Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Boston 2025

Boston's Official Holiday Tree Arrival
Boston — FREE
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
The 54th annual gift of an evergreen Christmas tree from Nova Scotia is arriving by police escort at Boston Common on Tuesday, November 18. Website

Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker
Boston
November 28 - December 28, 2025
Slip away into the warm drawing room of the Silberhaus family and watch as Clara’s surroundings transform before your eyes. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this classical ballet—set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky—continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. Website

Lighting of the Ship in Martin’s Park
Boston — FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
A special children’s celebration will be held at the Smith Family Waterfront, and the ship will be lit for the third annual holiday in Martin’s Park. Martin’s Park will be transformed into a magical holiday display when the ship, surrounding beach fencing, and pedestrian bridge are illuminated with over 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. Website

2025 Boston Common Tree Lighting
Boston — FREE
Thursday, December 4, 2025
It's the 84th Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting! Hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu, with special appearances by Santa and Rudolph. The ceremony includes lighting Boston's official Christmas tree and trees through the Commons and Public Garden. Website

The Boston Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops
Boston
Thursday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Rejoice as the Boston Pops return for performances filled with holiday music favorites, the jubilant Pops sing-along, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Started in 1973 by Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, these concerts take place in the magical atmosphere of world-famous Symphony Hall, beautifully decorated to evoke all the magic and charm of the season. Website

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Families can enjoy an evening of art and activities celebrating Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Festivities include holiday themed performances, gallery talks with museum curators, and engaging art experiences, as well as crafts, treats, and prizes. Website

Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events near Boston 2025

ZooLights at Stone Zoo
Stoneham
Daily, Friday, November 14, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy a one-way stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, bald eagle, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Website

Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland
Mendon
Saturday, November 22- December 28, 2025
This year’s Winter Wonderland guests will enjoy two events in one. Winter Wonderland and the Festival of Illumination will feature a ride through an enchanted forest on Santa's train. Website

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette
Attleboro— FREE
Saturday, November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Celebrate La Salette Shrine Light's 72nd year. The lights have been shining brightly each year at Christmastime since 1953. See over 2,000 manger scenes from around the world illuminated by 400,000 lights and more. Website

Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Loudon, NH
Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is trading in the checkered flags for more than 3.5 million twinkly LED lights for their 11th annual Gift of Lights. Passengers will cruise through 2.5 miles of lights at this drive-thru experience, including the Tunnel of Lights. Website

17th Annual Festival of Trees at Elm Bank
Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Wellesley
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Families are invited to the Garden at Elm Bank this holiday season to experience a festive wonderland! The illuminated walking path leads through lighted gardens, a captivating train display, and enchanting historic trees. Website

Winterlights - Bradley Estate
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Canton
Friday, November 28, 2024 - Saturday, January 3, 2026
This holiday season, gardens sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Bring the whole family for a magical, fun, and safe outdoor experience – including food and refreshments. Website

Christmas by Candlelight Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an enchanting evening filled with New England holiday traditions, Colonial music, sleigh rides, a roaring bonfire, and a nightly tree lighting. Website

Winterlights - Naumkeag
Stockbridge
Friday, November 28, 2025 - Saturday, January 3, 2026
Enjoy a magical outdoor experience and get in the holiday spirit and take a stroll through thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Food and refreshments will also be available. Website

Santa's Wonderland
Bass Pro Shops, Foxborough — FREE
Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2024
Enjoy a free photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland in Foxborough. Website

Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum
Portsmouth, NH
Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Take a festive candlelight stroll through the Strawbery Banke Museum grounds passing by costumed role players and performers who recreate the traditions of times past. Website

Christmas on the Common
Middleboro — FREE
Sunday, December 7, 2025
The Bridgewater Business Association hosts Christmas on the Common. Grab a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy music, food, crafts and support local businesses. Website
 

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