Lowell lights up with a twinkling display of lights and decorations in celebration of the holidays. City of Lights has afternoon and evening activities to delight families and individuals on Saturday November 30th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Picture taken by Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism
Wreath Decorating Workshop (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Join the Pollard Memorial Library staff for the start of the activities in a fun, wreath-decorating workshop which is open to everyone and materials will be provided, just bring your own artistic creativity. The event takes place in the Pollard Library ground floor meeting room at 401 Merrimack Street. To register for a wreath, visit the Pollard Library website.
Silly Sally’s Elves (12 – 4 p.m.)
Silly Sally and her group of elves will be around for a variety of performances and activities for children. Silly Sally has been performing since she was a little kid, providing fun for children. This year, she will entertain with face painting, balloon twisting, and a puppet show, all with an elf theme in the JFK Plaza tent.
Holly Jolly Trolley (12 – 3:30 p.m.)
Jump on the Lowell National Historical Park's "Holly Jolly Trolley," complete with Ranger Elves, music, and holiday decorations. The trolley will run continuously from the Boott Cotton Mills to the Visitor Center at 246 Market Street. This is a free event with no need for reservations.
Photos With Santa (1 – 3 p.m.)
Get your holiday family photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the lobby of City Hall. They will be available during the afternoon to take pictures and say hello.
Capella Caroling (1 – 3 p.m.)
Hawkapella joins in on the fun with caroling session throughout downtown Lowell. They will be visiting several spots to perform their versions of popular holiday tunes. The UMass Lowell all-male cappella group which prides itself on their pop and rock influences will also perform after the lighting of City hall.
Festival of Wreaths: Contest and Raffle (2 – 6 p.m.)
View beautifully decorated wreaths at St. Anne’s Edison Hall that were donated by local organizations and individuals. During the event, raffle tickets will be available for purchase for your chance to win a wreath for yourself. The raffle will be held at 5 p.m. The event is sponsored by The Brush Art Gallery & Studios and admission is free.
Holiday Craft Market (1 – 7 p.m.)
The holiday craft market on JFK Plaza is a great opportunity to purchase locally made art crafts, holiday foods, and much more
Holiday Movie Screening: The Polar Express (2 p.m.)
Head over to the Lowell National Park Visitor Center for a free movie screening of The Polar Express. This movie quickly became a holiday classic after its release in 2004, and is sure to delight in 2019.
Holiday Art Exploratory (1 – 3:30 p.m.)
Visit Lowell Makes to decorate and take home your own 3D printed ornaments. This workshop gives participants the opportunity to create a unique and popular holiday craft.
Ice Skating (1 – 5 p.m.)
Also on JFK Plaza, an ice rink will be available for skating for several hours. Rentals are available, but feel free to bring your own skates.
Food Trucks and Vendors (1 – 7 p.m.)
Throughout the event, enjoy a variety of food options from several local food trucks and vendors. Trucks include NE Comfort Foods, Eggroll Café, and Wacky Candy Shack; vendors include Strung Together, InvisaWear, GM Accessories, and more.
Lighting of City Hall
Following the conclusion of the City of Lights parade, Santa Claus and Mayor William Samaras will flip the switch to light City Hall. Thousands of lights will illuminate the building for all attendees to witness. The lighting kicks off the official start of the holiday season by outlining one of Lowell’s most important historical buildings as well as the surrounding area. The switching of the lights will occur around 6:30 p.m. At the same time the Wannalancit Mill smokestack will light up a towering tree with green lights.
