4 free family friendly holiday activities in Fall River, Bristol County; party, parade, Christmas lights

Looking for something to do with the family around Christmas time that won’t break the bank? How about free? Here are four.

1. The National Shrine of La Salette Festival of Lights will begin on November 23, 2023, and will run until January 1, 2024.

The Annual Festival of Lights is a beautiful religious light display with more than 400,000 lights covering over 10 acres of land. The lights are generally lit from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. even when closed on Christmas.

Seeing the display is free of charge, but donations are appreciated.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is located at 947 Park Street, Attleboro, MA.

2. The 39th Annual Fall River Holiday Parade Committee and Greater Fall River RE-Creation are inviting the public to kick-off the holidays in Fall River on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m.

The parade route starts at Kennedy Park and will go down South Main Street ending at the corner of Central and Bedford Streets.

Among the highlights of one of the largest Holiday Parades in New England is:

-A number of High School Bands throughout New England, Bagpipe Bands, Drum and Bugle Corps, Brass Bands, Giant Parade Balloons, Local Fire and Police Departments, Beautifully Decorated Floats and Large Vehicles, Marching Units, Vehicles, Bands and many costume characters

– Jolly old Santa

– Animals and more!

3. On Sunday, December 3rd, the festivities continue with Holiday Celebration 2023! Celebrate the yuletide in Fall River at 45 Rock Street.

The event is completely free to the public beginning at 12pm and wrapping up at 3pm!

An afternoon of entertainment including Train Rides, Santa’s Workshop, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, holiday favorite Photos with Santa and much more!

4. The City of Fall River has announced that the Fall River 2023 tree lighting will be taking place on Saturday, December 2nd from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Government Center.

This year’s Tree Lighting Celebration is filled with fun and free activities from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to keep the holiday joy going following the parade. At approximately 4:15 p.m., special guests will join Mayor Paul Coogan to light the tree for the first time this season. Please see below the activities that will occur during this event:

Photos with Santa
Hot Cocoa donated by the Mongeon Dunkin Group
Soup donated by Blount Soups
DJ Eric Juice
Airbrush Tattoos
Face Painting
Crafts & Games
Giveaways
Performance by Circus Dynamics at 3:15 p.m.

Food Trucks including:
Pops Brick Oven Pizza
Green Jar Cocina
Black Dog Donuts
Fancheezical
Bun Buds