Christmas by Candlelight

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. Sparkling Sights &amp; Festive Decorations Come see the Village decorated for the season! Glowing lanterns and twinkling string lights will guide you as you stroll through dozens of historical buildings, along the Christmas Tree Trail, and across the Wish Bridge. Every night there will be a lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Plus, take a ride on the horse-drawn carryall while singing the songs of the season! Cozy Christmas Traditions Discover the origins and evolution of traditions like nutcrackers, Christmas stockings, Christmas gifts, toys, and more. Sample sweet treats like mulled cider and gingerbread. See a spectacular miniature nativity featuring 600+ pieces. Explore the history of other winter holidays as well! PLUS: One of the traditions of Christmas by Candlelight is exploring Christmas traditions from a different culture each year in one of our historical buildings, this year we will highlight some French-Canadian traditions! 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. PLUS, embark on a musical journey through the 19th century with Upon a Midnight Clear – An Acoustic New England Christmas presented by ClockJack Productions! Santa, Storytelling, and More Meet Old Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus in their charming cabin. A great photo opportunity! Hear the tiny whistle of tiny trains and watch a full display of model trains. Children of all ages can also enjoy classic holiday stories. 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 &amp; Yoke Mercantile, located right outside the Visitor Center, opens at 1:00 p.m.! Or shop online today for delivery in time for the holidays. Creative Crafts See our tinner at work, 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!

Old Sturbridge Village

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. Sparkling Sights &amp; Festive Decorations Come see the Village decorated for the season! Glowing lanterns and twinkling string lights will guide you as you stroll through dozens of historical buildings, along the Christmas Tree Trail, and across the Wish Bridge. Every night there will be a lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Plus, take a ride on the horse-drawn carryall while singing the songs of the season! Cozy Christmas Traditions Discover the origins and evolution of traditions like nutcrackers, Christmas stockings, Christmas gifts, toys, and more. Sample sweet treats like mulled cider and gingerbread.&nbsp;See a spectacular miniature nativity featuring 600+ pieces. Explore the history of other winter holidays as well! PLUS: One of the traditions of Christmas by Candlelight is exploring Christmas traditions from a different culture each year in one of our historical buildings, this year we will highlight some French-Canadian traditions! 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. PLUS, embark on a musical journey through the 19th century with Upon a Midnight Clear – An Acoustic New England Christmas presented by ClockJack Productions! Santa, Storytelling, and More Meet Old Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus in their charming cabin. A great photo opportunity! Hear the tiny whistle of tiny trains and watch a full display of model trains. Children of all ages can also enjoy classic holiday stories. 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 &amp; Yoke Mercantile, located right outside the Visitor Center, opens at 1:00 p.m.! Or shop online today for delivery in time for the holidays. Creative Crafts See our tinner at work, 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!

Phantoms by Firelight

The Cyrkus Vampyr is Leaving Town “It's eerie. It's different. It's fun for the whole family.” - New England’s Best Halloween Attraction as voted by readers of Providence Journal As nightfall cloaks the Village in darkness, the line between past and present fades, and history’s shadows come alive. Wander fire-lit paths and step inside historic buildings, gather by the crackling bonfire for eerie tales, and revel in the dazzling spectacle of fire dancers, soaring acrobats, and haunting melodies. Step into a world of flickering lanterns, whispered secrets, and the magic of Halloween like you’ve never experienced before. Be amazed by the talents of Cyrkus Vampyr, featuring performances by acclaimed artists. The night sky ignites with dazzling fire dancing, acrobatics, juggling, hand balancing, and more. Stay until the final hour—you won’t want to miss the grand finale that will leave you talking about it long after the night is over. PLUS, new this year, enjoy the musical stylings of popular local band Fox and the Dragon! Witness our cabinetmaker as he assembles a final resting place—more than just a bed, it’s a coffin crafted with care for those whose time has come. Inside the blacksmith’s shop, sparks fly as they forge tools as grim as they are necessary. Experience the somber and chilling atmosphere of an 1830s wake. Be mesmerized by the intricate weave of human hair as strands are crafted into flowers in memory of the dearly departed. Plus, discover the unusual remedies used to balance the body’s humors and cure disease before delving into the origins of Jack-o-Lanterns and Halloween traditions. Set out on a hunt across the Village with Clues and Candy! Unravel riddles and collect stamps at multiple locations to piece together a ghostly image. Finish the card and be rewarded with a treasure trove of sweet treats. It’s Halloween fun for souls young and old! Celebrate the grand finale season of Phantoms by Firelight featuring Cyrkus Vampyr this year with thrills, chills, and delights for all ages. This is your last chance to experience the event that will haunt your memories long after the last ember fades.

Redcoats & Rebels

Redcoats &amp; Rebels returns on August 2nd and 3rd! See the largest military re-enactment in New England with hundreds of costumed Revolutionary War reenactors, both soldiers and civilians, encamped on the Village Common. Visitors can explore our exhibits and galleries, watch demonstrations, and talk with our costumed historians about everyday life in early New England. In addition, visitors can tour the camps, witness recreated skirmishes and battles, see special presentations, chat with guest craftspeople, and enjoy fife and drum music.

Churn Back Time: Dairy Days at the Village

Step into the rhythm of 19th-century farm life as we explore some of the daily routines of early 19th-century New England farm families. Stroll among the vibrant Cow Parade art installations, then watch costumed interpreters hand-churn butter, craft cheese, tend to milk cows, and prepare traditional dairy products using historic tools and methods. Highlights include: ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See demonstrations of making cream cheese (Saturday), soft cheese (Sunday), and hard cheese ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit the farm that our heritage breed cattle call home and meet a calf up close ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn about the process of making ice cream using 19th-century methods and receipts (recipes) – including Parmesan ice cream! ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch a milking demonstration ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enjoy CowParade at the Village and see more than two dozen unique, imaginative life-size cow sculptures painted by artists from around the region ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chat with our artisans as they create some of the tools necessary for dairying, like buckets and milk pans ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stop by the Scoop Show for a sweet summer treat ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And more!

CowParade Opening Weekend

Visitors at Old Sturbridge Village love seeing our heritage breed cattle at the Freeman Farm, and this summer, visitors can also enjoy artistically decorated cows throughout our scenic, historical landscape!&nbsp;Cows featuring designs focused on life in New England, American 250, and more will go "on parade" at the Village this summer. In addition to seeing the one-of-a-kind cows across the Village campus, visitors to the Village will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of cattle in early 19th-century New England, meet our heritage breed cows and oxen (including Devons, Shorthorns, and Randall Linebacks), and learn about the dairying process.

Muster Day

To supplement the meager armed forces, most early 19th-century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units – the forerunner of today’s National Guard. Twice a year, these citizen-soldiers were “called to muster” for a day of training in their town. Old Sturbridge Village re-creates a typical Muster Day and celebrates our local military history. Demonstrations will include marching, musket and cannon firing, target practice, sewing a flag, painting militia knapsacks, and more. Fife and drum music performances will also take place throughout the day, including a special performance by the Old Sturbridge Academy Fife and Drum Corps at noon. Be sure to stop by the Miner Grant Store to purchase some soft gingerbread – a traditional Muster Day treat! There will be activities for visitors of all ages!

Kids Free March and April

Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of early spring as you explore the rich history of 19th-century New England. Explore the Village and enjoy the unique blend of hands-on learning, participatory demonstrations, and engaging conversation. Chat with our costumed historians, step inside historic homes and shops, meet our heritage breed animals, and so much more. On weekends, there will also be a kids' craft to participate in! And here's the best part—for a limited time, kids get in for FREE! Beginning Saturday, March 1 through Wednesday, April 30, 2025 up to two kids, 17 years old or younger, are admitted for FREE when accompanied by an adult/senior paying standard daytime admission.*&nbsp;<a href="https://10797.blackbaudhosting.com/10797/tickets?tab=3&amp;txobjid=1bc9a723-bf15-4e01-85a7-4b96a9e80de4">Reserve your tickets online and save even more!</a>&nbsp;Members can also bring up to two kids not already covered by their membership.&nbsp; What Awaits Your Family and Friends<ul><li>Inspire your child's curiosity as they wander through the recreated historical village.&nbsp;Get out of the house and see our gardeners’ preparing fields and gardens for planting, meet the new lambs (arriving soon), and see sparks fly in the blacksmith shop. Every corner holds a new adventure, and no two visits to OSV are alike.</li><li>Engaging the Senses:&nbsp;From the smell of woodsmoke combined with sweet maple syrup during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osv.org/event/maple-days/">Maple Days</a>&nbsp;(select days in March) to watching traditional crafts such as pottery, and enjoying a tasty Joe Frogger cookie, we make history an interactive and engaging experience.</li><li>Educational Excitement:&nbsp;Our knowledgeable historians are passionate about sharing stories from the past. Watch your child's eyes light up as they discover the fascinating tales that shaped our region during the 1830s.</li><li>Family Fun:&nbsp;Create lasting memories together with friends and family. Wander our trails, see the buds on the trees and flowers blossom, make a craft together, and enjoy quality time surrounded by the wonders of history.</li><li>Seasonal Celebrations:&nbsp;Join us for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osv.org/event/maple-days/">Maple Days</a>&nbsp;on select dates in March,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osv.org/event/celtic-celebration/">Celtic Celebration</a>&nbsp;on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, and&nbsp;Village Earth Days during April School Vacation Week.</li><li>And MORE!&nbsp;Visit during Kids Free March and April and learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osv.org/event/summer-discovery-adventures/">Summer Discovery Adventures</a>&nbsp;our popular summer camp for kids ages 6 through 17.</li></ul>*For a limited time (March 1 – April 30, 2025), up to two kids, 17 years old or younger, are admitted for&nbsp;FREE&nbsp;per adult paying for full-price standard daytime admission ($30 at the door, $27 online for adults, $28 at the door, $25 online for seniors age 55 and over). Cannot be combined with other discounts. Kids Free March and April does not apply to school field trips.

Celtic Celebration

Join us as we celebrate cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and poetry. Highlights include: <ul><li>Enjoy fiddle tunes, a demonstration of the bagpipes, and music by Celtic musicians.</li><li>Hear Irish poetry and stories – and share your favorite Irish poem (see below)</li><li>Learn about the Montgomery Guards, the first volunteer militia company in Massachusetts composed entirely of men of Irish decent</li><li>Watch a step dancing performance by the Lee Irish Dance School (Saturday) and learn a 19th-century dance with the Old Sturbridge Village Dancers (Saturday)</li><li>Listen to a performance on the harp by Shelley Otis or Cate Mahoney (Sunday)</li><li>Learn about the history of the Jack O’ Lantern Tale</li><li>And more!</li></ul>

Maple Days

For many at Old Sturbridge Village, the first whiff of spring isn’t the aroma of spring flowers – it’s the smell of wood smoke and maple syrup, a sure sign that the sap is rising and spring is on the way. Join us for “Maple Days” on select dates in February and March, when the Village’s working sugar camp demonstrates maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century New England. See the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to “sugaring off,” and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England. Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products and the tinner and cooper will make maple-related items.

Evening of Illumination

How did New England families spend their evenings before the intrusion of texting, telephones, TVs, and computers? Visitors to Old Sturbridge Village will get a rare chance to find out as they tour the historic Village lit only by candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and firelight during Old Sturbridge Village’s&nbsp;Evening of Illumination. Guided tours around the Village Common allow guests to visit select homes and shops to see how early New Englanders spent their evenings in the days before electricity. Visitors will be treated to music and storytelling throughout the tour and will see Village artisans at work by candlelight. Each tour will begin with hot cocoa or coffee and will conclude in the Bullard Tavern, where guests can enjoy warm beverages and light fare.* This program is designed for adults. *Light fare and beverage is included in your ticket. Menu includes dinner rolls with butter, mini turkey pot pies, maple butternut bisque, mini pumpkin pie trifle, and hot apple cider.&nbsp;

Free Admission for Teachers

During February school vacation week (February 19-21, 2025), we invite educators to visit the Village for free!* Enjoy the unique charm of winter in New England as you explore 200+ acres and 40+ historical buildings, chat with costumed historians, and watch demonstrations of 19th-century skills like pottery and blacksmithing. Teachers can also participate in drop-in, hands-on crafts, 19th-century school lessons, short tours of the Village, and talks with members of the Collections and Research team on these dates. Look for a table to sign up for these activities in the Visitor Center after you arrive. This is a great opportunity for teachers to acquaint themselves with all that the Village has to offer and explore how they might plan a&nbsp;field trip&nbsp;to the Village for their students! This week is also the start of&nbsp;Maple Days&nbsp;at the Village! *Teacher must show a valid teacher ID card, paystub, or other proof of being a teacher, principal, or school aid at the Visitor Center to receive free admission. Offer valid for teachers only, not others in their party.&nbsp;

Valentine's Day Weekend

Plan your visit to the Village with your friends and family and come celebrate Valentine’s Day. There are a variety of ways to learn about the history of courtship, love letters, dance, and more. Come engage with our costumed interpreters and enjoy our historic buildings and landscape. Plus, there will be special Valentine’s Day Weekend programs including: <ul><li>View the process of preparing a cup of hot chocolate, from roasting the cacao beans to pouring the molten beverage.</li><li>Come hear a selection of comedic love songs from the period.</li><li>See a sample from the OSV Collection of Valentine’s cards and learn about this tradition.</li><li>In the Blacksmith Shop and Tin Shop heart-shaped cookware and cookie cutters will be made by hand.</li><li>See a demonstration of baking a wedding cake</li><li>Shop for unique gifts including Old Sturbridge Village Chocolate Chip Cookies and more.</li><li>Celebrate the grand opening of our new Hands &amp; Hearts exhibit. This exhibit explores marriage and partnership in 19th-century New England by telling the stories of four couples.</li><li>On Saturday, February 15th only, join the OSV Dancers as they celebrate the pleasure of dance in early American New England. Performances include “Pleasure of Love” and “Come, Haste to the Wedding.”</li></ul>

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

oldsturbridgevillage

Experiences

Christmas by Candlelight

Christmas by Candlelight

Phantoms by Firelight

Redcoats & Rebels

Churn Back Time: Dairy Days at the Village

CowParade Opening Weekend

Muster Day

Kids Free March and April

Celtic Celebration

Maple Days

Evening of Illumination

Free Admission for Teachers

Valentine's Day Weekend

Evening of Illumination