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Last updated: November 11, 2024


Make the most of the holidays in Boston with our detailed event guide. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide showcases the festive magic of Boston.

One of the highlights of the season is the Boston Common Tree Lighting Spectacular, where the city's iconic tree sparkles into life amidst music and holiday cheer. With the stirring sounds of the Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall, audiences are treated to a delightful blend of classic and contemporary holiday music performed by talented musicians. And the Cirque Dreams Holidaze is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a captivating mix of acrobatics and holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.



Boston Holiday Light Displays


What to Expect:

Figure skating show preceding the tree lighting.

Description:

The Boston Common Tree Lighting Spectacular is a free annual event featuring a figure skating show by the Skating Club Boston, followed by the lighting of Boston's official Christmas tree from Nova Scotia. The ceremony includes public skating at Frog Pond and is hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Common Tree Lighting Spectacular

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What to Expect:

Over a million sparkling lights in festive displays.

Description:

Gillette Stadium transforms into a dazzling display of holiday lights with over a million sparkling lights, featuring festive favorites like the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas. The event also includes a 32-foot tall animated Barbie and synchronized dancing displays to popular holiday tunes.

Where: Foxboro | More Info: Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting

Description:

Zoolights at Stone Zoo features thousands of twinkling lights illuminating tree-lined paths and festive exhibits, including Yukon Creek with black bears, Canada lynx, and reindeer.

Where: Stoneham | More Info: Zoolights at Stone Zoo

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Boston Holiday Markets and Shopping


What to Expect:

Unique gifts from over 40 local woman-founded businesses.

Description:

The Boston Women’s Holiday Market at Faneuil Hall features over 40 unique women-founded businesses, makers, and artists each week in December. Enjoy gift wrapping, face painting, and live music while shopping for meaningful gifts. Visit the Faneuil Hall Santa and explore New England staples in Quincy Market.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Women’s Holiday Market at Faneuil Hall

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What to Expect:

Unique holiday activities and pop-ups featuring local vendors.

Description:

The Boston Women's Holiday Market at The Speedway offers a diverse array of gifts and goodies from over 30 women-owned small businesses. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, experience special holiday activities, and pop-ups throughout the event. The market is accessible via multiple bus lines and offers ample parking options.

Where: Boston | More Info: Downtown Boston Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

European-style holiday market with local vendors and festive activities.

Description:

Snowport is a European-style holiday market in Boston Seaport featuring over 60 local businesses, a festive menu from Tuscan Kitchen and Breezy Hill Orchard, and enchanting holiday decor. It includes activities like curling and appearances by Betty the Yeti.

Where: Boston | More Info: Snowport: Boston Seaport's Holiday Wonderland

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Boston Holiday Shows and Entertainment


What to Expect:

Traditional holiday music performed by a world-class orchestra.

Description:

The Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert at Symphony Hall features classic holiday tunes like Jingle Bells, 12 Days of Christmas, and Sleigh Ride, performed by the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Where: Boston | More Info: Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall

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What to Expect:

World-class circus arts and holiday storybook characters.

Description:

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular that combines a Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts. The event features a world-renowned cast of performers, including aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and breath-catching acrobatics. The original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites, creating an imaginative and fun experience for all ages.

Where: Boston | More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze

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What to Expect:

Heart-warming adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic tale.

Description:

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical brings Dr. Seuss' classic tale to life on stage, featuring hit songs like "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." The Grinch, narrated by Max the Dog, discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.

Where: Boston | More Info: Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly activities and artistic performances.

Description:

Boston First Night is a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration featuring live performances, ice sculptures, and fireworks, showcasing Boston's rich cultural heritage.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston First Night

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What to Expect:

Modern fusion of classical ballet and urban 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 combines the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical music of Tchaikovsky.

Where: Boston | More Info: Urban Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Unique blend of scripture, verse, music, and dance.

Description:

Langston Hughes' Black Nativity is a critically acclaimed production presented by the National Center of Afro-American Artists, blending scripture, verse, music, and dance to retell the Nativity story.

Where: Boston | More Info: Black Nativity

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What to Expect:

Special visit from Santa Claus.

Description:

Join the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart for a dazzling holiday concert featuring traditional and popular Christmas songs, a joyful sing-along, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Where: Boston | More Info: Visits with Santa

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Boston Other Holiday Activities


What to Expect:

Colorful inner tube slide through a wooden structure.

Description:

The Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture in Avon, Massachusetts, features a beautifully crafted wooden structure with 59 mechanical figures and 18 vignettes. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride in a colorful inner tube down a smooth slide, similar to a water slide or a backyard hill without the water or snow. The attraction also includes photos with Santa and other holiday activities.

Where: Avon | More Info: Jordan's Enchanted Village

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