With so many bright lights, shows, and activities, we're walking in a winter wonderland this Christmas in Boston! Don't skip the markets or matinees, get yourself out of the house and wrapped up warm, because this year is truly a gift!

Festive Things To Do In Boston

Boston Common Tree Lighting
December 4, 2025

Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Boston Common. The park transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, festive music, and a visit from Santa Claus. It's a cherished tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the magic of Christmas.
Check out the Parks Department announcement here

SoWa Winter Festival
From Black Friday through December 28

Explore the SoWa Winter Festival, Boston's largest winter shopping village. Featuring over 100 local artisans, food trucks, and live music, it's the perfect place to find unique holiday gifts and enjoy delicious treats. The festival's festive dcor and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit during the holiday season.
Discover more here

Ice Skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond
Opening date to be announced

Glide across the ice at the Boston Common Frog Pond, set against the picturesque backdrop of the city's oldest park. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, this outdoor rink offers a delightful experience for everyone. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from the nearby cafe after your skate.
Get updates on opening times and prices here

The Snow Port Holiday Market
November 7 - December 28 (Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)

Located at 100 Seaport Boulevard, this wonderful Christmas market features over 125 makers alongside a raft of excellent food and drink stalls, live music, activities for all ages, and more! Our particular highlights are the Craft Corner by the LEGO Group, where kids and adults can create their own festive makes, and the Winter Wish Wall, where you can write your wishes for the season.
Discover more here

Festive things to see in Boston

Cirque Du Soleil - T'was The Night Before
Wang Theatre
November 26 - December 14
Grab your winter coat and get ready to jingle on down to Cirque du Soleil's amazing holiday spectacular, Twas The Night Before Christmas. You'll witness their 49th original production and first-ever holiday-themed show. Judging by their previous productions, this is one you certainly don't want to miss!
This unique take on the Christmas classic will bring joy and entertainment to the whole family, whilst teaching the act of kindness behind sharing and the joy of friendship. You'll also find out what really happens the night before Christmas through Cirque's eyes.
BOOK HERE

Boston Ballet - The Nutcracker
Citizens Bank Opera House
November 28 - December 28
First performed in 1963, the Boston Ballet's Nutcracker is the jewel in the crown of the company's season, a tradition that has enchanted audiences for five decades. The production received an update in 2012 from Mikko Nissinen. With glittering costumes, world-class choreography, and elegant sets and of course, Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score, don't miss the iconic production when it begins this Thanksgiving!
BOOK HERE

A Christmas Carol
Cutler Majestic Theatre
December 6 - 23
The festive classic to end all classics, no holiday season is complete without taking your seats for a showing of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, and this year, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company invites you to join them for a brand new production, destined to be an unmissable holiday tradition! Be swept up in the glorious tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Will Lyman) and his transformative supernatural Christmas Eve visitations as this sumptuous new staging from Steve Wargo, with direction from Diane Adams McDowell.
BOOK HERE

Boston Pops - Holiday Pops
Boston Symphony Hall
December 4 - 25
A bona fide holiday tradition in the same leagues as the Nutcracker in its many iterations, The Boston Pops' Holiday Pops concert is a festive feast for the eyes, ears, and soul. Perfect for the whole family, the time-honored production, led by Keith Lockhart, is filled with Yuletide cheer, bolstered by upbeat arrangements of classic carols and popular Christmas songs, a joyful sing-along, and a visit from the one and only St. Nick himself!
BOOK HERE

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghost of Christmas Eve
SNHU Arena
November 28
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is hitting the road once again in 2025, bringing their electrifying holiday rock opera to audiences across North America. Join them for a festive celebration that spans over two decades of Christmas magic! Along with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, fans can expect some of the band's greatest hits, making it clear why audiences keep coming back year after year.
BOOK HERE