Holiday Activities in the Boston Area

There are many fun holiday activities for families to enjoy in the Boston area this year. Check out our list of holiday activities and events happening around Boston and have a wonderful holiday season!

Boston Common Tree Lighting
When: Thursday 11/30/2023, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Where: Boston Common, Boston, MA
Age: kids, teens, adults
Cost: free
The official holiday season kick-off in Boston includes the lighting of the City of Boston’s official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden. The holiday lights throughout both parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. when Mayor Wu is joined onstage by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. The show will close with a pyrotechnic display by Atlas PyroVision.

Holiday Pops
When: Friday 12/1/2023 – Saturday 12/23/23, 7:30 – 9:30pm
Where: 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA
Age: kids, teens
Cost: $50 each
The Holiday Pops feature Keith Lockhart as conductor and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Approximate program run time is 2 hours, including intermission. Anyone attending a concert is required to have a ticket, regardless of age. For 11am Kids’ Matinees, children under the age of 2 can receive a free ticket. These free tickets must be requested in advance, at the time of purchase of adult tickets, by calling 617-266-1200.

Festival of Lights, Worcester
When: Friday 12/1/23 – Tuesday 2/28/23, 4:30 – 9:00pm
Where: 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Age: kids, teens, adults
Cost: free
Welcome the winter with an evening of seasonal fun including lighting features, free ice skating, carriage rides, food vendors, live musical performances and much more! The City of Worcester’s annual Festival of Lights celebration will be returning to the Worcester Common. This free, family-friendly event will welcome winter with all kinds of seasonal festivities.

Andover Holiday Market
When: Saturday 12/2/23, 2:00 – 8:00pm
Where: 41 Central Street, Andover, MA
Age: all ages
Cost: free
A European style indoor and outdoor holiday market featuring over 25 local artisans and food vendors, a beer and wine garden with Oak & Iron Brewery and Marble Ridge Winery, kids activities, live music, and more! Free parking. Proceeds will benefit the Andover Farmers Market.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights Event
When: Thursday 12/7/23, 5:00 – 10:00pm
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Age: kids, teens, adults
Cost: $5 each
Join us for an unforgettable evening of musical performances, spotlight talks with museum curators, arts & crafts activities, loads of giveaways, delightful treats, and engaging art experiences for the whole family. Festivities include holiday themed performances, gallery talks with museum curators, and engaging art experiences, as well as crafts, treats, and prizes.

Kiddos in the Kitchen: Make & Decorate Holiday Cookies
When: Wednesday 12/13/23, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Where: Powisset Farm, 37 Powisset Street, Dover, MA
Age: kids ages 7-12
Cost: starting at $60
It’s the holiday cookie-making time of year! Kiddos, join us in this hands-on cooking class to make, bake, and decorate holiday cookies. Be sure to sign up early for this popular class! This drop-off class is designed for children ages 7-12. Class is limited to 12 students. Pre-registration is required.

Santa Brunch
When: Sunday 12/17/23, 11:00am- 1:00pm
Where: 18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
Age: all ages
Cost: starting at $30
Join The Good Witch of Salem for a truly enchanting event – a Brunch with Santa Claus! It’s a family gathering of magic and merriment. Dress in your fanciest holiday attire, and step into a world of Christmas wonder. There will be an array of activities. Children receive a special potion cookie kit upon arrival, for decorating. You can also write a letter to Santa, sharing your holiday wishes. The event is filled with music and dancing, spreading joy and cheer all around. This Christmas Brunch is sure to be the most magical morning for the entire family, where smiles, laughter, and holiday spirit fill the air.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services