Unveil the holiday magic in Boston with our event guide. From Boston die-hards to curious explorers, our guide ensures a joyful and memorable season.
Popular Events: Experience the festive spirit at the Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony, where thousands gather to witness the dazzling lights illuminating the park. With live performances and warm seasonal treats, it’s a perfect family outing. The enchanting Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party features beloved characters and delightful choreography that bring the joy of Disney to life on ice. And the Holiday Pops is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing talented musicians performing festive classics in a stunning atmosphere. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, keep reading below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Boston
- Holiday Pops
- Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party
- Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
- Mariah Carey Christmas Concert
- Blue Man Group
- Andrea Bocelli Concert
- Smokey Robinson Concert
- Candlelight Concerts
See these and even more events listed below!
Boston Holiday Light Displays
Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Traditional tree lighting with Santa Claus and Rudolph.
Description:
The 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, features a 7,000-light Christmas tree from Nova Scotia. The event includes a sampling village with photo opportunities, giveaways, and refreshments. It concludes with the lighting of holiday lights throughout both Boston Common and the Public Garden.
Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony
Boston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Boston Women’s Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and makers.
Description:
Boston Women’s Holiday Market is a celebration of local artisans and makers, featuring handmade goods, seasonal items, and community support.
Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Women’s Holiday Market
SoWa Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Live musical acts and specialty food vendors.
Description:
The SoWa Winter Festival is a 15-day holiday market featuring over 100 local makers, artists, designers, and specialty food vendors. Enjoy live music, specialty foods, and cocktails in a festive atmosphere at the historic SoWa Power Station.
Where: Boston | More Info: SoWa Winter Festival
Boston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday concert with live orchestra and festive sing-alongs.
Description:
The Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert at Symphony Hall features classic holiday music, including Jingle Bells, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Sleigh Ride, with a visit from Santa Claus and special arrangements by local composers.
Where: Boston | More Info: Holiday Pops
Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers.
Description:
Join Mickey Mouse and his friends on an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts. Explore immersive worlds like Coco, sail with Moana, and sing along with Elsa in Frozen. Enjoy memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.
Where: Boston | More Info: Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
What to Expect:
World-class circus acts and Broadway-style musicals.
Description:
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze is a dazzling family holiday spectacular that combines Broadway-style musicals with contemporary circus artistry. The show features a world-renowned cast of performers, including aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and breath-catching acrobatics. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Carol of the Bells."
Where: Boston | More Info: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What to Expect:
Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic with magnificent sets and costumes.
Description:
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a heart-warming holiday classic featuring hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. This extraordinary performance is recommended for ages 5+ and runs 85 minutes with no intermission.
Where: Boston | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Blue Man Group
What to Expect:
Interactive drumming and paint-splashing performance.
Description:
Blue Man Group is a dynamic theatrical show combining music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics. Three bald and blue men explore our world, discovering music, laughter, and surprises through interactive elements and modern technology.
Where: Boston | More Info: Blue Man Group
Mariah Carey Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Iconic vocal performances of holiday and chart-topping songs.
Description:
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time tour is a spectacular celebration of holiday classics and timeless hits, featuring Mariah Carey's iconic voice and captivating stage presence.
Where: Boston | More Info: Mariah Carey Christmas Concert
Andrea Bocelli Concert
What to Expect:
World-renowned classical singer performing at Boston's premier arena.
Description:
Andrea Bocelli will perform at the TD Garden on December 14, 2024, featuring his iconic operatic arias and crossover pop hits.
Where: Boston | More Info: Andrea Bocelli Concert
Smokey Robinson Concert
What to Expect:
Legendary singer-songwriter performing classic Motown hits.
Description:
Smokey Robinson, a legendary singer-songwriter with a career spanning over four decades, brings his timeless hits to the Wang Theatre. Known for his high tenor voice and impeccable timing, he has penned iconic songs like "You've Really Got a Hold On Me," "Ooo Baby Baby," and "The Tracks of My Tears." His extensive catalog includes hits for The Miracles, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye, among others.
Where: Boston | More Info: Smokey Robinson Concert
They Might Be Giants Concert
What to Expect:
Dynamic live performances with a 30th anniversary *Flood* set.
Description:
They Might Be Giants is known for their dynamic live performances, featuring two sets of music without an opener. Their shows often include a 30th anniversary performance of their album *Flood*, with a diverse setlist that includes both hits and new material. The band's energetic stage presence, combined with their witty banter and eclectic musical influences, makes for an unforgettable experience.
Where: Boston | More Info: They Might Be Giants Concert
Candlelight Concerts
What to Expect:
Live classical music in a candlelit setting.
Description:
Candlelight Concerts feature live classical music performances in a unique, candlelit setting, showcasing a wide variety of themes and genres including classical, jazz, pop, and movie soundtracks.
Where: Boston | More Info: Candlelight Concerts
Hanukkah Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Celebration of Jewish culture with diverse art and music.
Description:
Join the Hanukkah Festival of Lights at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, for an evening of art, music, and activities celebrating Jewish culture and traditions. Enjoy performances, a photography installation, and dining specials, while exploring the museum's new Judaica gallery.
Where: Boston | More Info: Hanukkah Festival of Lights
Boston Other Holiday Activities
First Night Ice Sculptures
What to Expect:
Iconic Boston landmarks carved in ice.
Description:
First Night Boston's ice sculptures return to City Hall Plaza, featuring iconic Boston landmarks. The sculptures will be available for public viewing from 12:00 noon to 12:30 AM on December 31. This year, the event includes an Ice Sculpture Stroll along the Boston Harbor waterfront.
Where: Boston | More Info: First Night Ice Sculptures
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Spalding (14 miles)
- Skegness (19 miles)
- Wisbech (23 miles)
- King's Lynn (23 miles)
- Grantham (26 miles)
- Lincoln (27 miles)
- Peterborough (29 miles)
- Stamford (30 miles)
- March (30 miles)
- Newark on Trent (33 miles)
- Melton Mowbray (39 miles)
- Cleethorpes (40 miles)
- Grimsby (41 miles)
- Gainsborough (42 miles)
- Corby (43 miles)
- Retford (45 miles)
- East Dereham (45 miles)