60+ Things to Do this Holiday Season in Boston
When:
Friday, Nov 11, 2022 9:00a -
Thursday, Jan 05, 2023 5:00p
Friday, Nov 11, 2022 9:00a -
Thursday, Jan 05, 2023 5:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Date Idea, Drinks, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Nightlife, Photoworthy, Seasonal
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/60-things-to-do-this-holiday-season-in-boston
Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin’. That’s right– the holiday season is just around the corner! It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year, with festivities all around the city and everything looking merry and bright. Get into the spirit with our pick for the best holiday experiences to check out this winter.
All events listed in chronological order.
The Holiday Market at Snowport
Date: Fri, 11/11-Sat, 12/31
Details: Looking for that perfect holiday gift? You won’t have to look far. Snowport is heaven for anyone who is looking to buy the perfect gifts. The European-style open-air market has over 120 small businesses and 19 unique food and drink vendors, plus a Mistletoe Archway and pop-up exhibit from the Boston Children’s Museum.
Date: Fri, 11/11-Sat, 12/24
Details: Bust out those ornaments. At Seaport’s Tree Market, you’ll find the most beautiful trees around. Whether you want a fir or a pine, both will look equally beautiful with a star shining on the top.
Date: Fri, 11/11-Fri, 12/23
Details: Connect with your inner artist at The Copley Society of Art’s Small Works Opening. You can gawk at seasonal works from over 300 artists.
Date: Every Saturday starting 11/19 until 2/11
Details: Do you have dreams of being an Olympic gold medalist? Now’s the time to start training. You can learn to curl at Snowport this year— no experience necessary.
Date: Sat, 11/19-Sun, 3/5
Details: Skate straight to The Rink at 401 Park this year for a chance to practice a triple axel on the ice. You’ll be an Olympian before too long.
Date: Mon, 11/21-Sun, 3/12
Details: Lace up your skates and embrace the holiday tradition. Ice Skating at the Frog Pond is back, so bundle up, grab your loved one’s hand, and glide.
Date: Tue, 11/22-Sun, 1/1
Details: What’s better than Santa’s milk and cookies? Holiday-themed cocktails at Shore Leave’s new pop-up, that’s what. Put on your ugly sweater and enjoy the festive decor, fantastic bites, and fabulous drinks.
Miracle Pop-Up at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
Date: Thu, 11/24-Sat, 12/24
Details: Can’t get enough of tasty holiday drinks? Treat yourself to the Christmapolitan or the Snowball Old Fashioned at the Miracle Pop-Up bar. You’ll also enjoy beautiful Christmas carols, dazzling ornaments, light seasonal bites, and a warm fireplace.
Date: Fri, 11/25-Sun, 12/11
Details: Visit a magical winter wonderland this year. At SoWa’s Winter Festival, you can find beautiful handmade gifts and sip on holiday cocktails. Bring some friends to cozy up by the outdoor firepits.
Date: Fri, 11/25-Sat, 12/31
Details: Find something that’ll keep you on your toes this holiday season. Watching the Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker will keep you thrilled for over two hours of spectacular ballet.
'Twas the Night Before...with Cirque du Soleil
Date: Fri, 11/25-Sun, 12/11
Details: ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and we were dreaming of the magic of Cirque du Soleil! This year, the famous traveling circus will be performing a holiday show, where you can see exhilarating acrobatics in New England’s first Cirque du Soleil Christmas production.
Brewer’s Tree Farm at Arsenal Yards
Date: Fri, 12/25-Sun, 12/11
Details: It’s time to find that perfect Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Pick your favorite Balsam-Fraser at Brewer’s Tree Farm, and you’ll be putting that star on top before you know it.
Small Business Holiday Market in Union Square
Date: Sat, 11/26
Details: Whether you’re shopping for your mother or mother-in-law, there will be plenty of beautiful gifts to choose from at Union Square’s Small Business Holiday Market. Admire the unique vendors while enjoying live music.
Date: Sat, 11/26
Details: Here in Boston, Santa hops on a ship and pulls up in the Harbor. Watch him come to Boston during the Martin’s Park Ship Lighting, and enjoying some cocoa and caroling while you’re at it.
Copley Square Holiday Tree Lighting
Date: Mon, 11/28
Details: The traditional Copley Square tree lighting is back– and better than ever. This year, you can see the magic firsthand by meeting Frosty the Snowman, Santa, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Musical performances will be for the whole family to enjoy.
Wreath Making Workshop at Bone Up Brewing
Date: Thu, 12/1
Details: Deck the halls with boughs of holly. This holiday season, why not go all out on your decorations? You can make winter wreaths at Bone Up Brewing this year, and they’ll truly spruce up your house.
Comm Ave Mall Holiday Lighting
Date: Thu, 12/1
Details: Comm Ave is one of the best places to see dazzling displays of holiday lights. Trees along the Mall will be glowing with elegant white lights through April.
Beacon Hill Business Association's Holiday Stroll
Date: Thu, 12/1
Details: Roam through Boston’s most classic neighborhood and admire the seasonal decor. The historic Charles Street will be closed to traffic for this holiday tradition.
Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Thu, 12/1
Details: You can’t really welcome the holiday season without seeing the famous tree light up in the Common. Boston’s official holiday tree will be a 48-foot white spruce donated from Nova Scotia. Join tens of thousands of Bostonians in celebrating the merry festivities.
Tree Lighting Party with Sam Adams
Date: Thu, 12/1
Details: Kick off this season’s famous tree lighting ceremony at Sam Adams. You can cheers to a season of goodwill and down a few spiked hot chocolates, light up the keg tree, and sample the Sleigh the Holiday Flight.
Date: Thu, 12/1-Sat, 12/24
Details: This holiday season, you should be humming along to all the great tunes. Check out the Holiday Pops performance and belt out your very best “fa la las.”
Date: Thu, 12/1-Sat, 12/31
Details: Every night this season, keep an eye on the Pru. It will be highlighting the best Boston nonprofits by gleaming with a different color every night in December.
Date: Fri, 12/2
Details: The massive tree in the Seaport returns at the beginning of December. You’ll be in awe of the gleaming holiday lights.
Date: Fri, 12/2
Details: Don’t spend your money on a Starbucks when you can sip Eataly’s famous hot chocolate. Every Friday in December, you can admire holiday carolers while sipping a rich and steaming cup.
Marché de Noël / Christmas Market
Date: Sat, 12/3
Details: Say “bonjour” to this year’s Marché de Noël. C’est merveilleux! You’ll feel like a true Parisian at a decorated Beaux Arts-style mansion, sipping complimentary mulled wine and adoring the lovely French gifts– from jewelry to gourmet sweets.
Boston Skyline Chorus presents HolidayPalooza
Date: Sat, 12/3
Details: Can’t get “Frosty the Snowman'' out of your head? Check out Boston Skyline Chorus’s Holiday Palooza, which combines shopping with songs!
Brothers & Sisters Co Holiday Market
Date: Sat, 12/3
Details: Make a holiday list– and check it twice. At Brothers & Sisters Co. Holiday Market, you’ll find something for everyone. The quaint coffeehouse will make room for vendors, live music, and space to enjoy a warm pastry.
Date: Sat, 12/3
Details: The Harpoon Taproom has that gift you’ve been looking everywhere for. Browse 15 small women-owned businesses while downing a draft.
Annual South End Holiday Stroll
Date: Sat, 12/3- Sun, 12/4
Details: Embark on a winter stroll. In our most adorable neighborhoods, residents epitomize December in New England. Start with the classic South End Stroll, where you can waltz to holiday jazz music and admire the decor.
Holiday Stroll at Boston Landing
Date: Sat, 12/3
Details: Looking for a little holiday cheer? Check out Brighton’s Boston Landing for festive entertainment and fun for all ages. There will be tons of chances to munch on holiday treats, too.
Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour
Date: Sat, 12/3- Sun, 12/4
Details: All aboard! There’s nothing quite like the Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour. Who needs the Polar Express when you can see spectacular holiday lights right here in Boston?
Date: Sun, 12/4 and Sun, 12/18
Details: Stepping into the Women’s Holiday Market will feel like stepping into Narnia– a dreamland filled with every artisan you could imagine. There will be over 30 small women-owned businesses, live music, gift wrapping, a biergarten and sake bar, and warm empanadas to munch on.
Date: Sun, 12/4
Details: Looking for your next shopportunity? Get crafty with the Newton Holiday Craft Fair, and wander through aisles of unique artisan vendors.
Date: Sun, 12/4
Details: Shop ‘til you drop at Sam Adams (and grab a good brew while you’re at it). The festive celebration is jam-packed with vendors, a tree farm pop-up, and places to grab holiday cocktails.
Harvard Band at Snowflake Crossing
Date: Mon, 12/5
Details: Downtown Crossing has transformed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy the holiday cheer while a Harvard pep ensemble plays holiday favorites.
Maccabee Bar Pop-Up: Harvard Square
Date: Mon, 12/5-Fri, 12/30
Details: Enjoy lots of latkes and specialty themed drinks at Boston’s first Hanukkah Pop-up. There’s too many good drink options, but you can always spin the dreidel to decide!
Santa’s Workshop at Arsenal Yards
Date: Tue, 12/6
Details: Get crafty and bring out your inner elf. At Arsenal Yards, all of Santa’s helpers can make holiday surprises, sing some holiday carols, and watch a special performance in the Christmas Caboose.
Holiday Book Signing with Lidia Bastianich
Date: Tue, 12/6
Details: Is your family visiting for the holidays, and you can’t think of what to cook? Or you’re looking for a special gift for that amateur chef in the family?Lidia Bastianich has got you covered.
Date: Wed, 12/7
Details: Happy howl-days. Bring your pup along for the holiday fun this year, and get their professional photos taken with Santa.
Annual Networking After Hours & Holiday Gift Drive
Date: Wed, 12/7
Details: The holidays are a time to give back to others. Express gratitude for your community at the Holiday Gift Drive, where you can show you’re not a grinch.
Volunteer with Red Cross Development Team
Date: Every Wed in Dec. starting 12/7
Details: Don’t say bah humbug this year– holiday cheer is for everyone to enjoy. Instead, volunteer for the Red Cross, which is always in need of helping hands.
Macabee Bar Pop-Up: Union Square
Date: Wed, 12/7-Mon, 12/26
Details: Boston’s first Hanukkah pop-up is coming to Union Square this December. Don’t miss out on the Everything Bagel Martini.
Date: Thu, 12/8
Details: Prepare to be amazed by nine dazzling sculptures– all hand-carved from ice. Jam out to holiday beats as you wander through the sculptures, and you’ll realize how cool they really are.
Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Spectacular
Date: Thu, 12/8
Details: There’s no better way to welcome winter than with the Frog Pond Skating Spectacular. Watch performers jump and spin under the Common’s twinkling night sky.
Date: Thu, 12/8
Details: Has your pooch been naughty or nice this year? Take your pup to a meet and greet with Santa himself, and you can get the perfect photo for this year’s Christmas card.
Date: Thu, 12/8
Details: The Illuminations Tour returns to Somerville with the brightest holiday displays yet. This year, you can tour around Boston’s most beautiful lights, and sing “Let it Snow” while you’re at it.
Date: Fri, 12/9-Sun, 12/11 & Fri, 12/16-Sun, 12/18
Details: The Harvard Square Holiday Fair is returning for its 36th season. Enjoy the eclectic energy, fun music, and fabulous artisanal gifts.
TubaChristmas in Downtown Crossing
Date: Sun, 12/10
Details: Jam out to music from a quirky brass group. Over 100 players will be decked out in their best holiday attire and jamming out holiday tunes for the whole city to enjoy.
Winter Fest Holiday Market at Boynton Yards
Date: Sat, 12/10
Details: Prepare to sing “Jingle Bell Rock” all night long. At Somerville’s Winter Fest, you can stroll through this season’s best vendors— all while sipping on free hot chocolate (with plenty of whipped cream and marshmallows!) There will also be a free holiday food tasting and tons of crafts and games.
Date: Sat, 12/10
Details: Ho ho ho! Father Christmas— and all his clones— will be running rampant throughout the city December 10. If you want to join the pub crawl, make sure to don your very best Santa suit and dust off your sled.
Krampus Market at Bone Up Brewing
Date: Sat, 12/10
Details: Get into the mischievous spirit with your fellow elves at this year’s Krampus Market. You can try winter drafts (like chocolate orange stout and ginger farmhouse ale) while making your favorite holiday crafts.
Date: Sat, 12/10
Details: Skate @ Canal District Kendall is hosting its annual Holiday on Ice performance, and it’s a must-see. Watch professional skaters twirl and spin through an unforgettable show.
Date: Sat, 12/10
Details: Do you have the ugliest holiday sweater of them all? See for yourself at the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl, where Bostonians take the city by (snow) storm with fashion faux pas.
26th Ciclismo Classico Jingle Ride
Date: Sun, 12/11
Details: Can you outpace Santa on his sleigh? Try this 22-mile, fun-packed ride for a chance to see fellow bikers in antlers and elf hats.
5th Annual Hanukkah A Cappella Concert
Date: Sun, 12/11
Details: Hear your favorite songs performed live at Boston’s Annual A Cappella Concert. You can even hear guest performances by local middle and high school students.
Date: Sun, 12/11
Details: The star-studded Jingle Ball invites your favorite singers to TD Garden this year. Jam out with Jack Harlow, Backstreet Boys, The Kid Laroi, and even Demi Lovato!
Holiday Cookie Decorating with Royal Icing
Date: Wed, 12/14
Details: Once the holiday season hits, we’re all craving sweets– from chocolate yule logs to gingerbread cookies. This year, learn to make your own by whipping up cookies your whole family to enjoy.
Date: Sat, 12/17
Details: Peppermint, spice, and everything nice. Sip a warm cup of tea with Santa Claus himself at the Inn at Hastings Park. There will also be chances to decorate gingerbread cookies, craft, and write letters to the North Pole.
The Troll That Stole Hanukkah by WonderSpark Puppets
Date: Sat, 12/17-Sun, 12/18
Details: Head to the Puppet Showplace Theater for a fun show all ages can enjoy. On Saturday, you can even see a special Hanukkah-themed illuminated mobile art exhibit on display outside.
Date: Mon, 12/19
Details: Venture to Natick this season for a very special Hanukkah Party. You can enjoy dreidels, latkes, and dancing all night.
Date: Wed, 12/21
Details: This Gore Tradition is nothing but holiday cheer. Listen to celtic seasonal music and ring in the holidays with the Moody Street String Band.
Date: Wed, 12/21-Fri, 12/23
Details: Harmonize to your holiday faves at a family-friendly puppet cabaret. There will even be dancing snowmen, jingle bells, and plenty of snowy fun.
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero
Date: Thu, 12/22-Mon, 1/2
Details: Scared of slipping on the ice? We get it. That’s why there’s a perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and let the professionals handle the skating. Disney on Ice comes to Boston on Dec.22, and you can watch the magic unfold before your very eyes.
We’re counting down the days to the holidays, but it’s never too early to celebrate the joy of the season. Don your winter coat and check out the best holiday experiences in Boston.
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SponsoredBoston Landing Holiday Bash ft. The Polar Express (12/22)
Sunday, Dec 22, 2024 11:00a
Roadrunner Boston
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Sponsored -
SponsoredA Night of Classic Rock featuring Debo Ray and her Band of Bros
Saturday, Dec 21, 2024 7:30p
Boston Harbor Distillery
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SponsoredSMALL⭐ MART HOLIDAY MARKETS at Crystal Ballroom in Davis Square ️⛄
Saturday, Dec 21, 2024 11:00a
Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre
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SponsoredSmall Mart Vintage, Vinyl & Holiday Art Mart at Crystal Ballroom
Thursday, Dec 19, 2024 4:00p
Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre
