The light shows, markets, tree lightings and parades worth bundling up for — with dates, prices and how to beat the crowds. A dozen of our favorites here; all 12 holiday dates are in the Whosly app.
Updated
The big light trails sell timed tickets, and the nights closest to Christmas go first, so a weeknight in late November or early December is the easiest way in. The tree lightings and window displays are free — and crowded, so get there early.
The waterfront park by the North End lights its 260-foot trellis for the season, with music, Santa, Rudolph and warm drinks. Free, 5–6 p.m., steps from the Aquarium T stop.
Santa arrives by boat to light the ship-shaped playground at Martin's Park in Fort Point, wrapped in 1,500 feet of blue and white lights. Free, with music, crafts and a fire truck.
Copley Square lights its tree and celebrates the park's renovation with Santa, Rudolph, music and crafts. Free, 5–6 p.m.; the Copley T stop is on the corner.
Boston lights the tree Nova Scotia sends each year in thanks for help after the 1917 Halifax explosion, with live performances. Free, 6–8 p.m.; the Comm Ave Mall lights follow.
Seaport's tree lighting on Seaport Common, with live music and holiday treats before the countdown. Free; the Snowport market next door stays open until 9.
Weekday afternoons are the quietest time for the markets; evenings and weekends are when the lines for mulled wine get long. Rinks run timed sessions, so check before you go.
Seaport's open-air holiday market: 125-plus local makers, cocktail bars and a warming tent, with curling lanes and pop-ups nearby. Weekdays are free and calmer than weekends.
More than 100 local makers and food vendors fill the old SoWa Power Station in the South End for an indoor holiday market. $10 entry, kids 12 and under free; closed Mondays.
The shows and indoor spectacles that make the season. December performances sell out, so book early — and these are the easy answer when the weather turns.
Boston Ballet's Nutcracker at the Citizens Opera House, with the growing tree, the snow scene and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Shows most days Nov 27–Dec 31; book matinees early.
The Boston Pops' holiday concerts at Symphony Hall: carols, a sing-along and "Sleigh Ride," with a visit from Santa. Shows most days Dec 3–24; weekends go first.
Langston Hughes' gospel retelling of the Nativity, staged by the National Center of Afro-American Artists for its 56th season at the Emerson Paramount. Tickets $56–$100.
Revels' winter solstice show at Harvard's Sanders Theatre: carols, folk dance, mummers and the audience singing along, a Cambridge tradition since 1971. Tickets $47–$107.
Free viewing areas fill hours before midnight. Eat first, layer up, and plan the ride home before you go.
Boston's free New Year's Eve arts festival, centered on Copley Square: music, ice sculptures, family activities and two fireworks shows over the city, the last one at midnight.
Every event and bar on this page. Tap a marker to see which it is.
This guide is a dozen of the 12 holiday dates in Whosly's Boston Festivals & Events list. The app keeps every one — and tells you when it matters.
Or search “Whosly: Plans, Places & RSVPs” on the App Store
“Whosly: Plans, Places & RSVPs”.
Festivals & Events and the cocktail bar packs are included with Planner Pro. Starting a plan and RSVPing are free, always.
