45 Magical Things to Do in Boston in December 2023
When:
Friday, Dec 01, 2023 9:00a -
Sunday, Dec 24, 2023 10:00p
Friday, Dec 01, 2023 9:00a -
Sunday, Dec 24, 2023 10:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Date Idea, Drinks, Food, Music, Outside, Seasonal, Shopping
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/45-magical-things-to-do-in-boston-in-december-2023
The holidays have arrived in Boston! This is one of the most festive and exciting times of the year in Boston and you’re going to want to soak up every minute of it. We’ve rounded up some of the most magical events in the city this season to bring a little spirit to every December day.
by Celina Colby
1) Go outdoor ice skating around the city
When: Various times
Where: Around Boston
Info: Ice skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond is a classic holiday experience, and this year you can experience that wintertime fun in neighborhoods all over the city. At The Rink at 401 Park you can skate and then grab a beer at neighboring Trillium and at the Canal District skating rink in Kendall Square you can take lessons.
When: Various times
Where: Around Boston
Info: Holiday markets are about so much more than just shopping (although that’s plentiful too). Shop local and handmade goods and support Black-owned businesses at a weekly pop-up market at The Underground Cafe + Lounge, and peruse goods from more than 30 women-owned businesses at the Boston Women’s Market Holiday Market at The Speedway.
3) Enjoy Boston’s holiday lights
When: Nightly
Where: Around Boston
Info: Part of what makes the city magical at this time of year is the way everything is lit up with beautiful twinkle lights. There are many to enjoy, but The Boston Common Holiday Tree in the center of the historic park, the Commonwealth Avenue Holiday Lights lining the boulevard, and the decked-out Holiday Trellis at Christopher Columbus Park are a few local favorites.
When: Various times
Where: Around Boston
Info: Head to almost any neighborhood in the city to enjoy a holiday stroll with seasonal decorations, live music, arts and crafts, and extended hours at local shops. The Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll is particularly magical with its historic streets laden with holiday decor and at the Ice Sculpture Stroll at Assembly Row you can see nine innovative sculptures by talented ice artists.
5) Sip a cocktail at a holiday pop-up bar
When: Through December
Where: Around Boston
Info: Food and drinks are imperative to the holiday experience and at these holiday pop-ups at bars and restaurants you can drink themed beverages in fabulously kitschy decor. Embrace kitchiness at the Miracle Pop-Up Bars at Mystic Station and the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel where your drink will often come in a cheeky holiday-themed mug. Experience a winter wonderland of holiday decor at the Sippin’ Santa pop-up at Shore Leave and unwind in an aprés-ski-themed lodge at Publico.
When: Every Sunday in December
Where: Downtown
Info: Every Sunday you can watch classic holiday films while overlooking the city from the Moxy’s rooftop downtown. Themed cocktails are also available to make the night extra cozy.
7) The Seaport Holiday Market at Snowport
When: 11/10-12/31
Where: Seaport
Info: Shop more than 120 makers at this bastion of holiday cheer in the Seaport neighborhood. In addition to shopping, you can grab a themed holiday cocktail at any of several bars on site and snack on festive eats from local food vendors. Keep an eye out for Betty the Yeti who will be strolling the market all through the holidays.
When: 11/24-12/17
Where: South End
Info: It’s hard to find a more magical setting for your holiday shopping than the SoWa Winter Festival, featuring more than 100 local vendors in a glittering holiday space, plus a bar and performance stage upstairs.
9) Downtown Boston Holiday Market
When: 11/24-12/23
Where: Downtown Crossing
Info: Shop for unique handcrafted holiday gifts in the heart of Downtown Crossing at the curated market on Summer Street, featuring a rotating lineup of artisan vendors.
When: 11/24-12/24
Where: North End
Info: Browse knit items from local alpaca wool, handmade jewelry, pottery, artisanal soaps, plant-based meal kits, and more at the Boston Public Market's Holiday CrEATor Market. While you’re shopping, snack on local eats from the stalls around the market.
When: 11/24-12/29
Where: Wellesley
Info: Every year the Massachusetts Horticultural Society showcases dozens of decorated evergreens during the Festival of Trees. A model railroad display of Boston is also displayed, Citgo sign and all.
12) Boston Ballet Presents Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker
When: 11/24-12/31
Where: Downtown
Info: This beloved interpretation of Tchaivosky’s classic brings magic to the Boston Ballet stage every winter. Watch Clara and the Nutcracker embrace the holiday season in this charming production.
13) The Toy Shop at Hummingbird Books
When: 11/26-12/26
Where: Chestnut Hill
Info: Walk through a gingerbread house in the back of Hummingbird Books and you’ll be transported to the magical holiday toy shop, a destination for finding unique, curated gifts for the holidays for littles and the rest of the family.
When: 12/1-12/31
Where: Back Bay
Info: Each night during December the Prudential Center lights up a different color to highlight a local nonprofit organization. The nightly display is beautiful and for a good cause.
When: 12/1-12/22
Where: Bay Back
Info: Every Friday you can head to the Prudential Center for a complimentary cup of warm cocoa and a live performance of holiday carols by the acapella group Songful Artists.
16) Light Up Seaport
When: 12/1
Where: Seaport
Info: Seaport’s answer to a holiday stroll includes live music and aerial performances, the lighting of the Seaport holiday tree, and extra gifts with purchase at many local shops.
17) ICA First Fridays: Après Ski
When: 12/1
Where: Seaport
Info: Don your best ski lodge attire and enjoy an apres-ski themed evening at the ICA complete with cozy cocktails and a winter wonderland themed creative space.
18) Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall
When: 12/1-12/24
Where: South End
Info: The Holiday Pops performance at Symphony Hall brings classic and beloved holiday music to the stage. The joy in this concert is contagious, especially during the sing-a-long portion.
19) The Slutcracker
When: 12/1-12/31
Where: Somerville
Info: Boston’s beloved burlesque edition of The Nutcracker is back for another tantalizing season. Experience the joy, sexiness, and inclusivity of this adult-only production.
20) Langston Hughes' Black Nativity
When: 12/1-12/17
Where: Downtown
Info: This stirring production uses gospel music, African drumming, and Langston Hughes’s beautiful words to tell the story of the nativity.
21) Holiday Pop-up Bookshop at Boston Athenaeum
When: 12/2
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: Shop a holiday pop-up bookshop hand-curated by the Boston Athenaeum librarians. They’ll walk you through the season’s most exciting reads while you enjoy festive refreshments.
22) Boston Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings
When: 12/2-12/3
Where: Around Boston
Info: Hop on the Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour to see tree lightings, holiday displays, and take pictures with Santa in neighborhoods all over Boston.
23) Festive Wreath Workshop at Sam Adams Taproom
When: 12/5
Where: Downtown
Info: Learn how to make your own holiday wreath at this step-by-step workshop by Bluebird Bouquets. As you add fresh foliage and flowers to your wreath, enjoy a Sam Adams brew.
When: 12/6
Where: Back Bay
Info: Sip complimentary cider and enjoy tasty snacks while you pursue the gift-laden shelves of Trident Booksellers and Cafe. You can enjoy complimentary gift wrap for your purchases and free custom calligraphy gift tags. Then unwind with a screening of “Elf” in the cafe seating upstairs.
When: 12/6
Where: Fenway
Info: Join the Red Sox’s Wally and Fenway neighbors for the official Fenway Tree Lighting. After the ceremony enjoy live performances and free ice skating at the 401 Park rink.
26) After 5 Social: Ugly Sweater Party
When: 12/8
Where: South Boston
Info: Grab your most hideous holiday sweater and head to this mingling event with the Boston Young Professionals Association. Compete for a prize for ugliest sweater, meet new people, and enjoy light bites and Grand Ten Distillery drinks.
When: 12/8-12/31
Where: Somerville
Info: Somerville does not mess around when it comes to holiday lights. Using a map made by the Somerville Arts Council, tour some of the most elaborately decorated homes in the neighborhood.
28) Gingerbread Standard Construction
When: 12/9
Where: Fenway
Info: Bring three of your closest friends or family members to Eastern Standard for this lavish Gingerbread House making event. You’ll be given one house, hot cocoa and spiced cider, and unlimited access to a decorating station that features more than 100 pounds of candy.
29) Kendall Square Annual Holiday On Ice Show
When: 12/9
Where: Kendall Square
Info: Enjoy a free ice skating performance by world-class skaters at the Kendall Square Annual Holiday on Ice Show that coincides with the opening of Canal District Winter Market. After the performance, rent your own skates and take to the ice to test drive your own skills.
When: 12/9
Where: West Newton
Info: Join the Scandinavian Cultural Center for a celebration of the classic gingerbread cookie. You can decorate your own cookies with icing and sprinkles and then try a traditional Scandinavian rice porridge.
31) Nauti or Nice Holiday Party
When: 12/9
Where: Seaport
Info: For one day Nautilus Pier 4 will transform into a retro winter wonderland featuring holiday cocktails, dining specials, and live beats by DJ Ryan Brown. Guests are encouraged to wear retro holiday outfits and/or ugly sweaters.
32) Tacky + Toasty: Holiday Cocktail Party
When: 12/9
Where: Seaport
Info: Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and head to District Hall for this holiday cocktail party hosted by the Junior League of Boston featuring live entertainment and festive snacks. Proceeds go to the Junior League’s community outreach programs.
When: 12/9-12/17
Where: Cambridge
Info: Club Drosselmeyer is an immersive holiday show set in a 1940s nightclub. Dance to an 8-piece swing band playing jazzy Nutcracker standards, sip holiday cocktails, and talk to characters within the space to crack the evening’s mystery.
34) Make an Ugly Holiday Sweater
When: 12/10
Where: Allston
Info: Bring a thrifted or previously neglected sweater and turn it into your favorite garment by adding pom-poms, glitter, tassels, fur, and other accessories.
When: 12/10
Where: Seaport
Info: Celebrate Hanukkah with the lighting of the Seaport Menorah with Chabad of Downtown Boston.
When: 12/10
Where: Dorchester
Info: Shop local and handmade gifts from 15 different small businesses selling everything from boozy ice cream to beeswax candles and other goodies. After you’ve shopped till you drop, enjoy festive cocktails from the Boston Harbor Distillery bar.
When: 12/13
Where: Brighton
Info: Grab your favorite food and beverages from around the Speedway complex and settle in for a screening of “Elf” complete with a free popcorn and candy bar.
When: 12/14
Where: Somerville
Info: What could be more romantic than listening to Sinatra croon Christmas songs? Get into the holiday spirit with Sinatra songs, cocktails and food from the Premiere on Broadway menu, and even some dancing.
39) Harvard Square Holiday Fair
When: 12/15-12/23
Where: Harvard Square
Info: One of the oldest holiday fairs in Boston, celebrating 37 years, the Harvard Square Holiday Fair offers goods by regional craftspeople and global importers. Meeting the craftspeople who have made each item brings a special connection to your holiday gifts.
When: 12/17
Where: Waltham
Info: Transport yourself to the Regency era at this elegant tea service inspired by Jane Austen’s work. Period attire is encouraged.
41) 30's Speed-Friending, Ugly Holiday Sweater Edition at Lamplighter CX
When: 12/18
Where: Cambridge
Info: Making new friends by diving straight into deep conversation and big topics and bypassing all the awkward smalltalk. At this seasonal edition of the event it’s even easier, everyone will be wearing ugly sweaters.
42) Drag Bingo & Ugly Sweater Party
When: 12/17
Where: Fenway
Info: Resident Time Out Market host Plane Jane will emcee a lavish, holiday-themed edition of drag bingo complete with festive holiday cocktails and food specials around the market. Between friends fellow queens will grace the audience with their presence.
43) Holiday Centerpieces at The Charles River Speedway
When: 12/20
Where: Brighton
Info: Take some of the stress out of holiday hosting with this holiday centerpiece workshop by Bluebird Bouquets. With gentle guidance from the pros you’ll make a unique and personal centerpiece for your holiday table.
44) Disney On Ice: Into The Magic
When: 12/21-1/1
Where: Allston
Info: Families will love this ice skating adventure performed by Disney favorites from Anna and Elsa to Moana, Bell, and Miguel from Coco.
When: 12/23
Where: Everett
Info: We always knew the Grinch had a wild side, and it’s coming out at AERONAUT Cannery’s Grinch Drag Show and party. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see other characters there as well.
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