Fun Holiday Events in Massachusetts

Looking for new ways to celebrate the holidays this year? Our list of local holiday events for 2017 are sure to be fun for the whole family!

Boston Children’s Chorus: Fireplace Fables Winter Concert
When: Sat 12/9/17 and Sun 12/10/17
Where: 645 Boylston Street, Boston
Time: 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Age: any
Cost: $12 – $15
Take a break from the snowy streets, and come inside to have your heart swell with joy as all the choirs of Boston Children’s Chorus sing holiday classics. It may be cold outside, but you’ll delight in the warmth and joy that comes when hundreds of young singers fill Old South Church with their joyful sound.

Hanukkah Cantata – A Light Through the Ages
When: Sun 12/10/17
Where: Central Reform Temple, 15 Newbury St, Boston
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Age: any
Cost: free
Accompanied by the Zamir Chorale of Boston, the holiday experience celebrates Hanukkah’s deep spiritual meaning through story and song – and explores messages of major contemporary importance for people of all religious traditions. The program, which is free and open to the community, concludes with a dramatic candlelight ceremony.

Festival of Trees and Snow Village
When: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun now through 12/10/17
Where: 900 Washington Street, Wellesley
Time: Varies (see above link for more information)
Age: any
Cost: $10 per adult (children under 12 are free)
The Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Annual Festival of Trees will showcase over 65 trees and introduce a new addition to the festival, Snow Village at Elm Bank, for children and adults to enjoy. This event offers beautifully decorated holiday trees, horse-drawn wagon rides, pajamas storytimes, Santa visits, and more.

Illuminations Holiday Trolley Tour
When: Sat 12/16/17
Where: 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA
Time: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Age: any
Cost: $10 Adults, $5 Children & Seniors
Come celebrate the folk artistry of residents who transform their houses and yards with lights, illuminated ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy. 45-minute Trolley Tours leave from (and return to) Somerville City Hall where coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies are served. In addition, craft activities for children and other events will be available.

Winter Solstice Celebration
When: Thurs 12/21/17
Where: Polley Lane, Walpole, MA
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Age: any
Cost: Member Family $5; Nonmember Family $10
It’s the official first day of winter and the longest night of the year, so come celebrate the joys of winter and the celestial movement away from darkness toward light! With a nod to the Scandinavian Feast of Yule, we’ll burn some “Yule logs” and gather around the fire to learn a little more about the winter solstice as we toast marshmallows and sip delicious hot chocolate.

Shabbat 4 Kidz – Hanukkah Edition
When: Fri 12/23/17
Where: Central Reform Temple, 15 Newbury St, Boston
Time: 5:00 PM
Age: any
Cost: free with RSVP
Shabbat 4 Kidz Hanukkah Edition includes the following activities: Familiar Shabbat Prayers Sing-a-long with Hanukkah Songs, Shabbat and Hanukkah Stories by Big Joe the Storyteller, make your own Kiddush, Shabbat Dinner with kid-friendly food, and Hanukkah Treats.

Cape Cod Polar Express
When: now through Tues 12/26/17
Where: 70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA
Time: Varies (see above link for more information)
Age: any
Cost: $34 – $74 (Standard, First Class and Diamond Class seating available)
All aboard! THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride comes to life this holiday season as the Cape Cod Central Railroad rolls out of the Buzzards Bay station bound for the “North Pole!” Dancing chefs deliver treats along the way. When the train arrives at the outskirts of Santa’s North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train.

Boston Blink! Holiday Light & Sound Extravaganza
When: now through Mon 1/1/18
Where: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market Colonnade, Boston
Time: Varies (see above link for more information)
Age: any
Cost: free
Faneuil Hall Marketplace continues the tradition of having the largest tree in the northeast, an 85-foot fir tree adorned with decorations and sparkling lights synchronized to music to provide entertainment for visitors who want an authentic New England holiday experience. A must-see holiday show perfect for all ages.

Bright Nights at Forest Park
When: now through Mon 1/1/18
Where: Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA
Time: Varies (see above link for more information)
Age: any
Cost: Varies (see above link for more information)
Bright Nights is New England’s largest holiday lighting display. Enjoy the wonders of Seuss Land, Jurassic World, Toy Land, North Pole Village, and many more, all from the comfort of your own car. Visitors can tune their car radio to 98.5 FM to enjoy holiday music. Don’t forget to stop at the Bright Nights Gift Stop for refreshments and souvenirs!

Christmas Festival of Lights at Edaville Family Theme Park
When: now through Mon 1/1/18
Where: 5 Pine Street, Carver, MA
Time: Varies (see above link for more information)
Age: any
Cost: $27-$37
New England’s most memorable holiday tradition, The Christmas Festival of Lights, is bigger, brighter, and better than ever this year with millions of lights, unlimited Christmas train rides, unlimited use of all 90+ rides and attractions, and priceless memories! Admission includes Thomas Land, Christmas Festival of Lights, and all rides and attractions. 

Boston Winter Holiday Festival
When: now through Sun 2/25/18
Where: 1 City Hall Square, Boston
Time: Varies (see above link for more information)
Age: any
Cost: free
Boston Winter Holiday Festival features an expanded Holiday Market with 85 chalets where local and international vendors will satisfy all of your holiday shopping needs. Other attractions include winter treats, skate rentals, visiting with Santa, and the Enchanted Castle with a chocolate-tasting area where kids can dip treats like marshmallows and write letters to Santa.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services