Experience the magic of the holiday season in Boston, MA, where festive events bring the city to life with dazzling lights, enchanting performances, and winter fun. Join the Boston Common Tree Lighting to witness over 7,000 twinkling lights on New England's tallest holiday tree, a symbol of international friendship.
Stroll through Faneuil Hall Marketplace during the Blink! event, where 350,000 LED lights synchronize with holiday tunes for a mesmerizing display. Don't miss Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker, a world-class production that captivates audiences with stunning choreography and elaborate sets. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Boston's holiday events promise unforgettable experiences for all.
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The Top Christmas Events in Boston
- Boston Common Tree Lighting
- Blink! at Faneuil Hall
- Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Holiday Pops
- Skating on Frog Pond
- SoWa Winter Festival
- Ice Skating at Boston Harbor Hotel
- Boston Tea Party Annual Reenactment
- Candlelight Carols at Trinity Church
Boston Holiday Light Displays
Boston Common Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Illumination of New England's tallest holiday tree
Description:
The Boston Common Tree Lighting ceremony illuminates New England's tallest holiday tree, a tradition dating back to 1941. This towering evergreen, often a gift from Nova Scotia, stands as a symbol of international friendship. Thousands gather to witness the moment when over 7,000 twinkling lights burst to life, transforming the nation's oldest public park into a dazzling spectacle. You can join in singing carols led by local choirs, warming your hands with complimentary hot chocolate. The event honors Boston's deep-rooted connection to its Canadian neighbors and kicks off the city's winter festivities.
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Blink! at Faneuil Hall
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on historic marketplace buildings
Description:
Blink! transforms Faneuil Hall Marketplace into a canvas of light and music. This cutting-edge display synchronizes over 350,000 LED lights with popular holiday tunes, creating a mesmerizing audiovisual experience. The show plays out across the facade of historic buildings, blending modern technology with 18th-century architecture. Visitors can stroll through the marketplace, taking in the sights while sampling local cuisine from food vendors. Blink! continues a tradition of innovation at Faneuil Hall, which has been a center of commerce and culture in Boston since 1743.
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Boston Holiday Markets and Shopping
SoWa Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Artisan market in Boston's art district
Description:
The SoWa Winter Festival transforms Boston's vibrant art district into a hub of creativity and commerce. This event brings together over 100 of New England's most talented artisans, crafters, and food producers. Visitors can explore a diverse array of handcrafted goods, from intricate jewelry to gourmet treats, all while supporting local makers. The festival takes place in SoWa's iconic power station, a repurposed industrial space that adds a unique ambiance to the shopping experience. You'll discover one-of-a-kind gifts while immersing yourself in Boston's thriving arts scene. SoWa, short for "South of Washington," has been a cornerstone of Boston's cultural landscape since the early 2000s.
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Boston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes
Description:
Boston Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker elevates the classic holiday tale with world-class choreography and stunning production values. The performance features over 250 dancers, including students from the Boston Ballet School, bringing Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life. Elaborate sets transport audiences from a lavish Victorian parlor to the whimsical Candy Land, while intricate costumes dazzle with their attention to detail. Attendees can marvel at the technical prowess of the dancers as they execute challenging lifts and pirouettes. This annual production has been a cornerstone of Boston's cultural calendar since 1963, enchanting generations of theatergoers.
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Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker
Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Boston Pops Orchestra performs holiday classics in historic Symphony Hall
Description:
The Holiday Pops concert series showcases the renowned Boston Pops Orchestra performing seasonal favorites in the acoustically perfect Symphony Hall. Led by conductor Keith Lockhart, the orchestra delivers a mix of traditional carols, contemporary hits, and orchestral masterpieces. The hall's gilded interior resonates with the rich tones of brass and strings, creating an immersive auditory experience. Audience members can participate in a festive sing-along, joining their voices with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. This beloved Boston tradition dates back to 1973, continuing the legacy of "America's Orchestra" in celebrating the holiday season.
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Candlelight Carols at Trinity Church
What to Expect:
Choral performance in a National Historic Landmark church
Description:
Candlelight Carols at Trinity Church combines architectural splendor with angelic voices for a transcendent holiday experience. The Trinity Choirs perform a mix of traditional and contemporary carols in the church's stunning Richardsonian Romanesque interior. Hundreds of candles bathe the intricate murals and stained glass windows in a warm glow, creating an atmosphere of reverence and beauty. Attendees can join in singing beloved hymns, their voices rising to the vaulted ceilings. This event continues a tradition that began in 1909, showcasing the musical heritage of one of Boston's most iconic churches, designed by renowned architect H.H. Richardson in 1877.
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Candlelight Carols at Trinity Church
Boston Other Holiday Activities
Skating on Frog Pond
What to Expect:
Ice skating in the heart of Boston Common
Description:
Skating on Frog Pond places visitors at the center of Boston's winter activities. This picturesque rink, surrounded by snow-dusted trees and historic landmarks, offers a quintessential New England winter experience. Gliding across the ice, skaters can take in views of the gold-domed State House and the city skyline. The crisp winter air carries the sound of blades carving patterns on the ice. Visitors can warm up with a steaming cup of cocoa from the nearby café. Frog Pond has been a focal point of Boston Common since the 17th century, evolving from a watering hole for cattle to a beloved recreational space.
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Ice Skating at Boston Harbor Hotel
What to Expect:
Waterfront ice rink with views of Boston Harbor
Description:
Ice Skating at Boston Harbor Hotel offers a luxurious winter experience with unparalleled views of the city's waterfront. The rink, nestled between the hotel's iconic archway and the harbor, provides a picturesque setting for gliding across the ice. Skaters can take in the sight of boats passing by and the twinkling lights of the city skyline reflected on the water. The hotel's Rowes Wharf Sea Grille offers rinkside refreshments, allowing visitors to warm up with gourmet hot chocolate. This seasonal attraction adds a touch of elegance to Boston's winter activities, situated at a site that has been integral to the city's maritime history since the 18th century.
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Ice Skating at Boston Harbor Hotel
Boston Tea Party Annual Reenactment
What to Expect:
Interactive historical reenactment of the 1773 protest
Description:
The Boston Tea Party Annual Reenactment brings history to life with a vivid recreation of the famous 1773 protest. Participants don period costumes and board replica 18th-century ships, immersing themselves in the pivotal moment that sparked the American Revolution. Visitors can join in the action, shouting protests and watching as actors dump tea chests into the harbor. The event features authentic details, from the colonial accents to the flickering lanterns that illuminate the scene. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the political tensions that led to this act of defiance. This reenactment takes place at the actual historic site, connecting modern-day Bostonians with their revolutionary heritage.
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Boston Tea Party Annual Reenactment
Nearby Events
ZooLights at Stone Zoo (Stoneham)
What to Expect:
Walk-through holiday light display integrated with zoo exhibits
Description:
ZooLights at Stone Zoo offers a unique blend of wildlife education and holiday cheer. This walk-through experience features thousands of twinkling lights artfully arranged around animal exhibits and along tree-lined paths. Visitors can observe cold-weather animals like reindeer and arctic foxes in their habitats, illuminated by the glow of colorful displays. The event highlights conservation efforts, educating guests about endangered species while they enjoy the festive atmosphere. You'll encounter larger-than-life animal-shaped light sculptures, adding a playful touch to the nighttime landscape. ZooLights continues Stone Zoo's mission of connecting people with nature, which began with its founding in 1905.
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Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture (Avon)
What to Expect:
Vintage animatronic holiday display in a furniture store
Description:
The Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture resurrects a beloved Boston tradition with its collection of vintage animatronic figures and elaborate holiday scenes. This nostalgic display, originally created for Jordan Marsh department store in the 1960s, transports visitors to a quaint New England town of yesteryear. Intricate details bring each vignette to life, from tiny storefronts to miniature ice skaters. Guests can ride the Polar Express 4D Experience, adding a modern twist to the classic setup. The scent of freshly baked treats wafts from the accompanying Enchanted Ice Cream Shoppe. This unique attraction blends retail innovation with holiday nostalgia, continuing Jordan's Furniture's reputation for experiential shopping.
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Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture
Christmas Revels (Cambridge)
What to Expect:
Multicultural celebration of the winter solstice through music and dance
Description:
The Christmas Revels presents a vibrant tapestry of global winter traditions through music, dance, and storytelling. Each year, the production focuses on a different culture, bringing its unique customs and artistic expressions to the stage. Performers in authentic costumes lead the audience through a journey of seasonal rituals and celebrations. Spectators can participate in the iconic audience dance, joining hands with strangers to form a spiraling chain throughout the theater. The Revels blend professional and community performers, embodying the spirit of communal celebration. This beloved Boston tradition, started in 1971, continues to explore the universal themes of light, rebirth, and community that mark the turning of the year.