Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the magic of the season in Arlington with our comprehensive guide. From Arlington aficionados to first-time visitors, our guide illuminates the city's holiday heart.
Popular events during this festive time include the enchanting "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical," which brings the beloved holiday tale to life for audiences of all ages. Featuring remarkable performances and vibrant staging, this event is perfect for family outings. "The Urban Nutcracker," known for its modern twist on a classic story, showcases diverse talent and local culture, making it a unique addition to the holiday agenda. And definitely don't forget the Boston Pops - Holiday Pops, where you can enjoy classic holiday music performed live by one of Boston's premier orchestras. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Arlington Holiday Light Displays
Boston Common Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Symbolic tree lighting with Nova Scotia's gratitude for Boston's relief efforts.
- Description
- The Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony is a significant holiday event where the city of Boston and guests from Nova Scotia celebrate the 82nd annual tree lighting. The ceremony features live music, speeches from local politicians, and the lighting of a 45-foot-tall Christmas tree. The event also includes a sampling village with photo-ops, giveaways, and refreshments. Immediately following the celebration, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall will be lit up.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Boston Common Tree Lighting
Boston's Enchanted Trolley Tour
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday tree lightings with Santa visits.
- Description
- Boston's Enchanted Trolley Tour is a holiday tradition where the Mayor's office lights holiday trees across various neighborhoods, featuring visits with Santa and festive performances.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Boston's Enchanted Trolley Tour
Zoolights at Stone Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- At Stone Zoo's Zoolights, visitors can stroll through 26 acres of beautifully lit paths, featuring thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. The event includes a one-way walk through Yukon Creek, where guests can see black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer, and other animals in a sparkling setting.
- Where
- Stoneham | More Info : Zoolights at Stone Zoo
Winter Wonderland at Southwick Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
- Description
- Southwick's Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 4 million illuminated lights and larger-than-life displays, featuring polar bears and singing penguins. Guests can enjoy holiday shopping at the Purple Peacock Gift Shop and dine at the Kringle Café or Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern.
- Where
- Mendon | More Info : Winter Wonderland at Southwick Zoo
Arlington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Snowport: Boston Seaport's Holiday Wonderland
- What to Expect
- European-style holiday market with local artisans and festive food.
- Description
- Boston Seaport's Holiday Market at Snowport features over 60 small businesses selling unique gifts and wares, a festive menu from Tuscan Kitchen and Breezy Hill Orchard, and enchanting holiday decor. The market includes activities like curling and appearances by Betty the Yeti.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Snowport: Boston Seaport's Holiday Wonderland
Arlington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Boston Pops - Holiday Pops
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday concert with traditional and new arrangements of festive music.
- Description
- The Boston Pops - Holiday Pops features Keith Lockhart leading the orchestra in festive concerts with classic carols, popular Christmas songs, and a joyful sing-along. The event includes a visit from Santa Claus and special arrangements of seasonal classics.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Boston Pops - Holiday Pops
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical - Boston
- What to Expect
- Heartwarming stage adaptation of a holiday favorite.
- Description
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical brings beloved characters from the classic TV special to life on stage, teaching the lesson that what makes you different can be what makes you special.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical - Boston
Urban Nutcracker - Boston
- What to Expect
- Fusion of classical ballet with urban and multicultural dance forms.
- Description
- Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker is a modern, Boston-centric holiday classic that blends classical ballet with diverse dance forms like tap, hip hop, flamenco, and jazz. Set in present-day downtown Boston, it showcases winter scenes to the rhythms of Duke Ellington and Tchaikovsky.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Urban Nutcracker - Boston
Black Nativity
- What to Expect
- Retelling the Nativity story through Black vernacular speech and gospel music.
- Description
- Black Nativity, presented by the National Center for Afro-American Artists, retells the birth story of Christ through Black vernacular speech, Biblical narration, gospel music, and dramatic dance. This cherished Boston tradition features a cast of over 75 performers, including children and adult choral groups, and is a celebration of hope and joy.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Black Nativity
Yippee Ki Yay
- What to Expect
- World-class productions featuring diverse and timely stories.
- Description
- The Huntington Theatre Company presents a diverse lineup of productions, including Tom Stoppard's "Leopoldstadt," "Nassim," "Sojourners," "Mindplay," "The Grove," "The Triumph of Love," "Don't Eat The Mangos," and "The Light in the Piazza." These plays showcase a range of themes and styles, from epic family dramas to contemporary musicals.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Yippee Ki Yay
Visits with Santa
- What to Expect
- Dazzling holiday concert with Santa visit.
- Description
- Join the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart for a dazzling holiday concert featuring classic carols, popular Christmas songs, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Visits with Santa
The Nutcracker - Boston
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes
- Description
- This iconic ballet brings the beloved story of Clara and her adventures to life on stage. With stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and memorable music, it captivates audiences of all ages. The performance showcases a talented cast and intricate sets, creating a delightful experience for families and ballet enthusiasts alike.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : The Nutcracker - Boston
Arlington Other Holiday Activities
Jordan's Enchanted Village
- What to Expect
- Historic animatronic holiday display with interactive attractions.
- Description
- Jordan's Enchanted Village is a historic holiday display featuring 59 mechanical figurines and 18 vignettes, originally created in 1958. The animated village includes various Christmas scenes and offers additional attractions like an indoor slide, ice skating rink, and laser light show.
- Where
- Avon | More Info : Jordan's Enchanted Village
Ice Skating Rinks
- What to Expect
- Public skating sessions available at various DCR-managed rinks.
- Description
- Ice skating rinks offer a fun and accessible winter activity for people of all ages and abilities, with many rinks providing skate rentals and snack concessions.
- Where
- Boston | More Info : Ice Skating Rinks