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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Your perfect holiday guide to Brookline is here! Explore all the top festive events and activities. From longtime Brookline dwellers to first-time guests, our guide illuminates the city's yuletide spirit.

Popular Events: Experience the magic of the season with the Boston Pops Holiday Pops, where classic holiday tunes meet exceptional musical performances. Featuring dazzling arrangements, this concert brings together community and cheer. Additionally, the Urban Nutcracker reimagines the beloved ballet with contemporary flair, showcasing local talent and cultural diversity. And the timeless charm of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Brookline Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Symbolic tree lighting with Nova Scotia's gratitude for Boston's relief efforts.

Description:

The Boston Common Tree Lighting is a significant holiday celebration where the city of Boston and guests from Nova Scotia come together to light the official Christmas tree. The event features holiday music performances, speeches from local politicians, and a sampling village with photo-ops, giveaways, and refreshments. The tree lighting ceremony is followed by the illumination of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Common Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Holiday tree lightings in multiple neighborhoods.

Description:

Boston's Enchanted Trolley Tour is a beloved holiday tradition where holiday trees are lit throughout the city, bringing joy to children and families. The event includes visits with Santa and various festive activities.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston's Enchanted Trolley Tour

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting

Description:

At Zoolights at Stone Zoo, visitors can stroll through 26 acres of beautifully lit paths, including Yukon Creek, home to black bears, Canada lynx, and reindeer. The event features hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights creating perfect backdrops for photos.

Where: Stoneham | More Info: Zoolights at Stone Zoo

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What to Expect:

Traditional tree lighting ceremony with a sampling village.

Description:

The 83rd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting features a 7,000-light tree from Nova Scotia, accompanied by a sampling village with photo ops, giveaways, and refreshments. The event is hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and includes a festive stage show with Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Where: Boston | More Info: Holiday Lights on Boston Common

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What to Expect:

Holiday lighting display with musical performances and special guests.

Description:

The 22nd annual trellis lighting at Christopher Columbus Park in Boston's North End transforms the historic waterfront into a beautiful holiday display. The event features musical performances, a special guest appearance by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and festive treats like eggnog and hot chocolate.

Where: Boston | More Info: Christopher Columbus Park Lighting

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Brookline Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique gifts from local woman-founded businesses.

Description:

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 and New England staples.

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 with no entry fee.

Description:

The Boston Women's Holiday Market at The Speedway offers a festive day with over 30 women-owned small businesses, delicious food and drinks, and special holiday activities and pop-ups. Enjoy unique holiday activities and pop-ups throughout the event without entry fee. Discover a diverse array of gifts and goodies from talented women-founded small businesses.

Where: Boston | More Info: Downtown Boston Holiday Market

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Brookline Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Family-friendly holiday concert with traditional and new arrangements of seasonal classics.

Description:

The Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert features Keith Lockhart leading the orchestra in classic holiday music, including Jingle Bells, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Sleigh Ride, with a special visit from Santa Claus.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Pops Holiday Pops

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What to Expect:

Live stage adaptation of the iconic holiday TV special.

Description:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical brings to life the beloved holiday classic, featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph. This heartwarming story teaches that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Where: Boston | More Info: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

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What to Expect:

Fusion of classical ballet with urban dance forms in a Boston setting.

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, the performance showcases winter scenes to the rhythms of Duke Ellington and the classical music of Tchaikovsky.

Where: Boston | More Info: Urban Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly event with diverse artistic performances and fireworks.

Description:

First Night in Boston is a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration featuring live performances, ice sculptures, and a spectacular fireworks display over Boston Common and Inner Harbor.

Where: Boston | More Info: First Night in Boston

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What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes

Description:

This cherished holiday ballet features stunning choreography and intricate artistry, bringing to life the classic tale of Clara and her journey through a dreamlike world. Talented dancers illuminate the stage with vibrant performances, complemented by a captivating score that resonates throughout the theatre. Audiences of all ages are drawn into the heartwarming story and the beautiful visuals that define this seasonal highlight.

Where: Boston | More Info: The Nutcracker - Boston Ballet

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Brookline Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Immersive historical experiences with educational opportunities for all ages.

Description:

Explore the rich history of the Wampanoag and English people who met along historic shores at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Discover stories of community, conflict, collaboration, leadership, faith, self-government, and gratitude through engaging exhibits and programs.

Where: Plymouth | More Info: Plimouth Plantation Tours

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