St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Houston. Photo by Ed Uthman via Flickr 2.0
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Moon to Mars Spring Break event. Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston.
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Little boy showing his steer. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo
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One of the kid-friendly rides at the Rodeo Carnival. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
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Houston has several fun baseball summer camps. Photo courtesy of the Space Cowboys Baseball Camp
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Camp La Junta offers an overnight summer camp in Texas. Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
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Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Stay at one of these nearby hotels for the easiest Houston Rodeo experience. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
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Little Beakers has three locations near Houston. Photo courtesy of Little Beakers
Affordable and Free Summer Camps In Houston
Two girls enjoying a fun gymnastics summer camp in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Gymnastics Academy
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Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
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Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
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John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
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Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
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Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
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Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
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Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
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Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
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San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
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Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
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Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
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Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
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Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
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The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
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Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
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Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
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Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
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Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
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Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
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Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
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Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
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There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
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Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
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Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
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Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
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The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
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Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
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Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
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Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
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Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids

Head to Boston for affordable seasonal fun with the top free Christmas and holiday events for 2024! The menorah in Copley Square. Photo by Leslee/Flickr 2.0
Head to Boston for affordable seasonal fun with the top free Christmas and holiday events for 2024! The menorah in Copley Square. Photo by Leslee/Flickr 2.0
12/1/24 - 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 through Boston or take in Jingle Jam: Free, Festive Christmas Fun in Watertown. The Annual Menorah Lighting will take place in the Boston Common and the Seaport, And, of course, everyone will love First Night Boston 2025 in the heart of the city.

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

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See how bright the season shines at these free holiday events in Boston. Snowport photo courtesy of the Boston Seaport.
See how bright the season shines at these free holiday events in Boston. Snowport photo courtesy of the Boston Seaport.

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids

Santa's Wonderland

Foxborough
Daily through December 24, 2024
Enjoy a free photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland in Foxborough.  READ MORE

Winter Lights on Cape Ann

Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex
Through January 1, 2025
Pack up the car and enjoy the annual Winter Lights Celebration on Cape Ann. Local businesses throughout Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their establishments with twinkling lights and/or creative window displays.  READ MORE

2024 Boston Common Tree Lighting

Boston
December 5, 2024
It's the 83rd Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting! Hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, marking the 52nd year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the explosion of a munitions ship on December 6, 1917. READ MORE

Sutton Chain of Lights

Sutton
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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 7, 2024
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 & Sunday, December 7 - 8, 2024
For the 28th 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

The Enchanted Village

Avon
Through January 1, 2025
The old-fashioned village with 59 mechanical figures and 18 vignettes is at Jordan’s Furniture, where you can also take pictures with Santa, skate on synthetic ice, and see a light show. READ MORE

10th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll

Somerville
Saturday, December 7, 2024
This celebration of Union Square sparkle, discovery, and delight is sure to jumpstart holiday shopping and get the whole family exploring all that the “38th coolest neighborhood in the world” has to offer!  READ MORE

Sweets and Treats Holiday Fair

Canton
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The fourth 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 8, 2024
BC Bands Presents: A Christmas Festival Featuring: BC bOp!, University Wind Ensemble, & Symphonic Ban READ MORE

Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair

Cambridge
Fridays - Sundays December 13 - 22, 2024
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

Saint Bernards Come to Smolak Farms

North Andover
Saturday, December 14, 2024
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

Jingle Jam: Free, Festive Christmas Fun

Watertown
Saturday, December 21, 2024
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

Snowport at Seaport

Boston
Daily through February 28, 2025
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

Annual Menorah Lighting on the Boston Common

Boston
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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

Annual Menorah Lighting in the Seaport District

Boston
Sunday, December 29, 2024
The Seaport District will be aglow with a giant 9' menorah and LED show. Expect live music, Chanukah treats and more!  READ MORE

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette

Attleborough
Daily through January 1, 2025
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 2025

Boston
Sunday, December 31, 2024
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 2025 with an array of performances.  READ MORE

NYE on the Waterfront: Ice Sculpture Stroll & Celebration

Boston
Sunday, December 31, 2024
Boston Harbor Now is proud to present the 11th annual New Year's Eve on the Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll, the largest *ever* with more than 30 sculptures on display. READ MORE

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