Festivity, fun and inspiration are everywhere this holiday season in beautiful New England! Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly activity or wanting to start a new tradition, there’s a holiday event that’s just right for you — and many of them are free of cost. Check out these family friendly holiday experiences and grab your tickets before they sell out!
Holiday Shows
Brett Eldredge: GLOW – Welcome to the Family
Brett Eldredge is an award-winning Illinois-born and Nashville-based multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, and entertainer. Since 2010 Brett has earned a reputation as an eloquently clever songwriter, a showstopping performer, and with a growing catalog boasting a pair of Gold-certified albums and nine singles certified either Gold or Platinum by the RIAA. Beyond gathering billions of streams, he has notched seven #1’s on Country Radio, launched two albums into the Top 3 of the Billboard 200, and taken home various honors at the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and BMI Country Awards. He also served up two fan-favorite holiday albums, Glow [2016] and Mr. Christmas [2021]. Among many highlights, his cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside!” [feat. Meghan Trainor] emerged as a staple, generating over 207 million Spotify streams and counting. Glow ignited the spark for the annual Glow tour. He draws listeners right into the magnetic pull of the holidays soundtracked by boisterous big band orchestration, heartfelt balladry, and simultaneously warm and robust vocals.
November 29 – 30, Wang Theatre, Boston; www.bochcenter.org
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. As the longest running cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. Broadway World exclaims, “Lose yourself for 90 minutes and go back to those wonderful dreams you had as a kid,” while 6ABC Philadelphia states, “You will be on the edge of your seat!”
Imaginative and fun for children to seniors and everyone in between, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.” Singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers, and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights. Amidst a backdrop of new sets, scenery, and storylines, this family-friendly production is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!
December 6 -7, Shubert Theatre, Boston, www.bochcenter.org
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale 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. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!”
December 10 – 13, Wang Theatre, Boston; www.bochcenter.org
Midwinter Revels: A Celtic & Cabo Verdean Celebration of the Solstice – Cambridge
Our 53rd Midwinter Revels drops us into the colorful medieval Feast of Fools, where everything is topsy-turvy by design. The status quo quickly becomes the status disruptus as the body politic officially lets off steam. Rulers are temporarily deposed by servants, wit triumphs over power, and a fool finds himself steering the ship of state. This musical feast will feature vibrant processionals, lively carols, delicate harmonies, vigorous dances, and a full ritual serving of the wild and the holy. Come sing favorites old and new and dance your way with us into the lobby of Sanders Theatre and out into the brand new year! On this shortest day of the year, what could possibly go wrong?
December 13–28, Sanders Theatre, Cambridge: www.revels.org
Nutcracker Performances
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker — Boston
Create an annual tradition with your family this holiday season at one of New England’s favorite celebrations. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the dazzling snow scene – set to the iconic music of Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker is a production beloved by audiences of all ages that your family will never forget.
November 29 – December 29, Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston; www.bostonballet.org
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet – Boston
Give the gift of NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET to the whole family. Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics! Share the tradition of pure Holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages. Don’t miss this chance to create memories of a lifetime.
December 5, Wang Theatre, Boston; www.bochcenter.org
Braintree Ballet Company’s Nutcracker
Join Clara’s magical journey while supporting the local arts.
December 14-15, East Middle School, 305 River St., Braintree; braintreeballetcompany.com.
Greater Salem Ballet Company: The Nutcracker — Lynn
Follow Clara on her magical journey. Brave the battle of the mice and soldiers led by the Nutcracker Prince and be amazed by the growing Christmas tree. Glide through the Christmas tree forest complete with falling snow and arrive at the palace of sweets where Clara is entertained by a cast of characters and dazzled by the Grand Pas de Deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
December 14, The Lynn Auditorium, Lynn; www.TheGSBC.com
The Nutcracker — Weston
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. This fully staged production is sure to captivate and entertain all ages. It’s the perfect start to the holiday season!
November 29 – December 1, and December 20 – 22. The Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston; www.commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory : The Nutcracker – Worcester
Experience the dazzling lighting and scenery by Broadway designers! Featuring live music from The Hanover Theatre Nutcracker Orchestra, this production of The Nutcracker will enchant you with its brilliant dancing and vibrant costumes. The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky first performed in Russia in December 1892 and based on the stories of E.T.A. Hoffmann and Alexandre Dumas. The story revolves around Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift and then enters a magical world where the Nutcracker and other characters come to life.
November 29 – December 1, 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester; thehanovertheatre.org
Dance Prism Presents The Nutcracker – Multiple Locations
Dec. 1, Bristol Community College, Fall River;
Dec. 8, Rogers Theater, LSRHS, 390 Lincoln Rd, Sudbury;
Dec. 14, Littleton Performing Arts Center, Littleton;
Dec. 15, Mechanics Hall, Worcester;
Dec. 21 & 22, The Collins Center, Andover.
A fully staged professional production featuring a lively choreography, Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, and the traditional delights of this favorite holiday tradition — falling snow, a growing Christmas tree, and a cast of 120 professional dancers and ballet students; danceprism.com.
Holiday Pops — Boston
Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops present the beloved annual Holiday Pops concert at Boston›s Symphony Hall. You’ll get to hear and see all your favorites. Enjoy the magic of the season with Holiday Pops. Get cozy with classics like “Jingle Bells,” “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and “Sleigh Ride.” Special Kid’s matinee shows available.
December 5 – 24, Symphony Hall, Boston; www.bso.org
Holiday Events
Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature – Concord
Concord’s renowned literary tradition takes a creative twist during the holiday season when the Concord Museum opens the annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. A benefit exhibition with related programs, Family Trees fills the Museum with trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes fancifully dressed for the occasion with charming original ornaments inspired by a dazzling selection of children’s picture books.
November 27 through January 1. Concord Museum, Concord; www.concordmuseum.org
SoWa Winter Festival — Boston
You’ll find the perfect handmade gifts, sip on winter cocktails, and discover the best of the SoWa Art + Design District. Shop from 100 of the region’s best makers and specialty food vendors in the SoWa Power Station which is transformed into a local and unique marketplace. While you stroll, savor favorite winter cocktails, seasonal craft brews and wines. Enjoy food and activities, as well as the galleries, artist studios, and shops that call SoWa home year ‘round. This is a family friendly event.
Select Days from November 29 – December 22. SOWA Boston, Boston; www.sowaboston.com
Holiday Lights
Winterlights — Canton, North Andover, Stockbridge
This holiday season, three of the Trustees beautiful garden properties sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Bring the whole family for a magical, fun, and safe outdoor experience – with food, refreshments, and more. Included in USA TODAY’s top 10 Public Holiday Light Displays in the country for 2020, experience this treasure with your friends and family.
November 29 – January 4, 2025, Eleanor Cabot Bradley House in Canton, Naumkeag in Stockbridge, Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover; www.thetrustees.org/winterlights
Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden, Boylston
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season at New England Botanic Garden with a breathtaking winter light display that is unmatched in the region. This year, prepare to be amazed by Night Lights, where you will embark on a spellbinding journey through a mesmerizing array of radiant, glowing lights in every imaginable color.
Amidst a quarter million lights, enjoy a delightful evening with popular favorites such as s’mores, seasonal drinks, a model train, holiday shopping, and fun photo opportunities for the whole family! NEW this year, a skating rink will debut for the first time in Night Lights’ history to bring joy to the young and young at heart. Colorful landscapes, immersive experiences, and life-long memories await this winter!
November 23 – January 5, 2025, New England Botanical Garden, Boylston, nebg.org
Columbus Park Trellis Lighting – Boston
On Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, the blue lights on the trellis will be turned to light up the park through the winter!! The lighting celebration includes holiday sing-alongs and a visit from Santa Claus! Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and clam chowder. Bundle up and be part of the fun! Free.
November 25, 5 pm, Christopher Columbus Park, Boston; foccp.org/events
Massachusetts State House Tree Lighting – Boston
A giant Christmas tree in the Rotunda lights up in the annual tree lighting event ceremony at 5pm. This marks the official kick-off of the holiday season in Massachusetts.
December 5, 6 pm, State House, Boston; www.boston.gov
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo – Providence, RI
RWP Zoo turns into a sparkling Winter Wonderland! Holiday Lights Spectacular as an all-new walk-through event featuring festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays with 3.5 million illuminated lights! It’s a must-see event that should be on everyone’s holiday to-do list.
November 29 – January 4, 2025, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI; www.rwpzoo.org
Light Up Seaport – Boston
Gather on Seaport Common (85 Northern Ave) for live music, treats from nearby restaurants, and various giveaways, and then see the Christmas tree lighting.
December 1, 5 pm. Seaport Common, Boston; www.bostonseaport.xyz
Hanukkah –Menorah Lighting — Boston
Look for New England’s tallest menorah at Brewer Fountain on Boston Common. A lighting ceremony of the first branch of the candelabra takes place on December 7 – 15 at 4 pm, with special guests, live music, holiday treats, and warm beverages.
December 25 plus additional dates, Boston Common, Boston; www.chabaddowntownboston.org
Bright Nights at Forest Park — Springfield
Bright Nights is a holiday drive-thru light experience includes the Winter Garden, Jurassic World, Kwanzaa, Everett Barney Mansion, Happy Holidays, Springfield, as well as the additions to Toy Land featuring Milton Bradley Company and Hasbro iconic toys and games, and the Springfield Thunderbirds display.
November 27 – January 5 2025, Closed Monday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Forest Park, Springfield; www.brightnights.org
Click here to view more Holiday Light Events.
Holiday Markets
Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church — Boston
Lovers of finely crafted beeswax candles, turned wood, and sparkling blown glass know to arrive early, where 30 New England artists and artisans will offer some of their finest work on one day only.
December 7, 10 am – 4 pm. Gordon Chapel in Old South Church, Boston; www.oldsouth.org
Holiday Market at Snowport — Boston
They may be small, but local businesses bring our community to life in a big way. This season Boston Seaport by WS Development teamed up with The Makers Show to create a holiday market unlike anything in New England. The Holiday Market at Snowport features more than 60+ small businesses, a tree market for all of your evergreen needs, and a festive menu from Tuscan Kitchen.
November 8 – December 29, 100 Seaport, Boston; www.bostonseaport.xyz
Boston Public Market Sip & Shop
Sip on a craft cocktail, beer, wine, or cider and wander through our one-stop shop for gifts & groceries featuring our year-round vendors plus a wide variety of pop-ups! Check out their calendar for family friendly activities through out the holiday season.
November 29 – December 22, Fridays – Sundays, 100 Hanover Street, Boston; bostonpublicmarket.org
Click here for Polar Express Train Rides in Mass. and Beyond
