Christmas By Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is kicking off its season early this year with pre-sale tickets available to members starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 13. The popular holiday event will return with dates in November and December, inviting visitors to step into the past and celebrate New England holiday traditions of the 19th century and today.

Christmas by Candlelight makes a great family activity while guests are in town, a way to get in the spirit after a day of shopping, or a fun way to spend the afternoon with the kids when they are on school vacation.

This year’s event will see the return of many favorite holiday activities, always with a new spin. Start planning your visit today and save big while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Enchantment abounds 

Old Sturbridge Village’s 200-acre campus will be decorated for the holiday season. Guests can wander the Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge or watch the evening come to life at a lighting ceremony every night at 4:30 p.m., ride in the horse-drawn carry-all around the Village Common, visit the 500+ piece nativity set in the Friends Meetinghouse and view Christmas décor from the 19th century. Thanks to special contributions from Oakwood Farms Christmas Barn in Spencer, the Asa Knight Store will feature the history of glass ornaments. Our cabinetmaker will be crafting wooden toys and gifts and the tinners will be punching tin lanterns. Take in the sights and smells of holiday baking at the Freeman Farmhouse, visit with the farm animals, and so much more!

Get hands-on with crafts

There will be holiday craft activities for young and old, or try candle dipping for an additional fee. The households throughout the Village will feature various traditional craft demonstrations including making woolen ornaments, making marzipan treats, knitting Christmas stockings, baking cakes, punching tin lanterns, making pottery, and more.

Hear stories of the season

Listen to readings of The Nativity Gospel of Saint Luke and The Nativity Gospel of Saint Matthew in the Friends Meetinghouse or hear classic Christmas tales being told such as The Night Before Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and English and Spanish readings of Un Cocqui de Boriquen, a Puerto Rican children’s story.

Enjoy live music and magic

See historical musical performances around the Village including our costumed historians playing various instruments, The OSV Singers (on Sundays), and different local performers each night. There is also a not-to-be-missed magic show with Bob Olsen in the Dennison Gallery!

Find festive foods

Enjoy hot foods and beverages at various locations throughout the museum, including treats that you’ll see being made in the Village. Sample mulled cider, gingerbread, and other favorites of the season. Visit the Bullard Tavern Café and Patio for hearty soups, hot sandwiches, festive desserts, hot and cold beverages, and specialty cocktails. Or enjoy a treat from one of our concession stands in the Countryside or on the Common. There’s also the Ox & Yoke Café with soups, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages on your way into or out of the Village.

Gingerbread house contest 

An annual favorite, enter our Gingerbread house baking contest and put your creation on display. Families, professionals, home bakers are all welcome and guests can vote for their favorites!

Holiday Express model trains 

Come see what the Worcester Model Rail Roaders have in store this year with their charming display of miniature trains.

Visits with Santa  

Santa Claus will make an appearance each night for little ones to tell him their special Christmas wish. Come make a craft and meet with the jolly man himself!

Holiday shopping 

This year we are proud to have expanded our offering of unique handcrafted holiday items available at the Miner Grant Store and the Ox & Yoke Mercantile each evening during the event. Find craft kits, books, clothing, bath and body, and Village-made ware for your gift-giving list. 

New this year! 

Enjoy a members-only night on November 26! There will be a reduced capacity for the evening. Enjoy the Village with less crowds and more fun!

For more information and to order tickets, visit osv.org.