Holidays in Holyoke is Your Guide to the Season’s Most Joyful Moments Across the Paper City
From cultural celebrations to family fun, shopping, music, food, and community traditions, Holyoke offers a festive spirit all its own. Explore what’s happening throughout the season and join us as the city lights up with holiday cheer.
A Nutcracker Preview
Dec 6th & 7th 10:30am – 12pm
Performed by the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet against the backdrop of our historic building.
Plus… DIY Gift Wrapping (9:30-12:00), DIY Ornaments (age 3-adult, 11:30-12:30), Digital family portraits (all day), Nutcracker Ticket give-away, and more. Free
Wistariahurst Holiday Open House and Festive Market
Dec 6th & 7th 11am – 2:30pm
There’s snow place like Wistariahurst during the holiday season! Wistariahurst’s Holiday Open House and Festive Market is the perfect spot for those pine-ing for holiday cheer, unique gifts from local artists and businesses, and family-friendly fun. Browse a festive marketplace filled with art, jewelry, and handcrafted items ideal for gift-giving, then explore the beautifully decorated historic home. This holiday experience is sure to bring joy to your world.
Holyoke’s Annual Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights Events
Dec 6th 3pm-6pm
Ring in the holiday season with Holyoke’s beloved Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights! Enjoy free rides at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, photos with holiday characters, and festive balloon creations by Dazzle Day Artists. City Hall will offer warm refreshments and live music by the Holyoke High School Bell and Madrigal Choirs before Mayor Joshua Garcia leads the Parade of Lights and the official tree lighting.
Santa Sprint
Dec 13th 10am-12pm
Ring in the holiday season with Holyoke’s beloved Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights! Enjoy free rides at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, photos with holiday Suit up, Santas! Join Holyoke Pride’s first Santa Sprint on Dec 13—a jolly dash from along the canal on Race Street. Sliding-scale registration starts at $20. Must be 18+ to race. Strut, sprint, or stroll in your best Santa gear!
Merry Marketplace
Dec 13th 12pm-3pm
Join us for the Merry Marketplace, a festive holiday pop-up market happening on Saturday, December 13th from 12 PM to 3 PM at FAME Lounge & Eatery in Holyoke, MA. This lively community event will feature 20+ local vendors offering a wide variety of handmade and unique items — including hats, art, jewelry, hair products, pottery, and more, making it the perfect place to find special holiday gifts.
Mandala Ornament Painting
Dec 13th 1pm-3pm
Kick off the Christmas season with ornament painting! Gretchen will teach mandala dotting techniques on a Christmas bulb using acrylic paints and dotting tools. Students will leave with a beautiful finished bulb to hang on their tree or to give as a gift. Enjoy an afternoon of learning this craft.
Infinity Framing 2025 Toy Drive
Dec 20th 10am – 2pm
We hope to see everyone at the event—come by and experience the joy of giving, and the smiles your gift creates. Join us at 120 Front St., Holyoke, MA, where food trucks and local vendors will be on site for a fun holiday shopping experience. Bring your photos or phone images, and we’ll print and frame a beautiful gift on the spot. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the shop for a festive holiday event.
Free Holiday Concert at Providence Place
Dec 20th 1pm & 4pm
The Holyoke Historic Nutcracker, presented by the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, will take place at Holyoke Community College in the Leslie Phillips Theater. Proceeds support the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Educational Training Association, with sponsorship from Holyoke Community College and UMass Five.
Holyoke Historic Nutcracker
Dec 20th 1pm & 4pm
The Holyoke Historic Nutcracker, presented by the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, will take place at Holyoke Community College in the Leslie Phillips Theater. Proceeds support the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Educational Training Association, with sponsorship from Holyoke Community College and UMass Five.
Keep the Holidays in the Paper City Growing
More festive moments are on their way — check back often for additional events, surprises, and seasonal delights being added to the calendar. Let’s make this season in Holyoke one to remember!
