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Holiday lights are shining extra brightly this Thanksgiving Weekend 2023 in Boston. Photo courtesy of the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
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11/21/23 - By N Ferreira

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.  

More Things To Do in Boston this Week with Kids:

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Santa comes to Boston this Thanksgiving Weekend 2023, courtesy of Rudolph and company! Production photo from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the Musical
Santa comes to Boston this Thanksgiving Weekend 2023, courtesy of Rudolph and company! Production photo from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the Musical

Thanksgiving Weekend 2023 in Boston - Things To Do with Kids

Santa's Wonderland

Foxborough—Daily through Sunday, December 24, 2023
Enjoy a free photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland in Foxborough.  READ MORE

The Polar Express 4-D Experience

Boston—Daily through Thursday, December 7, 2023
THE Polar Express 4-D Experience is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Featured in digital 3-D and brought to life with 4-D multi sensory effects, this is an immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy. READ MORE

ZooLights at Stone Zoo

Stoneham—Daily through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy a one-way stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, bald eagle, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. This year, several illuminated large-scale lantern displays will light up your winter's night. READ MORE

Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Loudon, NH—Thursday, November 23 - Sunday, December 31, 2023
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is trading in the checkered flags for more than 3.5 million twinkly LED lights for their 11th annual Gift of Lights. Passengers will cruise through 2.5 miles of lights at this drive-thru experience, including the Tunnel of Lights. READ MORE

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette

Attleborough—Daily through December 31, 2023
Free
Celebrate La Salette Shrine lights 71st year. The lights have been shining brightly each year at Christmastime since 1953. Come one, come all to see angels, snowflakes, the Three Kings, the Peaceable Kingdom, and over 2,000 manger scenes from around the world illuminated by 400,000 lights.  READ MORE

16th Annual Festival of Trees at Elm Bank

Wellesley—Wednesdays - Sundays through December 31, 2023
Families are invited to the Garden at Elm Bank this holiday season to experience a festive wonderland! The illuminated walking path leads through lighted gardens, a captivating train display, and enchanting historic trees. READ MORE

Winterlights - Naumkeag

Canton—Wednesdays - Sundays through January 6, 2024
Enjoy a magical outdoor experience and get in the holiday spirit and take a stroll through thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Food and refreshments will also be available. READ MORE

Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland

Mendon—Wednesdays - Sundays through December 31, 2023
This year’s Winter Wonderland guests will enjoy two events in one. Winter Wonderland and the Festival of Illumination will feature a ride through an enchanted forest on Santa's train. READ MORE

SoWa Winter Festival

Boston— Thursdays -Sundays through December 17, 2023
At this winter shopping village and holiday festival, visitors can browse handmade gifts, sip on winter cocktails, and discover the best of the SoWa Art + Design District. READ MORE

Christmas by Candlelight Sturbridge

Sturbridge — Fridays -Sundays through December 30, 2023
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an enchanting evening filled with New England holiday traditions, Colonial music, sleigh rides, a roaring bonfire, and a nightly tree lighting.  READ MORE

Polar Express Train Ride on Cape Cod Central Railroad

Hyannis—Fridays -Sundays through December 23, 2023
Adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a merry-making cast. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on the Polar Express for a trip to meet Santa. READ MORE

Fall Family Scavenger Hunt

Westwood—Friday, November 24, 2023
Free
Make this Black Friday a green one. The treasure chests are back and this free, self-guided adventure invites explorers to hike scenic trails, complete fun activities, learn about the outdoors, and find prizes along the way.  READ MORE

Green Friday Hike at Lyman Reserve

Plymouth — Friday, November 24, 2023
Stretch those legs after a day of Thanksgiving feasting! Head over to Lyman Reserve the day after Thanksgiving (also known as Green Friday, a more eco-conscious take on Black Friday) for a guided hike. READ MORE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Boston— Friday - Sunday, November 24 - 26, 2023
Go see characters from this holiday classic, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life on stage. READ MORE

SeaFestival of Trees

Salisbury—Fridays -Sundays through December 3, 2023
Experience the joy and excitement of the Seacoast’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, indoor ice skating, and Santa visits. READ MORE

Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

North Andover—Wednesdays - Sundays through December 31, 2023
This Trustees' beautiful garden property sparkles with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Bring the whole family for a magical, fun, and safe outdoor experience – with food, refreshments, and more.  READ MORE

Castleberry Faire: Wilmington

Wilmington— Friday, November 24 -26, 2023
Celebrate American handiwork by choosing from plenty of gifts, accessories, decorative items, arts and crafts from local and regional artisans. READ MORE

Boston Tuba Christmas Concert

Boston— Sunday, November 25, 2023
Free
Get in the holiday spirit with more than 100 local tuba players playing your favorite holiday tunes. The warm and enchanting sound of this tuba-euphonium choir has won the hearts of audiences throughout the world, so do not miss your chance to be part of this holiday tradition. READ MORE

Girl Gang Craft Salem Holiday Craft Fair

Salem— Sunday, November 26, 2023
Shop from over 50 female-owned local businesses at this bustling holiday craft fair in Salem. READ MORE

Make a Gingerbread House

Beverly—Sunday, November 26 & Saturday, December 2, 2023
Build a delicious house out of candy and gingerbread. Work together to design and decorate this sweet treat—from frosted candy roofs to pretzel picket fences, options are endless. READ MORE

Ames Mansion Tour for Kids

Easton — Sunday, November 26, 2023
Free
Take a step back in time at the Ames Mansion Kids Tour. During the 30-minute guided tour, history buffs will learn about the history of the Ames family from the perspective of the Ames children. READ MORE

Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln and North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway, NH— Fridays - Sundays, November 24 - December 23, 2023
Go on the family adventure of a lifetime aboard the magical journey. The Journey to the North Pole offers a unique experience that only happens in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Take a magical trip to see Santa, his workshop, and his busy elves at the North Pole. READ MORE

The Nutcracker

Weston — Fridays - Sundays, November 24 - December 16, 2023
The Commonwealth Ballet Company is proud to bring the magic of The Nutcracker to Regis College for nine performances. The November 24 1pm show is a sensory-friendly show. READ MORE

Night Lights: Starry Skies at New England Botanic Garden

Boylston — Daily through December 31, 2023
Night Lights: Starry Skies will take visitors on a journey through the cosmos and back. Thousands of individual lights transform many of the botanic garden’s formal garden spaces and conservatories into starry spectacle.  READ MORE
Work off the extra helpings by cutting your own tree this year! Photo courtesy of Smolak Farms
Work off the extra helpings by cutting your own tree this year! Photo courtesy of Smolak Farms

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Places featured in this article:

New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Our Lady of La Salette National Shrine
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot
The Stevens-Coolidge Place
Aleppo Shriners Auditorium
Downtown Crossing, Boston
Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink at Larz Anderson Park