The Springfield Museums is thrilled to announce the return of Grinchmas, the most wonderful (and awful) way to celebrate the holiday season! Beginning Saturday, November 21, with the opening of the Grinch’s Grotto, this annual celebration invites visitors to grow their hearts three sizes while honoring Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, the beloved author who revolutionized early reading by making it fun.
Exclusive to the Springfield Museums, the Grinch’s Grotto invites visitors into the lovable curmudgeon’s home on Mount Crumpit, providing the perfect setting for festive holiday photos. This year, the Grotto features an expanded Who-ville experience, including the new Who-ville Toy Factory interactive, where visitors can join in the fun of holiday toy-making, along with opportunities to write letters to the Grinch and drop them in the Who-ville Post and enjoy seasonal games. Visitors can check the Museums’ online calendar for opportunities to meet the Grinch himself.
“The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to bring families together through creativity, discovery, and a little bit of holiday mischief,” said Larissa Murray, Vice President of Education and Visitor Services at the Springfield Museums. “Grinchmas celebrates our community’s special connection to Dr. Seuss while inviting visitors of all ages to explore, make, play, and create lasting memories together. From the Grinch’s Grotto to our hands-on activities and festive events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Museums are also accepting entries for their annual gingerbread exhibition, a visitor favorite for more than a decade. Bakeries, schools, organizations, individuals, and families are invited to submit entries supporting this year’s theme, Super Sweet Superheroes. From comic books to the big screen, superheroes have captured our imaginations for generations. The exhibition, on view November 27 through January 3, will showcase imaginative creations inspired by heroic characters, extraordinary superpowers, and fantastical universes—and multiverses—all crafted from sugar, spice, and plenty of candy. The deadline to submit plans is Monday, November 9.
Holiday Happenings 2026
November 27 @ 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Free with museum admission!
Kick off the holiday season with a full day of festive fun for the whole family. Get a high-five from the Grinch, build a sleigh to compete in the Mount Crumpit Derby, explore Super Sweet Superheroes and vote for your favorite gingerbread creation, hop aboard the Roaming Railroad, chase giant bubbles with Mr. Vinny, enjoy a performance by the jazz trio Three Wise Men, and more.
Lighting of the Quadrangle 2026
November 27 @ 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Free and open to the public–museum admission not required!
Celebrate the season as the Springfield Museums’ spectacular architecture and beautifully landscaped Quadrangle grounds sparkle beneath a dazzling outdoor lighting display. This festive community celebration features train rides; appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch; hot cocoa, cider, and cookies; and opportunities to visit the Grinch’s Grotto and explore Super Sweet Superheroes.
Grinchmas Saturdays
December 5 & 12 @ 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Free with museum admission!
Keep the holiday fun going with Grinch-inspired, hands-on activities for the whole family. Visitors can design a label for the last can of Who Hash, create a 3D heart ornament, contribute a building to a collaborative Whoville display, and help prepare Max for his journey by playing “Stick the Antler on the Dog.” Families can also meet Santa and receive a free book for each child while supplies last.
The Grinch’s Grotto is from Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Grinchmas is sponsored by M&T Bank, Fontaine Brothers., Inc., Wolf and Company, P.C., New England Public Media, and the Republican. Lighting of the Quadrangle illuminations made possible by Decorate with Lights Western Massachusetts.
MassMutual is the season supporter of the Springfield Museums.