Make the most of the festive season in Newton with our planner guide. Discover all the best holiday events.
One of the highlights is the lively Holiday Pops Concert, a cherished tradition filled with enchanting music and holiday cheer. Equally captivating, the Revels Christmas Concert brings a mix of song, dance, and storytelling, celebrating various cultural winter solstice traditions. And don't forget, The Nutcracker Ballet is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning performances and magical sets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Newton
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Holiday Pops Concert (Boston)
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performing holiday classics with a modern twist
Description:
The Boston Pops Orchestra transforms Symphony Hall into a winter musical paradise. Renowned for their innovative arrangements, the orchestra breathes new life into beloved holiday tunes. Listeners can revel in the rich, resonant sounds of brass and strings as they perform both traditional carols and contemporary favorites. The concert continues a tradition dating back to 1973, when legendary conductor Arthur Fiedler introduced the first Holiday Pops. You'll have the opportunity to join in a festive sing-along, becoming part of the musical tapestry that fills the historic hall.
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Revels Christmas Concert (Cambridge)
What to Expect:
Celebration of winter solstice traditions from around the world
Description:
The Revels Christmas Concert in Cambridge transcends typical holiday performances by embracing global winter solstice traditions. This vibrant spectacle weaves together music, dance, and storytelling from diverse cultures. Performers don authentic costumes, transporting the audience through time and across continents. The show's centerpiece, the haunting "Sussex Mummers' Carol," connects viewers to ancient midwinter rituals. You can participate in the iconic audience sing-along, joining voices with strangers to create a powerful sense of community. The concert, first held in 1971, has become a cherished Cambridge tradition.
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The Nutcracker Ballet (Boston)
What to Expect:
Lavish production featuring world-class dancers and a live orchestra
Description:
The Boston Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker elevates the classic tale to new heights of artistry. Exquisite choreography brings Tchaikovsky's score to life, performed by a full orchestra that fills the theater with rich melodies. The production boasts over 350 handcrafted costumes, each a masterpiece of design. Dancers execute gravity-defying leaps and graceful pirouettes, captivating audiences of all ages. You can marvel at the growing Christmas tree, a technical feat that never fails to astonish. This beloved production has been a Boston tradition since 1963, enchanting generations of theatergoers.
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Snow Village (Weston)
What to Expect:
Miniature winter town with intricate details and moving parts
Description:
Snow Village in Weston showcases a meticulously crafted miniature winter town. Tiny buildings, each with unique architectural details, line snow-covered streets. Miniature figures engage in various winter activities, bringing the village to life. The display features moving elements, including a working ski lift and ice skaters gliding across a frozen pond. You can hunt for hidden details within the village, a favorite activity for visitors of all ages. This annual exhibition began in the 1990s as a small personal collection and has grown into a beloved community event.
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First Night Boston (Boston)
What to Expect:
City-wide New Year's Eve celebration with diverse performances and ice sculptures
Description:
First Night Boston transforms the city into a sprawling stage for New Year's Eve revelry. The event features an eclectic mix of performances, from acrobats to jazz ensembles, scattered throughout downtown. Massive ice sculptures glisten in the winter light, drawing crowds with their intricate designs. Fireworks illuminate the sky at midnight, reflecting off the waters of Boston Harbor. You can join the People's Procession, a parade that winds through the historic streets. First Night Boston, initiated in 1975, was the first artist-run New Year's Eve celebration of its kind in North America.
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Enchanted Village (Avon)
What to Expect:
Vintage animatronic display from a beloved department store
Description:
The Enchanted Village in Avon resurrects a cherished Boston tradition. This vintage display, originally created for Jordan Marsh department store in the 1960s, features lifelike animatronic figures engaged in various holiday scenes. The meticulously restored vignettes transport visitors to a nostalgic vision of Christmas past. Twinkling lights and gently falling snow add to the ambiance. You can admire the intricate details of each scene, from tiny wrapped presents to miniature holiday feasts. The village stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era and the enduring appeal of holiday nostalgia.
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Harvard Square Holiday Fair (Cambridge)
What to Expect:
Curated selection of handmade gifts from local artisans
Description:
The Harvard Square Holiday Fair showcases the talents of New England's finest artisans and craftspeople. This juried event features a carefully selected array of handmade goods, from intricate jewelry to artisanal foods. The fair's intimate setting in a historic church allows for personal interactions with the creators. The air is filled with the scent of mulled cider, adding to the cozy atmosphere. You can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the artisans' processes. The fair, which began in 1986, reflects Harvard Square's long-standing commitment to supporting local artists and small businesses.
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Christmas by Candlelight (Sturbridge)
What to Expect:
Immersive 19th-century Christmas experience in a living history museum
Description:
Christmas by Candlelight in Sturbridge offers a journey back to 19th-century New England holiday celebrations. The living history museum comes alive with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and customs. Flickering candles and crackling hearths create an authentic atmosphere throughout the village. Visitors can savor the taste of freshly baked gingerbread, made using historic recipes. You can try your hand at dipping candles or singing carols around a bonfire. The event, which began in the 1960s, provides a unique window into the evolution of American Christmas traditions.
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Blink! Light and Sound Show (Boston)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show on a historic marketplace facade
Description:
Blink! transforms Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace into a dazzling canvas of light and sound. The show features over 350,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music, creating a mesmerizing display on the facade of this historic building. Complex patterns and animations dance across the architecture, highlighting its features in unexpected ways. Spectators can witness the marketplace's iconic weathervane come to life through clever lighting effects. You can enjoy the show from multiple vantage points, each offering a unique perspective on the spectacle. This innovative display, launched in 2012, has quickly become a modern Boston holiday tradition.
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CraftBoston Holiday Show (Boston)
What to Expect:
High-end craft fair featuring museum-quality artworks and designer crafts
Description:
CraftBoston Holiday Show elevates the concept of a craft fair to new heights of artistry and innovation. This juried event showcases the work of over 175 artists, presenting museum-quality pieces that blur the line between craft and fine art. Visitors can explore a diverse array of mediums, from avant-garde jewelry to sculptural ceramics. The show's emphasis on contemporary design sets it apart from traditional holiday markets. You can engage in discussions with the artists about their creative processes and inspirations. Established in 2002, CraftBoston has become a pivotal event in the New England arts calendar, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from across the region.