14 Things to See & Do in Concord this Winter

1 Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature runs from November 27th through January 5th. This time-honored literary tradition makes reading fun for kids! Each year the Concord Museum is filled with trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes, fancifully dressed for the holidays with original ornaments inspired by children’s picture books. You can read more about it on p. 16.

Family Trees

2 Children and adults alike will be fascinated to watch Candy Canes being made in front of their eyes at the Priscilla Candy Shop kitchen in Gardner, MA. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see how a holiday classic is made - November 29th and 30th.

Holiday Winter Market

3 Find a truly unique gift AND support the arts at The Umbrella Arts Center’s Annual Holiday Winter Market, November 30th through December 2nd. More than 50 resident and visiting artists from across the region sell their wares. A small works gallery exhibition, live music, and ornament making for the kids makes this a great event!

4 Nothing puts you in the mood for winter festivities like Concord’s Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade on December 1st starting at 3pm. Dozens of roadside attractions culminate in a parade led by Santa to light the tree in Concord Center.

5 The fun and festive Crucolo Cheese Parade celebrates its 10th Anniversary on December 5th, starting at 3pm in Concord Center. Who knew that a giant wheel of cheese could be this much fun? We did! The whole family will love this cherished tradition. You can read more about it on p.20.

Crucolo Cheese Parade

6 Get into the decorating mood by visiting some of Concord’s most stunning homes, all dressed up for the holidays at the Holiday House Tour on December 7th. From Colonial to Victorian to Shingle Style and more, each house will be decorated in a different holiday theme. Presented by the Concord Museum Guild of Volunteers.

7 Grab the kids and head to Kimball Farm on December 18th for a Cookie Decorating Workshop from 6-7PM. Sip on hot drinks, snack on some treats, and let the kids unleash their creativity!

8 The Umbrella Arts Center invites you to the Winter Solstice Celebration at the Old Manse on December 21st from 6-7PM. Celebrate the longest night of the year around a solstice fire with song, drums, hot apple cider, and s’mores.

9 Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic Little Women hits the big screen nationwide on December 25th. You can read more about the film experience here in Concord on p. 46.

10 The Festival of Lights comes alive with the 2019 Grand Community Chanukah Celebration on December 22nd from 4-6PM at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center. This fun event includes arts and crafts, face painting, menorah & dreidel cookie decorating, a magic show, food and drinks – and even a grand 6-foot menorah lighting! All are welcome.

Gingerbread House Village

11 Stop by Concord’s Colonial Inn from December 7th through Christmas Day to view their 6th Annual Dazzling Gingerbread House Village! You can vote for your favorite gingerbread house – or even build one yourself and enter the contest.

12 Ring in the New Year with a delicious evening out at one of Concord’s fine dining restaurants – there are lots to choose from! See our list of “Where to Eat” on p. 23 – and remember to make your reservation early!

Princess Tea

13 Valentine’s Day is special for all your sweethearts. Treat your little one to a special day at the Valentine’s Princess Tea at the Colonial Inn. Dress as your favorite Princess. Royal attire for the adults is optional and always in good taste.

14 Stay warm all winter long with a wide range of fascinating arts, right here in Concord. Check out our Arts Around Town article on p. 44 for great concerts, theatrical productions, and gallery exhibits to keep you entertained on chilly winter days.