For Gingerbread contests, holiday light strolls, giving and gifting! There are only a few months left in the year, which means the holiday season is near!
We’ve compiled a list of things to do before the New Year. The plethora of events and holiday celebrations in Boston are exciting and something to take advantage of!
But with so many, it can be overwhelming, especially considering most of these fun options end on December 31. From day trips to some of our favorite holiday lights, these are some fun holiday and winter activities to close out 2024 (Boston) strong!
1. Enjoy a classical twist on your favorite holiday tunes
Candlelight Concerts returns its magical Nutcracker and carol themed compositions this holiday season! Enjoy the serenade of a string quartet while bathing in the warm glow of thousands of candles. This holiday season’s shows include:
- Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More at First Church
- Candlelight: Best Hits & Christmas Favorites performed by Vitamin String Quartet
Speaking of the holiday season. Candlelight Concerts are a great gift, option. Delight someone with an unexpected surprise with a gift card to a Boston Candlelight Concert!
Ongoing
2. Visit the ‘fourth most magical Christmas town in America’
Country Living named Stockbridge one of the most magical Christmas towns in the country, among 29 others. Located in the picturesque Berkshires, Stockbridge is just 2 hours from Boston but feels like an entirely different world! You can ride horse drawn sleighs in the neighboring town of Deerfield, ski snow covered mountains, and drink hot cocoa while exploring the dazzling Winterlights at a historic mansion!
3. Get into the holiday spirits at Maccabee Pop-Up
It’s time to get into the holiday spirit Bostonians. Naomi Levy, brought back her popular Hanukkah-inspired pop-up for its seventh run. Like the previous years, you can expect to enjoy a plethora of Hanukkah-inspired bites carefully crafted by Levy.
Date and location TBA
4. Head out to the Snowport for some holiday fun
This winter, Snowport features a wonderland of activities including Winter Wonder Walks through the neighborhood all decked out for the holidays along with Betty the Yeti, the village’s mascot, vintage gondola cabins serving up major gram goals, a tree market selling everything you can dream of for the perfect holiday tree and an outdoor game arena.
Until December 31
5. Take a trip up to Maine to discover one of the most beautiful holidays light shows in the world
Luckily for us, the New England town of Boothbay, ME, has one of the most spectacular light shows in the whole world, according to Condé Nast Traveler, and more recently, USA Today. So even though we might not get the chance to stroll down London’s Regent Street all decked out for the holidays or wander through Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens (both also on Condè Nast’s list) at least we know we can drive up to Maine for some extra dazzling lights this season!
Until December 31
6. Check out what holidays would have looked like in the 1860s
The historic Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, CT is hosting an inaugural “Holiday Wonderland” exhibit showcasing ornate displays of antique tinsel, holiday party dresses, and even a Victorian Era themed holiday dinner. The special exhibit is only available through New Year’s Eve! Here, here!
Until December 31
7. Visit America’s second-best Christmas-town
Kennebunkport, Maine, otherwise known as “America’s second-best Christmas town” according to HGTV, is festively decked out for the holidays. While the town itself won’t be going anywhere after the New Year and their big Christmas festival prelude ends on December 10, many of the festivities and special holiday decor only last through the end of the year. It’s your chance to live out your quaint Christmas town fantasy! If you’re in need of a place to stay, The Nonantum Resort or Yachtsman Hotel & Marina need to be on your list!
Prelude runs December 5-15, 2024
8. Find the perfect gift at a holiday market
Local businesses need our support more than ever, so why not help them out by shopping with intention for our holiday gifts? Whether you choose to check out one of Boston’s many holiday markets or some of its awesome local vendors, you’re sure to find some unique presents for everyone on your list!
9. Enjoy a holiday high tea and hot chocolate wonderland at the Four Seasons One Dalton
The Four Seasons One Dalton is putting a red and green satin twist on its Trifecta high tea. Enjoy a holiday-themed menu with festive flavors like cranberry, raspberry, mint, and chocolate at the tea–which is set in a pink and white winter wonderland. You can also stop by the One Dalton chocolate bar for a quick pick me up or to take home a Santa cake for your holiday party!
Find the holiday tea and hot chocolate bar until December 31
Find the special winter brunch through the end of February 2024
10. Visit a holiday light show of more than 675,000 lights at a 735-acre park
Nominated by USA Today as one the “top 10 holiday light shows nationwide,” Bright Nights in Springfield, MA is a thrilling experience. Explore the lights by car or winter carousel while munching on novelty treats and sipping hot cocoa.
Until January 5, 2025
11. Attend a Gingerbread house brunch party on Beacon Hill
75 Chestnut on Beacon Hill is throwing the party of the season! Grab your foodie friend and put on your best holiday outfits for a two-course meal followed by an all-you-can-dream candy and icing bar for decorating a pre-assembled gourmet gingerbread house. Tickets are $120 for adults and $95 for children up to 11 years old.
On select dates through December 24
12. Razzle at the dazzle of the SoWa Winter Festival
If you’re a fan of Snowport, you can’t miss the spectacular SoWa Winter Festival! This year over 150 vendors will offer up everything from artisanal chocolates to hand-pressed olive oil. SoWa’s Powerhouse is dressed in lights for the magical festival running through mid-December!
November 29 through December 22, 2024
13. Watch The Nutcracker performance by the Boston Ballet
The Boston Ballet is a holiday tradition here in the city. Folks dress all dapper and elegant in their best outfits and enjoy the 2-hour-long show filled with sparkling tutus, snow, plies, twirls, and of course, the Boston Ballet Bear! The adaptation of the 206-year-old story is not to be missed!
14. Check out the Boston Landing Holiday Bash
Boston Landing is hosting a FREE Holiday Bash on Sunday, December 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Roadrunner Boston, featuring a pre-party, a family movie matinee of The Polar Express, and a Patriots watch party. Additionally, Representative Michael Moran is organizing an annual holiday toy drive for local families in need, with unwrapped toys or gift cards accepted at the New Balance Global Flagship Store on December 15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.