Select Saturdays | February 7 has been canceled due to extreme cold and wind chill; see below for details.
Times: Tours leave every 10 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Timed tickets are required.
Cost: $35 Member Adults, $50 Non-Member Adults
Meets at Ox & Yoke Cafe (across from the entrance to the Visitor Center)
Get Tickets
Sorry, Evening of Illumination is SOLD OUT!
How did New England families spend their evenings before the introduction of texting, telephones, TVs, and computers? Visitors to Old Sturbridge Village will get a rare chance to find out as they tour the historic Village lit only by candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and firelight during Evening of Illumination. Guided tours around the Village Common allow guests to visit select homes and shops to see how early New Englanders spent their evenings in the days before electricity. Throughout the tour, visitors will look back and learn about what life was like in the years following the Revolution and the impacts it had on 19th century New England. Hear stories of the Revolution, see artifacts from the first 50 years after the war, learn about the trades that supported families during and after the conflict, and much more. Visitors will be treated to music and storytelling throughout the tour and will see Village artisans at work by candlelight. Each tour will begin with hot cocoa or coffee and will conclude in the Bullard Tavern, where guests can enjoy warm beverages and light fare.* This program is designed for adults.
*Light fare and beverage is included in your ticket.
Tickets
Pre-registration is required and will likely sell out.
Tickets are currently exclusively on sale to members. Members save $15 per person off the public price!
Not a member? Join Today!
Tickets will go on sale to the general public in early January.
Evening of Illumination 2026 is sponsored by
Thank you to our sponsors for their support of 250th programming!
Bronze Sponsors:
