It’s the most wonderful time of year and we had a hard time to choosing which events to put on our calendar this month. There is SO much going on in the valley this month. Take a look at our selected events and get our calendar in shape for the school break, holiday festivities and more. If you’re wondering how we define “cheap” when looking for things in this guide, we typically look for events that will either cost the entire family less than $20.00 or no more than $5.00 per person (with some exceptions–some things are a great value and a worthwhile special event). Remember, the majority of this guide is date specific and some require advanced tickets. Also if you loved this list, share it with a friend! Send it to their Facebook or email them!

 

Cheap/Free Things to Do in Western MA in December

December 1: Merry Maple Celebration of Lights is Amherst’s Light the Night event! Hayrides, face painting, and a marching band with Santa– fun for the whole family. Town Hall, Amherst, MA

December 2: Bundle up for Northampton’s annual Holiday Stroll. Music, activities, s’mores!

December 3: 5th Annual Easthampton Holiday Whobalation is always a big hit! Easthampton, MA

December 4 :  Let your gingerbread house be inspired by one of the amazing Gingerbread Houses on display at The Springfield Museums! Springfield, MA

December 5:  Have you gotten your Christmas tree yet? Head out after school to the tree farm nearest you and have a tailgate dinner! Many farms offer free hot chocolate, too.

December  6: Check the schedule at Six Flags for Holiday in the Park, and plan a family outing! Agawam, MA

December 7: It’s $10 Tuesdays at Bright Nights at Forest Park! Springfield, MA

December 8: The Antenna Cloud Farm’s Holiday Party is a FREE, kid-friendly event. RSVP by December 1st! Gill, MA

December 9:  Santa visits Atkins Farms, plus gingerbread house decorating! Amherst, MA

December 10: A little bit of a splurge (and a drive), even at a discount, but you’ll get a family holiday experience like no other with the Boston Holiday Pops matinee series for kids. (Under 2 is free.)  Go before Christmas to catch Santa’s visit. Multiple dates, see website for full schedule.  Boston, MA

December 11:  Doing a Christmas Cookie Swap? Check out Edible Pioneer Valley’s cookie recipes! Kids can easily help with the thumbprint cookies and the cut-out star cookies!

December 12:   It’s the first night of Hanukkah! Light the menorah with the Springfield JCC. Springfield, MA

December 13: Did you know that the library is full of museum passes? Many offer FREE admission. Check out what yours has to offer and plan an adventure for the upcoming school break!

December 14: Get the kids in the holiday mood after school today with craft time at the Carnegie Library. Turners Falls, MA

December 15:  Take a ride on Santa’s Train at Look Park!  FREE Florence, MA

December 16:  Family Gingerbread Decorating at McCray’s Farm! $15/child South Hadley, MA

December 17:  Celebrate Hanukkah with the JCC at The Springfield Museums with the always popular menorah making and dreidel-making, along with candle-making, a planetarium show and a puppet show with Anna Sobel. Springfield, MA

December 18: Visit Magic Wings to bring a little warmth to your winter! Under 3 is free. South Deerfield, MA

December 19: Check out this list of 30 Things To Do With Kids In Holyoke MA! There is something for everyone in Holyoke!

December  20: Go for a winter hike at one of these local spots on the Mohawk Trail.

December  21:  Visit Santa’s House at Mittineague Park! Check the website for full schedule. West Springfield, MA

December  22: The Nutcracker comes to Yankee Candle Village! Pioneer Valley Ballet will put on a mini-Nutcracker for the little ones. Get your tickets in advance.  South Deerfield, MA

December 23: Take a break from holiday preparations to go ice skating at Cyr Arena. (Note: Cash Only) Springfield, MA

December 24: It’s Christmas Eve! Did you put out your treats for Santa and his reindeer?

December 25: Merry Christmas!

December 26:   Stay in the holiday spirit with a visit to Look Park’s Winter Wonderland. Florence, MA

December  27: Fingers crossed for snow so that we can go sledding. Check out our favorite spots in Western MA!

December 28: Take a drive out to Connecticut for Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum.  East Windsor, CT

December  29: The CactusHead Puppets Present The Pied Piper of Hamelin! Two show times at The Eric Carle Picture Book Museum. Amherst, MA

December 30:   Drop by the Northampton Winter Farmers Market at 10AM to catch Storytime with Vee! Northampton, MA

December 31:  Ring in the New Year at Northampton’s First Night with music, fireworks and more! This family-friendly event goes all day and all night, making the single-price button a real bargain! Buttons are on sale now online and select locations around town.  Northampton, MA