Best Christmas things to do in Boston

The Nutcracker is one of the season’s most beloved traditions, enjoyed by generations, with dancing, glittering sets and holiday magic. Seeing the Boston Ballet’s performance at the Opera House—artistic director Mikko Nissinen’s production features opulent Georgian-era sets and costumes—is memorable for all ages. Check listings for dates, times and tickets.

Playing Nov 24–Dec 31, 2022

This holiday tradition sees Keith Lockhart leading the Boston Pops in spirited performances of holiday classics and new arrangements. Performed in the seasonally-bedecked Symphony Hall, this year's schedule of Holiday Pops concerts includes shorter matinee performances (with a visit from Santa) for children, and even sensory friendly performances. See the website for details and ticket info.

Playing Dec 1–24

Winter in the Commonwealth can be bracing, but if you bundle up and clutch a hot drink with your mittens, it can be downright charming. One of the best winter activities, hitting an ice rink, is beloved by both locals and tourists, and the Hub and its surrounds has no shortage of rinks fit for all levels, from the classic Frog Pond to the recently opened Rink at 401 Park.

This outdoor winter celebration keeps the holiday traditions alive in Downtown Crossing. This year’s theme, Snowflake Crossing, will see festive decor and lights throughout downtown, the Harvard University Band playing holiday classics at One Summer Street, regular visits from Santa Claus and musicians, puppets, a holiday arts and retail market, and snack vendors on Summer Street Plaza.

Starting Nov 18

This unique performance is Tony Williams’ reimagining of the classic tale as a Boston inner-city story. Showcasing a broad diversity of dance forms—classical ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, flamenco and more—the show follows Ruby and her Nutcracker guide as she explores iconic Boston scenes such as Make Way for Ducklings, Chinatown and the Boston Public Garden. Performances take place at the Shubert Theatre.

Playing Dec 16–23

Elaborate displays of twinkling, glimmering holiday lights always get everyone in the spirit of the season, so let’s get jolly over festive decor! We found gorgeous lights displays, tastefully decorated trees, upside down trees and more all around The Hub and beyond. Get ready to drink in lights in town, or take a day trip to celebrate the sparkliest season!

Starting November 10, Snowport returns to the Seaport with fun for the whole family! You’ll find outdoor iceless curling, evergreen trimmings and trees at The Tree Market, an annual holiday tree lighting, Light Up Seaport and the annual Menorah Lighting. The Holiday Market at Snowport returns as well, with new addition Crafting Corner by The Maker’s Club, which will host creative workshops for both kids and adults to make holiday-themed crafts, such as ornament making and playing with Holiday-themed sensory bins for kids. Also new are four holiday-themed bars such as a ringing “Jingle Bar” adorned in hundreds of bells and “The Dizzy Dreidel” decked with spinning dreidels.

There’s not much more New England than bundling up and pulling on snow boots for a hot cocoa run, even when the snow is falling. The great news is that Boston is brimming with rich, sweet, spicy and boozy hot cocoa options. Grab one of these comforting libations to warm up after braving the freezing cold this winter.

Back for another year, the festive pop up bar, Miracle at Marlowe, will be decking the halls and pouring seasonal drinks starting the day after Thanksgiving. The pop  up bar will be playing Christmas tunes, and the room will be aglow with holiday joy and twinkly lights. Bartenders will don their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters while mixing guests Miracle’s specialty cocktails, in special holiday glassware. New cocktails this season include the Carol Barrel, Koala Cooler, Marshmallows & Unicorns, and Rudolph’s Replacement, and the Christmaspolitan will be returning!

Nov 24–Dec 24

Sun–Thur 5pm – 10pm, Fri and Sat 5pm–11pm

Get creative for the holidays at a special wreath making workshop at the Revere Hotel, with Flowergirl Traci.During this festive workshop, you will learn the art of creating a beautiful fresh holiday wreath, full of fresh greens, and seasonal stems, known for their long-lasting qualities. One drink ticket, an 18" grapevine wreath base, tools/wire, and fresh greenery and decor. 

Nov 26 at 12pm, buy tickets here

This holiday season will look unlike any other, but still, after all, it’s that time of the year when we stay in with the family — or book in at one of the best restaurants in Boston for a feast prepared by someone else—more on that below. Looking for things to do in Boston over the holidays, as well as places to eat and play? We’ve got you covered.