
Lowell City of Lights (Lowell | 2–10 p.m.)
Ring in the holidays in downtown Lowell with this year’s City of Lights parade and holiday celebration! Take the afternoon to stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, and the crowd favorite — a hot chocolate competition! The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza — the City of Lights parade and city hall lighting — which marks the city’s official start to the holiday season!
November 26
Charles Hotel Tree Lighting (Cambridge | 4–6 p.m.)
Join for the lighting of the Harvard Square holiday trees! Shake Shack will be providing complimentary beverages. At 4 p.m., children can help decorate the trees with ornaments and bow ties from Vineyard Vines. Santa Claus’ jazz band will perform at 5 p.m., and the tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m., followed by a visit from Santa! The performances will continue until 6:30 p.m., allowing everyone a chance to visit with Santa.
November 26
Copley Square Tree Lighting (Boston | 5–6 p.m.)
The free event will feature appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph, along with musical performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, the Boston Pops Brass Quintet, and Berklee College of Music students Britani Washington and Sam Robbins. Festivities will continue in and around Copley Square on November 27. The Boston Public Library and The Catered Affair will host a Storytime and Candy Cane Tea at the library from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event is free, but reservations are required by calling (617) 859-2272.
November 27
Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular (Boston | 7:30 p.m.)
The official Blink! Tree Lighting takes place on November 27 during the live broadcast on WBZ-TV/CBS Boston at 7:30 p.m. It will feature appearances by Santa Claus, The City of Boston Community Choir, holiday singers, and the official flipping of the switch to illuminate thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to music.
November 28–January 1
Blink! (Boston | 4:30 p.m.)
Blink!, the world-famous light and sound show, will return to deck the halls this holiday season at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Blink! features the signature holiday tree at Marketplace Center joined by other trees and lights throughout the property. This year’s Blink! show features six holiday favorites. Performances run from 4:30–10 pm daily through January 1, 2019.
December 7
Downtown Haverhill Christmas Stroll (Haverhill | 5–8 p.m.)
Kick off the holiday season with the 2018 Christmas Stroll! The event will include family-friendly activities, including cookie decorating, ornament making, and live music with performances by local artists. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a ride on the Haverhill Bank Express Trolley or visit Santa’s Workshop to meet Santa and some of his elves. Enjoy the spirit of the season with holiday music performed by wandering carolers and a saxophone quartet. The highlight of the evening will be the official tree lighting with Santa in Washington Square.
