Westfield on Weekends (WOW) DecemberFest, Westfield’s annual holiday celebration that mixes some popular traditional offerings with exciting new elements is in its planning stages. Information about Tree Jubilee and the exciting offerings at the Creative Arts Center will be listed here, so mark this webpage for the most up-to-date information!
“Holidays in Westfield have always offered numerous opportunities for us to celebrate our diverse, active and vibrant community and our seventh annual DecemberFest calendar has many ways for families to make memories together,” said Bob Plasse, WOW President.
Below is a chronological calendar of the many events and activities. More details may be found on the individual event pages.
WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm Street, Westfield
WOW’s Creative Arts Center becomes a snowy forest that sparkles with hundreds of lights and greenery reflecting the magic of winter’s day. Its walls offer the art of professional artists Marie Crane-Yvon, James Johnson-Corwin, Cathy Guidetti and photographer Jacob Fleron that echoes the glorious poetry of Robert Frost. The gallery space evokes the New England countryside as imagined by Johnson-Corwin and Westfield florist Colleen Shanahan of Colleen Shanahan Florals. The installation will provide a colorful backdrop for all the wonderful family activities at the Center, especially visits from Father Frost, a Fairytale Prince and Princess as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Elm Street Plaza, Westfield
First United Methodist Church at 16 Court Street, following ceremony.
To celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah, hosted by Congregation Ahavas Achim, with assistance from WOW and the City of Westfield, will offer prayers, songs and special words, as they light the menorah, the candles of which have been being lit each night December 25. The ceremony has a new location at Elm Street Plaza in the heart downtown. It will be followed by a Latkes and Lights party at the First United Methodist Church at 16 Court Street. All are welcome to attend.
Roots Athletic Center, 181 Root Road
Westfield on Weekends 7th Annual Tree Jubilee begins on November 18th and is a special fundraiser that supports WOW’s community programming. For the 4th year, it is taking place online, as well as at Roots Athletic Center, where visitors may view a wonderland of trees, wreaths and tablescapes donated by area individuals, businesses and organizations. Tickets may only be purchased and submitted online. Winners will be drawn on December 11 at 11:59 pm, notified on December 12 and may be picked up on December 14. All proceeds from this event help to fund future WOW events.
Elm Street Plaza, Westfield
Small Business Saturday will feature the Mayor’s Tree Lighting of the 20-foot community tree at a new location in downtown Westfield. A city tradition for decades, Mayor Mike McCabe will host the festivities that will feature caroling with the Westfield High School Show Choir and the WHS Pep Band. Hot chocolate will be provided by Mt. Moriah Lodge. To match its new location, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a very special arrival, followed by the opportunity for youngsters to visit with them. Prior to and after the festivities, attendees are encouraged to do some gift shopping at the many shops in the walkable city center and to discover the special menus available at Westfield’s restaurants.
WOW’s annual lottery wall is a fundraiser for all WOW community events. The drawing for the wall that features more than $250 worth of lottery tickets will be drawn Sunday, December 15th during the performance of The Uncommon Christmas Carol at the Westfield Senior Center. Tickets may be purchased at the Center or online HERE at WOW’s website.
Throughout Westfield neighborhoods
The 4th Annual Holiday Lights Tour offers families the opportunity to take a self-guided drive-by tour of the city’s outdoor holiday displays. View the map here and on WOW’s Facebook page, where Westfield residents may also register their homes and businesses. To join the tour register homes and businesses at Westfield on Weekends Facebook page or at the WOW website.
WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm Street, Westfield
For anyone who wishes to be creative this holiday season, WOW will once again offer an opportunity. Presented by artisan Chris Lyons of Glass Visions of Springfield, the Intro to Mosaics workshop will explore the medium, while the Stained-Glass workshop participants will leave with their own stained glass suncatcher. The Intro to Papermaking class on November 21 rounds out the trio of programs. Lyons’ classes and workshops have been a staple of arts programming at the Center for several years. Registration fees are $45 for Papermaking, $60 for the Mosaics workshop and $60 for the Stained-Glass workshop, including the materials needed.
For registrations and more information, call the Center at 413-579-5967 and/or register HERE.
WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm Street, Westfield
The 4th Annual Children's Holiday Ball with the Tower Princess and her Prince will create memories for families Friday, December 6, as they host a gathering that celebrates diversity, friendship and respect. As part of the Center’s popular Cupcakes, Cookies and Community series for children aged 3 to 8 years of age, the party will feature music, stories, songs, games, and holiday treats. Reservations may be made at the Center, by calling 413-222-4553 or purchase here. Tickets are $15 for one parent and one child.
WOW and Westfield State University once gain team up for the 2024 DecemberFest edition of their popular concerts series that celebrates the talented student musicians, alumni and faculty of the university, as well as regional and notional artists of note. This year’s program spotlights jazz, Broadway, classical, pop, the saxophone and a classic operetta.
Dever Stage, Parenzo Hall, Westfield State University, 577 Western Avenue
This year's calendar of free holiday concerts produced with the Music Department of Westfield State as part of WOW’s Up Close and Musical series will take place at the beautiful Dever Stage of Parenzo Hall throughout the month. They include a Student Musicians Recital (Tuesday, December 3 at 4 pm); "An Evening of Jazz" featuring:
WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm Street, Westfield
Critics have said that there has never been a funnier English version of Johann Strauss, Jr.’s comic operetta, Die Fledermaus than this one, reimagined by lyricist Josh Shaw as the madcap story of love gone wrong and right in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Recently performed by a talented cast at Westfield State, it has been adapted for WOW’s Creative Art Center and is the University’s holiday gift to downtown audiences, as part of WOW’s free Up Close and Musical program. Seating is on a first come – first served basis.
WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm Street, Westfield
WOW’s Monday Bingo series delivers a special holiday edition with treats, surprises and cash games that award the lucky winners with good fun and perhaps some unexpected pocket money for the season. All proceeds benefit WOW programming at the Center and beyond. Free admission.
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WOW’s Creative Arts Center, 105 Elm Street, Westfield
Jolly Old Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus holds court in the window of WOW’s Creative Arts Center, as part of Artworks of Westfield’s festive Winter Walk (10am -noon). Children of all ages are encouraged to make a visit, take photos, create a holiday card and craft and marvel at the glowing lights of Once Upon a Winter’s Day, the magical DecemberFest installation.
Westfield Senior Center, 45 Noble Street, Westfield
For nine years, WOW entertained SRO audiences at Springfield’s Bright Nights and at various venues in Westfield with its interactive fractured version of Charles Dickens’ immortal tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and 3 ghostly visitors. WOW reunites original cast members, led by narrator Bob Plasse as Charles Dickens’ unknown relative “Harvey,” and George Delisle as “Ebenezer Scrooge.” Tina Gorman of The Council on Aging joins the company of actors as “Mrs. Cratchit” of plum pudding fame. After a hiatus of several years this will be a special command performance that is the perfect winter’s tale for all ages. WOW attests that it is a rollicking good time, while retaining its warm message of redemption and community. Admission is $20 for adults; $15 for members of the Senior Center and $5 for children. Learn more on our event page.
If you are interested in joining us as part of DecemberFest 2024's planning group, please email Kathi or (413) 222-4553.
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DecemberFest 2024 activities are produced and/or hosted by Westfield On Weekends (WOW) in association with Westfield State University and the City of Westfield.
2024 sponsors include: Elm Electric; bankESB; Reminder Publications; Ascent Dental; Firtion-Adams Funeral Services, Specialty Bolt & Screw; C&S Wholesale Grocers; and The Sullivans: Lisa Oleksak Sullivan, Coldwell Banker Realty; City Councilor At Large Richard K. Sullivan, Jr. and Attorney Richard "Kick" Sullivan III.
Funded in part with grants from the Westfield Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Shurtleff Children's Foundation.
Westfield on Weekends, Inc (WOW) is a 501 (c)(3) volunteer not-for-profit organization, founded in 2003 to produce diverse, accessible and affordable events that enhance and celebrate diversity and community life in Westfield.
