1Fatima Shrine: 101 Summer St. (Rt 126) Holliston
2019: Nov 30 – Dec 29: 5-9 PM
A 50+ year tradition by the Xaverian missionaries. Several acres of the property are lit and decorated for visitors to explore. Hot chocolate and pastries for sale in Xavier Hall. Free parking and admission. Details on the website or FB Page.
2Festival of Trees: Elm Bank, Wellesley
2019: Select Dates Nov 29 to Dec 29
Nov 29 – Dec 15: 4-8 PM Wed-Th, 10-8 Fri-Sat, 10-6 Sun
Trees, Trains, Lights, and Fire Pit.
Santa visit and horse-drawn carriage rides at select times
Dec 20-22 and Dec 27-29: 4-8 PM
Trains, Lights, and Fire Pit
(No Santa, trees, or wagon rides)
Beautifully decorated trees and Snow Village with trains winding throughout. Santa visits and horse-drawn wagon rides on certain dates/times (additional charge). Admission $15/adult through 12/15, then $10/adult for the final two weekends (kids 12 and under free). Details here
3Bass Pro Santa’s Wonderland: Patriot Place, Foxboro
2019: Wednesday, Nov 27: 10-8
Thanksgiving Day (Nov 28): CLOSED
Black Friday (Nov 29): 1-8
Saturday, Nov 30: 10-8
Dec 1 – Dec 7: M-F 3-8, Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
Dec 8-23: M-F 10-8, Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
Dec 24: 10-5
Inside Bass Pro is a decorated “Santa’s Wonderland” with a spread of decorations for children to explore. There are also crafts, games, and a free picture with Santa. Can be very crowded, so check the link below for information about reserving a pass. All activities free and photo is free. Details here
4Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland: Cabela’s, Hudson
2019: Wednesday, Nov 27: 10-8
Thanksgiving Day (Nov 28): CLOSED
Black Friday (Nov 29): 1-8
Saturday, Nov 30: 10-8
Dec 1 – Dec 7: M-F 3-8, Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
Dec 8-23: M-F 10-8, Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
Dec 24: 10-5
Inside Bass Pro is a decorated “Santa’s Wonderland” with a spread of decorations for children to explore. There are also crafts, games, and a free picture with Santa. Can be very crowded, so check the link below for information about reserving a pass. All activities free and photo is free. Details here
5Winter Skate at Patriot Place: Foxboro
2019: Ongoing through winter.
M-Th: 4-9 PM, Fri: 4 – 10 PM
Sat & School Holidays: 11 AM – 10 PM, Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Schedule may vary due to weather, holidays, or events.
Located at the base of the large staircase near Showcase Cinema. Refrigerated outdoor ice rink with on-site rentals, concessions, and bathrooms. $10 adult, $6 child/senior. Skate rentals $5. Details here
6Winter Wonderland, Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon
2019: Nov 29th – Dec 29th, Weekends Only
Fri–Sun: 4:30-9:30 PM
Train ride though the zoo, admire the light displays, meet with Santa Claus, find Rudy the Reindeer in the Adventure Maze, hang out with Christmas characters such as Frosty the Snowman. Limited exhibits open for the opportunity to see a few of the zoo’s animals. $20-$25 (Ages 2 and under free). Details here
7Festival of Lights: La Salette Shrine, 947 Park St, Attleboro
2019: Daily Nov 28 through Jan 5
Illuminated 5-9 PM Daily
Walk through the amazing light display that is famous around New England. Free admission and parking, but donations are welcome. S’more supplies for sale, hot cocoa, hay rides and a mini-carnival with carousel for a fee. Can be extremely crowded on weekends. Arrive by 4:30 on weekends and make s’mores while waiting. Details here
8Enchanted Village: Jordan’s Furniture in Avon
2019: Nov 23 through Jan 1
Mon-Thurs: 11-8, Fri: 11-9, Sat: 10-9, Sun: 11-6
Black Friday: 10-9
Christmas Eve: 11-3
Sunday, Dec 29: 11-5
New Year’s Eve: 11-4
New Year’s Day: 12-5
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Free admission for indoor holiday display with intricate figurines and decorations. Pictures with Santa at select hours daily through Christmas Eve. Additional activities at select hours. Details here.
- LITE Laser show, $6 all ages.
- Enchanted Ice indoor skating park, $6 includes rental
- Polar Express 4D Experience ride, $7 (riders must be 40+ inches)
9Christmas Festival of Lights: Edaville, Carver
2019: Nov 16 – Jan 1 (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Mon-Thurs: 4-8 (to 9 in Dec)
Fri-Sat: 2-9 (to 9:30 in Dec)
Sun: 2-8 (to 9 in Dec)
Over 17 million lights illuminate the park, and the long train ride passes through vast fields of lights. Thomas Land & Edaville Proper with 90 rides/attractions are included in the $35-$37 admission. Or purchase along with special “Where’s Santa” train ride for $40+/rider on select dates. Details here
10Winterfest: Diamond Hill Park, Cumberland, RI
2019: Nov 30 – Dec 22 (Sat/Sun Only)
Sat: 5-9 PM, Sun: 5-8 PM
“Grinch Cave” to walk through as well as trackless train ride and pictures with characters (possible characters include Santa, Frosty, Grinch, Minions, and more). $5/person fee.
Details here
11Our Map of Light Displays: The Best Neighborhoods Near You
We here at Community Kangaroo have gathered a treasure trove of recommendations for jaw-dropping light displays in just about every town west and southwest of Boston. We put them all on one big map! Click the link in the title above to check it out! See our map here
12 Our List of Santa Pictures: Local Malls, Pancake Breakfasts, etc
We’ve posted a solid handful of the best ongoing Santa stops, plus dozens of one-time events like pancake breakfasts, holiday strolls, and other places to get that perfect picture! Find Santa photo ops here
13Hanukkah Celebrations: See the Events Near You
Local menorah lightings and other Hanukkah celebrations from our calendar are gathered together in one place: Find Hanukkah celebrations here
14Keep Track of What’s Coming Up Near You!
Our website is put together by a team of parents scattered across the suburbs between Boston and Worcester. Each of us writes a weekly newsletter of the best upcoming events, which lands in your inbox just in time to plan each weekend! Sign up to hear from the Holliston-based editor who about things worth driving to from Holliston, Medway & Millis!