Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village and 6 More Reasons to Visit Sturbridge, MA

If you have never been to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA, you really should put it on your list of places to go. If you have been to Old Sturbridge Village, but never during the Holiday Season, you really, really should put it on your list of places to go. There is something incredible about experiencing Christmas in a 19th Century Village. Therefore, there is no better time to visit than during Christmas by Candlelight.

What is Christmas by Candlelight?

Christmas by Candlelight is an event featuring caroling villagers, storytelling in the schoolhouse, horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides, a bonfire, a beautifully decorated village, delicious festive foods, and so much more. There is even a special beverage for the adults in Mrs. Claus’ Cottage. More on that later!

Old Sturbridge Village is an outdoor living museum set in the 19th Century. Historians in full costume enact what it was like to live in a rural New England Town in the 1830s. The village is complete with trade shops, homes, meetinghouses, a bank, country store, schoolhouse, water-powered mills, and a working farm.

You will feel as though you have gone back in time when visiting the village. We were able to experience a day in the life of New England Villagers during the Christmas holiday season.

Our evening started by walking through the beautifully lit entrance of the village. We entered each building as we strolled along, and got to see costumed historians as they told stories and demonstrated what life was like long ago. The first building we entered was the Small House, where they were roasting chestnuts over an open fire. We even got to sample them!

Next, we came to the Friends Meetinghouse. Inside, an elaborate nativity scene of the Little Town of Bethlehem was on display. Kids and adults were mesmerized by the detail of this beautiful set-up.

We were just in time for live holiday music next door in the Center Meetinghouse, performed by the Old Sturbridge Village Singers.

After exploring the village for a little while, we sat by the bonfire in the Center Common to warm up for a bit. Then, over to the Fitch House, where hot mulled cider was being served by candlelight.

Warm Fire and Hot Mulled Cider

As we wandered along sipping our hot cider, we found ourselves at the entrance to North Pole Village. The North Pole is where you will find Santa’s Workshop, Candle Dipping, Christmas Crafts, and the Holiday Express Model Train Display.

Inside Santa’s Workshop, you are led through a giant storybook of The Night Before Christmas while waiting to meet Santa. The wait time to meet Santa was quite long. We wanted to check out other parts of the North Pole, so we decided to skip the wait. Even if you are not planning on meeting Santa, it is well worth stopping in to see the beautiful mural displays of the Christmas storybook favorite.

If you are a train fan, and even if you are not, the model train display is a sight to see. The G-scale model train display hosts several trains as they wind through a holiday scene and small town setting. Watch the operator control the trains, and maybe even get a chance to blow the horn yourself!

Fresh Baked Treats and More

On our way back to the Center Common, we stopped into Mrs. Claus’ Cottage for some home-baked treats and hot chocolate. You can get fresh baked cookies, treats, coffee, cocoa, and popcorn here. Bailey’s Irish Cream coffee and hot chocolate were a great addition to the menu. This option was well received by the adult customers in line. We settled on a red velvet whoopie pie to share and a couple of hot chocolates.

The night came to a perfect end as we relaxed by the bonfire together, and listened to the carolers sing in the Center Common. Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is the ultimate holiday experience.

Sturbridge, MA is also a wonderful year round destination. Old Sturbridge Village is of course the #1 main attraction. However, during our stay, we also experienced great food, delicious treats, and excellent shopping. Here are a few places that are worth visiting when you visit Sturbridge.

1. Publick House Historic Inn

This beautiful Inn is not only a great place to stay, it also has 2 restaurants on site, a bakery with fresh baked treats, gift shop, gazebos, and in the warmer months, an outdoor pool. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays, and would be a cozy New England destination any time of year. If you like to travel with your furry pals, the Inn has pet friendly rooms available.

2. The Handmaiden Decor

Farmhouse decor, need I say more? This store is filled with beautiful home furnishings and unique items you can’t find anywhere else. If you are looking for that perfect gift or something special for your own home, you must stop here. Wall decor and signs, candles, clothing, accessories, seasonal decor, and more. You are sure to find something special here. https://handmaidendecor.com/

3. The Thrifty Gypsy

As soon as you walk through the door, you know you have found something special. There is such a wide array of unique and adorable finds in this store. Gifts, candles, upcycled goods, crafts, local products, jewelry, accessories, health and beauty products and so much more, all at discount prices. Be sure to stop here while in Sturbridge. Located at 559 Main St, Sturbridge, MA.

4. Sturbridge Seafood

The food is excellent, the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and it is family friendly. The kids loved coloring on the table, and there is a great kids menu. The main menu has an excellent selection of appetizers, salads, and entrees. The only trouble we had was trying to decide which delicious entree to order. If you do stop here, you must try the clam chowder. The Salmon was also the best I have ever had.

5. “Families Cook” at Old Sturbridge Village

For families with children age 8 and up, “Families Cook” is a hands-on family cooking experience. Children and adults will learn how to prepare a hearth cooked meal from the 1830’s, and after, sit down together to enjoy their fresh cooked meal.

*Adults may also enjoy Dinner in a Country Village, designed for adults ages 18 and up

*For families with younger children that are not yet old enough for this experience, try Oliver Wrights Tavern for great Sturbridge Village atmosphere and food.

6. Farms, Breweries,Wineries and Antiques

With so much to experience in the area of Sturbridge, make sure to build time into your trip to visit some of these places below. Check websites for seasonal schedules and closures.

Breezland Orchards https://www.breezelandsorchards.com/

Brookfield Orchards http://brookfieldorchardsonline.com/

Overlook Farm https://www.overlookfarm-ma.com/

Westview Farms Creamery https://westviewmonson.com/

Sturbridge Antique Shops http://www.sturbridgeantiqueshops.com/

Rapscallion Brewery & Tap Room http://drinkrapscallion.com/sturbridge/

Hardwick Vineyard and Winery http://www.hardwickwinery.com/

There are always events happening in the area. You will find everything from antique shows, to beer and musics festivals. Check out the 2019 calendar of events here: http://sturbridgetownships.com.  

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