Yuletide presented by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) has been a time-honored tradition at Storrowton Village Museum for 50 years. This year’s semi-centennial celebrations, December 6-13, began with a free weekend that attracted nearly 700 people to the historic village, making 2025 the event’s most successful year to date.
When asked about this year's record attendance,
Samantha DePergola, ESE Assistant Director of Education and Human Resources, said, "Across 50 years of winter holiday programming, Storrowton Village Museum has provided a way for visitors to learn about the history of New England and its winter holidays while coming together with friends and family. We're honored that so many visitors choose to make us a part of their holiday traditions, and we look forward to seeing the beautiful transformation our buildings and grounds undergo to support Yuletide. We thank the loyal volunteers that decorate with us each year!"
Jess Merson of Ludlow, Mass., and her daughter, Charlie, have been regulars at Yuletide since 2022, when Charlie was just two years old.
“Our first year, Charlie had just turned two in October,” Merson explained. “We were looking for something to get us into the Christmas spirit. We stumbled upon Yuletide when I saw an ad on social media, so we decided to check it out because The Big E is such a big part of our family. My husband and I went on our first date at the Fair in 2010. Four years later, he asked me to marry him on top of the Ferris wheel in the Midway.
“At that first Yuletide, Charlie asked Santa and Mrs. Claus for a potato,” continued Merson. “We still joke about it with them when we visit, which is a big part of what keeps us coming back. Our tree also has ornaments that Charlie makes every year during Yuletide, and we get inspiration for our own decorating by walking through the Christmas Store.”
This year’s anniversary gave the village an opportunity to organize a highly requested Gingerbread House Contest. Participants competed in teams of two, and the contest had an impressive 42 entries. Prizes were awarded by Mrs. Claus to first place, second place and people’s choice gingerbread houses.
Other entertainment included the Spirits of Christmas Past Ghost Tours; music by organist Caleb Smith, entertainer Freddie Marion and violinist Ann-Marie Messbauer; a reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by Rick Corbo; and more. Trade demonstrations included blacksmithing, printing, tin smithing, broom making by the Aborn family, open-hearth cooking, candle making and more. Local sugarhouse, Ferrindino Maple, provided delicious sticky sweets and maple-infused treats, and Firefly Fields Petting Zoo brought furry friends to greet guests.
A week of historical house tours and festive fun culminated in Lantern Light Evening, December 13. Yuletide’s final evening consistently promises an ambient night by candlelight full of crafting, visits with the Clauses, writing letters with quill pens, shopping, carolers and more.
When asked what advice she might have for newcomers, Merson said, “Take your time and explore. There is so much history here and there are so many amazing volunteers ready to share stories. Aside from visiting Santa, Charlie’s favorite part is the trolley ride.”
Yuletide will return to Storrowton Village Museum December 4-12, 2026. Tickets will be available online prior to the event, and we hope to see you there! The village offers numerous educational programs between now and then, however, so be sure to head to StorrowtonVillageMuseum.com or check out their social media to view their events calendar.