Date: Friday, November 29th

Time: 4 PM – 9 PM

Location: Downtown Shelburne Falls, Shelburne Falls, MA 

As the holiday season approaches, the beloved Moonlight Magic festival is back, transforming the quaint streets of Shelburne Falls into a winter wonderland. Now in its 39th year, this cherished event promises to enchant visitors of all ages with a blend of time-honored traditions and exciting new experiences. 

Organized by the dedicated volunteers of West County Arts and Culture since 2022, Moonlight Magic has revitalized its festive spirit. This year, a passionate team of community volunteers, local small businesses, and nonprofit organizations has come together to infuse the festival with even more magic.

Highlights of Moonlight Magic 2024:

• Window Decorating Contest: Local shopkeepers have turned their storefronts into holiday-themed masterpieces, creating a stunning visual display throughout the village.
• Artistic Showcase at The Mill: Formerly the Lamson cutlery factory, The Mill will feature artist studios, a beautiful light display, and a vibrant market showcasing local artisans.
• Children’s Scavenger Hunt: Young explorers can embark on a fun-filled scavenger hunt, culminating at the community tree, which will be aglow in the heart of the village.
• Parade of Lights: Watch as the village lights up with new characters and festive floats in this beloved parade, starting at 5 PM.
• Moonlight Magic Music: Indoor and outdoor performances throughout the village from local musicians, bands, and performance groups such as Welcome Yule, Jolly Holly Horns, and many more.

Join Us for a Night of Festivities: 

Gather your family and friends to experience the magic of Moonlight Magic. Stroll the luminaria-lined streets, enjoy the festive storefronts, and discover the perfect gifts from the village shops and local vendors. 

The evening will feature a variety of activities, including:

• Santa's Workshop at the Mountain Lodge of Masons.
• Art, Craft, and Food Vendors on Bridge Street.
• Indoor Craft Fairs at the Shelburne Falls Eagles and Buckland Town Hall.
• Magical Trolley Rides at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum.
• Warming Station at The Mill, serving hot apple cider and cookies. Music and caroling will fill the air, with performances happening throughout the village. Expect many more delightful surprises as you immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Important Information:
• Bridge Street will close at 2 PM from Greenfield Savings Bank to the Buckland side of the Iron Bridge to create a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere for craft and food vendors.
• Admission to Moonlight Magic is free, and complimentary parking and shuttle rides will be available throughout the village.

For more information, visit www.shelburnefalls.com and follow Moonlight Magic on social media:

Facebook: Moonlight Magic Shelburne Falls

Instagram: MoonlightMagicShelburneFalls

Email: [email protected]

The festivities officially kick off at 4 PM, but there's so much to do before then!

Grab a delicious bite to eat!

• List of dining opinions with hours lists below

Do some Moonlight Magic Day holiday shopping 

• Most shops open at 11am and staying open until 9pm (a list will magically appear soon)

Enjoy a round of Shelburne Falls Bowling

• Opening early at 2pm for Candlepin bowling. It's such a fun and historic way to start Moonlight Magic. The tradition of bowling on these lanes since 1906! 

Don't notice all the running around on Bridge St. It's just the organizers, volunteers, and Moonlight Magic vendors setting up Bridge St! Maybe that's a bit of pre-Moonlight Magic entertainment, too.

Printable PDF Moonlight Magic Program & Map

Where to Find the Moonlight Magic Program

The Moonlight Magic program, including the event map, will be available at the Moonlight Magic table next to the Community Tree at the corner of Bridge Street and Deerfield Avenue. Copies will also be available exclusively at participating shops and restaurants.

What’s Inside the Program

The program includes:

• Schedule of Events and Entertainment: A curated list of activities and performances happening during Moonlight Magic (please note, it’s not exhaustive—visit this webpage for a complete listing!).
• Moonlight Magic Map: Essential details for navigating the event, including:
  • Children’s Scavenger Hunt Locations
  • General information such as restrooms, shuttle stops, main parking lots, and ATMs.
  • Business locations where performances and other event activities take place are marked on the map.
• The program also acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of our 2024 Moonlight Magic Sponsors, whose support makes this magical event possible.

Parking Options:
Parking is available at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School (75 Mechanic St). And at the Mill at Shelburne Falls (49 Conway St).
Other small lots and street parking are available around the village, but these can fill up quickly, so the school and the Mill are great options!

Look for these PARKING signs as you arrive and search for your parking spot! 

Parking Options:
Parking is available at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School (75 Mechanic St). And at the Mill at Shelburne Falls (49 Conway St).
Other lots and street parking are available around the village, but these can fill up quickly, so the school and the Mill are great options!

Shuttle Service:
Yes! To make it easy for everyone to get to the event, complimentary shuttle rides will run between Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School and downtown Shelburne Falls throughout the evening. A shuttle will also run on the Buckland side from the Mill at Shelburne Falls.

The Moonlight Magic Program and Map has all the shuttle stops marked and shuttle signs will be at each location.

Free Moonlight Magic Shuttle that begins at The Mill at Shelburne Falls is courtesy of Adventure East.

Free Moonlight Magic Shuttle that begins at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary is courtesy of The Academy at Charlemont  

Children’s Scavenger Hunt at Moonlight Magic!

Calling all young adventurers! Each family will receive a map to embark on a festive journey through the village. Along the way, kids will collect one piece of chocolate at each of the three unique stops—so don’t miss a single location! 🍫🍫🍫

Once all 3 chocolates are collected, bring them to the Treasure Chest under the Community Tree, where each child gets to open the chest and uncover a special surprise! 🎁

It’s a magical scavenger hunt filled with fun, sweets, and holiday cheer—perfect for kids of all ages! 🎄✨

Note: The map is in the Moonlight Magic 2024 Program/Schedule, which you can print at home. It will also be available at the Moonlight Magic Information Tent on Bridge St.

When: Right after the Parade of Lights (starting at 5 PM)

Where: Santa’s Workshop, 7 Main St, Shelburne Falls

The Journey to Santa’s Workshop:

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be led into the village by the Parade of Lights. At the corner of Bridge Street and Deerfield Avenue, Santa will light the Community Tree, spreading holiday cheer to all. From there, the parade continues to Santa’s Workshop, where the real magic begins!

✨ Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus:

Inside the workshop, Santa will take time to hear each child’s holiday wishes and feel free to take photos. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture a cherished holiday memory!

Whether you’re young or young at heart, this is your chance to kick off the season with festive spirit and joy. Don’t miss the magic! 🎅🎄

A special thank you to The Mountain Lodge of Masons for organizing this annual Moonlight Magic tradition!

Join us on November 29th during Moonlight Magic as the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum opens its doors from 4 PM – 8 PM for a magical evening! 

What’s waiting for you?

• Nighttime trolley rides on a trolley decked out in festive holiday lights.
• A cozy caboose warming station to keep the chill away.
• Holiday shopping for unique gifts and a chance to explore the electric trains in the museum's gift shop.
• Hop on the trolley (located near Salmon Falls Gallery) for a ride to the Trolley Museum and back—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!

Rides take about 15 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for 6-17-year-olds and under 6 are free. Members always ride free and if you join now you get a Membership that is good until the end of next year. Join now at https://www.sftm.org/join.shtml or at the ticket office.

Bring the whole family and make this enchanting adventure part of your Moonlight Magic tradition!

4-9pm: Paint Your Own Ornaments at Handle Factory - The Mill at Shelburne Falls (49 Conway St.)

• $5.00 fee with all proceeds going to a local charity.

4-8pm: Make A Holiday Card at Make Your Mark Creative Studio - The Mill at Shelburne Falls (49 Conway St. - Front Building)

4-8pm: Make A Simple Ornament at Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum (14 Depot St.)

4-8pm: Decorate A Gingerbread Cookie at Juicebox Wine Bar (8 Bridge St.) 

• A $5 suggested donation. All proceeds go to Western MA Food Bank.

Get ready to sparkle and shine this Friday at Moonlight Magic with the incredible Emily Gwynn of Western Mass Face Painting!

When & Where:

• Friday, November 29, during Moonlight Magic
• Lobby of the Arms Library 60 Bridge St.
• 4-9pm
  

Find Emily in the cozy lobby of the Arms Library, where she’ll be creating vibrant, bold face paint designs for kids and merrymakers of all ages!

Whether you want to transform into a tiger, unicorn, Spiderman, or something totally unique, Emily’s designs are sure to dazzle. 

A few things to note:

• Custom designs to match YOUR favorites—rainbows, spiders, foxes, and more!
• Fee-based service: A variety of styles and price points to suit all budgets.
• Using only the highest quality professional face paints, Emily ensures your safety and comfort with uncompromising cleanliness.

Since 2023, Emily has been a local favorite, bringing joy and creativity to every event. Don’t miss the chance to add a touch of whimsy to your Moonlight Magic adventure!  Come by and let Emily add a little extra magic to your night! 

It’s the perfect time to stock up on books for holiday gifting (or for yourself)!  And the best part? All proceeds benefit Arms Library projects, so your purchases support a great cause.

Pay What You Can! Let’s make this the most generous sale yet—please give as much as you can and help make a difference in our community! 

During Moonlight Magic 2024, swing by the Village Information Center (75 Bridge St) and grab a box (or two!) of their delicious homemade cookies—baked with love and perfect for the holiday season!

Every penny you spend supports local scholarships, helping our community thrive. It’s a sweet way to give back while enjoying some tasty treats! Cookies + Community = Magic!

Warmup with free cookies & cider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greenfield Coop Bank Community Room Free Hot Chocolate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ted Hanna, Cohn & Co. Outside McCusker's Market Warming Station in Caboose w/refestments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum

Where to Grab a Bite During Moonlight Magic!  Wondering where to eat during Moonlight Magic or before the festivities kick off? Here’s a guide to restaurants, markets, coffee shops, and sweet spots in Shelburne Falls:

5am - 2pm & 4pm - 9pm: Foxtown Diner 25 Bridge St.

We offer delicious, homestyle comfort food that'll surely cure all of your cravings.

7am - 9pm: Mocha Maya's Coffee House 47 Bridge St.

Hot Chocolate, Tea, Mocha, Coffee. Traditional coffee drinks.

7am - 7am: Keystone Market 44 Bridge St.

Local grocery store offering fresh produce and meats, plus a deli.

8am - 8pm: McCusker's Market 3 State St.

Baked Goods and Prepared Foods: Ready-to-eat sandwiches, soups, and salads, perfect for a quick bite. Locally roasted coffee and teas.

Catering to dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

10am - 9pm: Hotfire Bar and Grill 24 Bridge St.

Hourly giveaways from 11 AM to 8 PM and exciting daily specials! Please note: In support of a fundraiser an outdoor french fry vendor is holding, HotFire will stop serving french fries after 4 PM. We encourage you to visit their booth and show your support!

11am - 9pm: Buckland Pizza 13 State St.

11am - 9pm: Asma's Kitchen 73 Bridge St.

Outdoor dining, Middle Eastern fare. Vegan and Gluten-Free options.

11am - 9pm: Mo's Fudge Factor 9 State St.

Holiday Sugar Cookies, Grinch Hot Chocolate, Fudge, Truffles, and Grab & Go Treats

11:30am - 11pm: Shelburne Pub & Brew 42 S. Maple St.

Come unwind and enjoy some fantastic live music by Chick'n'Wire from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

4-8pm: Juicebox Wine Bar 8 Bridge St.

Mulled cider, mulled wine, French hot chocolate. Gingerbread cookie decoration ($5 suggested donation, all proceeds go to Western MA Food Bank)

4pm - 10pm: West End Pub 16 State St.

We serve a widely varied menu consisting of many local items including beef burgers, beers, hard cider, maple syrup, ciders, goat cheese and many produce items as available. Our menu features soups and chili, salads, sandwiches, beef, chicken, seafood and vegetarian fare. We offer a friendly, unpretentious, and comfortable upscale pub atmosphere. Gluten free rolls are available. Children' menu available.

5pm - 9pm+: The Blue Rock Restaurant 1 Ashfield St.

The Blue Rock is Shelburne Falls’ hidden gem for unique New American dishes served with perfect drink pairings and welcoming service.

5pm-11pm: Le Peacock 10 Bridge St.

Speakeasy-style restaurant and bar.

5pm-9pm: Gypsy Apple Bistro 65 Bridge St.

Intimate dining spot featuring French-inspired cuisine, a wine list.

5pm-9PM: Shelburne Spring (904 Mohawk Trail, RT 2, Shelburne)

Stop by on your way to or from, warm up by the fireplace, order a drink, and check out our new Comfort Food Winter Menu! We've got a Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, Lentil Soup (vegan/gluten-free), Beef Chili with Cornbread, Chicken Pot Pie, and Chocolate Lava Cake for desert.

As Moonlight Magic approaches, many local shops in Shelburne Falls are extending their hours and offering special activities to enhance your festive experience. Here's a glimpse of what's in store:

Bridge Street

• M&T Bank: 90 Bridge St. A Moonlight Magic Entertainment Venue. (See Moonlight Magic Music Entertainment Schedule)

• ENJOY.: 61 Bridge St. 11am - 8pm. We have moved to 61 Bridge St. Stop by and check out our Moonlight Magic Sale.

• Wandering Moon: 59 Bridge St. 10:30am - 9pm. Gift Certificate Giveaway: Enter to win a $50. Wandering Moon Gift Certificate with purchase of $10. or more. One entry per person.

• Grow Gallery: 55 Bridge St. 4pm - 9pm. Featuring Winfisky Glass and Grow Vintage Jewelry. We will also have a table outside in front of our store. 

• Arms Library: 60 Bridge St. 4pm - 9pm. Book Sale, Face Painting by Emily Gwinn of Western MA Face Painting, Davis Bates performances (see schedule)

• Carquest of Shelburne Falls: Open until 5:30pm. 

• Greenfield Cooperative Bank: 33 Bridge St. 4pm - 9pm. Warming Station in GCB's Community Room with free cider and cookies

• Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley: 43 Bridge St. 2pm - 11pm. Opening early for those arriving in the village ahead of the festivities—come enjoy some pre-Moonlight Magic bowling.

• Shelburne Arts Cooperative: 11am - 8pm. Our new group show “Peace and Joy” is now on display. It is filled with wonderful images like this watercolor by Nina Anderson Coler. We will have refreshments. 

• Watermark Gallery: 20 Bridge St. 2pm - 9pm. 20% off artwork sale by Laurie Goddard. Mystic in a Box with Amy Johnquest, again! Readings by Amy Johnquest, aka Banner Queen, gives positive personal readings as a come to life animatronic from within her artfully created Mystic in a Box persona and cosmically conjured cards. She is ready to reveal a special message just for you.

• Hilltown Hair Salon: 17 Bridge St. 4pm - 8pm+. 50% off Product sale, Crafts for sale, Hot Cocoa

• Rethreads Consignment Store Shelburne Falls MA: 14 Bridge St. 9am - 9pm. Purchase a Moonlight Magic tote shop at Rethreads and receive 10% off your purchase. Gray and yellow tags 50% off.

• Boswell's Books: 10 Bridge St. 11am - 9pm+. Open late with great, fresh stock throughout the store! 

• Trolley Connection: Discover unique gifts

• Trolley Stop Antique & Collectables: 9 Bridge St. Browse vintage items and collectibles.

• Bridge Street Bazaar: 6 Bridge St. 10am - 9pm. Annual year-end clearance

• Beth & Frances Boutique: 3 Bridge St. Open 10am - 9pm for all your festive shopping needs—perfect for finding gifts, stocking up on holiday goodies, and soaking in the holiday cheer.

Deerfield Ave

• Cat & Crow: 1 Deerfield Ave. 10am - 8pm+. A home, garden, and thrift store nestled next to the Glacial Potholes of Shelburne Falls. Cat & Crow is filled to the brim with cultivated finds from all edges of the world!

• Shelburne Falls Cork: 1 Deerfield Ave. Artisanal wine, craft ale, local hard cider, cheese, charcuterie, and chocolates.

State Street

• Nancy L. Dole Used Books & Ephemera: 20 State St. Browse a curated selection of vintage books and collectibles.

• A Heart for Art: 28 State St. 11am - 9pm. An excellent section of gift items and art, and classic children's toys. A fun shop to explore.

• State Street Style Salon & Spa: 36 State St. 4pm - 9pm. Will be hosting Simple Things & The Towel Lady

Ashfield Street

• Salmon Falls Gallery:  11am - 8pm. Salmon Falls Gallery focuses on local art, showing artists who live within 50 miles. Renowned artist Josh Simpson often stops by during Moonlight Magic—while we can’t guarantee the timing, keep an eye out for his visit!

Depot Street

• Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum: 14 Depot St. 4pm - 8pm. We've got the trolley and caboose all lit up and we'll have the wood stove going in the caboose to keep you warm while you wait (a few minutes) for the next gaily lit trolley ride to the other end of our line where you can see some toy train and model train setups and browse our rail-related toy and gift offerings. Rides take about 15 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for 6-17-year-olds and under 6 are free. Members always ride free and if you join now you get a Membership that is good until the end of next year. Join now at https://www.sftm.org/join.shtml or at the ticket office. 

Conway Street

• Ann Brauer Quilt Studio: 2 Conway St.  Unique modern art quilts that use color, fabric and the traditions of quilt making to create abstract landscapes that tell stories without words.

• Lamson Cutlery and Kitchen Outlet: 45 Conway St. Open 10am - 9pm. Explore exclusive deals on kitchenware including a Tent Sale from 4 pm onwards.

• The Mill at Shelburne Falls: 49 Conway St. 4pm - 9pm. Millworks! Market 

• Mark Your Mark Creative Studio: 49 Conway St - Front Building. Suite 0102. 4 - 8pm. Open House - We will have make-your-own holiday cards, fairy hair, and light refreshments

• Handle Factory: 49 Conway St. 4pm - 9pm. Paint your own ceramic ornaments with all proceeds going to local non-profits. -A pop-up sale of beautiful pottery from studio members (and a few items from Molly too!). Live entertainment 4:00 and 6:00 Hannah French- Music, Crankies and possibly puppets. 7:15 Wild Bill- joy and harmonies, combining country, roots, rock, and bluegrass.

• Raven Used Books: 11am - 9pm. Enjoy an impressive selection of books, including a great children's section. Tandem Jump performing at 7:15pm.

• Worn at the Edges: Fundraiser prints at this weekend's Millworks event. Highlighting two arts organizations near and far - the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra (Northampton, MA) and the River Arts District (Asheville, NC) - proceeds from these sales will go entirely to their respective organizations, the first to help them keep up the good work, the second to help them get back on their feet after Hurricane Helene.

• Haymaker Art & Frame: 11am - 9pm. Frame sale and fine art

• Permaculture Place: 4pm - 9pm. We will have the Riverbenders play 6:30-7:30, followed by a local jam 8:00-9:00 at The Permaculture Place at The Mill (the entrance faces the street out front).
  Visit our center to learn about ecological and sustainable living skills, upcoming educational events, artist workshops, and concerts! Visit our gift shop and find an eco-friendly gift for the holidays (locally made lanterns, naturally dyed cloth and paper, books, etc).

Rt 2 Shelburne

• Shelburne Farm and Garden: 355 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls. 8am - 9pm. Staying open late and have a lot of Christmas decorations available (wreaths, roping, planters, poinsettias, etc) plus our greenhouse open. 

Please note that specific activities and promotions may vary. For the most up-to-date information, visit the individual shop websites or contact them directly.

We look forward to celebrating Moonlight Magic with you!

Help Bring Moonlight Magic to Life!

We’re calling on our community to make this year’s Moonlight Magic unforgettable. Your help is essential to creating a smooth, festive experience for all! Join us by signing up through the Moonlight Magic 2024 Volunteer Sign-Up Form.

From setting up vibrant vendor spaces to welcoming guests, assisting at the information tent, helping with the beloved parade, or even being part of the post-event clean-up, there’s a role for everyone:

Vendor Set-Up & Coordination: 

Answer questions; make sure vendors are in their correct spot and are ready at 4pm

Vendor Entrance Welcoming Crew 

Help vendors understand how setup works & check them in

BSE Shuttle Drivers (specific requirements necessary)

Parade Cast Members

Slots are almost filled for this incredible fun opportunity) 

Treasure Chest Elves 

Santa needs helpers too, once he drops off the toys at the Community Tree

Trash Check Team 

Quick shifts, if you want to help but need to get back to family and friends quickly

Post-Event Clean-Up Crew 

One of the magical things about the event is how quickly the village returns to normal

Be part of the magic—sign up today to make a difference at one of the year’s most cherished events!

West County Arts & Culture is proud to present and coordinate Moonlight Magic! This beloved annual event shines brightly thanks to the festive spirit, creativity, and dedication of local organizations, businesses, and residents working behind the scenes. We extend our deepest gratitude to the donors, supporters, and volunteers whose generosity makes Moonlight Magic possible each year. Your commitment lights up our community, creating an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.

Below is our ever-growing list of valued partners, Moonlight Magic Angel and Support Donors, in-kind contributors, and volunteers who help bring this cherished tradition to life through their contributions and countless hours spent organizing, decorating, and hosting. Thank you for helping us share the warmth and magic of our village with everyone who joins us in this special celebration. Check back often as we continue adding to this list in the weeks leading up to Moonlight Magic 2024!

Gold Star ($500+)

Blackmer Insurance Agency

Trust Company of Vermont

Wellington Shields

Silver Star ($250+)

Beth & Frances

Davenport's Service Station

Franklin Community Co-Op/McCusker's Market

Hampshire Hills, Inc - Carquest of Shelburne Falls

Lamson Kitchen Outlet

Trailside Veterinary Services

West End Pub

Magic Snowflake ($100+)

Handle Factory

JPH Building

Mirick Insurance Agency

Nancy L. Dole Books and Ephemera

Shelburne Falls Area Women's Club

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum

Shelburne Springs

Wandering Moon

Donations

Flanders Law Offices 

Trailside Health

In-kind Partners & Volunteers

The Mountain Lodge of Masons

Mohawk Trail School District's National Honor Society

Brad Walker

Adventure East

Academy at Charlemont

Heart for Art

The Art Garden

Kenburn Orchards