WORCESTER – The annual Festival of Lights tree lighting in downtown Worcester will be extended this year.
The City of Worcester announced on Wednesday that it will extend holiday programming on the Worcester Common following the annual celebration.
“As a signature event that continues to grow year after year, our Festival of Lights celebration provides great opportunities for community engagement,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. “Learning that stART at the Station was scheduled for the Sunday following Festival of Lights, we made programming the Common and other spaces a priority to create an opportunity to walk around downtown, visit more buildings and actively engage with our city center.”
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The City is anticipating thousands to be in attendance and is encouraging attendees to arrive early. Parking is available within walking distance of the Worcester Common Oval, including the Worcester Common Garage at 2 Eaton Place, Mercantile Center Parking Garage, Federal Plaza Parking Garage and the Pearl-Elm Parking Garage.
Roads around the Worcester Common will be closed beginning at 2 PM, including both Front Street and Franklin Street.
Festival of Lights and Tree Lighting Schedule of Events:
Friday, December 6
Worcester Common
4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- iHeart Radio presents Nicole Michelle
- Performances by Worcester Public Schools Choral groups
- Preview of the Hanover Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol”
- Ice skating on the Oval
- Visit from Santa
- Tree lighting
- Heated beer tent
- Food trucks, face painting, street performers, free pedicab rides around the Common by Woo Rides
The City will once again host the Food Truck Rodeo with 10 food trucks stationed on Front Street, organized by the Oval’s resident food truck, The Dogfather.
The evening will be hosted by iHeart Radio presenting this year’s headlining talent Nicole Michelle.
Friday, December 6
Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin Street
10 AM – 3 PM
- Local art vendors
- Story time and crafting
4 PM – 8 PM
- Ice sculpting
- Glow-in-the-dark ice hands-on activity
- Crafting
- Giveaways
- Performances
- Hot chocolate & cookies
Saturday, December 7
Worcester Common
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Ice skating on the Oval (ends at 6 PM)
- Cirque de Light – Holiday stilt walker and winter-themed LED Performer (4-7 PM)
- Face painting by Just Clowning Around (4-7 PM)
- Light show by LuminArtz (5-7 PM)
Saturday, December 7
Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin Street and Printer’s Building, 44 Portland Street
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Vendor market featuring local artists and crafters selling jewelry, pottery, prints and more
Sunday, December 8
stART at the Station, Union Station
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
stART on the Street brings its 14th annual gifting-themed arts and crafts festival to Worcester’s Union Station at 2 Washington Square.
The event runs from 9-11 a.m. for a $10 donation fee. Admission is free after 11 AM.
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