With all the expenses of the season piling up at once, it's a bonus for parents when they can find holiday and Christmas activities that are free to attend. Our picks for the best events near Boston celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's without needing to dig into your wallet (except maybe to take out your T pass). Head downtown to hear the music of the Christmas Tubas or to the Seaport for the Boston Children's Chorus, drop in at Christmas villages in Foxborough and Avon, or go to the SeaFestival of Trees in Salisbury or to St. Nicholas Festival Weekend in Quincy. There's holiday ice shows, reindeer, and more on our list of the best free holiday and Christmas events for kids in Boston.  

There are more free holiday light displays to see in our list of Boston's Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows and there are free holiday activities for kids at holiday markets. For more holiday and Christmas ideas, explore our Holiday Fun Guide for Boston Kids.