20+ things to do in Boston between Christmas & New Year’s Eve 2024
When:
Tuesday, Dec 24, 2024 9:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 9:00p
Tuesday, Dec 24, 2024 9:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 9:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Art, Drinks, Food, Kid Friendly, Pet Friendly
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/what-to-do-between-christmas-and-new-year-s
Just because we’re between holidays doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy Boston to the fullest. Learn a new skill, enjoy a lavish brunch, or keep the holiday spirit going with these fun events happening between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Events listed chronologically.
by Celina Colby
FOOD & DRINKS:
There’s still time to enjoy most of Boston’s festive holiday pop-up bars and restaurants or you can opt for a more relaxed afternoon sipping a cocktail and reading a good book.
When: Monday 11/25-Monday 12/30
Where: Everett
Info: This Grinch-themed pop-up at Park-9 is full of delightful festive decor and seasonal food and beverage offerings. Best of all, your pup will love this dog-centric bar.
When: Friday 12/27
Where: Everett
Info: Visit the Barrelhouse Bar at Short Path Distillery and step into a whiskey-centric winter wonderland. Enjoy the decor and sip whiskey-forward cocktails.
When: Saturday 12/28
Where: Somerville
Info: Light the menorah and feast on all your favorite Hanukkah foods at this party hosted by Lehrhaus. Enjoy a latke bar with plenty of toppings, a fried dough bar, and a festive welcome drink among other goodies.
Avery Bar Chocolat: Hot Chocolate Table-Side Service
When: Saturday 12/28-Sunday 12/29
Where: Downtown
Info: Enjoy a gourmet hot chocolate experience by the fire in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton hotel. Each plate comes with a selection of goodies plus the hot chocolate.
When: Sunday 12/29
Where: Somerville
Info: Taylor Swift hits will be playing all morning at Premiere Broadway for this themed brunch. Enjoy sweet and savory dishes, make friendship bracelets, participate in a sing-a-long and more.
New Year's Eve EVE (Taylor's Version)
When: Monday 12/30
Where: Inman Square
Info: Party all night to Taylor Swift hits spun by DJ Mickey Grouse. Manifest karma for the New Year, sip themed cocktails, make friendship bracelets, and more.
ARTS & CULTURE:
This quiet period is a great time to check out some of Boston’s museums. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or engineering, there’s something for everyone. You can also get a head start on your 2025 reading goals by visiting Boston’s most unique libraries.
When: Tuesday 12/3-Sunday 12/29
Where: Downtown
Info: Henry VIII’s famous six wives take the stage to tell their stories in this vibrant, hilarious pop-rock musical celebrating women and female friendship.
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
When: Tuesday 12/10-Monday 12/23
Where: Downtown
Info: Your favorite green holiday anti-hero is now on stage. Enjoy classic songs like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” and watch the Grinch learn the meaning of Christmas.
When: Thursday 12/26
Where: Seaport
Info: Visit the ICA for free every Thursday after 5pm. In the wake of the holiday chaos, it’s the perfect time to exhale and enjoy their new installations.
Fashionably LATE x Alexandra Renee Bianchi at The Liberty Hotel
When: Thursday 12/26
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: Attend the season closer to the Fashionably LATE party series at The Liberty Hotel with a presentation of Alexandra Renee’s designs.
Make-your-own Venetian Mask for NYE
When: Friday 12/27
Where: Somerville
Info: Get crafty and make your own eye-catching papier-mâché and resin mask for New Year’s Eve. This is a 21+ activity with supplies provided.
When: Friday 12/27
Where: Downtown
Info: This outrageous comedy show will have you looking at your childhood Disney favorites in a whole new light.
Home Alone in Concert by Boston Pops
When: Friday 12/27-Sunday 12/29
Where: Back Bay
Info: Watch a screening of the holiday classic ‘Home Alone’ as the Boston Pops perform the score live during the movie for a particularly festive and immersive experience.
When: Sunday 12/29
Where: Seaport
Info: In collaboration with Chabad of Downtown Boston, Seaport will light their annual Menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. Guests can then toast with kosher kelly donuts and and chocolate gelt.
When: Sunday 12/29
Where: South End
Info: Tour the studios of local artists on Harrison Avenue during SoWa Sundays. After perusing the creativity, head downstairs to shop the SoWa Vintage Market.
SPORTS & ACTIVE LIFE:
Though there are many ways to stay fit in Boston, skating on local ice rinks is one of the most fun during the winter season.
November Project: Hill Workouts in Brookline
When: Friday 12/27
Where: Brookline
Info: Get a post-holiday workout in by running hills at Summit Ave in Brookline. Movement of all kinds is welcome whether you’re walking, running, or jogging.
When: Saturday 12/28
Where: Seaport
Info: Practice your new favorite winter spot at the free curling lanes in the Seaport in conjunction with the Snowport holiday pop-up.
When: Saturday 12/28
Where: Central Square
Info: Embrace your fantasy alter-ego at these easy-to-learn archery lessons. Coaching, equipment, tournaments, and prizes are all included.
Football Sunday Funday at Stats Bar
When: Sunday 12/29
Where: South Boston
Info: Cheer on the Patriots (or another team, if you must) at this Football Sunday party at Stats Bar featuring a wide selection of beers and appetizers.
Football Sundays at Banner's Kitchen & Tap
When: Sunday 12/29
Where: West End
Info: Watch your team play on the massive wall of screens at Banner’s Kitchen & Tap while enjoying game-day comfort food and drinks.
50¢ Wings for Monday Night Football
When: Monday 12/30
Where: Somerville
Info: Watching Monday Night Football is even better with this 50¢ wings deal at the classic Olde Magoun's Saloon in Somerville.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY:
Take a family stroll through some of the most impressive residential light displays, holiday light installations in Boston, or day trip out to one of these extravagant light displays throughout New England.
When: Thursday 12/26
Where: Chestnut Hill
Info: At this free program you can get your unofficial degree in Candy Engineering. Build candy mazes, houses, and other structures using delicious and sugary drops.
"Vacation Week Palooza!" with Pumpernickel Puppets
When: Friday 12/27
Where: Brookline Village
Info: This animal-inspired production adapts three Norwegian folk tales for a colorful and hilarious show at the Puppet Showplace Theater.
Harvard Women's Basketball Youth Day
When: Monday 12/30
Where: Allston
Info: Harvard Women’s Basketball invites fans of all ages to attend their game on Monday December 30th. Stick around for a special photo and autograph session after the game.
OUTSIDE OF THE CITY:
When: Friday 11/29-Monday 12/30
Where: Sturbridge, MA
Info: Learn about historic holiday traditions at Sturbridge Village, where the town is decorated for Christmas and performances and history tours center the festive season.
When: Thursday 12/26-Wednesday 1/1
Where: Salem, MA
Info: To bridge the gap between happenings, head to Salem for the Frozen Fire Festival, a week-long affair featuring Cirque-style fire performances, live music and ice sculpture carving, a winter-themed artisan market, and much more.
A Colorful Christmas at Castle Hill
When: Saturday 12/28
Where: Ipswich, MA
Info: Tour the historic 1920s mansion at the Crane Estate, with each room decorated for the holiday season. Afterwards enjoy complimentary refreshments in the gift shop.
Magical places to visit in Massachusetts
When: Ongoing
Where: Around MA and beyond
Info: The end of December doesn’t mean the end of seasonal magic. These parks, zoos, historic homes, art institutions, and more around New England host special events throughout the holiday season and the winter to bring magic to the shortest and darkest days of the year.
