12 Days Of Cheer In Sudbury: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Sudbury. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Sudbury feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Wander through the sparkling Festival of Trees at Elm Bank.

Running November 28 through December 28, the Festival of Trees transforms Elm Bank’s gardens into a twinkling landscape of themed holiday trees, illuminated pathways and tiny train villages set among the greenery. Each ticket includes a cup of hot cocoa when you arrive and a s’mores kit to use during your visit. Peak admission is $29 for adults and $10 for kids (3–17), with off-peak pricing at $24 and $8; member rates are discounted, and children 2 and under are free. Check their website for exact hours before heading out.

2. Visit Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s in Hudson.

Next door in Hudson, Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s runs through Christmas Eve and offers a free, family-friendly outing complete with studio-quality Santa photos and holiday crafts. Each visit includes a complimentary 4×6 photo and shareable video, and weekday guests can pick up themed giveaways like wooden ornaments, colorable frames or shrink-art kits while they last. Kids can play at the toy stations, write letters to Santa and drop them into his in-store mailbox for a reply. Be sure to reserve a time slot in advance for Santa photos.

3. Fit in a winter skate at Nashoba Valley Olympia.

If you’re looking for a simple winter outing, Nashoba Valley Olympia offers public skating Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on weekends from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Admission runs $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, and JWB Sports handles skate rentals right inside the rink. Be sure to hit the ATM first, as payments are cash or check only.

4. Warm up with a house-roasted coffee at Sudbury Coffee Works.

Founded in 1995, Sudbury Coffee Works has become a local favorite thanks to its on-site roasting — you can see their bright red, French-imported roaster right in the café, with its vent stretching two stories overhead. The shop carries more than 15 varieties of beans in wooden barrels, and the aroma alone makes it worth stepping inside. Pair a cup with one of their sandwiches or pastries and settle into a quiet table for a relaxing break amid holiday shopping.

5. Browse local art and handmade gifts at the Sudbury Art Association Holiday Market.

Open daily through December 23, the Sudbury Art Association’s Holiday Market turns 29 Hudson Road into a cozy pop-up shop filled with work from local artists. The market is set up like a true storefront, with a central checkout and well-stocked displays that rotate as artists bring in new pieces throughout the five-week season. You’ll find everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry, textiles and small gifts — all made by artists who also help run the shop. It’s open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving.

6. Settle in for games and seasonal events at Tackle Box Brewing Company.

Just a short drive from Sudbury, Tackle Box Brewing in Marlborough mixes small-batch beer with a lineup of games ranging from pool and darts to shuffleboard, foosball and cornhole. The taproom stays upbeat with live music at least three nights a week, and the holiday season brings themed events like festive trivia nights, Sip ’N Shop markets and stops on “The Tinsel Tour.” Browse their events page for the full lineup.

7. Visit The Enchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture for a festive outing.

If you’re up for a 40-minute drive, The Enchanted Village in Avon is open daily through January 1 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas), and the classic animated village is free to explore. Santa photos run through December 24, and there are plenty of optional add-ons, including indoor tubing and skating, a Rudolph 4D movie, a holiday laser show and a set of Reindeer Games. It’s a festive, all-ages stop with plenty to explore at your own pace. Check their website for hours and ticket prices, and note that all concessions are cashless.

8. Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil’s ‘’Twas the Night Before…’ at the Wang Theatre.

Running through December 14 at Boston’s Wang Theatre, Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before… reimagines Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem with acrobatics, music and a whimsical winter world. The story follows Isabella and her father as they’re swept into a snowstorm and separated, only to meet reindeer, acrobats and playful characters who guide them back to each other. It’s about a 35-minute drive from Sudbury, and tickets begin at $36 at the box office.

9. Enjoy a warm, flavorful evening — or a hands-on class — at Bullfinchs.

With its inviting dining room, creative international menu and live music on select nights, Bullfinchs is a great choice when you want a cozy winter dinner close to home. They also host a small demonstration-style cooking class where Chef Scott Richardson prepares a three-course menu in front of guests, each dish paired with wines selected by their in-house expert. It’s relaxed, intimate and a fun way to learn something new — or a thoughtful experience to share as a gift. Visit their website for upcoming classes (reservations required) and music listings.

10. Take a nighttime drive through Magic of Lights at Patriot Place.

About 40 minutes from Sudbury, Magic of Lights turns the grounds around Patriot Place into a mile-long drive-through of oversized holiday scenes and animated displays. Families can spot everything from a sparkling Holiday Barbie installation to a towering Bigfoot monster truck and even a set of life-sized dinosaurs in the “Prehistoric Christmas” section. You stay warm in the car the whole time, making it a relaxed outing on a cold night. Tickets are sold per carload and can be purchased online.

11. Drop in for a hands-on project at Pinspiration Sudbury.

12. Add a little tradition to the season with Boston Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker.’

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Sudbury!