Schedule

  • Festival of Wreaths

    11 AM-5 PM

    The Brush Gallery & Art Studios

    Wreaths will be displayed during "City of Lights" November 30th at The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market Street across the courtyard from the National Park Visitor Center.

  • Holiday Market

    12 - 4 PM

    Dutton Street Market, 350A Dutton Street

    Visit the Dutton Street Market to shop artisan vendors and enjoy festive treats in an outdoor vendor market.

  • Open Studios at Western Ave

    12-5 PM

    Western Avenue Studios

    Celebrate Small Business Saturday by buying local from one of the largest artist communities in the state!

  • Holiday Card Crafting

    12 - 2 PM

    ALL Gallery

    Visit the Arts League of Lowell to make your own holiday cards- tap in with your artistic side!

    Appropriate for ages 5 and up.

  • Photos with Santa

    1-3 PM

    Lowell City Hall

    Grab a family photo with Santa!

    *Please note that the line closes at 2:30PM.

  • Holiday Treat Decorating

    1-4 PM

    Little Delights Bakery

    Bring a little creativity to decorate your own holiday treat, while supplies last

  • Roasted Marshmallows

    1 - 5:30 PM

    In front of City Hall

    Stop by the Rotary of Lowell tent for a toasted marshmallow treat. All proceeds support the Rotary of Lowell.

  • Hot Chocolate Competition

    2-4 PM

    Locations throughout Downtown

    Test the hot chocolate from local businesses and vote for your favorite recipe.

  • Warm Up Concert

    3:30-4:15PM

    Arcand Drive Review Stand

    Get warmed up for the parade with an outdoor concert at the review stand

  • Parade

    4:30-5:30PM

    Downtown from Jackson St. to Arcand Dr.

    Take in the annual City of Lights parade. This year’s theme: Holiday Folklore & Fairytales.

  • Lighting of City Hall & Wannalancit Smokestack

    5:15PM (approximate time)

    JFK Plaza

    Join us for the ending of the parade by watching Santa & City leadership flip the switch on City Hall and the Wannalancit Smokestack.

  • Gentlemen Songsters Concert

    5:45-6:30PM

    Saint Anne’s Church

    Warm up at St. Anne’s with a free Gentlemen Songsters concert - a truly cozy way to end the evening.

  • Storefront Decorating Contest

    November 29-December 25

    Vote for your favorite storefront display this year! Participating locations have a poster with instructions on how to vote. Check out the kiosks throughout Downtown Lowell to see a map of participating locations.

Hot Chocolate Competition

The Hot Chocolate Competition is a fan favorite! Walk through downtown Lowell and indulge in different takes on the classic holiday treat.

Voting will be open from 2-4 PM on November 29. Each location will have a sign with instructions on how to vote. Choose wisely- you can only vote once!

2024 Results

Sweet Lydia's (first place) 

Time Out Cafe and Brew'd Awakening (tying for second place) 

Cobblestones of Lowell (third place) 

 

Window Decorating Competition

 
 

Wander through downtown Lowell and take in the beautifully decorated storefronts. Each storefront has a poster displayed with instructions on how to vote. Choose wisely- you can only vote once!

Voting opens on November 29 and closes December 25. During the first week of January, results will be posted here and on Facebook (Lowell City of Lights).

2025 Participants

ALL Gallery at 307 Market Street

A Damn Shame Records at 101 Paige Street

Cafe Eclipse at 12 Cardinal O’Connell Pkwy

lala books at 185 Market Street

Lazy Cat Lounge at 177 Market Street

Lowell General Store at 53 Market Street

MassHire Lowell Career Center at 107 Merrimack Street

Over the Spoon at 101 Paige Street

Pizzelle Bakery at 201 Market Street

Sweet Pig Press at 101 Paige Street

Warp & Weft at 197 Market Street