Date Of Event: November 28, 2025
Location: Shelburne Falls, MA (2 hours northwest of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Parking: Free parking was available at various lots in the city. On street parking was available in the city. Shuttle service was provided if you parked in one of the lots.
Universally Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Website:2025 Moonlight Magic
Summary: Shelburne Falls celebrated their 40th annual Moonlight Magic festival near the Bridge Of Flowers. Musicians, clowns and, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were just a few of the people who walked in the parade.
A trip to the Bridge of Flowers usually involves looking at, and photographing lots of beautiful flowers! But, this trip to the bridge was different.
Each year for the past 40 years, Shelburne Falls has been hosting the Moonlight Magic event. Held the day after Thanksgiving, technically along the Iron Bridge located next to the Bridge of Flowers, the event includes clowns, a Buddy look-alike (or the real one?) who was very happy to see Santa and the main event; the Parade of Lights!
On cue, as the festival began it began to snow. The bridge, city scape and water gave a great backdrop for some late night photos, especially with the snow.
Before the parade began, visitors were welcome to visit the diverse group of stores and vendors on the street. What visit to the area would be complete without a visit to see Boswell at Boswell’s Books? Technically Boswell the 5th, he seemed a little worn out from all of the pats and traffic in the store!
There were lots of decorations, lights and candles lit in bags that illuminated the city and stores and gave off a real Christmas feel.
While I was setting up for the parade, I came across this big fella named Goose (a one year old Irish Wolfhound).
Although he’s only 1, this dog is almost as tall as his dad who is 6 feet 4!
As the sky grew dark and people began to congregate along the parade’s path, I made my way to the start of the parade. Initially, I was going to photograph the participants as they crossed the bridge. But, it was too crowded and dark. So, I settled under a street light near the starting point of the parade.
The parade started with lighted decorations!
Following not far behind were some cute Great Pyrenees dogs!
These “chickens” were clucking as the rode by.
Those weren’t the only animals in the parade. These miniature horses also walked in the parade!
There were also some musical participants!
The Melha Shrine Clowns also made an appearance!
This lit up vehicle featured a light up Rudolph whose nose blinked!
The vehicles weren’t the only things all lit up. These spectators were adorned in colorful lights for the parade!
And what parade would be complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus!
The Christmas spirit was certainly in the air during Moonlight Magic!
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