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From the start of the month to First Night, December 2023 brings fun things to do in Boston with kids. Photo courtesy of the Boston First Night Facebook page
From the start of the month to First Night, December 2023 brings fun things to do in Boston with kids. Photo courtesy of the Boston First Night Facebook page
12/1/23 - By N Ferreira

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of the top things to see and do in Boston with kids this month.

December is the month when everything sparkles, from glimmering holiday lights to the first enchanting snowfall. The Seaport transforms into Snowport, a winter wonderland playground; you can engage in various activities, including curling and finding Betty the Yetti. Boston Common lights the Menorah for Chanukah. Families can enjoy a free Enchanted Trolley Tour around Boston. The area hosts  Nutcracker and other holiday shows. And there's the ringing in of the New Year at First Night. Check out the top things to do in Boston with kids this December and enjoy the holiday fun!

Don't miss the Top Holiday Events and Christmas Activities for Boston Kids. Find more top things to do in our Winter Activities Guide. If you're already dreading the cold though, take a look at our recommendations for 40 Best Warm and Sunny Family Vacation Ideas and start planning a winter getaway. 

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.  And get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Magic is in the air with holiday fun around Boston in December. Enchanted Trolley Tour photo courtesy of the Mayor's Office of Tourism, City of Boston
Magic is in the air with holiday fun around Boston in December. Enchanted Trolley Tour photo courtesy of the Mayor's Office of Tourism, City of Boston

Top Things To Do in Boston with Kids this December

Kids Only! Holiday Sale

Cambridge —Friday, December 1 - 2, 2023
Free
Parents, grandparents, guardians, aunts, uncles, cousins – bring the young people in your life! As per tradition, only children (0-18) and MLBCC teaching staff may enter the sale space, but very young children (0-6) can invite adults to accompany them if they need extra help making a selection.  READ MORE

The BSO's Holiday Pops

Boston — Friday, December 1 - 20, 2023
Rejoice as the Boston Pops return for performances filled with holiday music favorites, the jubilant Pops sing-along, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Started in 1973 by Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, these concerts take place in the magical atmosphere of world-famous Symphony Hall, beautifully decorated to evoke all the magic and charm of the season. READ MORE

Nantucket Christmas Stroll

Nantucket — Friday, December 1 - 3, 2023
Free
Join the island community of Nantucket and embrace the holiday spirit with one of New England's most classic (and prettiest) Christmas strolls. The 48th annual event features an illuminated tree-lined downtown, live entertainment, costumed carolers, holiday refreshments, craft shows, a 20-foot tree that magically talks to all who visit during Christmas Stroll Saturday, and a visit from Santa who makes a special appearance at the wharf via Coast Guard Cutter before greeting children. READ MORE

Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour

Boston— Saturday, December 2 - 3, 2023
Free
For the 27th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour continues the festive tradition of lighting up holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children in 16 neighborhoods around the city. READ MORE

Sutton Chain of Lights

Sutton — Saturday, December 2, 2023
Free
Join businesses, churches, and organizations in Sutton for the annual town-wide celebration welcoming the holiday season. Held every year on the first Saturday of December, the event features free trolley rides to all the participating locations, food, children's activities, shopping, and lots of cheer. READ MORE

Taunton Lights on Festival

Taunton — Saturday, December 2, 2023
Free
Unwrap the magic of the city at Taunton's Lighting of the Green & 2023 Lights On Festival for this annual, community-loved celebration featuring live entertainment, kids' activities, fireworks, and a magical display of holiday lights on the historic Taunton Green. READ MORE

Boston College Bands: A Christmas Celebration

Chestnut Hill — Sunday, December 3, 2023
Free
Join the Boston College Bands as they celebrate the season with their annual holiday concert! This kid-friendly concert includes performances from student and community ensembles, including the University Wind Ensemble, BC bOp!, and the Symphonic Band, and is filled with holiday tunes that both parents and kids will enjoy. READ MORE

9th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll

Somerville — Saturday, December 2, 2023
Free
Join in The Holiday Stroll, a celebration of Union Square sparkle, discovery, and holiday delight. This Union Square neighborhood tradition will have cash prizes, unique eats and fun retail opportunities! READ MORE

Annual Menorah Lighting on the Boston Common

Boston — Thursday, December 7, 2023
Free
Head over to the Boston Common for the 40th annual celebration of Chanuka as the community kindles one of New England’s tallest menorahs! The event includes lighting the 22-foot menorah, greetings from dignitaries, a live music ensemble and more. READ MORE

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Favorites

Brookline — Thursday, December 7, 2023
Get lost in the magic of this candlelit Christmas performance from the Vitamin String Quartet. READ MORE

Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”

Boston — Sunday, December 17, 2023
Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”, the modern Boston-centric holiday classic presented by City Ballet of Boston, returns this December. The live in-person performances, December 16-17, 2023 at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre, showcase winter scenes set in present-day downtown Boston, blending the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical music of Tchaikovsky. Anchored by classical ballet, the performances also include a broad range of dance forms such as tap, hip-hop, flamenco, and jazz, accompanied by a small live orchestra of local musicians. READ MORE

Santa Photo Experience

Chestnut Hill—Through December 24, 2023
Santa is at The Shops at Chestnut Hill! All reservations come with a free phone call from Santa, powered by Portable North Pole! READ MORE

Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker

Boston —Through December 28, 2023
Slip away into the warm drawing room of the Silberhaus family and watch as Clara’s surroundings transform before your eyes. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this classical ballet—set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky—continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. Let your dreams come to life at New England’s most beloved holiday event. With brave toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and a tree that grows to the sky, this classical ballet conjures the childlike wonder in us all. READ MORE

Bessie’s Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve

Acton — Sunday, December 31, 2023
Free
Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll into the New Year by making party hats and noise makers! Come decked out in festive pajamas and stick around for the countdown to 12:00 (noon) with a Noon Years’ Eve ball drop. READ MORE

First Night Boston 2024

Boston — Sunday, December 31, 2023
Free
Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season, and the beginning of a new year. In keeping with this fantastic Boston tradition, the First Night celebration will open 2024 with an array of performances.  READ MORE

Snowport at Seaport

Seaport—Through December 31, 2023
Free
Escape to a winter wonderland filled with safe, seasonal activities. Play a game of curling and other complimentary winter games on Seaport Common, book a rooftop igloo, and keep an eye out for Seaport’s friend, Betty the Yeti. The Holiday Market features more than 60 small businesses, including local craftsmen, artisans, and entrepreneurs selling unique gifts and wares. READ MORE

Night Lights: Starry Skies at New England Botanic Garden

Boylston—Through December 31, 2023
Night Lights: Starry Skies will take visitors on a journey through the cosmos and back. Thousands of individual lights transform many of the botanic garden’s formal garden spaces and conservatories into starry spectacle.  READ MORE

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