The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2026. Photo: ©Michael J.Lutch for the BYSO
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Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
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Each year, families look forward to the Polar Express Train to the North Pole. Photo courtesy of the Blackstone Valley Polar Express, Facebook
Each year, families look forward to the Polar Express Train to the North Pole. Photo courtesy of the Blackstone Valley Polar Express, Facebook
10/22/21 - By Kelley Heyworth

Pumpkins may dot our doorsteps, but smart parents know that now is the time to start thinking about the December holidays—and snatch up the city's hottest Christmas tickets now. Prime seats at certain events, like The Nutcracker, Holiday Pops Kids Matinees, and the Train to Christmas Town are worth booking early, since they promise to sell fast. Whatever suits your family's fancy, you're sure to be the lucky ones with these tickets in hand before the mittens come out of the closet. 

Be sure to check our holiday guide as we move into November for even more trains, Christmas shows, and special kids' holiday events: We're constantly updating our lineup of holiday, Christmastime and Hanukkah events. 'Tis—almost—the season of joy!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kids love to don pajamas and hand Christmas train conductors their golden tickets. Photo courtesy of the Cape Cod Central Railroad, Facebook
Kids love to don pajamas and hand Christmas train conductors their golden tickets. Photo courtesy of the Cape Cod Central Railroad, Facebook

Hot Holiday and Christmas Trains

The Polar Express Train Ride - Blackstone Valley

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays November 19 - December 19
The Magic Returns this holiday season for a three-hour experience at the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. Hop on a 90-minute train ride to view the North Pole that’s filled with singing, games, a reading of the classic children’s story “The Polar Express”, and a visit from Santa.  READ MORE

The Polar Express Train on Cape Cod Central Railroad

Various dates November 26 - December 23
“The bell still rings for all who truly believe” Adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by our merry-making cast. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for approximately 90-minutes to meet Santa. READ MORE

IC North Pole Express at Newburyport Station

Sunday, December 4
Take a train to the North Pole from Newburyport Station. READ MORE
The Nutcracker and its Sugar Plum Fairy is back live. Photo courtesy of the Boston Ballet
The Nutcracker and its Sugar Plum Fairy is back live. Photo courtesy of the Boston Ballet

Hot Holiday and Christmas Shows

Elf On the Shelf

Two performances Friday, November 26
The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical is the thrilling spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves.  Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and heartfelt moments that will bring the family together, this joyous and uplifting celebration will leave audiences captivated by the splendor of the season.  READ MORE

Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker

Various dates Friday, November 26 - Sunday, December 26
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. READ MORE

Holiday Pops Kids' Matinee

Various dates Sunday, December 5 - Sunday, December 26
These special family holiday concerts include a children’s sing-along and post-concert photos with Santa. Kids Matinees are shorter than regular concerts and last about 75 minutes. READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage

Two performances Sunday, December 5
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage encompasses each of your favorite scenes from the original animated television show, with more fun, more music, and more finding the true Christmas spirit. After the final bow, the show crescendos into a celebration of song as the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. READ MORE

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Tuesday, December 7 - Sunday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 14 - Sunday, December 19
Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.  READ MORE
A few of the guests at the Four Seasons' Teddy Bear Tea Sleepover. Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons
A few of the guests at the Four Seasons' Teddy Bear Tea Sleepover. Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons

Hot Holiday and Christmas Tea

Teddy Bear Tea Sleepover at the Four Seasons

Room rates apply Saturday, December 18 - Wednesday, December 22
The annual Teddy Bear Tea is a sleepover again. Have a festive afternoon tea in your room and enjoy appearances by Truffles the Bear. Connecting families for an overnight experience that celebrates holiday magic in the heart of the city, the cherished tea will be offered in your park-facing suite, where you can spend time together and savor all the holiday treats that make the experience so special for families. The magic is extended with an early check-in so you can enjoy the hotel's eighth-floor pool overlooking Boston's holiday lights. READ MORE

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About the Author

Kelley Heyworth
Kelley Heyworth is the regional editor for Mommy Poppins, covering Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. She has covered parenting and health topics for nearly two decades, as an editor for Child Magazine and Fitness Magazines and a contributor to Parents Magazine, Mommy Nearest, and other national publications and websites. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Sports Illustrated and Philadelphia Magazines. A mom of three boys outside of Boston, Kelley also writes a blog, Happy Healthy Kids, and loves hiking, running, cooking, gardening, and spending time at beaches in Nantucket, Connecticut, and New Jersey with family and friends.
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