Kick off the holiday season with these Brockton-area parades, lights and events
BROCKTON − The holiday season is here and there are tons of events taking place in Brockton and neighboring communities to kick-off the season.
Are you looking for a place to see a parade or a dazzling holiday light show?
Do you want to take the kids for pictures with Santa or somewhere to enjoy holiday-themed activities?
How about taking in a holiday musical or visiting an old world feel Christmas Market?
The Enterprise has you covered.
Downtown Brockton will be filled with fun holiday activities with the 37th annual Community Holiday Parade and Celebration.
The 39th annual Christmas on the Common events in East Bridgewater kick off with Kiwanis Club's Lighting on the Common. This year's theme is "Christmas Past & Present."
Bridgewater's Christmas on the Common will be filled with "family-friendly holiday cheer," according to the Bridgewater Business Association.
Here's where you can find these holiday events and more in the Brockton area.
37th Annual Community Holiday Parade and Celebration in Brockton
Downtown Brockton will be filled with fun holiday activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, with the 37th annual Community Holiday Parade and Celebration. This annual event will have food, games, activities, music, face painting, photos with Santa, planetarium shows, holiday movies, a vendor marketplace, food trucks, and more. Free activities begin at 10 a.m. at City Hall, City Hall Plaza and 26 School St. lot. Brockton City Hall will open at 10 a.m. with hot cocoa, crafts, and more. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m., starting at the corner of Main and Belmont streets, featuring over 80 groups. This year's parade theme is “Holidays Around the World.”
Rockland Holiday Stroll
Rockland's Holiday Stroll will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, with music, refreshments, hayrides, demonstrations and more on and around Union Street. Parade leaves the fire station at 4 p.m. and ends at the North Pole at Magoun Biggins Funeral Home. Defender Concert Corps. will be playing music throughout the center. Events will include face painting, Joe’s Crazy Critters, Victorian carolers, and smores at the fire station. Banks, businesses and churches will be giving out goodies. Bring a camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole.
39th annual Christmas on the Common event in East Bridgewater
Christmas on the Common events in East Bridgewater start on Thursday, Nov. 30, with the East Bridgewater Kiwanis Club's annual lighting of the Common at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment, tree decorating contest, and refreshments will follow at Town Hall, sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Christmas parade steps off at 10 a.m. and the 39th annual Christmas on the Common events at the East Bridgewater Jr./Sr. High School will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an arts and crafts fair, holiday music, dance performances, magician, train rides, face painting and balloon art, food vendors, canine demonstration, raffles, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Christmas trees and wreaths will be on sale at Town Hall on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 24 through Dec. 20.
Easton Festival of Trees in Easton
The Easton Festival of Trees is an annual fundraising event presented by The Easton Charitable Trust, showcasing a variety of decorated Christmas trees, in all shapes and sizes, in a plethora of themes. The event also includes carolers, a vendor marketplace, a kid's day event, and multiple workshops. Other special events include a holiday hayride and holiday photo sessions. Decorated trees, wreaths, gift baskets, and other donated or sponsored items will be raffled throughout the festival. The Festival of Trees is held at the Easton Country Club Golf, 265 Purchase St., and is open Thursdays and weekends from Nov. 25 through Dec. 10. Visit eastonfestivaloftrees.org for a schedule of events, tickets and more information.
30th annual Christmas on the Common in Bridgewater
Christmas on the Common is held on and around the Town Common in the center of Bridgewater. This vendor fair and family day will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, in the center of town. The event will include food, live music, photos with Santa, pony rides and other holiday-themed activities and shopping. Once again, the Christmas parade will end at Christmas on the Common. There is no cost to attend, but some activities do cost.
Enchanted Village in Avon
Jordan's Furniture's vintage Enchanted Village is a holiday walk-through at its Avon location. It’s “New England’s favorite holiday tradition that’s magical and fun for all ages,” according to its website. The Enchanted Village is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The animated village is free and open through Jan. 1. Tickets are needed for the enchanted ice indoor skating rink, The Tube, Polar Express, LITE and Racing Reindeer attractions may be purchased on-site or in advance online. Photos with Santa are also available for purchase. Visit www.jordans.com.
Edaville Festival of Lights
The Christmas Festival of Lights at Edaville Family Theme Park at 5 Pine St. in Carver is one of "New England’s oldest Christmas traditions," according to its website. Experience the magic of Christmas with steam trains, 250,000-plus Christmas lights, food, local businesses and crafters, Santa, vintage amusement rides, and more. Enjoy the old world feel of the Christmas Market at Edaville and enjoy the light displays throughout the park as generations of visitors to Edaville have for more than 75 years. This year’s special rides include North Pole Limited and Santa’s Express. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 8 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31 (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Tickets cost $12.95-$42.95 and advance purchase is recommended at edaville.com. Events have limited capacity and often sell out.
Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro
The night shines with the Christmas Festival of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park St., Attleboro, where display lights tell the story of Christmas and remind us of the true reason for the season. The theme of this year's celebration is "Comfort My People." The free illuminations are open from 5 to 9 p.m. daily, Nov. 23 to Jan. 1. Visit lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/christmas-festival
Stoughton Holiday of Lights Parade
The Stoughton Recreation and the Town of Stoughton will ring in the holidays with their annual Holiday Parade of Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, kicking off at 5 p.m. at Stoughton High School. The parade will run through the center of town, ending on Leach Street by Halloran Park, so grab your spot and cheer your friends and family as they pass. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available at the Recreation Department, 15 Pleasant St.
63rd Annual Middleboro Christmas Parade
The 63rd annual Middleboro Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, with the theme “Christmas Carols.” The parade will begin at 1 p.m. from Burkland School, continue up Mayflower Avenue to Courtland Street, around Station Street, down Centre Street, continue to South Main Street, and return to the Burkland School. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be appearing. Rain/snow date will be Sunday, Nov. 26.
Christmas Market Fest & Tree Lighting in Middleboro
Embrace the enchantment of the season at Middleboro Town Hall, 10 Nickerson Ave., on Friday, Dec. 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event is presented by the Middleboro Tourism Committee. The festive tunes of the Burtwood School carolers will fill the air, "setting the perfect backdrop for this magical evening," according to its Facebook page. Special guest Santa Claus will be on hand to flip the switch. Light refreshments, including hot cocoa ad festive treats, will be served. After the ceremony, take a stroll downtown as part of Middleboro's First Friday event and explore the charm of local shops, revel in the festive storefronts.
The 10th annual Christmas Market Fest takes place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Middleboro Town Hall, with over 20 vendors, kids activities, cocoa and cookies, the Oak Point Train Club, and Santa. Kids can write letters to Santa and put them in a special mailbox that guarantees a direct route to the North Pole.
Holiday Lights at the Park in Middleboro
The Parks Departments and Middleborough Tourism Committee will present the second annual Holiday Lights at the Park: A Park and Walk Light Show. on Dec. 8, 9, 10, 15,16 and 17 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Battis Field, 26 Jackson St. Stroll through the park decorated with holiday lights, displays, and interactive fun. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5 for adults and children when purchased in advance online at Eventbrite. Tickets purchased at the park are $10 for adults and children.(cash only). Kids up to age 5 are fee. Visit Discovermiddleborough.eventbrite.com
Advent Family Day at the Museum of Family Prayer in Easton
Advent Family Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 at The Museum of Family Prayer, 518 Washington St., Easton, at the Father Peyton Center. This free drop-in program features faith, a pizza and salad lunch, crafts, ornament painting, cookie decorating and musician-led Christmas caroling. Feel free to join for all or part of the day. For more information, visit www.museumoffamilyprayer.org.
Christmas bazaar and luncheon in Halifax
The Halifax Congregational Church is hosting a Christmas bazaar and luncheon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 25, at 503 Plymouth St. The event will include several crafters with handmade items for purchase, including handmade soaps, handmade crafts, hand-painted pictures and other artwork, handmade wreaths, handcrafted jewelry, decorated lighted bottles and more. There will be a Missions table with items handmade and donated by church members with the proceeds going to help those in need. There will also be a White Elephant Room and raffles. The homemade baked items and the popular cookie walk will offer a large assortment of fresh baked cookies. Christmas luncheon starts at 11 a.m. and will include various sandwiches and soups, along with other selections.
Holiday Fair at Holbrook church
St. John's Episcopal Church, 322 South Franklin St., Holbrook, is holding a holiday fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. The fair will include vendors, gifts, collectibles, jewelry, handcrafted items, Christmas items, baked goods and a luncheon. There will also be raffles, including baskets, gift cards, and lottery trees. Mr. and Mrs. Santa will visit from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.
Massasoit Theatre Company to present 'White Christmas – The Musical’
The Massasoit Theatre Company will present the holiday classic: Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas - The Musical” at the Buckley Performing Arts Center on the Brockton campus of Massasoit Community College. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. The dazzling score features well known standards, including “Happy Holidays,” “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.” Performances will run for two weekends for five shows Dec 2-10. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $18 for seniors, students, children and veterans. For tickets, call 508-427-1234 or visit massasoit.edu/boxoffice. Tickets will not be available at the door. Shows are expected to sell out quickly.
Cardinal Spellman to present 'We Need a Little Christmas'
Cardinal Spellman will be presenting its annual Christmas show, 'We Need a Little Christmas,” at the school, 738 Court St., Brockton. The show will include songs such as, “We Need a Little Christmas,” “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Christmas Morning Feeling” and more. Shows will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for kids and students. Tickets can be purchased online at spellman.com/christmasshow2023 and at the door.
Brockton Symphony Orchestra to present 'A Brockton Christmas'
The Brockton Symphony Orchestra will present its Holiday Pops Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Brockton High School auditorium, 470 Forest Ave. The holiday concert, "A Brockton Christmas," will feature as special guest the Brockton High School Concert Choir. The program of holiday classics includes Brockton Symphony combined with High School Choir performing “A Christmas Festival,” three holiday songs from "Home Alone" and “The Very Best Time of Year.” Brockton Symphony will perform “Fantasia on Greensleeves,” selections by George Chadwick and Ottorino Respighi, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “White Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” and more. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and free for children and students. Tickets can be ordered at brocktonsymphony.org If ordering online is not possible, call 508-588-3841. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.
This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Holidays 2023: Where to find light shows, events in the Brockton area
