Old Sturbridge Village, Christmas by Candlelight

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Experience old cherished traditions and create new ones as you celebrate the season during Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village! Explore the beautifully decorated Village, watch a nightly lighting ceremony, stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge, watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, visit with Santa, taste samples of sweet treats, enjoy live music and storytelling, and so much more.

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.

2022 Vermont Covered Bridge Ornament

This year’s collectible ornament features the Vermont Covered Bridge as seen during Christmas by Candlelight! This intricate, keepsake ornament is hand-painted by ornament artist Stephanie Guzik-Lendrum of Cedar + Pearl Heirloom Decor.

2023 Wall Calendar

Both useful and decorative, this year’s wall calendar features a textile theme, complete with photos of fabrics, trims, yarn goods, and more from the Village.

Pre-registration is required and tickets sell fast! Click here to purchase tickets.



November 25, 26, 27, and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2022

Times: 2 – 8 PM

Cost: $32 for adults and $16 for youth (4-17); GET TICKETS