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25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids

The best free holiday and Christmas events in Boston are full of magic (and easy on the budget!) Photo by @617images, courtesy of First Night Boston.
The best free holiday and Christmas events in Boston are full of magic (and easy on the budget!) Photo by @617images, courtesy of First Night Boston.
12/3/23 - By N Ferreira

With all the expenses of the season piling up at once, it's a bonus when parents find free holiday and Christmas events in Boston for kids. Here are 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). Hop aboard the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley for a tour throughout Boston neighborhoods or take in a festival with live music in Watertown. Get hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus in North Andover; and as a bonus, get a picture with Santa. The Annual Menorah Lighting will take place in the Boston Common, Seaport, and South End.  And, of course, everyone will love ringing in the New Year in the heart of 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.    

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The Seaport is lit up and ready for free holiday fun for Boston's families! Snowport at Seaport photo courtesy of the Boston Seaport
The Seaport is lit up and ready for free holiday fun for Boston's families! Snowport at Seaport photo courtesy of the Boston Seaport

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids

Coastal Christmas Fair

Quincy—Friday, December 1 - 2, 2023
Kickstart festivities with a Friday evening concert and holiday fair on Sunday. The musical event consists of holiday songs and Saturday's fair includes Christmas photos, gifts, a raffle and more. READ MORE

SeaFestival of Trees

Salisbury—Friday, December 1 - 3, 2023
Experience the joy and excitement of the Seacoast’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, indoor ice skating, and Santa visits. READ MORE

Sutton Chain of Lights

Sutton—Saturday, December 2, 2023
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
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

Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour

Boston—Saturday, December 2 - 3, 2023
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

Saint Bernards Come to Smolak Farms

North Andover—Saturday, December 2, 2023
Join the New England Saint Bernard Club at Smolak Farms for a sled pull! Families can come out and choose from our extensive selection of pre-cut trees. These lovable and gentle Saint Bernards will pull them back to your car and take pictures with families making this an unforgettable experience. READ MORE

9th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll

Somerville—Saturday, December 2, 2023
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

Sweets and Treats for the Holidays

Canton—Saturday, December 2, 2023
The third annual holiday event will feature cookie decorating, vendors selling sweets and treats, pictures with “Grandma Sugar”, a gingerbread house contest, and other family activities. Plus, enter the raffle to win a professional gingerbread house! READ MORE

Boston College Bands: Free Christmas Concert

Chestnut Hill—Sunday, December 3, 2023
BC Bands Presents: A Christmas Festival Featuring: BC bOp!, University Wind Ensemble, & Symphonic Ban READ MORE

Army-Navy Game Week at the USS Constitution Museum

Lexington—Wednesday, December 6 - 10, 2023
Join the Museum as they prepare for “America’s Game” in grand fashion!  They will have activities all week leading up to the big game on Saturday. Go Navy, Beat Army! READ MORE

Annual Menorah Lighting on the Boston Common

Newton—Thursday, December 7, 2023
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

Jingle Jam: Free, Festive Christmas Fun

Watertown—Saturday, December 9, 2023
Get ready for a day of holiday cheer and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. From festive games and activities to live music and delicious treats, there's something for everyone. READ MORE

Annual Menorah Lighting in the Seaport District

Boston—Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Seaport District will be aglow with a giant 9' menorah and LED show. Expect live music, Chanukah treats and more!  READ MORE

Family Fun Chanukah Celebration

Boston—Sunday, December 10, 2023
This a free festive celebration that’s fun for the whole family with dreidels, games, and arts and crafts. READ MORE

Annual Menorah Lighting in the South End

Boston—Tuesday, December 12, 2023
The BCA Plaza in the South End will light up with a giant 9' menorah and LED show. Expect live music, Chanukah treats and more!  READ MORE

Sensory-Friendly Winter Wonderland in Needham!

Needham—Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Snowflakes, Santa hats, and twinkling lights - oh my! Bundle up and join Bierman Autism Centers in Needham for a sensory-friendly soirée. Dive into the magic of the season with fun, flair, and a sprinkle of frosty fun. READ MORE

Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair

Cambridge—Fridays - Sundays December 15 - 23, 2023
One of the oldest and most popular in the Boston area, the Harvard Square Fair includes a changing mix of New England craftspeople and world traveling importers featuring many kinds of gift items. READ MORE

The Chanukah Gelt Drop

Arlington—Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Join The Center for Jewish Life and the Arlington Fire Station for a night of Chanukah fun. The program will begin with the Menorah lighting ceremony and a fire safety presentation. Children will then have the opportunity to collect chocolate gelt as it "rains" from the top of the fire trucks!  READ MORE

Musical Magi

Boston—Sunday, December 17, 2023
Families with elementary-age children are invited to help bring to life the holiday of Three Kings Day through art and musical storytelling.  READ MORE

Hot Cocoa with Mrs. Claus at Smolak Farms

North Andover—Saturdays & Sundays through December 17, 2023
Purchase and decorate a hot chocolate mug and then enjoy a hot cocoa bar with tons of candy and stuff. Every hour on the hour, Mrs. Claus will read a Christmas themed book READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland

Foxborough—Daily through Friday, December 24, 2023
Enjoy a free photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland in Foxborough.  READ MORE

16th Annual Festival of Trees at Elm Bank

Wellesley—Wednesdays - Sundays through December 29, 2023
Families are invited to the Garden at Elm Bank this holiday season to experience a festive wonderland! The illuminated walking path leads through lighted gardens, a captivating train display, and enchanting historic trees. READ MORE

Snowport at Seaport

Boston—Daily through Friday, December 31, 2023
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 100 small businesses, including local craftsmen, artisans, and entrepreneurs selling unique gifts and wares. READ MORE

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette

Attleborough—Daily through Friday, December 31, 2023
Celebrate La Salette Shrine Light's 72nd year. The lights have been shining brightly each year at Christmastime since 1953. See over 2,000 manger scenes from around the world illuminated by 400,000 lights and more. READ MORE

First Night Boston 2024

Boston—Sunday, December 31, 2023
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

Places featured in this article:

Town Common
Copper Mill Hall at Paul Revere Heritage Site
St. Paul's Church Hall
Arlington Fire Station - Outdoor Green Space
Our Lady of La Salette National Shrine