City of Bright Nights Ball

11/07/2026 - 11/08/2026 - 6:30 pm - 12:30 am at Sheraton Springfield
one monarch place

The City of Bright Nights Ball is the Spirit of Springfield’s largest annual fundraiser.  The elegantly themed black-tie only gala includes a gourmet dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and a 50/50 raffle.  Its guests include business, community, military, public safety and political leaders.

History
The City of Bright Nights Ball was first held in 1996 at the suggestion of Peter L. Picknelly, Sr. at the Sheraton Springfield.  The goal was to raise funds to illuminate public properties for the holiday season that would enhance the displays at Bright Nights at Forest Park.

The event was held annualy at the Sheraton Springfield except in 2005 when it was held at the MassMutual Center during its inaugural season.  In 2018, the event was moved to MGM Springfield when it opened.

Honorary Chairs
2025 – Matthew Garrity, President and CEO, Florence Bank
2024 – The Arment Family, Charlie Arment Trucking
2023 – Dr. Robert E. Johnson, President, Western New England University
2022 – Patrick Pickering, Northeast Regional Vice President of Operations, American Medical Response
2021 – Shawn N. Pace, Site Manager, Eastman Indian Orchard
2019 – U. S. Congressman Richard E. Neal and Roger W. Crandall, Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, MassMutual
2018 – Michael Mathis, President, MGM Springfield
2017 – Anthony Gleason, II and David Johndrow, Gleason Johndrow Landscaping
2016 – Thomas W. Senecal, President & Chief Executive Officer, PeoplesBank
2015 – Daniel P. Moen, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Medical Center
2014 – Dr. Mark A. Keroack, President & Chief Executive Officer, Baystate Health
2013 – Kelley Tuckey, Vice President of Community & Public Affairs (Eastern Region), MGM Resorts
2012 – Daniel P. Moen, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Medical Center
2011 – Peter Straley, President, Health New England
2010 – Steve Bryant, President, Columbia Gas of Masschusetts
2009 – Roger Crandall, President & Chief Executive Officer, MassMutual Financial Group
2008 – Mary Ellen Scott, Owner, United Personnel
2007 – Michael Nikiolek, Vice President, Hasbro Games
2006 – Mark Tolosky, President & Chief Executive Officer, Baystate Health
2005 – Stuart Reese, President & Chief Executive Officer, MassMutual Financial Group
2004 – Kerry J. Kuhlman, President & Chief Operating Officer, Western Massachusetts Electric Co.
2003 – Doug Guthrie, General Manager, Comcast
2002 – Danielle M. Glanville, AT&T Broadband and Vince McCorkle, Sisters of Providence

TJO Pawzaar Craft Fair

11/14/2026 - 12:00 am at

Pawzaar is one of the Foundation for TJO Animals signature events. It’s a local craft fair that attracts local vendors and hundreds of animal loving patrons. This fun, family event features some of the Pioneer Valley’s finest crafters, music, raffles, a bake sale and much more! It’s a day of shopping, and fun, all for the benefit of our TJO animals.

Bright Nights

11/30/2026 - 01/03/2027 - 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Forest Park
299 Sumner Ave

Tickets & More Info

Pure Magic
Travel through a dazzling wonderland of over 750,00 lights at Bright Nights at Forest Park. This three-mile drive-thru spectacular features festive scenes, iconic characters, and peaceful gardens, all illuminated for a joyous holiday experience.
Since 1995, Bright Nights has been a unique public/private collaboration between the City of Springfield’s Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management and the Spirit of Springfield, a private non-profit organization. Together they have welcomed more than 7 million visitors. It has been calculated that if every bus that had visited were lined bumper to bumper, they would go from Springfield to Cape Cod. The cars would go as far as California.

Bright Nights Road Race

11/30/2026 - 5:00 pm at Springfield Museum
21 edwards st

Not your ordinary walk in the park!

Run the 5k route through the magnificent lighting displays.

Race Details

Monday, November 30, 2026
Check-In at 5PM
Race Starts at 6:30PM

For participants, entrance is at the Trafton Road Gate – Cyr Arena

*Rain Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

The race begins at the Seuss Land Arch (Walker Grandstand).  The route is to the Poinsettia Candles (Picknelly Field) and back to Seuss Land.

Runners must be at least 14 years old on race day.

Includes souvenir long-sleeve shirt, post-race soup supper at the Bright Nights Storage Facility, and Bright Nights Gift Pass good for one car admission.

No post entries
No refunds
No substitutions
No runners under the age of 14 on race day
No headphones
No baby strollers
No walking
No dogs/pets
No bandit runners

Registration and post-race soup supper are in the Bright Nights Maintenance/Storage Facility

Registration Fee – $85

Registration opens in September – Date to be announced

Limited to the first 500 completed and paid registrants

TJO Designer Purrrse Bingo

12/11/2026 - 12:00 am at

Designer Purrrse Bingo is one of the Foundation for TJO Animals signature events. Enjoy an evening of designer purse BINGO, raffles, refreshments, and more in a festive holiday setting. Beautiful designer bags, with two bags per round! There are lots of unique sponsorships available for this event that benefits the TJO animals! Please submit sponsorship by November 27th.

215 Army Band Holiday Concert

12/13/2026 - 2:00 pm at Springfield Symphony Hall
34 court st

Springfield Symphony Hall is filled with the sounds of the holiday and patriotism for the annual concert by the 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.  They bring holiday cheer, lift spirits and get the audience singing-a-long during the free concert in Springfield Symphony Hall.

It is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the grandeur of Springfield Symphony Hall and the musical talents for the 40-members of the military band.   Their performance features a broad spectrum of material.