Winter in Central MA can feel long — but it’s also packed with fun opportunities for families to get out, explore, and enjoy the season. Whether you want to bundle up, get moving, or enjoy a cozy night out, here are some great ways to make the most of these chilly months.

🌟 “Winter in Wooville” at Polar Park — A Must-See Holiday Experience

One of the most amazing winter events in the region is Winter in Wooville at Polar Park. The festival runs December 4–23, transforming Polar Park into a glowing holiday wonderland. 

Here’s what you and your kids can enjoy:

• A beautiful lights-walkthrough covering multiple themed zones — perfect for family photos and that festive holiday spirit.

• Cookie decorating, holiday ornament and card making — fun, hands-on activities to get creative. 

• Face painting, visits with Santa (in Sherwood’s Diner), and photos with mascots like Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, Roberto the Rocket, and Clara the Heart of the Commonwealth. 

• A giant 30-foot Christmas tree in centerfield — a magical backdrop for holiday memories on the CCUA Summit Street Playground.

• The “Charity Tree Village,” where kids and families can stroll, vote on decorated trees by local nonprofits, and feel part of something bigger. Psssttt....we have a Girls on the Run Worcester County tree that we would LOVE you to vote for!

Whether you’re looking for a fun night out, a festive treat, or a way to create holiday memories with kids, Winter in Wooville is a seasonal highlight that brings together lights, laughter, and community warmth.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Outdoor Winter Fun in Worcester

Don’t forget some classic winter fun outside:

• Worcester Common Oval offers a 12,000-square-foot ice skating rink right in downtown Worcester — a great place for families to strap on skates and glide under the winter sky. The rink features music, holiday lights, and skate rentals, so even if you don’t own skates you’re covered.

• For a broader slice of Central MA family winter-activity ideas (sledding hills, school-vacation fun, snow tubing and more), check out resource guides from local family-activity calendars. 

🏂 Nearby Snow & Nature Adventures

If you want to go a bit beyond skating and festivals:

• Ski Ward Ski Area (in Shrewsbury, not far from Worcester) offers ski trails, a tubing hill, and a lodge — great for families wanting a full-day winter outing in the snow.

• And of course, Wachusett Mountain is a great spot!! 

 Why Winter Is a Great Time for Kids to Get Outside & Connect

• Movement & Energy: Skating, snow tubing, even dancing around lights at a festival helps kids burn energy and stay active.

• Creativity & Fun: Holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and “make-your-own ornament” stations let kids express themselves and make memories.

• Community & Connection: Events like Winter in Wooville bring people together — friends, families, neighbors — all enjoying the magic of the season.

• Balance & Joy: Winter doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. With the right mix of indoor and outdoor activities, families can stay balanced, happy, and healthy even when it’s cold.

Tips Before You Head Out

• Check event dates and ticket requirements in advance — “Winter in Wooville” runs Dec 4–23 and offers tickets online.

• Dress warm and in layers — scarves, hats, gloves, warm coats go a long way!

• Bring or rent skates if heading to the Oval — they offer rentals but local skate shops or earlier planning helps. 

• For snow activities: pick a day when weather’s good and check local snow/tubing conditions.

• Make memories — bring a camera or phone to capture lights, snowflakes, big smiles, and holiday moments.

Winter in Central Massachusetts doesn’t mean hibernation — it means opportunity. With cozy lights, skating rinks, snow-friendly adventures, and great festivals like Winter in Wooville, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this season with kids.