Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

Christmas by Candlelight
Tickets are on sale now at the lowest prices of the season!
Come experience the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village. Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, and more. We hope your family will join us, as we celebrate a very special time of year.
Are you looking to book a bus tour or another large group? Group tour reservations for Christmas by Candlelight 2024 are now being accepted! Email osvtours@osv.org for more details.
Have a question? Check out our FAQ.
NEW IN 2024:
Enjoy the magic of the season any time AND as many times as you would like during the 2024 season by joining the all-new Candlelight Club! Limited passes are available.
Embark on a musical journey through the 19th century with Upon a Midnight Clear: An Acoustic New England Christmas presented by ClockJack Productions. This 30-minute performance in the Stephen M. Brewer Theater features New England singer-songwriters re-interpreting Christmas carols from the 19th century accompanied by guitar, violin, piano, accordion, and mandolin. Featured tunes include “Silent Night” (1838), “Joy to the World: (1839), “O Holy Night” (1848), “Up On the Housetop” (1860), and “What Child is This?” (1865). A narrator will also share short stories about the origins of each song.
Visit Santa’s Cabin, featuring scenes of Santa visiting the Village and the jolly old fellow himself!
Learn about winter holidays around the world in a new exhibit.
Sparkling Sights & Festive Decorations
Come see the Village decorated for the season! Glowing lanterns and twinkling string lights will guide you as you stroll along the Christmas Tree Trail and across the Wish Bridge. Every night there will be a lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Plus, each historical home is adorned for the season inside and out.
Cozy Christmas Traditions
Discover the origins and evolution of traditions like nutcrackers, Christmas stockings, Christmas tree ornaments, Christmas gifts, teddy bears, dolls, and more. Sample sweet treats like mulled cider and gingerbread in select buildings. In the Richardson House, learn about an assortment of Italian Christmas traditions. See a spectacular miniature nativity featuring 600+ pieces. Explore the history of other winter holidays as well!
Man playing mandolin while sitting next to decorative Christmas tree.
Merry Music
Hear the sounds of familiar seasonal songs and sing along! Village favorites such as “Up on the Housetop” and others were written in New England in the 1800s. NEW this year, embark on a musical journey through the 19th century with Upon a Midnight Clear – An Acoustic New England Christmas presented by ClockJack Productions! View Musical Act Lineup here
magic show
Storytelling & More
Hear readings of The Nativity Gospel of Saint Luke, The Nativity Gospel of Saint Matthew, Un Coquí from Boriquén, and The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story. Plus, for children of all ages can enjoy a lively and entertaining magic show.
Delicious Delights
Warm up with cup of soup, or stew. Relax and treat yourself to a festive hot cocoa, cider, or signature drink. Be sure to save room for, or plan to take home Village-baked cookies and fudge. Menu coming soon!
Meet Santa & See Model Trains
Meet Old Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus in their all-new charming cabin. A great photo opportunity! Hear the tiny whistle of tiny trains and watch a full display of model trains.
Man sitting down making a wooden toy.Creative Crafts
See our tinners making pierced tin lanterns, visit with the printer, watch the potter spin clay, see stockings being knit, and the cabinet makers crafting wooden toys. Plus, there will be free craft kits for you to take home!
Shop for Unique Gifts
From Village-made pottery and tin, to candy, spices, and ornaments, bring home a memory from your visit. Plan to check-off your shopping list as there are many stocking stuffers and unique items to discover. Ox & Yoke Mercantile, located right outside the Visitor Center, opens at 10:00 a.m. every date of Christmas by Candlelight! Or shop online today for delivery in time for the holidays.
A gingerbread rendition of a meetinghouse with a horse drawn carryall
Gingerbread House Contest
A Christmas by Candlelight tradition! Be dazzled by the creative entries to our annual Gingerbread House Contest, and vote for your favorite!
We’re currently accepting entries for the 2024 contest; Learn more here.
1830s dressed women walking at night carrying lantern,
Exclusive Members-Only Day
Members of Old Sturbridge Village can enjoy an intimate evening of Christmas by Candlelight on Sunday, December 1st. Each Member adult ticket purchase allows up to three youth admitted for free. Not a member? Membership is the gift that keeps giving all year long. Explore the benefits of membership.

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