There are only a handful of days left in the year, so we’ve compiled a list of ten things to do before the clock strikes midnight. The plethora of December 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. We’ve assorted 10, which is a sweet spot, do one thing a day or a pick-and-choose whatever event calls your name! From day trips to some of our favorite restaurants from 2022, these are some fun holiday and winter activities to close out 2022 (Boston) strong!
1. 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 fifth run. Like the previous years, you can expect to enjoy a plethora of Hanukkah-inspired bites carefully crafted by Levy.
Until December 30
2. Head on 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 Christmas tree and an outdoor game arena.
Until December 31
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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 ended on December 11, 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!
6. Find the perfect gift at a holiday market
Local businesses need our help more than ever, so why not help them out by shopping 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!
Black Nubian until December 24
Snowport until December 31
7. 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 sating 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 2023
8. Visit a holiday light show of more than 675,000 lights on a 735-acre park
Nominated by USA Today as one the “top 10 holiday light show 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 on hot cocoa.
Until January 1
9. 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 $95 for adults and $85 for children up to 11 years old.
Until December 22
10. Visit Gillette’s Magic of Lights holiday drive through for the very last time…ever
Now if this is something on your bucket list, make sure you cross it off this year because Magic of Lights announced they won’t be returning to Gillette in the foreseeable future. The world-renowned light show boasts a 200-foot-long light tunnel, a giant glowing barbie, 12 days of Christmas themed light experiences and so much more.
Until December 31