Dreaming of a bright Christmas? Drive or walk through these holiday light displays
Early sunsets may have put a stop to walks along the beach and picnics in the park, but shorter days are good for one favorite holiday activity: Light shows.
Whether you're looking for a drive-thru experience or prefer to brave the cold on foot − or even take a short train trip − there's plenty of ways to enjoy the sparkling lights on the South Shore and beyond. From farms to zoos to historic landmarks, there are plenty of options to choose from when picking your favorite place to enjoy the lights of the season.
Celebration of Lights, Marshfield
Select nights through Dec. 30.
140 Main St., Marshfield
Acres of the Marshfield Fairgrounds have been transformed into a glittering display with over 1 million LED lights, a 300-foot multicolored tunnel and animatronic scenes. Listen to music played through FM radio in your own car during this safe, drive-thru-only holiday experience.
Tickets range from $21.99 to $50 per vehicle; purchase online at fiestashows.com/lights.
Calling all artists: Patriot Ledger's Christmas cover contest returns
How to help: Lend a hand to needy South Shore residents
Edaville's Christmas Festival of Lights, Carver
Now through Jan. 1, closed Christmas Day
Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St., Carver
This railroad-centric, cranberry-themed amusement park is all dressed up for the holidays, with all the usual entertainment including a ferris wheel, bumper cars and other rides. The festival also features thousands of lights and visits with St. Nick himself.
General admission tickets start at $12; visit Edaville.com to purchase.
Winterlights at the Bradley Estate, Canton
Wednesdays through Sundays until Jan. 7, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
2468B Washington St., Canton
Thousands of sparkling lights bring color and magic to the sprawling Bradley Estate in Canton. Snacks and hot drinks are sold on site for this roughly 45-minute, self-guided tour.
Tickets start at $17 for adult Trustees members and $22 for nonmembers; visit tickets.thetrustees.org to purchase.
'The right thing to do': Quincy promises to honor Massachusett Tribe
Through a mother's eyes: Marshfield triplets join the Marine Corps
Magic of Lights, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro
Now through Dec. 31, nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. Closed Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 24-25 due to Patriots home games.
Gillette Stadium, 67 Washington St., Foxboro
The Magic of Lights drive-thru experience is back at Gillette Stadium for the last time. The fan-favorite event is in the parking lot across from the stadium and features themed drive-thru light displays using the latest LED technology and digital animations.
Guests will find a 200-foot-long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, 12 Days of Christmas, Prehistoric Christmas with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and Bigfoot Monster Truck. It also features a 32-foot-tall animated Barbie, as well as dazzling, dancing displays synchronized to popular holiday tunes.
Standard vehicle tickets range from $23 to $40; visit magicoflights.com/events/foxborough/ to purchase.
La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights, Attleboro
Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, every night from 5 to 9 p.m.
National Shrine of Our Lady La Salette, 947 Park St., Attleboro
If you're looking for a more spiritual Christmas event, the National Shrine of Our Lady La Salette in Attleboro is once again hosting its popular light display. Walk around the grounds, visit the religious articles store or even attend holiday Mass. Admission to the Christmas Festival is free, but donations are welcome.
For more information, visit lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/christmas-festival
Zoolights at Stone Zoo, Stoneham
Now through Jan. 8 from 4 to 9:30 p.m., closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham
Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights, while visiting some four-legged friends along the way. Black bears, bald eagle, lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes are just some of the creatures you'll encounter. On Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m., meet Mrs. Claus as she strolls through the zoo, or video chat with Santa in a ZOOm call.
Non-member tickets range from $13 to $20. Visit their website to purchase tickets.
Tis the season: The final South Shore high school football top 10 rankings
Massachusetts Horticultural Society Festival of Trees, Wellesley
Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. Closed on Christmas Day.
The Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington St., Wellesley
Back for its 14th year is the Massachusetts Horticultural Society's Festival of Trees at the Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley.
Visit the Hunnewell Building to see dozens of decorated Christmas trees, each sponsored by a local business or organization. Visitors vote with their raffle tickets for trees they would like to win and take home at the end of the event. Trees range from one foot to nine feet tall, and many have gifts in addition to beautiful decorations.
Along with the beautifully decorated trees, check out the Snow Village model train display and stroll through the illuminated garden while enjoying hot chocolate and s'mores by the fire, included with admission.
Tickets range from $22 to $27 and must be reserved online. Visit www.masshort.org/buy-tickets-festival-of-trees to purchase.
Festival of Illumination at Southwick's Zoo, Mendon
Wednesdays through Sundays, now through Dec. 31. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Southwick's Zoo, 2 Southwick St., Mendon
Southwick's Zoo's Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination are back with fun for the whole family. This year's event includes a new, walk-through interactive lantern display. Ride through an enchanted forest on Santa's train and enjoy live Chinese acrobat performances, shopping, food and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Tickets are $27, to purchase visit southwickszoo.net
Did we miss your favorite light display in eastern Mass? Email CKelley@Gannett.com to submit a suggestion.
This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Where to go for holiday light displays on the South Shore
