By Tiffany Williams –
The Worcester Red Sox are turning Polar Park into a full-blown winter wonderland this December with “Winter in Wooville,” a massive holiday festival packed with lights, music, and family fun. The celebration runs from December 4 through December 23, lighting up the ballpark Thursday through Sunday nights, plus Monday and Tuesday of Christmas week. Tickets are on sale now at polarpark.com/wooville.
The WooSox are promising the ultimate holiday experience — a glowing walkthrough of lights, local bands playing seasonal tunes, and plenty of hands-on fun for kids. Visitors can decorate cookies, make ornaments and holiday cards, get their faces painted, and visit Santa inside Sherwood’s Diner. Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, Roberto the Rocket, and Clara the Heart of the Commonwealth will all be on hand for photos and autographs. The 30-foot Christmas tree in centerfield will set the backdrop for holiday pictures on the CCUA Summit Street Playground.
A “Charity Tree Village” will showcase Christmas trees decorated by local nonprofits, and guests will vote for their favorite. The winning tree’s decorator will earn the right to choose a nonprofit to receive a $5,000 donation from the WooSox. Shoppers can also browse the “Merry, Merry Market,” featuring small businesses and local artisans selling gifts and holiday goods.
The festival kicks off Thursday, December 4, and runs 6–9 p.m. each night through December 23. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children when bought in advance, with prices increasing at the gate. Kids two and under are free. Groups of 15 or more can grab tickets for $13 apiece, but they’ll need to buy ahead.
Hot cocoa, mulled cider, fresh-baked cookies, roasted nuts, and other holiday treats will be sold throughout the park. The event runs rain, snow, or shine — and anyone who can’t make it due to bad weather can exchange their tickets for another night.
Local organizations can also host their own holiday parties at Polar Park during the festival. The DCU Club fits up to 325 guests, and the Royal Wooters Club is perfect for smaller groups of 50 to 100. Both come with a 50 percent discount on licensing fees. The WooSox’ food team will serve up seasonal menus with chef-carved prime rib, brownie sundaes, and holiday cocktails, with luxury suites available for more private gatherings.
“Winter in Wooville” marks the WooSox’ first large-scale winter festival and follows October’s “Boo in the Woo,” which transformed Polar Park into both a haunted adult experience and a family-friendly Halloween event. Tickets for both festivals are available now at polarpark.com.