Events near Lake Wickaboag, 2026 to 2027
The dates worth planning a stay around, from holiday lights and Christmas by Candlelight to the Brimfield show weeks, commencements and the Big E, each with its drive time from the house and a link to the organizer.
Every date comes from the organizer's own page and was checked on November 11 and 12, 2026. Dates change, so confirm before you book.
This holiday season
November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027Night Lights at the New England Botanic Garden, Boylston, 4 to 10 PM daily with timed tickets. About 60 minutes. nebg.org
November 21, 2026 to February 21, 2027Beasts of Legend: Animals in East Asian Art, Worcester Art Museum. About 45 minutes. worcesterart.org
November 25, 2026 to January 3, 2027Bright Nights at Forest Park, Springfield, drive-through holiday lights. About 50 minutes.
November 27 to 29, 2026The Nutcracker, The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. About 45 minutes. thehanovertheatre.org
November 27 to December 27, 2026Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village: Friday to Sunday through December 20, then December 23, 26 and 27, 2 to 8 PM, with Candlelight Thursdays on December 10 and 17, 4 to 8 PM. 26 minutes. osv.org
November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027The 17th annual gingerbread exhibition, Springfield Museums. About 50 minutes. springfieldmuseums.org
November 2026 to April 2027Fireplace Feasts at Salem Cross Inn, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons; check the inn’s current ticket availability. 7 minutes. salemcrossinn.com
Sunday, December 6, 2026White Christmas in West Brookfield, 10 AM to 7 PM on the town common. 5 minutes. wbrookfield.com
December 17 to 23, 2026A Christmas Carol, The Hanover Theatre, Worcester (no show on December 21), with a free plaza festival before the shows on December 18, 19 and 20. About 45 minutes. thehanovertheatre.org
The winter guide adds skiing, snow tubing and skating, with drive times.
2027: shows, commencements and the fair
May 11 to 16, 2027Brimfield spring show. 23 minutes. Where to stay for the shows
May 13 and 14, 2027WPI commencement, Worcester (venue not announced). 40 to 45 minutes. wpi.edu
May 2027, date not yet postedAsparagus and Flower Heritage Festival on the West Brookfield common (in 2026 it fell on Saturday, May 16). 5 minutes. wbrookfield.com
Friday, May 21, 2027UMass Amherst undergraduate commencement, 5 PM, McGuirk Alumni Stadium. About 45 minutes. umass.edu
Friday, May 28, 2027College of the Holy Cross commencement, 10 AM, DCU Center, Worcester. 40 to 45 minutes. holycross.edu
July 13 to 18, 2027Brimfield summer show, in the middle of lake season. 23 minutes.
September 7 to 12, 2027Brimfield fall show, starting the day after Labor Day. 23 minutes.
September 17 to October 3, 2027The Big E, West Springfield. thebige.com
Coming for a campus visit or a graduation? College stays lists twenty campuses with drive times. For a wedding, see venues nearby.
Big weekends book first
Show weeks, commencements and holiday weekends fill early. The house is booked through Airbnb from this website, where you'll find the calendar and the price for your dates.