Visit the Revolutionary Valley

On October 29, the Revolutionary Valley officially opened its brand- new Visitor Center in downtown Lowell with a spirited ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event brought together local officials, community leaders, volunteers and Revolutionary Valley partners to mark the beginning of a bold new chapter in regional tourism. 

Designed to be a welcoming space for visitors and locals alike, the Visitor Center invites everyone to explore the area’s rich history, vibrant culture and hidden gems. Guests can experience local art and photography and find a wide array of travel and tourism brochures from the region — including highlights from Concord, Lexington and things to do right in Lowell — as well as additional resources from other Regional Tourism Councils across Massachusetts, such as Meet Boston, North of Boston and beyond.

Visitors can also browse Revolutionary Valley merchandise, including t-shirts and mugs while connecting with passionate volunteers who staff the space. Entirely volunteer-run, the Visitor Center is a hub for inspiration, discovery and Revolutionary hospitality — where every guest is invited to step into something greater. 

Christmas Holidays 

The Revolutionary Valley shines brightly during the Christmas and holiday season, with annual events for visitors and residents alike. Lowell’s Annual City of Lights Holiday Parade on November 29 welcomes Mr. and Mrs. Claus to light up JFK Plaza and the historic Wannalancit smokestack. There’s also plenty of shopping, entertainment and hot chocolate throughout the day. 

Other festive events include the 32nd Methuen Festival of Trees, November 22– December 6, displaying 240 breathtaking holiday trees and wreaths that support local historic preservation projects. Woburn’s Festival on the Common, November 30, features live holiday music, a visit from Santa and a free art show. The Billerica Holiday Festival on December 6 features Boston Bruins National Anthem singer Todd Angilly, while Chelmsford’s Holiday Prelude on December 7 includes hayrides, a visit from Santa, and a town tree lighting. 

Christmas and Celtic concerts add to the festivities, thanks to local promoter Spectacle Live. At Lowell Memorial Auditorium, don’t miss the Vienna Boys Choir (December 5), Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (December 10), The Irish Tenors: A Family Christmas (December 11), Boston Pops – Holiday Pops 2025 (December 14) and Celtic Woman: Symphony Christmas Tour (December 17). 

At Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington, Irish fiddle legend Eileen Ivers brings her Joyful Christmas show on December 14, followed by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada’s Irish Christmas in America on December 21. 

Revolutionary Valley also offers an exciting array of American and ethnic cuisine — from Cambodian and Irish to Italian and Mexican fare. For a classic meal in a beautiful setting, try the Colonial Inn in Concord and the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington. 

Irish Festivities 

Lowell has been an Irish enclave since the 1820s, when immigrants — including Executive Director Brian Bradbury’s great-grandpar- ents — journeyed there to build canals, factories and boarding houses for the new industrial city. Today, the Irish community retains a vibrant, year-round presence, especially during Irish-American Heritage Month in March, when Irish pride comes to the fore. 

The 43rd Annual Lowell Irish Cultural Week, March 8–17, begins with an Irish flag raising at City Hall, followed by a week of Irish dance performances, live Irish music, heritage walks, lectures and social gatherings across the city. 

A cultural highlight during the festivities will be the appearance of world-renowned Riverdance, performing three shows, March 2–4, 2026, at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. 

revolutionaryvalley.org