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 slope day trips to some of our favorite holiday lights, these are some fun holiday and winter activities to close out the year, 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: Christmas Carols on Strings
Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
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. Listen to the serenade of A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at Hotel Commonwealth
A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at Hotel Commonwealth
Boston’s top jazz vocalists perform a series of Sinatra holiday classics! Enjoy legendary tunes in an iconic Boston setting.
December 14
3. 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 28
4. 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 silver and white winter wonderland. You can also stop by the L.A. Burdick x One Dalton chocolate bar for a quick pick me up or to take home a Santa cake for your holiday party!
5. 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.
On select dates this December
6. 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!
Through December 28
7. 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 207-year-old story is not to be missed!
8. 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!
9. 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 which began in 2018. Like the previous years, you can expect to enjoy a plethora of Hanukkah-inspired bites carefully crafted by Levy at Noir in Harvard Square daily. Find more info on hours and location here.
10. 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 January 3
11. Check out what holidays would have looked like in the 1860s
The historic Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, CT is hosting a holiday open house showcasing ornate displays, Santa, elves, and a Nutcracker ballet performance!
December 14
12. 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 4-14, 2024
13. 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!
14. 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 4
15. Indulge in a delicious holiday mani with MiniLuxe x Touchland
The Paintbox x Touchland Holiday ’25 Lookbook just launched and features 6 delicious nail designs inspired by hydrating hand sanitizer company, Touchland’s, Confetti Cake. Each day, a select number of the first booked or walk-in guests will receive a complimentary Touchland hand sanitizer, an added bonus to the festive nail designs that add a little sparkle to the season. Find it at the following MiniLuxe salons:
- Seaport: December 10 from 10 AM-7 PM
- South End: December 15 from 4-7 PM
- Prudential: December 16 from 4-7 PM
16. Sport your best crew neck at the High Street Food Hall Ugly Sweater Hall Crawl
High Street Place turns into a scene from your favorite holiday movie on Saturday, December 13. The indoor crawl features holiday specials to explore from local vendors, DJ sets from 3-11 PM, and much more!
17. Get in the festive spirits at the annual Seaport Holiday Stroll
Enjoy an afternoon of “seasonal splendor” with Seaport Stroll promotions and giveaways, complimentary sweet treats, live music and a festive photobooth! Find it Saturday, December 13 from 1-4 PM. There will be specials, swag, and surprises from over 12 vendors and a special appearance from Betty the Yeti! And of course, don’t forget to pay a visit to Snowport while you’re there!
18. Enjoy a Nordic feast pop-up in Cambridge
Cambridge’s Urban Hearth transforms into a Nordic dining destination for one-night only. After a successful pop-up last year, chef Emily returns with dark rye-based breads and house made butter, along with baked goods, savory items and more on Sunday, December 14. Learn more about the dine-in and pre-order menu.
19. Embrace the spirit of the season at a holiday charity drive
Several food drives are popping up around the city this season. Here are a few to check out:
- Josephine: 515 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA
- What: Non-perishable food items
- When: Now through December 24, during all operating hours
- Natick Mall
- What: Giving machines (vending machine donations)
- When: December 12-January 2
20. Enjoy a heated holiday makers market and festive brunch
Gufo’s indoor patio evolves into a winter wonderland with a Holiday Makers Market highlighting unique Mass makers! The free market brings 7 local makers to the shopping village while Chef Boyle whips up a seasonally-inspired brunch. Find it Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM-3 PM.
21. Wake up to a dazzling diamond
This holiday season, the tooth fairy is leaving behind a lot more than a dollar bill, she’s depositing a diamond under your pillow! Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport and fine jewelry brand, Angara, have teamed up to create an experience that is pure holiday magic. Every night from December 13-24, one guest will be delighted to find a pair of dazzling 14k white gold, lab-grown, 1-carat diamond stud earrings beneath their pillow. Learn more and reserve your stay.