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2026-2027 Christmas Festival of Lights
CHRIST, LIGHT OF PEACE
"The calf and the young lion shall browse together,
with a little child to guide them (Is. 11:6)"
November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
FEATURING MORE THAN ONE MILLION LIGHTS!
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2026-2027 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
"CHRIST, LIGHT OF PEACE"-
NOVEMBER 21, 2026 - JANUARY 3, 2027
TO REGISTER YOUR GROUP, CLICK HERE!Dear Friends and Visitors,
Our 2026-2027 Christmas Festival of Lights "CHRIST, LIGHT OF PEACE," is inspired by Isaiah’s vision of a little child guiding a wounded world toward reconciliation, hope, and peace:
“The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them” (Isaiah 11:6)
At the center of the cover photo, a small and vulnerable child carries the promise of a reconciled world. Beside the manger, the calf and the young lion rest together in peace, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of enemies freed from fear and guided by the Child of Bethlehem.
Behind them stands the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, a place of welcome, prayer, and reconciliation. For generations, people have come to our Shrine with their wounds, trusting that through God’s mercy and Mary’s interceding presence, peace can begin again.
Behind the Shrine, at distance, the horizon burns. Houses in flame evoke every place where violence has entered people’s homes. For countless of families and children, peace is not merely an ideal, but an urgent cry for safety, healing, and freedom from fear.Even the cloth wrapped around the child Jesus shares this suffering. Within its wrinkles appears the shape of an agonizing human face, as though the pain of humanity has been gathered into the swaddling clothes of Jesus. God does not remain distant from the anguish of the world. In Christ, He enters it, bears it, and begins to transform it through love. This is the mystery of Christmas: the Light of Peace does not ignore the world’s darkness, but enters it. The Christ child leads us away from hatred, revenge, and indifference toward mercy, reconciliation, and care for every wounded life.
As you walk through the warm, joyful, and welcoming lights of La Salette (this year more than one million!), may their beauty draw your heart toward those who still long for peace, safety, and healing. May the “Christ, Light of Peace” renew your hope and inspire you to become an instrument of reconciliation, until fear is overcome, enemies are reconciled, and every family may dwell in peace.
We cannot wait to welcome you and your loved ones to our 2026--2027 Christmas season filled with beauty, joy, and the peace of Christ. Mark your calendar, share the news, and invite your family and friends: this is one Festival of Christmas Lights you will not want to miss. You can also help us illuminate the Shrine with more than 1,000,000 lights by making a donation in support of this beloved tradition and our mission of welcome, hope, and reconciliation at: lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/give.The Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette.
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CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES & CONFESSIONS
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MASS TIMES
MONDAY - THURSDAY
12:10 p.m.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY
12:10 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
RECONCILIATION (WEEKDAYS)UNTIL DECEMBER 11
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 12 - 23
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
RECONCILIATION (SATURDAY-SUNDAY)
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Please note:
There will be no Reconciliation on
November 26 (Thanksgiving), December 24-25, & January 1, 2027
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2026-2027 Holiday Mass Times
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Thanksgiving Masses
Thanksgiving Vigil Mass (November 25) - 6:30 p.m.Thanksgiving Day (November 26) - 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.
MARIACHI MASS IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (December 6) - 4:00 p.m.
With the participation of the Mariachi Group, "MARIACHI INTERNACIONAL DE BOSTON"
Christmas Eve Mass (December 24) - 4:00 p.m. (Christmas Pageant) & 6:00 p.m.
Midnight Mass (December 25) - 12:00 a.m.
Christmas Day Mass (December 25) - 10:30 a.m. & 12:10 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Mass (December 31) - 6:00 p.m. (English) & 10:00 p.m. (French)
New Year’s Day Mass (January 1, 2026) - 12:10 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
TO REGISTER YOUR GROUP
CLICK HERE!
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ATTRACTIONS
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INTERNATIONAL CRECHE MUSEUM
This remarkable museum showcases an impressive and diverse array of cultural interpretations of the nativity story, featuring some 2,000 nativity scenes from more than 100 countries worldwide. Among its treasures are 2 unique collections of 'Santons' from Provence, France, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the global and artistic celebration of Christmas. While admission is free, the museum appreciates free-will donations for its upkeep.
SCHEDULE (Christmas Season)
MONDAY - SUNDAY 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.To learn more about the INTERNATIONAL CRECHE Museum, CLICK HERE.
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Judea, Jerusalem and Galilee
at the Time of JesusThe permanent display titled "Judea, Jerusalem, and Galilee at the Time of Jesus" presents an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich and multifaceted tapestry of the life and ministry of one of history's most influential figures: Jesus of Nazareth.
The exhibit, made possible by Richard Picotte's precious donation, offers a unique and in-depth exploration of the landscapes, cultures, and daily life during the time of Jesus, providing an unparalleled insight into the historical and religious context of his teachings and works.SCHEDULE (Christmas Season)
MONDAY - SUNDAY 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.To learn more about the DISPLAY 'JUDEA, JERUSALEM, AND GALILEE AT THE TIME OF JESUS', CLICK HERE
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Photos with Santa
Capture the magic of the season with "Photo with Santa" at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette! Bring your family and friends to meet Santa and take memorable photos every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This cherished holiday tradition is perfect for creating lasting memories and spreading festive cheer. Join us and make your holiday season even more special!
SCHEDULE
EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY
5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
WHERE:
Welcome Center
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La Salette Gift Shop
SCHEDULE
MONDAY - SUNDAY: 10:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
THANKSGIVING DAY: 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
CHRISTMAS EVE: 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
CHRISTMAS DAY: CLOSED
DECEMBER 26: 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
NEW YEAR'S EVE: 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
NEW YEAR'S DAY: 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
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OTHER ATTRACTIONS
FOOD COURT, CAFETERIA, SNACK-BAR
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 12:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
DECEMBER 31 & JANUARY 1: 4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
THE CAFETERIA WILL BE CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
CAROUSEL, HAYRIDE, RIDE TO BETHLEHEM
FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
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FAQ
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Q: What time do the lights go on?
A: Believe it or not, this is our most commonly asked question. The lights will be on every night from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Even on Christmas night, when the Shrine is closed, the lights will still be illuminated.
Q: How much does entry cost?
A: Entry to the Christmas Festival is absolutely FREE for you, your friends, and family! There are many places, however, throughout the Shrine where you can make a free-will donation if you'd like to! You can also make a donation by clicking HERE!
Q: When should I aim to arrive to beat traffic?
A: Traffic tends to begin approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before the lights illuminate. Be aware - on busy nights (weekends closer to Christmas), traffic can extend up to a quarter-mile in each direction! Best advice: If you're planning on attending the illuminations on any weekend, plan to arrive a little early! Directions to the Shrine can be found HERE.
Q: Where is the best place to see the lights?
A: The majority of the Christmas lights are on trees so they can be seen from (almost) everywhere on the property.
Q: Are all areas of the Shrine well-lit?
A: To maintain a darkened atmosphere where the lights can best be seen, some of the "illumination" areas tend to be darker than other parts of the Shrine. In addition, following "lights out" at 9:00 p.m., our parking lot can be dark in some places. For guests planning on staying until the end of that night's illumination, we encourage them to bring a small flashlight with them!
Q: When do the lights go out?
A: The lights (as well as all buildings open to the public) will turn off/close promptly at 9:00 p.m. If you are planning on visiting the Religious Article Store, Church, Cafeteria, or Creche Museum, please plan accordingly.
Q: Do you close due to inclement weather?
A: In some instances, yes. Because we have a very large staff of employees and volunteers during the Christmas Season and because we live in New England (where the weather can change at a moment's notice) there are times when the Shrine may close due to inclement weather to keep our guests and staff safe. If you have any questions about a night's Christmas Illumination, firstly, check our website and Facebook page or call us directly at 508-222-5410.
Q. When should I come so that it's not so busy?
A. Try coming throughout the week! Remember that during the Christmas Celebration (November 22, 2025,-January 4, 2026), we are open almost EVERY NIGHT** 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. - NOT JUST WEEKENDS!
**Please check our Holiday Hours above for illumination times.
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Christmas Celebration of Lights Gallery
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All photos are the copyright, Robert Gillis. Used with permission.
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