Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village 2026: Dates, Tickets and What to Expect
Christmas by Candlelight is Old Sturbridge Village's holiday evening program. On weekends from the day after Thanksgiving through December 27, the 1830s living-history museum in Sturbridge decorates the Village and its Christmas Tree Trail and hosts holiday demonstrations, stories and live music. It's a ticketed program, separate from regular daytime admission.
Here's what you need to know to plan a visit.
The essentials
- Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 27 through December 27, 2026. Closed Friday, December 25.
- Hours: 2 to 8 pm each open day
- Where: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566
- Tickets: date-specific tickets go on sale in the fall. Single-evening prices had not been posted as of late September.
- Season pass: the Candlelight Club pass is on sale now: $125 per person, or $100 for OSV members. Children 3 and under are free.
- Parking: free
- Pets: not permitted. Service animals are welcome.
Which evenings it's open
Christmas by Candlelight runs on weekends only. For 2026 that works out to:
- November 27, 28 and 29
- December 4, 5 and 6
- December 11, 12 and 13
- December 18, 19 and 20
- December 26 and 27
There's no program on Christmas Day, which falls on a Friday this year, or on the weekdays in between.
What you'll find
The Village describes the evening as a chance to watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and the Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, and sample sweet treats. Since hours run from 2
to 8 pm, you can arrive in daylight and stay to see the Village after dark.Most of the evening is spent outdoors walking between buildings, and the Village operates rain or shine, so dress for a December night in central Massachusetts.
Tickets and the Candlelight Club
Christmas by Candlelight uses date-specific tickets. Old Sturbridge Village says they typically go on sale in the fall, and you can sign up on its site to be notified. Regular daytime admission tickets are not valid for special programs like Christmas by Candlelight.
If you think you'll go more than once, the Candlelight Club pass covers unlimited visits to Christmas by Candlelight 2026. You don't need to choose a day or arrival time in advance. It costs $125 per person for non-members and $100 for OSV members, adult or youth, and children 3 and under are free. Pass holders also get early access to Christmas by Candlelight content.
Groups of 15 or more can book through the Village's group sales at $25 per person.
Getting around
The Village's roads are unpaved but generally firm and level, with steeper grades near the Bullard Tavern, the Glass Exhibit and the Herb Garden. More than half of the historic buildings have wheelchair-accessible entrances, though interior access varies. Wheelchairs are available on loan at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis, and designated accessible parking is near the Visitor Center.
For food beyond the sweet treats included in the program, check the official site for what's open during evening hours.
Q: When is Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village in 2026?
It runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 27 through December 27, 2026, from 2
to 8 pm. It's closed on Friday, December 25.Q: How much are Christmas by Candlelight tickets?
Single-evening prices had not been posted as of late September 2026; date-specific tickets go on sale in the fall. The Candlelight Club season pass is $125 per person, or $100 for OSV members, and children 3 and under are free.
Q: Can I use a regular Old Sturbridge Village ticket for Christmas by Candlelight?
No. The Village says daytime admission tickets are not valid for special programs like Christmas by Candlelight. You need a Christmas by Candlelight ticket or a Candlelight Club pass.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Christmas by Candlelight?
No. Old Sturbridge Village does not permit pets or emotional support animals, except on its members-only Dog Days. Service animals are welcome.
More holiday events in central Massachusetts
These nearby holiday shows are also on the calendar:
- Paradise City Arts Festival, Marlborough — Marlborough, November 20–22
- Country Folk Art Show & Artisan Market, Sturbridge Christmas — Sturbridge, November 27–28
- Worcester Holiday Festival of Crafts — Worcester, November 27–29
- New England Holiday Market — Marlborough, December 12–13
Check each listing for hours and admission before you go.
Related reading
- Holiday Craft Fairs & Christmas Markets in Massachusetts 2026
- New England Christmas Strolls and Village Holiday Celebrations 2026
- Massachusetts Fairs and Festivals in 2026: Your Complete Guide
- Craft Fairs in Massachusetts 2026: A Vendor's and Visitor's Guide
- Snowport Holiday Market 2026: What to Know Before You Visit Boston Seaport's Holiday Market
- New England Christmas Festival 2026: Your Guide to the Big Holiday Craft Show at Mohegan Sun
Details in this guide come from Old Sturbridge Village's website as of late September 2026. Confirm dates, ticket prices and hours on the official site before you go.
Last updated: September 2026
