Boston is one of the most special places along the East Coast to visit during Christmas. If you’re planning to be in Boston at Christmas time, check out this list of the best things to see and do around the city during the holidays. A Boston Christmas is one of those special things to do in Massachusetts that you should experience.
Things To Do in Boston At Christmas
Find Your Favorite Boston Christmas Tree
Boston is decked out in Christmas trees from the hotels to the stores and outside.
Boston Common Christmas Tree
Boston’s official Christmas tree is lit up each year in the Boston Common and Public Garden. The tree lighting celebration is one of the biggest events of the year. People come to see the trees illuminated and ice skate on Frog Pond.
The official Boston Christmas tree is in Boston Common
Trees at Faneuil Marketplace and Copley Square
Faneuil Marketplace and Copley Square are two other places where you can check out Christmas trees in Boston. Each of these squares also participates in the annual tree lighting celebration, but if you miss the actual event, the trees will remain decorated throughout December!
Check out the Boston Christmas Lights
Boston Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
If you want to see all the top light displays of the Old Town area of Boston, the trolley tour is the perfect thing to do in Boston at Christmas time. The tour will make several stops along the way, and yummy holiday treats are included!
Take a special Old Town Trolley tour to see the Christmas lights in Boston
Somerville Illuminations Tour
The annual Illuminations Trolley Tour in Somerville is something you won’t want to miss when you’re in Boston during the Christmas season. The spectacular light display can be seen from the comfort of a trolley car while enjoying music, hot chocolate, and cookies.
Blink! Christmas Light Show at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
A fun (and free!) light and sound show at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, this performance is an excellent activity for the whole family, featuring favorite holiday songs and cool Christmas light decorations.
Don’t miss the Christmas tree at Faneuil Market Place when you are in Boston at Christmas time.
Shop the Holiday Christmas Markets
SoWa Winter Festival
Boston’s biggest winter shopping village, SoWa is the place to go to find cool gifts and amazing handmade artwork. Local vendors will set up their booths selling everything from seasonal craft brews and delicious Christmas pastries to delicate Christmas ornaments.
Snowport Winter Village
Each year, the Seaport of Boston turns into Snowport – a fun and family-friendly shopping area full of crafts, games, food, and more. You’ll be able to find gifts for all your friends and family, plus enjoy the fun entertainment that only happens during Christmas in Boston.
Don’t miss the traditional shopping stores such as those at the Prudential Center in Boston.
Take in the Boston Christmas Shows
Boston Ballet Nutcracker
The annual Nutcracker ballet is a show you won’t want to miss when you’re in Boston during Christmas. Relax and enjoy this beloved Christmas classic, performed by world-class dancers in a beautiful holiday venue.
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity
Experience the masterwork Black Nativity from Boston’s famous Harlem Renaissance writer, Langston Hughes, performed live! This annual show is full of gospel carols and Christmas spirit.
Boston Pops Orchestra
The renowned Boston Pops Orchestra has an annual Christmas concert, a fun holiday show for the whole family. Traditional orchestral music is combined with carol sing-alongs, so people of all ages can enjoy the show.
More Boston Christmas Events
Even the stately Old State House in Boston gets into the Christmas spirit
Boston Tea Party Annual Reenactment
December 16th marks the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. Each year, a re-enactment takes place right in Boston Harbor. It’s a fun (and free!) event for people of all ages and is definitely not your run-of-the-mill Christmas celebration.
Santa Speedo Run
This is one Christmas event you can’t find anywhere other than Boston! The Santa Speedo run is an annual race. Just as the name suggests, participants take part wearing only Santa hats and speedos. Sign up to participate, or just come and watch the fun.
Ice Skating on Frog Pond
Located in the Boston Common, Frog Pond is often considered the best outdoor rink in the US! Tickets to skate are cheap, and it’s guaranteed to be fun for people of all ages visiting Boston at Christmas time.
Ice skating on Frog Pond is a fun activity in Boston at Christmas
Nearby Boston Christmas Activities
Enchanted Village in Avon, MA
This beloved Boston Christmas display was shown in Jordan Marsh’s downtown store venue during the 1960s and 70s. Lost for a few years when the display closed, it was revived in 1990 in Avon, where you can still see it every year!
Zoolights Stone Zoo
This is a great activity for families traveling to Boston for Christmas. All 26 acres of the zoo are decorated in beautiful Christmas lights, so you can tour the ground to see all the animals as well as a fantastic Christmas show
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Spending Christmas in Boston Massachusetts? Our list of top things to do in Boston makes your Christmas travel destination magical! In Boston things to do include ice skating on Frog Pond, taking a Boston Christmas lights tour and buying that perfect gift at a Christmas market. One unique thing to do in Boston Christmas time is the Boston Tea Party reenactment every December. Boston Christmas decorations bedazzle the city. A Boston winter may even mean you get to spend a White Christmas!
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