With the holidays and the New Year sneaking up on us, Boston in December is one of the busiest times. But that’s because there’s an abundance of splendid things to do in Boston this December! Whether you’re in the mood for classic holiday festivities like tree lightings or something more casual like holiday markets or snow-filled excursions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December. Read on to find out the best plans for the month!
1. Enjoy soothing holiday classics by candlelight
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a whole new light with these sensational concerts located in magical venues in Boston. Throughout this winter, the Candlelight Concert series will feature a wide variety of themed concerts, from The Nutcracker to a spotlight on holiday favorites. Hosted at hidden gems around the city, the venues will be illuminated with flameless candles, creating an unforgettable ambiance. Highlights of the concert series this month include:
2. Explore all of the city’s most dazzling holiday lights
Perhaps the most exciting and wonderful part of December is the one staring right at us, holiday lights. Take a walking tour of Boston’s Common, Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue or venture out of the city for Winterlights. There are so many dazzling ways to see holiday lights in and around the city and one thing’s for sure–it never gets old.
3. Get in the holiday mood at the Back Bay Ball
Nothing says ‘holiday spirit’ like a fantastically festive party. On New year’s Eve, the Westin Copley Place will be hosting a fabulous ball, complete with formal attire, an optional full course Italian dinner, a killer DJ, and a dance floor. Reserve your tickets here and start planning your outfit soon!
Find it at Westin Hotel Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
4. Catch fireworks at The Common
No need to wait until the fourth of July, the Boston Common will light up with fireworks ablaze on December 31 for First Night in Boston. The beaming reds, oranges, blues, and greens will bedazzle the city as the Spirit of America rings in the holiday season and new year!
5. Get your holiday shopping done at a local market
‘Tis the season for shopping local. The holidays are just around the corner, and there’s no better way to shop for presents than to visit a festive holiday market and support local businesses from the Boston area. We’ve compiled a list of jolly holiday markets happening in and around Boston this holiday season — check them out!
6. Catch an AMC theatre movie at half the price
You tell us you’re paying full price for movie tickets?
We’ve uncovered an offering so good; it can’t be missed! Get AMC movie tickets at nearly half the price to be used for any movie at any participating theatre. Don’t ever let ticket prices be the reason you skip theatre nights again.
AMC Theatres® Black Ticket in New York - 4.71 · 8691 reviews
7. Check out ‘Snowport’ if you haven’t already
There is always something happening in Snowport. The Holiday Stroll and tree lighting will take place in early December. And you can hang out at the winter village until the end of the year. Make sure to snap a pick with Betty the Yeti and cozy up with a nice meal at one of these Seaport restaurants! You can even finish off the night at a private rooftop igloo!
8. Travel to a real-life North Pole only 20 minutes from Boston
Animals, lights and holiday magic await at Stone Zoo’s “Zoolights.” The 26-acre zoo is complete with reindeer and glowing leopards, it will leave you touched by holiday magic!
Find “ZooLights” at Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180
9. Enjoy a festive gingerbread brunch and build the city’s best house
This Beacon Hill restaurant is throwing a festive brunch offering complete with a massive dessert– your very own pre-assembled gingerbread house. You get the fun part of decorating your house with an endless supply of icing and delicious candies. May the best house win (although it’s not a contest)!
Find it at 75 Chestnut St, Boston
10. Attend an official lighting ceremony
November kicks off the official holiday season in Boston with the lighting of the Faneuil Hall tree and Christopher Columbus Trellis, which by the way are two lovely destinations to enjoy holiday lights! Come December, there are even more lighting celebrations to attend! Every lighting ceremony has its own unique charm, but you’re guaranteed to find a few special guests, free bites, and a cheerful crowd at these ceremonies:
11. Try your hand (or foot) at ice skating
Speaking of skating… ice skating is the quintessential holiday activity in Boston. December might be the start of some miserable cold, but hey, on the bright side you can finally enjoy an outdoor skate at some of the best ice-skating rinks in Boston like the nationally acclaimed Frog Pond.
12. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at the Resolution Ball
Set the bar high for the next year and start your New Year at a grandiose ball, complete with a full-course Tuscan dinner, dancing, and the most glamorous group of young Bostonians you can dream of. The Resolution Ball is Boston’s largest and longest-running New Year’s eve bash—and also it’s the most glamorous, hosted in the prestigious Westin Hotel Grand Ballroom, one of the most upscale hotels in Boston.
Take part in a silent auction at the ball, with proceeds going to The Ellie Fund.
Find it at Westin Hotel Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
13. Spend the holidays at the Four Seasons One Dalton
If you prefer to spend December in a warm and cozy indoor winter wonderland, there is no better spot than the Four Seasons One Dalton! The property transformed into a totally festive and chic holiday haven. From the dazzling trees all over the property (which make the perfect photo op btw) to the delicious holiday menus at Trifecta and One + One, you have every holiday craving and desire accounted for here.
Don’t skip the incredible chocolate wonderland where you can build your perfect hot cocoa from a milk chocolate or white chocolate peppermint base and top it with plush marshmallows, dulce pearls and more!
14. Journey to the North Pole on Massachusetts’ own Polar Express
The Cape Cod Railway transformed into “The Polar Express” for the holidays. Carts are decked out to resemble the classic holiday movie, and winter pajamas come highly encouraged. The 1.5-hour route journeys to an undisclosed location known as the “North Pole.” You’ll come across dazzling reindeer and Santa on your trip while being entertained by elves and more!
15. Ring in 2026 with thy neighbors
Boston is one of the best cities for holiday and New Year festivities. There’s an endless number of things to do, and on December 31, these spots are just only getting started! Close off December on a high note with friends, family, and fellow Bostonians whether for our First Night!
16. Celebrate the return of Winter Fest Boston
Charlestown will transform into a magical winter wonderland. 2-acres will have glowing castles, gingerbread houses and more through the New Year!
17. Enjoy your favorite winter sport
Whether it’s ice skating, skiing, sledding or something else, winter sports make the cold feel a little warmer—literally! Break a sweat and have a blast with our guides to some of the best spots in and around Boston to enjoy the snow or ice:
- 10 spots to ski near Boston
- 8 magical ice skating rinks in Boston
- 7 best places to go sledding in Boston
Close out the year on a high note, happy December, Boston! Here are few fun ideas for New Year’s Eve in Boston.