More Family Holiday Guides for Boston

• Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Boston 2025
• New England Ski Resorts that Cater to Families
• Best Snow Tubing Near Boston for Families

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Boston

• Plan ahead of time and reserve your space/tickets a couple of days before if required
• Get your kids  buy-in for events that may be new, loud or stimulating.
• Try and do one activity for each age range you have in the house - no complaining!
• Dress warm and pack snacks!

FAQ - Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in Boston

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in Boston?

A: Snowport at Seaport and Edaville Holiday Festival of Lights are two of our favorites!

Q: Are there any FREE things to do with kids after Christmas in Boston?

A: Absolutely! The Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette and the Enchanted Village are just a couple of the many free activities.

Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?

A: Most indoor play spaces, like family fun centers and trampoline parks, are open after Christmas.

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?

A: Yes, many Boston light displays are still open after Christmas.

Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Boston?

A: Besides family-friendly First Night Boston, several Boston venues are holding special "Noon" Years Eve events.

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Boston?

A: Yes, Franklin Park Zoo is open, as well as the Museum of Science and the Boston Children's Museum.

Q: What’s the best day trip from Boston during Christmas break with kids?

A: Try a trip to Springfield for the Dr. Seuss Museum and the Basketball Hall of Fame!

Christmas Vacation in Boston - Fun Family Activities

 
Explore the city's history over Christmas vacation in Boston. Photo by Michael Blanchard for the USS Constitution Museum

1. USS Constitution School Vacation Week—Charlestown

December 20, 2025 - January, 2026
Visit the USS Constitution for daily activities including a Life at Sea program, Java Victory Day, and holiday snow globe and lantern making.

2. Annual Festival of Trees at Elm Bank—Wellesley

Daily through December 28, 2025
Kids and families will see decorated trees, enjoy a walk through the snow village and don't forget the fire pit and s'mores! 

3. Snowmazing! Polar Playground at Boston Children's Museum—Fort Point Channel

Through February 2026
Kids ages 1 to 8 will flock to this annual winter playground celebrating 10 years of Christmas break fun. From igloos to "sock skating," there is plenty of indoor fun over a cold holiday vacation!

4. Snowport at Seaport—Boston

Through February 2026
Explore all the fun to be had at Boston's winter playground in the Seaport, from Betty the Yeti to curling, and more family fun!

5. Santa's Brickmas Adventure at LEGO Discovery Center Boston—Somerville

Through January 3, 2026
Brick-masters of Boston, rejoice! There is holiday fun from Christmas through New Years at LEGO Discovery Center Boston, with dancing, building challenges, and other great activities.

6. Boston Winter Fest at Hood Park—Charlestown

Through December 30, 2025
Winter Fest returns to Charlestown, with some cool holiday sights, like an ice castle and Santa's Workshop, as well as plenty of delicious food.

7. Bessie's Rockin' New Years Eve—Acton

December 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year at this afternoon party. Kids will make party hats, noise makers and rock out in their PJ's for a NYE afternoon ball drop. 

 
Boston is going to be filling up with fun activities over the holidays! First Night Boston photo by at 617 Images 

8. First Night Boston 2026—Boston

December 31, 2025
An annual celebration since 1975, families can ring in the New Year in downtown Boston. As is tradition, the day will bring a variety of performances and experiences, ending in a fireworks show to welcome 2026.

9. Candy Engineering—Boston

December 26-27, 2025
Kids (ages 4 and up are recommended) will design a candy maze and experiment with different spice drop structures at the Waterworks Museum. The museum recommends a $5 donation to attend.

10. The Boston Ballet Nutcracker—Boston

Through December 28, 2025
This treasured classic is back on the big stage to make this holiday season bright. Join Clara, Uncle Drosselmeyer, the Mouse King, and all of the cast at the Boston Ballet.

11. Christmas by Candlelight—Sturbridge

December 27 & 28, 2025
Get in one last weekend of Christmas in colonial style at this family fave that features sleigh rides, bonfires, music, and plenty of holiday cheer.

12. SoWa Winter Festival—South End

December 26 - 28, 2025
Boston's SoWa Winter Festival enjoys one last weekend of fun between Christmas and New Year's. And kids 12 and under are FREE!

13. The Enchanted Village—Avon

Now through January 1, 2025
From the blueberry muffins to the holiday dioramas, the Enchanted Village might be Boston's longest running family Christmas tradition. And Jordan's addition of a wicked fun slide makes it even more enchanting.

 
Hit the ice over Christmas break in Boston! Boston Frog Pond photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

14. Skating on Frog Pond—Boston

Throughout the Winter!
Make the most of the chilly weather with some ice skating in the heart of Boston!

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in Boston?

15. Winter Lights—Canton and Stockbridge

Wednesdays to Sundays through January 3, 2026
The gardens at the Bradley Estate and Naumkeag are made even more magnificent at sundown with sparkly lights.

16. Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette—Attleborough

Through January 4, 2026
Take in the holiday lights at Our Lady of La Salette National Shrine, a FREE Christmas light display that is a beloved local tradition.

  
Get in some fun over Christmas vacation at the Stone Zoo! ZooLights at the Stone Zoo, photo by Kelley Heyworth

17. ZooLights at the Stone Zoo—Stoneham

Daily through January 4, 2026
For those who had trouble getting tickets before Christmas, ZooLights will stay aglow through January 5. Take the whole family for this magical tour of lights on a winding illuminated path full of enchanting lights and exotic animals. Reserve tickets online.

18. Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland—Mendon

Through December 28, 2025
Drive through the Winter Wonderland and have a meet and greet with Santa. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or delicious s'mores to warm up.

19. Night Lights: Dazzling Gardens at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill—Boylston

Through January 4, 2026
Enjoy the sparkling lights of New England Botanic Garden's annual holiday light spectacular.

20. Edaville Holiday Festival of Lights—Carver

Through December 28, 2025
What could make Boston's favorite choo-choo even more wonderful? How about music, ice skating, and time with Santa Claus? AND some stunning Christmas lights!

Updated 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025