Big Weekend In Worcester For Holiday Cheer With 3 Major Events

WORCESTER, MA — Get ready for a weekend of maximum holiday fun in Worcester.

Three days of big holiday celebrations will begin Friday with the big Festival of Lights celebration featuring the lighting of the city's Christmas tree, the opening of the oval skating rink behind City Hall and the illumination of seven big Worcester-themed light sculptures.

The 2022 Festival of Lights will also feature performances by "The Voice" contestants Cara Brindisi and Kara McKee, free ice skating, a beer tent — and a visit from Santa.

On Saturday, revelers can head to the Canal District for the Kelley Square tree lighting. That event will coincide with an "extravaganza" in the neighborhood featuring discounts and giveaways at local restaurants, free Polar seltzer and Table Talk pies, music and an appearance by Santa and his elves.

Closing out the weekend is the stART at the Station event — a massive holiday craft fair at Union Station featuring more than 100 local artists.

To entice visitors, Worcester will be offering discounted parking all weekend. On Friday, parking will be $1 after 4 p.m. at the Worcester Common Garage and Union Station Garage. On Saturday and Sunday, parking is $1 all day at the Union Station Garage, Green Street Lot, Water Street Lot and Millbury Street Lot.