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Holiday magic means it's time for the best things to do in Boston for December 2024! Taunton Christmas Lights photo by Samina Quareshi for the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
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Concord's Colonial Inn is one of Greater Boston's coziest restaurants open on Christmas 2024. Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
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Things are lighting up with these must-do Christmas events around Boston! Festival of Illumination at the Southwick Zoo. Photo by Heart Lover 1717/ Flickr 2.0
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Fun things to do in Boston with teens include seeing priceless works of art at Boston's museums. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts
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Circus Smirkus. Photo courtesy of the circus
Circus Smirkus. Photo courtesy of the circus
7/24/19 - By Lucie T

This weekend has some of MP's favorite fests happening all over the Boston area that families will not want to miss. Kids can marvel at sandcastle masterpieces before heading in town for this annual collaborative and interactive art fest. Light up the night at not one but two events dedicated to illumination. Go a little north to catch this popular family friendly festival that celebrates cultures from around the world. There is even a new festival dedicated entirely to everyone's favorite breakfast treat!

The fun doesn't end there: This fantastic, kids-only circus returns to Boston, and there's family-friendly opera and Shakespeare happening, too. Enjoy the weekend, both outdoors and in!

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

Need more family fun ideas? Check out our full events calendar, like our Facebook page, and sign up for our (free!) newsletter.

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Figment Boston. Photo courtesy of the Figment
Figment Boston. Photo courtesy of the Figment

All Weekend

Circus Smirkus

Waltham
Circus Smirkus is Vermont’s own award-winning international youth circus that promotes the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus, inspiring youth to engage in life-changing adventures in the circus arts. There are shows in Marshfield and Waltham at the end of July. READ MORE

Christmas in July at the Zoo

Mendon
Experience the magic of the holiday season during the summertime. The zoo is decorated, and guests can enjoy holiday-themed entertainment and food. Santa even makes an appearance! READ MORE

Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival

Revere
The largest Sand Sculpting Festival on the East Coast is back for the 20th year. The festival features include an interactive Kid’s Zone & Learning Center, a beach-side food pavilion and a fireworks extravaganza on Saturday night. READ MORE

Lowell Folk Festival

Lowell
The Lowell Folk Festival brings together sounds from all across the world, showcasing West African, Irish, Quebecois, Dominican, Portuguese, Greek and many more types of music. READ MORE
The Bubble Guy provides some super bubbly family fun at the Harbor Illumination.
The Bubble Guy provides some super bubbly family fun at the Harbor Illumination.

Saturday

Harbor Illumination

Hull
At this spectacular event they light the harbor with more than one thousand flares, celebrating Hull's maritime heritage. READ MORE

Quincy Environmental Fair

Quincy
At this free outdoor environmental fair on the front lawn of the Thomas Crane Public Library, there will be fun green activities for all ages, live local entertainment, electric vehicle ride-alongs, and a free bike valet. Rain date: Saturday, August 3, 11am-2pm READ MORE

Rosalita's Puppets

Boston
Rosalita's Puppets will charm children and adults alike with new productions each week. All performances will take place at 10:30 am on South Market Street (outside Wagamama). Rosalita's Puppets will move inside to the Rotunda in case of rain. READ MORE

Urbanity Trial Class Day

Boston
Prospective students interested in trying a new style of dance are welcome and encouraged to attend this Trial Class Day where students can explore a range of styles including Urbanity’s Baby Groove, Kids Groove, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, Modern, and Ballet classes. READ MORE
Family Fun Day is enjoyed in the shade at the Daniel Webster Estate. Photo courtesy of the estate
Family Fun Day is enjoyed in the shade at the Daniel Webster Estate. Photo courtesy of the estate

Sunday

Boston Donut Fest

Boston
Boston Donut Fest features favorite New England Donut Shops, iced coffee, food and ice cream trucks, DJs and live music, kids games, sample vendors, swag giveaways, and more. READ MORE

Family-Friendly Opera

Cambridge
The Boston Lyric Opera Company will perform a family-friendly rendition of The Barber of Seville. Will Rosina escape the clutches of her guardian and marry the man she loves? Come see this abridged version of the classic opera. The opera will be followed by a selection of arias and opera favorites. READ MORE

Family Fun Day at the Daniel Webster Estate

Marshfield
Visit the Daniel Webster Estate for a day of family fun with bouncy houses, a Touch a Truck (and boat!), an antique fire truck, pony rides, a petting zoo, music, and more. READ MORE

Summer Sundays at Harvard Semitic Museum

Cambridge
Free, fun, family activities allow visitors to explore arts from the ancient Near East. READ MORE

Summer Stock Museum Style: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Waltham
Enjoy a far-out groovy time in this beach party rendition of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The nymphs will be from the sea, the music inspired by Elvis and Motown, and the wayward wonders will emulate the likes of Frankie and Annette. READ MORE

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