Chocolate enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting array of festivals and events this January, showcasing gourmet chocolates, innovative treats, and opportunities for connoisseurs to engage directly with artisans. The heart of these celebrations will kick off with the Chocolate Expo, set to take place at the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Massachusetts, during the weekend of January 24-26.
The Chocolate Expo promises to be a paradise for chocolate lovers, operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can indulge their sweet tooth with offerings from dozens of vendors, including locally produced delights and international specialties. Marvin Baum, the expo's creator, highlighted the event as not only about sampling but also about experiencing chocolate trends from around the globe. "Chocolate, as part of an overall balanced diet, can be good, but it’s okay to also indulge sometimes, and there’s a lot of indulging going on here," Baum told WBZ NewsRadio. He added, "Dubai chocolate is one of the hot items now, so of course we have it here; we have chocolates from Lebanon, Ecuador, and chocolates from all over the world."
Culinary talents will also showcase unique chocolate treats, including chocolate-covered bacon, created by chef Lawrence Rosenberg, who emphasized the popularity of his chocolate-covered bacon products. "If you eat a chocolate-covered pretzel, this is sweet and salty, but it’s got smoke; it’s actual bacon, it’s real bacon. It’s crazy," Rosenberg shared, explaining his substantial yearly consumption of approximately 100,000 pounds of bacon and half a million pounds of chocolate.
But that's not all for the chocolate lovers! A “Winter Chocolate and Wine Garden” hosted by 90+ Cellars will allow guests to warm up with fine wines alongside their chocolate goodies. This Massachusetts-based winery has made waves since its founding, becoming one of the fastest-growing brands by partnering with high-quality, globally recognized wineries.
The Winter Carnival at Harvard Square promises live music with Grooversity, blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern genres, providing entertainment for all ages. Guests can retreat to nearby enclosed igloos or gather around fire pits to discuss the day's sweet discoveries. Local eateries are joining the festivities, offering sweet deals and special chocolate confections.
For singles aged 20-40, the Singles Mingle Chocolate Tasting event on January 24 will create the perfect opportunity for connection over delightful chocolate samples. Participants will enjoy curated tastings and engage with fellow attendees, fostering culinary exploration and social interaction.
On January 29, chocolate enthusiasts can refine their palates at the How to Be a Chocolate Sommelier workshop, which dives deep through various aromatic flavor profiles of cacao. "There are over 400 different aromatic flavor profiles recognized in cacao, which is more than double what is available in wine," the instructor noted, emphasizing the importance of craft chocolate over highly processed alternatives.
Restaurants will also offer exclusive chocolate-themed dishes. Henrietta’s Table will serve Chocolate Bread Pudding complemented with Rum Caramelized Bananas and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream for just $14. Another highlight will be the special Chocolate Tour of Harvard Square, available for booking, which promises not just tastings but also interactive storytelling about the area’s rich history.
From chocolate martinis to dark chocolate donuts, the festival caters to every chocolate lover’s fantasy; Season to Taste will be showcasing their extensive chocolate menu, encouraging patrons to participate through limited-time offers during the weekend. The excitement for these events is palpable, and chocolate lovers across the region are already making plans to immerse themselves in this sweet experience.
With such varied and indulgent options, the chocolate festivals and events of 2025—especially the extravaganza taking place this January—are not to be missed. The blend of taste, sound, and unique experiences makes it both celebratory and educational for all chocolate lovers, whether they be aficionados or casual consumers.