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Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Boston
Submitted by N Ferreira on
The best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Boston are here for 2023! While Boston families may favor different holiday traditions, everyone can rejoice in the magic of holiday lights. And boy, has the magic of Christmas lights returned in style. The Festival of Trees at Elm Bank lights up the trees in Wellesley. Winterlights brightens the skies over Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex. Even the animals are taking part in the festivities at Stone Zoo in Stoneham and the Southwick Zoo in Mendon.
Enjoy this season and the magic of lights with your family at one of these holiday light shows (maybe even bring a cup of cocoa for the road). There are more amazing displays with Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Boston. Be sure to check out our guide to 25 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in New England for Kids. For more holiday and Christmas activities, plan ahead with our Holidays and Christmas Activities Guide for Boston Kids.
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2023 in Boston: Santa's Wonderland, Rudolph, and More
Submitted by N Ferreira on
Looking for the best things to do in Boston on Thanksgiving weekend 2022? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Thanksgiving weekend.
It's Thanksgiving weekend 2023 in Boston, and the calendar is filling up with holiday magic and festive family activities. Our favorite reindeer Rudolph comes to Boston, bringing with him some familiar faces. Families can explore the outdoors for a Green Friday hike in Plymouth, decorate gingerbread houses in Beverly, or get outside for a free family scavenger hunt in Westwood. Cheer on runners at the Franklin Park Turkey Trot—the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the city of Boston. Witness the return of Bright Nights at Forest Park, hop aboard a Polar Express 4D Experience at the Museum of Science or listen to the Christmas tubas at Downtown Crossing.
Looking for ways to spend time at home as a family this long weekend? Try one of these easy Thanksgiving crafts or games. You can also start planning a New England Christmas adventure and go see Boston's best neighborhood holiday lights. For more holiday and Christmas activities, explore our Holiday Fun Guide for Boston Kids.
Christmas Tree Farms Near Boston
Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on
Looking for the best Christmas tree farms near Boston? Once you cut your own Christmas tree straight from a field, it's hard to go back to purchasing one from a parking lot. From the crack of the bark to the sharp evergreen aroma, a fresh-cut tree is special. Finding the perfect one and chopping it down at one of the many cut-your-own Christmas tree farms near Boston makes for a fun family adventure. Some of our favorites, from north and south of Boston to the western suburbs, have festive music and beautiful holiday decor for sale, too. So read on for the top Christmas tree farms near Boston!
For more holiday and Christmas activities, find great events in our list of the Top 25 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in New England for Kids and explore our Boston Holiday Fun Guide.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Boston
Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on
Some families in Boston create spectacular neighborhood Christmas light displays and holiday lights. Some of us leave the lights (and the glory) to the neighbors. Next time you have a free evening, pack some hot chocolate in a thermos, buckle up the kids, and visit these joyful dwellings. Between the beautiful lights and the charities that many of these families support with their efforts, It's sure to inspire holiday spirit—and maybe some ideas for your own house!
For more Christmas lights around Boston and the 'burbs, see our guide to the Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows. For more ideas for making merry, see our Boston Holiday Fun Guide.
Breakfast with Santa in Boston: Christmas Breakfasts and Brunches with Santa
Submitted by Lucie T on
A breakfast with Santa in Boston is sure to make this Christmas special! One of kids's favorite holiday experiences is meeting Santa and telling him their Christmas wishes. Make the tradition even better with a breakfast or brunch with the big guy in red. At these events, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious holiday meal, spend some extra time with Mr. or Mrs. Claus, and participate in other seasonal activities. Bring your camera to capture all of the festive fun, and make your reservation early—spots at some of these events go quick!
For more special opportunities for kids to meet Santa, see our picks for Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides.
Boston Ballet Nutcracker and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Boston 2023
Submitted by Alyson Young Gregory on
The holiday season is finally upon us, bringing the Boston Ballet Company's The Nutcracker and more holiday shows for kids to Boston. The Nutcracker is a timeless treat that takes you on an enchanting journey through a winter wonderland and beyond. From the Boston Ballet classic to the high-energy adaptation of the Urban Nutcracker's diverse, upbeat choreography, there are dancers performing all around Boston.
Want to keep things merry and bright for your family all season long? Tchaikovsky's beloved confection is hardly the only holiday-themed stage performance. Holiday shows are delighting kids across Boston and New England, this month and next. At Boston's 2023 holiday shows, families can carol with the Boston Pops and delight in Scrooge's journey in A Christmas Carol. Tickets will sell out for these must-see performances faster than cookies go on Christmas Eve! We advise booking sooner than later.
If you are looking for more holiday and Christmas activities, we've also rounded up the 25 Top Holiday and Christmas Activities in New England. When you've had enough of dashing through the snow, enjoy a night in with 20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family.
25 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in New England for Kids
Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on
The holidays are coming fast, and we've rounded up the best holiday activities and Christmas events in New England for kids. What better place to celebrate the Christmas season than New England? There's a reason all those classic holiday movies were filmed here. From snow-blanketed landscapes to quaint, historical towns, to nature in all its winter-wonderland glory. Choose from 25 Christmas-time events and activities in New England that kids and grown ups can enjoy. These holiday activities can be found in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Enjoy sleigh rides, hot cocoa, sparkling lights, and festive traditions galore. Read on for our guide to the 25 best holiday activities and Christmas events in New England for kids!
Are you getting into the holiday spirit yet? Us, too! Check out our list of favorite towns that go all out for Christmas. Get started on your holiday shopping, and remember to explore our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide.
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Boston for Kids
Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on
The top holiday activities and Christmas events for Boston kids are coming to town! We will celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the 12 Days of Christmas, all on the heels of Thanksgiving. While there are plenty of holiday events and Christmas activities near Boston to keep kids busy and feeling festive throughout November and December, we've rounded up our picks of Boston's top holiday festivities during the magical season of joy and wonder.
Keep that holiday and Christmas spirit going all season long with our Holiday Fun Guide. If you are planning bigger holiday adventures, consult our 12 Best Christmas Towns in New England and the region's 25 Top Holiday and Christmas Activities.
