Old Sturbridge Village in
Sturbridge Township (MA)

I used to go to OSV as a kid and just recently went back for their Halloween event and now their Christmas by Candlelight. Both events were great as an adult and felt well worth the ticket price. Everyone who works here is really nice, informative, and helpful. Definitely check out their special events because it's worth it! We went on a Friday which was perfect because there were less crowds. If you go on a Saturday, be prepared for it to be very busy though.

Old Sturbridge Village is one of my favorite places to visit for the holidays. Especially for Christmas by Candlelight. It's very festive and educates their visitors on how people in the 1800's celebrated the holidays. No matter how many times I go, I learn something new with and without the holiday events.

This post is specifically regarding the phantoms by firelight event during Halloween season after the museum is officially closed. It was by far my husband and my favorite part of visiting (primarily Newport, RI). The scenery is beautiful and seeing the history reflected in clothes, architecture, tools and crafts is just so neat. The themes of the event were on the darker side of things, which is expected for Halloween, but it was appropriate for the time periods, not grotesque and no jump scares. Tastefully done. The event started at 4:30 and the parking attendants were not set up until maybe 4:45pm. They should really have people there assessing the parking well before the event because there were tons of spots randomly open but by that time group mentality sets in and you tend to follow the car in front of you. We had intended to eat at the event but the lines were super long. Not all good stands have the same items so we walked to the side stands and we're disappointed to see you can only get basic theme park food that wasn't gluten free friendly. I was willing to just eat some chips or popcorn but my husband didn't want to spend half an hour waiting for an expensive sandwich that wasn't going to even fill him up. More food tents and options would be nice. We ended up leaving around 6pm to get food which was a bummer.

Excellent! It's absolutely beautiful and we loved learning about history here. I only wish there were actors in more of the buildings.

Its a great experience. But get ready to walk on dirt, grass, and uneven floors. The workers have a great sense of humor and very nice. We went for their Halloween event. They have yet to disappoint!

Historic village with restored buildings and staff that represent life in New England in the 1830s. Very educational, beautiful grounds. Fun way to step back in time and enjoy the day. Shops sell items made in the pottery shop and the tin shop. The pottery studio and printshop were our favorites, because of the interaction with staff. Everyone we met was knowledgeable and friendly.

Fabulous experience. You SEE how various tools and daily chores get accomplished. And start understanding how interconnected each person, and their particular trade / skill set is beneficial and supports the community. A Living Museum. Much better than just walking through a display without seeing the tools and trades in action.

Old Sturbridge Village is a true treasure for anyone who loves stepping back in time. This living history museum is beautifully done — from the authentic buildings to the period clothing, everything is designed to immerse you in the early 19th century. Most of the staff were friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. They were eager to share stories and fun facts about daily life in the 1830s, which made the experience feel alive and personal. The only reason I wouldn’t give it a full five stars is that a few of the “characters” didn’t seem all that enthusiastic about their roles. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but it did make certain areas feel less engaging than others. Still, wandering through this recreated New England village — where mills once turned, blacksmiths shaped iron, and communities thrived — was an unforgettable experience. It’s easy to imagine what life might have been like here nearly two centuries ago. If you love history, this is an absolute must-visit, and I’d highly recommend setting aside plenty of time to explore every corner.

Very interesting and historic. Be sure to ride the horse-drawn carriage around the lake and through a covered bridge. Living history museum throughout with staff in costumes. We were very fortunate to visit during the cow parade art installation.

I have been here several times with my husband's family and I am always impressed by how beautiful it is. I appreciate that the animals are well taken care of and that the staff are all very friendly. This is a lovely place to visit with children or anyone curious about how different "old world" trades worked.

Got in free with a military ID. Was a really great experience if you enjoy colonial history or the subject in general.

My husband and I throughly enjoyed our visit on a beautiful fall day. It was 1/2 price for seniors was an unexpected bonus. We arrived earlier afternoon and it was a leisurely walk through most of the village. This is just a sample of a few places. Over 40 buildings.

Really fun experience if you enjoy history and learning how people lived in the past. Everyone I spoke to was really nice. Cow parade was fun. I hope to go back sometime!

I have been going to OSV for 40 years. It is never the same place twice. The docents are so knowledgeable. This is the best way to learn history.

Nice relaxing place to spend the day great for the entire family, good food, great atmosphere, great people and knowledge of the past.

Realistic recreation of a early century village. Some of the time period tools and equipment were really interesting and all powered by animal or human. The wood lathe with the foot treadle and leather belt blew me away, although I did not get to see it in action as the representative was on break. The staff were all engaging and knowledgeable on their respective cradlfts. Definitely recommend stopping by.

Had a great time. So many places to see and so much to learn. Every visit is a new experience and so much fun. Can't wait to be back again.

Fun place to hang out with family, including young children. There is a discount for WIC holder. We paid ($3/ adult)

Its different then back in the day. It was still informative and lots to see. Alittle pricey like 3 dollars a water but not horrible. Plenty of parking. Even if busy still not crowded. Worth the visit

If you love early American history, this is your happy place. It's a colonial village and farm with authentic buildings and crafts. The exhibits are staffed by craftspeople in colonial dress using the methods of the time. They are happy to explain their activities and answer questions.

This village was so much fun to explore, and it was very educational. All of the buildings in the village are either replicated homes and buildings from the 1800s, or they are actually from that time period. There is handmade pottery, clothes and shoes, and other crafts, made by actors and reenactors, for guests to see how things were made in the 19th century. There are so many buildings open to guests, where you can walk through and see all of the actors on their "daily lives", and they answer any questions you have, and provide you with some historic facts as well. It is such a great place to also just walk around and get some fresh air, or see some farm animals, the lake. It was such a peaceful town,and we would love to go back again. There is plenty of free parking on site, as well as a tavern, and plenty of bathrooms all around the town. And, if you buy your tickets in advance, there is an average of $3 per ticket that you can save. When we went, on the 4th of July, they were not only open, but had performances and reenactment shows throughout the day, and they were open from 9-5:30pm.

We had a great visit here today on the 4th of July. This was much better than expected! Price seemed a little high till we went in and not only how big but how many people are working there in full time appropriate dress. Well worth the price of admission and a fantastic take. Lots of trees to sneak a little shade while you are walking around. There is food and drinks there as well. Go for it, you won't regret it and all the employees are super helpful and friendly.

Always a special experience when I'm here. I highly recommend seeing the blacksmith and the Cooper. Also, stop at the yellow house along the village green to see what's being prepared on the hearth. This village is set in 1838, and is a working village. There is no electricity and the phone hadn't been invented yet. There are plenty of activities for children, and there's a daily newspaper of the day's activities. There is also a gift shop /general store next to the bank inside the village on the main square.

My kids loved visiting this place!! We visited on a Sunday morning in April, it was a bit chilly but not crowded at all. Loved the interactions with the staff, which were so informative and I think we all learned so much! Wonderful way to spend an afternoon with little ones!

I came here with my family for Christmas by Candlelight. We had been here once before over the summer, and we had a wonderful time. It was a lot of fun for us, particularly for our older son, who is a preschooler. The holiday decorations and lights were amazing. There were many interesting activities for everyone, including dipping candles, meeting Santa Clause, tasting mulled cider and gingerbread, learning about stockings and glass ornaments, singing and listening to carols, storytelling, and riding a horse carriage. The food at the Bullard Tavern was excellent too.

I have been here in all four seasons and am always impressed with the museum. People are dressed in period clothes, willing to teach a bit about early American History as folks wander from room to room, building to building. They do a great job. Nice shop, great pub, they host special events year round. Good for all ages, really nice way to spend a day.

Free for Juneteenth, and they had readings and interactive discussions and it was so lovely. Too hot. Most buildings have no AC and the heat drains, and the sand makes it very labor-intensive to push a wheelchair or stroller or walker. Do wish the roads were paved and the buildings had AC (I get that that would take away from some of the authentic feel, but it would make it a bit more accessible. I don’t realize the church had a ramp out back and I pulled my walker up the stairs and missed the reading!!! Next time. Truly massive place. I would come on a colder day and with more stamina to walk, as it is a lot of walking. There is even an active ice cream shop in the village! It’s remarkable. Other than the sand making it difficult to push wheels, and the heat of course, this place is largely accessible. If you can’t see how to get into a building, just ask. There is also handicapped parking right out front of the main entrance.