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Are you looking to plan cute “holi-dates” or fun family trips for the winter? Well, grab your mittens and hot cocoa and get ready to walk through this guide to the best holiday light displays near you.
Whether you enjoy driving through vibrant neighborhoods lit up with holiday cheer or strolling parks transformed by thousands of sparkling bulbs, our list of the top 5 holiday light displays in Central MA is sure to include activities everyone will enjoy.
Follow along with this blog to make your to-do list for holiday fun and check it twice! You don’t want to miss the Christmas magic these light shows bring.
A quick note before we dive in—many of these shows are enjoyed outdoors and require ticket purchase before entry, so dress and plan accordingly. Checking the weather, booking tickets online, and packing extra fluffy winter gear to stay cozy are all great ideas to keep your newest Christmas tradition free of hiccups.
Where to See Holiday Lights in Greater Worcester
Although Worcester attractions may gain less attention than those in Boston, these dazzling displays of LED brilliance have enough glitz and glamour to win over the Grinch himself!
1. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Take a “Journey to the Cosmos” at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” this year’s Starry-Skies-themed light show is truly out of this world!
Photo submitted by Telegram & Gazette
The perfect blend of elegant winter beauty and galactic glitter, this display features 15 acres of outdoor gardens, two indoor conservatories, and a visitor center adorned with colorful LED bulbs. The lights theme changes year to year, though, so plan a visit this winter. Visits normally last 1-3 hours, but visitors are welcome to stay until the park closes at 10 pm.
In addition to beautiful lights, guests can enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa, winter cocktails, and other treats at the Farmer and the Fork Cafe or finish up Christmas shopping at the Garden Shop.
- Schedule: The park is open daily from Nov 24 through Dec 31st, 4-10 pm, rain or shine.
- Tickets: Guests must purchase tickets in advance online. Prices range depending on the date and guest’s age with adult tickets starting at $25/person. Starting this year, you can also add a s’mores kit to your purchase that will be ready when you arrive.
- Address: 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA 01505-0598
2. Old Sturbridge Village: Christmas by Candlelight
Travel back in time while visiting Old Sturbridge Village’s “Christmas by Candlelight” adventure. Inspired by Old New England, this experience provides a historical take on the joys of the season with gingerbread-making demonstrations, live music and storytelling, and light decorations.
Photo by John Collins Photography
Grab a quick bite to eat at the Ox & Yoke Cafe before you take a romantic stroll—or horse-drawn carriage ride—through the brilliant twinkling lights of the Christmas Tree Trail. Don’t forget to stop at the nightly tree lighting ceremony and visit the village workshops to see artisan craft stockings, wooden toys, and more!
Before you hang up your jolly stockings for the night, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and watch the model train display on your way out.
- Schedule: The village and its activities are open on select evenings from Nov 24-, December 30, 2-8 pm, rain or shine.
- Tickets: Guests can choose to purchase tickets online for a discount or pay full price at the door; prices range with adults starting at $36.
- Address: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road Sturbridge, MA 01566
3. Red Apple Farm Winter Lights
Known for its famously delicious cider donuts, Red Apple Farm recently celebrated the first anniversary of its winter lights show. Although only their second year hosting the festive operation, the farm boasts an impressive display with over 200k+ holiday lights.
Photo by the Red Apple Farm
Make your dreams come true at the wishing well display and catch a glimpse of the glowing pumpkin patch as you wander through fields and orchards transformed by thousands of shimmering bulbs. The estimated time to make your way through the lights is 45 to 60 minutes.
Feeling hungry after all that walking? Enjoy hot drinks and wood-fired pizza at the BrewBarn restaurant and cidery open until the start of the last ticket slot at 8 pm. Or, pick up fudge and popcorn snacks in The Country Store.
- Schedule: The farm’s light show is open varying days of the week from November 24 to December 31, 4-9:30 pm. The last ticketed slot starts at 8 pm.
- Tickets: Buy tickets online or upon arrival at the farm. Tickets are $22 for guests 13 years and up (adults) and $16 for children aged 5-12 years. The farm also offers a family package with tickets for two adults, two children, and four apple ciders for $50.
- Address: 455 Highland Ave, Phillipston, MA 01331
4. Lancaster Celebration of Lights
If you’re in search of a merry family outing without freezing your toes off, admire the Lancaster Celebration of Lights from the warmth of your car.
Photo by New England Momma
This mile long drive-through guides guests through an enchanting path festooned with over one million mesmerizing lights. Be sure to snap a picture of the unforgettable 90-foot Christmas tree and multi-colored tunnel before you depart!
- Schedule: This celebration opens daily from Nov 24 through Dec 30, 5 pm-9 pm. Last admission time is 8:15 pm.
- Tickets: Prices vary depending on the day and where guests purchase passes. Tickets start at $21.99 per car when you buy online, while on-site purchase starts at $30.
- Address: 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster MA 01523.
5. Bright Nights at Forest Park
With over 7 million visitors since its grand opening in 1995, Bright Nights at Forest Park is the last—but certainly not least—on our list. Although technically in Western Mass, we couldn’t exclude one of People.com’s Top Ten Holiday Happenings in America from this post.
Bright Nights is another drive-through event with dozens of uniquely themed light displays. From the holiday inspired Seuss-land, Winter Garden, and Kwanzaa area, to a Jurassic World exhibit, this 3 mile stretch is filled will fun for everyone.
Make a pit stop to visit old Saint Nick at Santa’s Magical Forest or take a spin on the Winter Carousel on your adventure through the park. Then, grab dinner at the concession stand before you head home.
- Schedule: The park is open daily from Nov 22 through Jan 1, 5-10 pm, except on the holidays of Christmas/Christmas Eve, NYE, and New Year’s Day.
- Tickets: Tickets are $23 per car and must be purchased in advance. Discounts are available for Big Y members.
- Address: 300 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108
Thanks for joining us on our walk through the best light shows in Central Mass. We hope you enjoyed reading and scored some ideas for your winter bucket list. Now book tickets for these awesome festivities before they sell out!
