Boston Area Holiday Activities for the Family

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 the Boston area and have a wonderful holiday season!

29th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature
When: 11/27/24 through 1/1/25
Where: 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA
Age: all ages
Cost: $20 adults, $10 children
This annual family-focused event celebrates children’s books and a love of reading through dozens of decorated story trees. Crafted by talented local volunteers and organizations, each tree features hand-made decorations inspired by a picture book. Visitors can explore the trees and families can sit and read together or do a festive scavenger hunt.

The Nutcracker: A Family Tradition by Commonwealth Ballet Company
When: select dates from 1/29/24 through 12/22/24
Where: 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA
Age: kids, teens, adults
Cost: to be announced
Share the merriment of the holiday season as the accomplished dancers of Commonwealth Ballet and guest artists frolic, battle and dance through Clara’s holiday dream! Join the family party set before a magical tree and enjoy the laughter, magic, and wonder of this holiday classic accompanied by the beloved Tchaikovsky score.

Christmas Parade & Festival
When: Sunday 12/1/24
Where: 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA
Age: all ages
Cost: free
The City of Quincy presents the annual Christmas Parade and Festival, including the ceremonial Tree Lighting, annual Christmas parade and Santa arriving via helicopter to greet the kids! Floats, marching bands, and costumed characters will fill the Quincy streets, spreading holiday joy to all.

Boston Common Tree Lighting
When: Thursday 12/5/24
Where: Boston Common, Boston, MA
Age: kids, teens, adults
Cost: free
The Boston Common Tree Lighting has been a staple of the Boston area holiday celebrations for many years. The holiday lights throughout both parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. when Mayor Wu is joined onstage by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. A holiday village will feature a photo-op, giveaways, and refreshments from several companies while supplies last.

Menorah Lighting at Boston Seaport
When: Friday 12/6/24
Where: 60 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA
Age: all ages
Cost: free
Join Chabad of Downtown Boston for their annual Menorah lighting ceremony at One Seaport on Friday, December 6 at 6:00pm. The event will include lighting a tall 9′ Menorah, individually packaged Chanukkah treats, and more!

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
When: Saturday 12/7/24
Where: 132 Main Street, Wenham, MA
Age: kids
Cost: $10
Join us at the Wenham Museum for a morning of delicious cookie decorating. Each ticket holder may decorate a gingerbread person cookie of their very own using sugary icing, sprinkles and other yummy adornments. Museum visitors can enjoy even more fun with the Gingerbread House Photo Booth and the Sensory Spice Challenge.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
When: 12/10/24 through 12/23/24
Where: Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Age: kids, teens, adults
Cost: $35.00 – $150.00
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.

Hanukkah Celebration at MFA
When: Wednesday 12/12/24
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Age: all ages
Cost: $5 general admission
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston invites visitors to celebrate the festival of lights early at its 10th-annual Hanukkah celebration. Visitors are invited to experience an evening of art, music, and performances highlighting the diversity of Jewish cultures and identities.

Winter Solstice Celebration at Hale
When: Thursday 12/19/24
Where: 80 Carby Street, Westwood, MA
Age: kids, teens, adults
Cost: free

Celebrate the season on the first day of winter. From 5 to 7 PM, we’ll gather at the barn at the Andrew Cucchiara Learning Center. With a roaring fire and hot chocolate, s’mores, and popcorn to share, we’ll mark the start of winter and celebrate the holiday season. If you’re interested in exploring Hale’s trails, you can take a family-friendly, guided hike.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services