The holidays are quickly approaching, and there is certainly no shortage of festive events underway to help you and yours celebrate this special time of year. Churches, community organizations, towns and businesses alike are coming together and celebrating the season – or coming together to help lift up others.

Whether you are looking to go shopping at a local craft fair, attend a fun festival with the kids, or enjoy musicals and plays – there’s something for everyone to enjoy the season in Western Mass. The following is a listing of local events that will get anyone into the holiday spirit.

Holiday in the Park – Agawam – Nov. 23 to Jan. 1

Six Flags New England will open the park for holidays on Nov. 23. Throughout the festive season, the park will offer guests a variety of seasonal light displays, holiday-themed food and rides as an alternative way to enjoy the season. The park will also offer guests the chance to give back to the community through a toy, coat and sock drive that will benefit various community organizations. Ticket prices can be found online at https://www.sixflags.com/newengland/special-events/holiday-in-the-park.

Shriners Feztival of Trees – West Springfield – Nov. 27 to Dec. 8

Melha Shriners Springfield fraternal organization will host their annual Feztival of Trees. For $2 people will have the chance to support the organization and try to win one of several wonderfully decorated holiday trees that were donated. This year’s Feztival will take place at the Clarion Hotel & Aqua Lagoon Waterpark on Riverdale Street in West Springfield. For dates, times and to sign up with breakfast for Santa visit https://melhashriners.org/feztivaloftrees/. Admission is free for children 12-years-old and under.

Yuletide Jubilee – West Springfield – Nov. 29 to Dec. 15

Red Thread is offering a chance to see their annual festive display of beautifully decorated holiday trees at the Balise Toyota on at 1399 Riverdale St. in West Springfield. Each tree is donated by a local individual or organization and people attending the event will be able to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a tree. All proceeds go to Red Thread, who works to support arts in the community. You can visit the free display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Christmas Tree Lighting – Blandford – Dec. 2

The Blandford Historical Society will host its annual Christmas tree lighting and carol sing on Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. followed by cocoa and cookies. All ages are warmly welcome.

Latin Christmas Dance Show – Holyoke – Dec. 6

“Jose Gonzalez and Banda Criolla” will be performing their Latin Christmas Dance show at Gateway City Arts located at 92 Race St, Holyoke on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The festive concert will highlight the famous “Parranda” songs from Puerto Rico as well as the very best of today’s hot Latin Dance music. The ticket link is live and discounted tickets are available now by visiting gatewaycityarts.com/josegonzalez  


Gingerbread House Workshop and Contest – Westfield – Dec. 7

On Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m at the Creative Hub of Westfield, will your holiday creativity or competitive spirit to come out. For $30 teams of two people can compete for a $50 gift card to BeanTowne & Co. All gingerbread house supplies, hot cocoa, cider, coffee and other treats will be provided. There are a limited number of spots available. The event is located at 3 Depot Sq., Westfield. For more information on the event, call Whip City Candle Co. at 568–9700.

Southwick Tree Lighting & Craft Fair – Southwick – Dec. 7

On Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Town of Southwick will be hosting their family-friendly tree lighting and craft fair event at 454 College Hwy. There will be kids’ crafts, a craft fair, hot chocolate and the tree lighting ceremony. The event is free and open to the public.

Holiday Tour of Homes – West Springfield – Dec. 7

From 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club is offering residents a chance to see some of West Springfield’s most festively decorated homes while supporting the club. Tickets are $20 and can be bought in various locations around West Springfield, Agawam and Westfield.

Holiday Celebration at Symphony Hall – Springfield – Dec. 7

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling too … it’s the Springfield Symphony Orchestra & Chorus’ Holiday Celebration, the perfect beginning to your holiday season. Maestro Nick Palmer returns with such audience favorites as “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” the ubiquitous “Sleigh Ride,” and more. The SSO Chorus will be in attendance, as well as the Young@Heart chorus. Symphony Hall is located at 34 Court St. in Springfield. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. To buy tickets, go to springfieldsymphony.org/event/holiday-celebration/

“Into the Wardrobe” Performance – Wilbraham – Dec. 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15

“Into the Wardrobe” is a musical adaptation C.S. Lewis’s classic book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The show will run for two weekends at Evangel Assembly of God located at 348 Stony Hill Rd. in Wilbraham. The first shows will be Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. Show times for the second weekend are Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. There is free admission. Evangel Assembly can be reached at 599–1729.

Renaissance Winter Music Concert – East Longmeadow – Dec. 10

The East Longmeadow Public Library located at 60 Center Square is hosting a Renaissance Winter Music Concert on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Enjoy an evening of Medieval and Renaissance love songs, dances and winter music.  The Harper and The Minstrel sing and play many period instruments including harps, Baroque and classical guitars, Viola da Gamba and wooden flutes. This concert is made possible by a grant from the East Longmeadow Cultural Council. Register at eastlongmeadowlibrary.org.

Holiday Party at The Starting Gate at GreatHorse – Hampden – Dec. 14

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is planning the perfect holiday party – decorations, music and menu – so you don’t have to!  Enjoy a delicious dinner and dance the night away with your staff, co-workers, family and friends – perfect for small businesses. The Clark Eno Orchestra will be playing today’s hits, rock & pop songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond, plus Big Band, Swing and Motown. The event is open to the public. $95 per person inclusive. Cash bar available. 128 Wilbraham Rd, Hampden. Call For Reservations: 566-5158

Home for the Holidays – Chicopee – Dec. 14

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! We want to spread holiday cheer with you, our residents! Come out to the Atlantic Marine Corps Community Center on?Dec. 14 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. located at 10 Outer Dr. in Chicopee to meet Santa! We will have holiday crafts for the kids to create, Mr. and Mrs. Claus – photo session and meet and greet, ugly sweater contest, hot cocoa and cookie bar. RSVP by Dec. 10 by calling (844) 647–0674.

10th Annual Gingerbread House Make & Decorate – Otis – Dec. 14

Sponsored by the Otis Recreation Commission at the Otis Town Hall Gym located at 1 North Main Rd., the 10th Annual Gingerbread House Make & Decorate will take place. The event is free and all are welcome. There will be one gingerbread house permitted per family. There are three available sessions: 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., or 4 p.m. Registration for the Make and Decorate closes on Nov. 29. Register online at www.noticeotis.com or stop by the Recreation Center Office. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 269–4541 or email otisrec@verizon.net.