The holiday season is here! Celebrate the holidays in Worcester and its surrounding communities. Here, parents, care providers, and children can enjoy a wide range of holiday festivities, including:
1. Ice Skating at The Oval
Located in the heart of downtown, The Oval is Worcester's premier spot for ice skaters young and old. Lace up your skates and show off your skills to family and friends. Or, teach your child to skate as part of an unforgettable bonding experience. And if you're new to ice skating, you can rent a pair of skates and experience the thrill of skating for the first time.
This holiday season, the Oval is hosting many special events, including:
- Ugly Holiday Sweater Day on December 14
- Skate with Santa Claus on December 22
- Worcester Railers Takeover on December 29
Admission to the Oval is $6, and children under five years old skate free. You can also rent skates for $6.
2. Visit the Worcester Public Library
Bring your child to the Worcester Public Library to enjoy holiday events and activities, including:
- Attending the Festival of Lights at the Burncoat Branch on December 13 from 3:30-5 p.m.
- Creating a flameless menorah from craft materials as part of a Whimsical Workshop at the Great Brook Valley Branch on December 17 from 3:30-5 p.m.
- Building and decorating a gingerbread house at the Main Library on December 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Meeting Santa Claus at the Frances Perkins Branch on December 19 from 5-6:30 p.m
- Joining a Polar Express Adventure at the Main Library's Children's Program Room on December 20 from 4-5 p.m.
These library events and activities are free and open to the public.
3. Shop 'til You Drop at the Holiday Maker Market
Pick up holiday gifts and show your support for the local community at the Holiday Maker Market at Redemption Rock Brewing on December 14 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The market features handmade apparel, artwork, games, jewelry, and gifts. These items are produced locally by artisans and crafters from Worcester’s Technocopia Makerspace, a nonprofit that offers equipment, classes, and resources to those who want to create.
4. See the Night Lights at the New England Botanic Garden
Photo: New England Botanic Garden/Troy B. Thompson Photography
Commemorate the holiday season at Night Lights at the New England Botanic Garden in Boylston. This holiday lights spectacular features awe-inspiring light displays in just about every color imaginable. There's also s’mores, seasonal drinks, a skating rink, and much more.
Night Lights takes place daily from 4-10 p.m. and runs through January 5. Non-member pricing varies based on whether you attend during peak or non-peak times. Children under three years old can attend for free.
5. Free Admission Day at the EcoTarium
On Christmas Eve, the EcoTarium is offering free admission starting at 10 a.m. During your visit, check out the EcoTarium's seasonal programs like Animals in Winter and Snowflake Symmetry. Participate in tabletop ice "fishing" and winter tracking activities. You can also purchase tickets to planetarium full-dome movies and educator-led programs.
Want to Enjoy the Holidays from the Comfort of Home?
Here are holiday activities that parents, care providers, and children can enjoy together at home:
- Baking cookies and other holiday treats, which involves teaching children how to measure and mix ingredients and can help kids build their math skills
- Building a gingerbread house to encourage kids to let their creative juices flow and help them strengthen their fine motor skills
- Crafting decorations that allow children to express how they feel about the holidays and can help kids improve their fine motor skills
- Making cards and gifts that kids can use to share holiday joy with family members, friends, and neighbors
- Reading books aloud with children to teach kids about the holiday season and help them build their literacy skills
Edward Street is always on the lookout for ways to help parents, care providers, and children make the most of their time together during the holiday season and beyond.
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