Holiday Events In Chelmsford And Nearby: Holiday Prelude, Parades

CHELMSFORD, MA — There is no shortage of things to do in Chelmsford to get the winter holiday season off to a rollicking good start.

Christmas and Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, intersect this year, with Hanukkah running Dec. 18-26. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the holidays.

The annual Chelmsford Holiday Prelude takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 4 in the Town Center and Common. The event is free, though donations are accepted.

This year's Prelude will include the traditional horse-drawn hayrides, free goodies, face painting and performances by various groups throughout the Center and Common.

Santa arrives at 4 p.m. and there will be free photos with jolly old Saint Nick sponsored by the Chelmsford Dog Association.

The holiday lights will be turned on at 5 p.m.

Christmas parades — often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands — are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Several big parades are taking place this year, including the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade in Baltimore City, Maryland; the Target Holidazzle Parade in Minneapolis; and the Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, California.

Parades in the area may not be able to match those in size, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades to catch here at home include:

• North Andover Santa Parade, North Andover, Noon on Saturday
• City of Lights Parade, Lowell, 4:30 p.m. on Saturday
• Andover Santa Parade, Andover, 1 p.m. on Sunday
• The 2022 Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Newburyport, 3 p.m. on Sunday
• Merrimac Santa Parade, Merrimac, 1 p.m. on Dec. 4