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15 Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

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
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
11/30/25 - By N Ferreira

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of the top things to see and do in Boston with kids this month.

December is when the whole city feels like it’s wrapped in holiday lights and running on hot cocoa. Snowport at Seaport turns the waterfront into a full-on winter playground, where little ones can try curling and hunt for Betty the Yetti like it’s their new family mission. The Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour brings that cozy, small-town magic to neighborhoods all over the city. The Nutcracker and all the holiday shows return (cue the sugarplum daydreams), and First Night Boston 2026 is ready to help families ring in the new year with plenty of sparkle. Here are the best things to do in Boston with kids this December—holiday joy, guaranteed.

Don't miss the Must Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Boston for Kids. Find more top things to do in our Winter Activities Guide. If you're already dreading the cold though, take a look at our recommendations for 40 Best Warm and Sunny Family Vacation Ideas and start planning a winter getaway. 

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.  And get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Things are getting extra festive in Boston this December! Photo courtesy of First Night Boston
Things are getting extra festive in Boston this December! Photo courtesy of First Night Boston

Top Things To Do in Boston with Kids this December 2025

Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker

Boston
Through December 28, 2025
Slip away into the warm drawing room of the Silberhaus family and watch as Clara’s surroundings transform before your eyes. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this classical ballet—set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky—continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. READ MORE

The BSO's Holiday Pops

Boston
Rejoice as the Boston Pops return for performances filled with holiday music favorites, the jubilant Pops sing-along, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Started in 1973 by Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, these concerts take place in the magical atmosphere of world-famous Symphony Hall, beautifully decorated to evoke all the magic and charm of the season. READ MORE

2025 Boston Common Tree Lighting

Boston—FREE
Friday, December 4, 2025
It's the 84th Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting! Hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu, with special appearances by Santa and Rudolph. The ceremony includes lighting Boston's official Christmas tree and trees through the Commons and Public Garden.  READ MORE

Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour

Boston— FREE
December 6-7, 2025
For the 29th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event includes visits with Santa, tree lightings, and more. READ MORE

SNOWPORT at Seaport

Seaport—FREE
Through December 31, 2025
Hold on to those handwarmers -- the Seaport has been shaken up in a giant snow globe, transforming the neighborhood into a magical winter wonderland. READ MORE

Sutton Chain of Lights

Sutton — FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
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

Night Lights: Dazzling Gardens at New England Botanic Garden

Boylston
Through January 4, 2026
Enter an illuminated world where the stars of the botanic garden shine, and where sparkling experiences and one-of-a-kind light displays inspire joy that lasts all year. It’s a celebration of nature like never before seen—bright, bold, and full of dazzle. READ MORE

Taunton Lights on Festival

Taunton —FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Unwrap the magic of the city at Taunton's Lighting of the Green & 2025 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

The Union Square Jingle

Somerville
Sunday, December 7, 2025
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

Kids Only! Holiday Sale

Cambridge
Thursday & Friday, December 11-12, 2025
Begun in 1986, the Kids Only Holiday Sale provides an opportunity for school-age children to purchase gifts for family and friends in a safe, supportive and fun environment.  READ MORE

Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”

Boston
December 13 - 21, 2025
Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”, the modern Boston-centric holiday classic presented by City Ballet of Boston, returns this December.  READ MORE

Annual Menorah Lighting on the Boston Common

Boston — FREE
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Head over to the Boston Common for the 41st annual celebration of Chanukah 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

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Favorites

Brookline
Saturday, December 26, 2025
Get lost in the magic of this candlelit Christmas performance from the Listeso String Quartet. READ MORE

Bessie’s Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve

Acton
Wednesday, December 31, 2024
Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll into the New Year by making party hats and noise makers! Come decked out in festive pajamas and stick around for the countdown to 12:00 (noon) with a Noon Years’ Eve ball drop. READ MORE

First Night Boston 2026

Boston — FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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 2026 with an array of performances.  READ MORE

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