WESTFIELD — Westfield on Weekends recently announced its DecemberFest 2025 calendar of events, giving the community a mix of new and traditional offerings in the winter celebration’s eighth year.
“‘December Fest’ is a true celebration of our diverse community, as it features free and/or low-cost events and activities that bring everyone together,” said Bob Plasse, WOW President. “Its extensive calendar reflects all aspects of the season of light that we hope will create memories for all families, whatever our persuasions. The challenging times in which we live demand that not-for-profit organizations like WOW create positive experiences that reflect all those values at the heart of our traditions — like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Yule, the Winter Solstice and Bodhi Day embody.”
He continued, “In challenging times, not-for-profit organizations like WOW have a vital role to play in creating uplifting experiences that reflect the values and emotions at the heart of seasonal celebrations. In truth, ‘DecemberFest’ is our community’s embrace of love and its accompanying virtues – like generosity, resilience, unity, reverence and renewal. That makes it unique and special.”
WOW began producing holiday events after the success of a “Dickens of a Day” house tour, produced by the Westfield Hampden Historical Society, that raised funds for historic preservation. For its first seasonal calendar in 2003, WOW expanded on the house tour, mounting the first of many “Dickens Days” festivals. Wishing for a more inclusive, family-friendly focus, it changed the “Dickens Days” moniker to “DecemberFest” eight years ago.
The celebration actually began on Nov. 17 with the opening of the annual celebration. Continuing through Wednesday, Dec. 3, outside the Reminder Publishing office at Roost Athletic Center, 181 Root Road, the Tree Jubilee is a fundraiser that supports WOW’s community programming.
Visitors may view trees, wreaths donated by area individuals, businesses and organizations at Roots or online, and can purchase raffle tickets at westfieldonweekendstreejubilee2025.basketraffle.org. Winners will be drawn on Dec. 3 at 11:59 pm and notified on Dec. 4. Trees may be picked up on Dec. 6.
Breakfast with Santa
On Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Westfield-West Springfield Elks Lodge 1481, 56 Franklin St. This event is free with a toy or food donation, but registration is required on Eventbrite; a link can be found at westfieldonweekends.com/series/decemberfest.
This event with Santa, Mrs Claus, photos, and many surprises benefits It Takes a Village of Western Massachusetts and Project New Hope of Westfield, nonprofits that are battling the food insecurity crisis in our region. The first 100 families will be entered into a raffle for a $250 holiday basket.
Community tree lighting
Later on Saturday, the community is invited to the Elm Street Plaza for the community tree lighting, carols, cocoa and Santa’s arrival, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Mayor Mike McCabe will host the festivities that will feature caroling with the Westfield High School show choir and pep band. Hot chocolate will be provided by Mt. Moriah Lodge. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a very special arrival, followed by the opportunity for youngsters to visit with them.
The tree lighting will take place at 5:15 p.m. A snow date has been set for Sunday, Nov. 30.
Prior to and after the festivities, attendees are encouraged to do some gift shopping and to discover the special DecemberFest cocktails and menu items, available at nearby Westfield Cultural District restaurants and pubs.
‘Winter Wonderland’
WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm St., will become a wintry wonderland, starting Saturday, Nov. 29, and continuing through Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Its walls offer the art of regional professional artists inspired by the lyrics of the tunes, “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleigh Ride.” The gallery space, evoking the New England countryside, will provide a holiday backdrop for all the family activities at the center and the opportunity to purchase art. A portion of the sales helps fund WOW happenings.
Holiday Lights Tour
Also kicking off on Saturday is the Holiday Lights Tour.
This offers families the opportunity to take a self-guided drive-by tour of the city’s outdoor holiday displays. View the map here and on WOW’s Facebook page, where Westfield residents may also register their homes and businesses. To join the tour, register homes and businesses at Westfield on Weekends’ Facebook page or at the WOW website.
The tour runs through Jan. 3, 2026.
Up Close and Musical Series
Starting Tuesday, Dec. 2, WOW and Westfield State University once again team up for the 2025 DecemberFest edition of their popular concerts series that celebrates the talented student musicians, alumni and faculty of the university. This year’s program spotlights jazz, Broadway, classical, pop and representatives of the region’s booming “Do It Yourself” movement.
This year’s calendar of free holiday concerts, produced with the Music Department of Westfield State as part of WOW’s Up Close and Musical series, will take place at the beautiful Dever Stage of Parenzo Hall throughout the month. They include:
Small Ensembles, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall
Jazz Ensembles, Thursday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Catherine Dower Center, Room 127
WSU Chorus in Concert, Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall
Department Recital, Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.
Holiday craft workshop
WOW will host holiday stained glass workshops at the WOW Center, 105 Elm St., on Thursday Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, 2-6 p.m.
Presented by artisan Chris Lyons of Glass Visions of Springfield, participants will leave with their own stained glass suncatcher. The cost of the program is $65, including the materials needed.
To register and for more information, call 413-579-5967 or visit westfieldonweekends.com/center/wow-creative-arts-center.
Children’s Holiday Ball
The fourth annual Children’s Holiday Ball with the Arendale Snow Queen and the Bayou Beauty from New Orleans will take place Friday, Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m. at the WOW Center.
As part of the Center’s popular Cupcakes, Cookies and Community series for children 3 to 8 years of age, the party will feature music, stories, songs, games and holiday treats.
Reservations may be made at the WOW Center by calling 413-579-5967. Tickets are $20 for one parent and one child and $5 for each additional child. For more info and reservations: visit the “classes” page at westfieldonweekends.com.
Holiday family bingo, a free event, will take place Monday, Dec. 8, 6-7:30 p.m., at the WOW Center.
This installment of WOW’s Monday bingo series is a special holiday family edition with treats, surprises, and games that award the lucky winners with good fun and perhaps some unexpected pocket money for adults or gift certificates for children.
Writers Out Loud
WOW Center visitors can also enjoy a free, low-pressure DecemberFest open mic night welcoming all who love prose and poetry at the Writers Out Loud open mic evening on Monday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Authors, poets, and writers of every skill level are invited to share a three- to five-minute piece for WOW’s new celebration of the spoken word, produced with the Straw Dog’s Writers Guild and WhipCity Wordsmiths. This month’s suggested theme is “The Holidays.” Readers sign up on a first-come basis when the doors open. Be an audience member or perhaps even share your favorite fiction/non-fiction selection. Beverages are available.
Families will also have the opportunity to visit the North Pole Toy Shop at the WOW Center, as part of ArtWorks Westfield’s festive WinterWalk on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Amidst the twinkling lights of WOW’s “Winter Wonderland” exhibit and installation, participants can take photos with Santa and Mrs Claus; have a cocoa and holiday treats; create a holiday card and craft, and perhaps meet a famous toy or three. This program is free.
Menorah and Hanukkah Party
On Sunday, Dec. 21, 5:30 p.m., Rabbi Shahar Colt of the Congregation Ahavas Achim will light the seventh candle of the community menorah to celebrate the seventh evening of Hanukkah at the Elm Street Plaza. Prayer, songs and special words mark this city tradition, which is followed by a festive party in the Community Room of First United Methodist Church, 16 Court St. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the latkes, games, stories and songs.
Lottery Wall
WOW’s fourth annual lottery wall is a fundraiser for all WOW Center events. The drawing for the wall that features more than $250 worth of lottery tickets will be drawn, Sunday, Dec. 14th. Stop by the WOW Center or DecemberFest events. Tickets cost $5 for 3, $10 for 10 and $20 for $25!
A full calendar is available at westfieldonweekends.com as well as on Facebook and other social media. In the event of inclement weather, changes and cancellations will be announced there.
DecemberFest 2025 is partially funded with grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Westfield Cultural Council, the Queenin Family, Lisa Oleksak Sullivan of Coldwell Banker Realty, Attorney Richard “Kick” Sullivan III, with in-kind support from the city of Westfield, the Downtown Westfield Cultural District, Tribeca Gastro Bar & Grille and Reminder Publishing.
