Free Holiday Events and Christmas Activities
for Kids in Boston 2025

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Santa's Wonderland
Bass Pro Shops, Foxborough
Daily through December 24, 2025
Enjoy a free photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland in Foxborough. Website

Winter Lights on Cape Ann
Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex
Through January 1, 2025
Pack up the car and enjoy the annual Winter Lights Celebration on Cape Ann. Local businesses throughout Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their establishments with twinkling lights and/or creative window displays. Website

2025 Boston Common Tree Lighting
Boston
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

Sutton Chain of Lights
Sutton
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Join businesses, churches, and organizations in Sutton for the annual town-wide celebration welcoming the holiday season. Held every year on the first Saturday of December, the event features free trolley rides to all the participating locations, food, children's activities, shopping, and lots of cheer. Website

Taunton Lights on Festival
Taunton Green
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Unwrap the magic of the city at Taunton's Lighting of the Green & 2025 Lights On Festival for this annual, community-loved celebration featuring live entertainment, kids' activities, fireworks, and a magical display of holiday lights on the historic Taunton Green. Website

Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour
Various Locations, Boston
Saturday & Sunday, December 6 - 7, 2025
For the 29th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event includes visits with Santa, tree lightings, and more. Website

The Enchanted Village
Jordan's Furniture
100 Stockwell Drive, Avon
Through January 1, 2026
The old-fashioned village with 59 mechanical figures and 18 vignettes is at Jordan’s Furniture, where you can also take pictures with Santa, skate on synthetic ice, and see a light show. Website

Saint Bernards Come to Smolak Farms
North Andover
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Join the New England Saint Bernard Club at Smolak Farms for a sled pull! Families can come out and choose from our extensive selection of pre-cut trees. These lovable and gentle Saint Bernards will pull them back to your car and take pictures with families making this an unforgettable experience. Website

The Union Square Jingle
Somerville
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Price: Varies by participating store
This celebration of Union Square sparkle, discovery, and delight is sure to jumpstart holiday shopping and get the whole family exploring all that the “38th coolest neighborhood in the world” has to offer! Website

Boston College Bands: Free Christmas Concert
Boston College 
617-552-3018
300 Hammond Pond Pkwy, Chestnut Hill
Sunday, December 7, 2025
The annual BC Bands Christmas Festival returns, featuring BC bOp!, University Wind Ensemble, & Symphonic Band. Website

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette
Our Lady of La Salette National Shrine
947 Park Street, Attleborough
Daily through 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

Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
The Fair will be held at street level at the Galeria building, at the corner of JFK street and Winthrop St, Cambridge
Fridays - Sundays December 12 - 21, 2025
One of the oldest and most popular in the Boston area, the Harvard Square Fair includes a changing mix of New England craftspeople and world traveling importers featuring many kinds of gift items. Website

Jingle Jam: Free, Festive Christmas Fun
Grace Chapel Watertown,  Watertown
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Get ready for a day of holiday cheer and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. From festive games and activities to live music and delicious treats, there's something for everyone. Website

SNOWPORT at Seaport
Seaport Common, Boston
Daily through February 28, 2026
Hold on to those handwarmers -- the Seaport has been shaken up in a giant snow globe, transforming the neighborhood into a magical winter wonderland. Website

Annual Menorah Lighting in the Seaport District
One Seaport, Boston
Sunday, December 21, 2025
The Seaport District will be aglow with a giant 9' menorah and LED show. Expect live music, Chanukah treats and more! Website

First Night Boston 2026
Boston Common
Sunday, December 31, 2025
Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season, and the beginning of a new year. In keeping with this fantastic Boston tradition, the First Night celebration will open 2026 with an array of performances. Website

NYE on the Waterfront: Ice Sculpture Stroll & Celebration
Boston Harborwalk & Waterfront, Boston
Sunday, December 31, 2025
Boston Harbor Now is proud to present the annual New Year's Eve on the Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll, with multiple ice sculptures on display. Website