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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Anticipating a magical holiday season in Jamaica Plain? Our guide has all the festive events you need! Whether you're a resident or a traveler, our guide helps you explore the holiday magic of Jamaica Plain.

Popular Events: Experience the enchantment of the Boston Pops Holiday Pops, where traditional carols and seasonal classics bring joy to the audience. Delight in the whimsical charm of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, perfect for families seeking heartwarming entertainment this season. And the Urban Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a vibrant twist on the classic ballet with a local flair. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Jamaica Plain Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Immersive lantern displays in a zoo setting.

Description:

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo features immersive walkthroughs, interactive displays, and Instagrammable moments. The event includes vibrant jellyfish, majestic sea turtles, and a stunning 115-foot octopus in an underwater paradise. Journey through Indian-themed lantern scenes adorned with lotus flowers and traditional Chinese lanterns, including the 76-foot "Kun," an enormous fish from Chinese mythology. The installation highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity and uses energy-saving LED lights.

Where: Boston | More Info: Holiday Light Displays

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting

Description:

At Zoolights at Stone Zoo, visitors stroll through 26 acres of beautifully lit paths, featuring tree-lined Yukon Creek and various animal exhibits, including black bears, Canada lynx, and reindeer.

Where: Stoneham | More Info: Zoolights at Stone Zoo

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What to Expect:

Holiday tree lightings in multiple Boston neighborhoods.

Description:

The Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings is a beloved holiday tradition in Boston where festive holiday trees are lit throughout various neighborhoods. The event, sponsored by Bank of America, includes visits with Santa and offers a joyful experience for children and families.

Where: Boston | More Info: Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting

Description:

Over four million dazzling lights and displays transform Southwick's Zoo into a vibrant holiday spectacle, featuring polar bear and penguin exhibits, a train ride through the Enchanted Holiday Forest, and holiday shopping at the Purple Peacock Gift Shop.

Where: Milford | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Southwick Zoo

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What to Expect:

Illuminated trellis with festive activities and special guests.

Description:

The Annual Lighting of the Columbus Park Trellis transforms Boston's historic waterfront into a beautiful holiday display with 260 feet of illuminated trellis and nearby trees. The event features musical performances, a special guest appearance by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and festive refreshments like eggnog and hot chocolate.

Where: Boston | More Info: Annual Lighting of the Columbus Park Trellis

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What to Expect:

Live performances and festive treats at historic Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

Description:

Join us at Faneuil Hall Marketplace for the lighting of the 2023 Christmas Tree, featuring special guests DJ Angel Alba, Pitch, Please, North End Music and Performing Arts Center performers, and Miss Massachusetts. Enjoy Ben & Jerry's ice cream and hot chocolate samples.

Where: Boston | More Info: Faneuil Marketplace Christmas Tree

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What to Expect:

Traditional tree lighting ceremony with Nova Scotia's annual gift.

Description:

The 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting features a 45-foot-tall Christmas tree donated by Nova Scotia, accompanied by holiday music performances, speeches from local politicians, and a sampling village with photo-ops, giveaways, and refreshments.

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

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What to Expect:

Historic tree lighting ceremony in the State House Rotunda.

Description:

The Massachusetts State House Tree Lighting is an annual event where a giant Christmas tree in the Rotunda lights up, marking the official kick-off of the holiday season in Massachusetts. The ceremony includes an open house and a visit from Santa in Doric Hall, offering a special moment for families and holiday enthusiasts.

Where: Boston | More Info: Massachusetts State House Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Traditional tree lighting ceremony with Nova Scotia's donation.

Description:

The Boston Common Tree Lighting is a significant holiday event where the city's official Christmas tree, donated by Nova Scotia, is illuminated. The ceremony features holiday music performances, speeches from local politicians, and a sampling village with photo-ops, giveaways, and refreshments. Mayor Michelle Wu and Santa Claus join the celebration, marking the official start of Boston's holiday season.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston's Public Garden Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Illumination of Commonwealth Avenue Mall with festive holiday lights.

Description:

The Commonwealth Avenue Mall Tree Lighting is a festive event where the City of Boston and the Friends of the Public Garden illuminate the park with holiday lights, stretching from Arlington Street to Kenmore Square. This annual tradition is a significant part of Boston's holiday season, celebrating the city's spirit and community.

Where: Boston | More Info: Commonwealth Avenue Mall Tree Lighting

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Jamaica Plain Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Local artisans and unique gifts in a festive outdoor setting.

Description:

Boston Seaport transforms into Snowport, featuring a European-style holiday market with over 60 local businesses, festive food, and unique gifts. Enjoy rooftop igloos, outdoor games, and special events like curling and Betty the Yeti appearances.

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

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Jamaica Plain Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Classic holiday music performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Description:

The Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert features classic holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells," "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and "Sleigh Ride," performed by the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Keith Lockhart. The event includes a festive sing-along and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Pops Holiday Pops

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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, it showcases iconic landmarks and features a live orchestra.

Where: Boston | More Info: Urban Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Sensory-friendly performance with accommodations for neurodiverse guests.

Description:

A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" featuring timeless music, lavish costumes, and spine-tingling special effects. The show tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, visited by the Spirits of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come. New and returning cast members bring this annual production to life with an array of spectacles, including smoke, fog, and spectacular flying stunts.

Where: Boston | More Info: A Christmas Carol

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What to Expect:

Energetic song-play narrated in black vernacular speech.

Description:

Langston Hughes' Black Nativity is a gospel telling of the Christmas story, featuring a dramatic "pas de deux" performed to African drums, with a cast of over fifty joy-filled children, men, and women lifting their voices in glee.

Where: Boston | More Info: Black Nativity

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What to Expect:

"Epic family stories and contemporary musicals."

Description:

The Huntington Theatre Company presents a diverse lineup of productions, including Tom Stoppard's "Leopoldstadt," Mfoniso Udofia's "Sojourners," and Adam Guettel's "The Light in the Piazza." These shows offer powerful storytelling, epic cycles, and contemporary musicals that explore themes of family, identity, and love.

Where: Boston | More Info: Yippee Ki Yay

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Dazzling holiday concert with Santa visit.

Description:

Join the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart for a sparkling Holiday Pops concert filled with classic carols and popular Christmas songs, including a special visit from Santa.

Where: Boston | More Info: Visits with Santa

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What to Expect:

Whimsical holiday spectacle with aerial circus acts and original music.

Description:

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a dazzling holiday spectacular featuring a world-renowned cast of performers, aerial circus acts, and whimsical storytelling. The show combines Broadway-style production with contemporary circus arts, including original music and seasonal favorites. It is a family-friendly production that brings holiday storybook characters to life on stage.

Where: Boston | More Info: Cirque Dream: Holidaze

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What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes

Description:

This beloved ballet brings to life the story of Clara and her adventures through a whimsical world filled with toy soldiers, mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. With stunning choreography and beautiful music, it captures the essence of the holiday spirit through its heartwarming narrative and exquisite performances. Audiences young and old are transported into a dreamlike experience that celebrates imagination and joy.

Where: Boston | More Info: The Nutcracker - Boston

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Jamaica Plain Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Unique skating experiences with various rink locations across Massachusetts.

Description:

Ice skating rinks in Massachusetts offer public skating sessions for people of all ages and abilities. Many rinks provide skate rentals and snack concessions. Hours are subject to change, and some rinks operate under leases and permits from private and public entities.

Where: Boston | More Info: Ice Skating Rinks

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday scenes with animated figures and an indoor ice skating rink.

Description:

Jordan's Enchanted Village is a holiday display featuring 28 fully decorated scenes with 250 animated figures, including a wooden structure for a quick gliding ride and an indoor ice skating rink. The event offers a variety of activities for all ages, including a tube slide and reindeer games.

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

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