Old Sturbridge Village MA 01566

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Sonie Golden

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.

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Amber Mullis

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.

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Lisa James

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.