Get ready for Boston to sparkle with holiday magic. Twinkling lights, festive pop-ups, and joyful moments will soon await around every corner.
Don’t miss a thing with our ultimate Holiday Bucket List.
Cheer on Your Favorite Boston Sports Team
There’s no better place to heat up your winter than TD Garden. Cheer on the Boston Bruins as they take the ice or catch the Boston Celtics in action on the court. Not a hockey or basketball fan? Don’t worry, Boston and the surrounding area offer plenty of sporting events throughout the holiday season for everyone to enjoy.
See which sporting events are happening in Boston.
Shop Local at a Holiday Market
Boston is bursting with shops, markets, and holiday cheer to help you check everyone off your list. Explore local vendors at iconic pop-up markets like SoWa Winter Festival or the Holiday Market at Snowport, or indulge in luxury finds at the Prudential Center and Copley Place.
For a classic Boston experience, visit Newbury Street or Charles Street, then take a stroll along the tree-lit paths of Commonwealth Ave. Looking for even more festive finds? Head to Somerville’s Assembly Row or the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, just a short drive from the city.
Discover where to shop this holiday season in Boston.
Attend a Holiday Performance
Few things capture the season like Boston’s cherished holiday shows. Bring your favorite people to timeless traditions like the Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall, the Boston Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, or Black Nativity, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Find upcoming holiday performances in Boston.
Get Out on the Ice
Experience the joy of the season on the ice. Whether you’re spinning a graceful pirouette, shooting some pucks, or simply trying not to fall, outdoor rinks offer something for everyone. The Frog Pond in the heart of Boston Common is a must-visit, with twinkling lights overhead, plenty of nearby restaurants, and festive shopping just steps away.
Hit the ice this holiday season.
Celebrate at a Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Get into the holiday spirit at one of the city's lighting ceremonies. From beloved landmarks to entire neighborhoods—and, of course, Christmas trees—Boston knows how to make the season shine. Can’t make it to a ceremony? Follow Boston’s Holiday Lights Trail, where dazzling illuminations throughout the city create a magical route of holiday cheer for everyone to enjoy.
View the holiday lighting schedule.
Dine at a Holiday-Themed Restaurant or Bar
During the most wonderful time of the year, Boston knows how to deck the halls in style. Enjoy a festive drink or seasonal meal with family and friends at one of the city’s holiday-themed bars and restaurants. We recommend Sippin’ Santa at Shore Leave or the annual pop-up Hanukkah bar that returns to Boston each year.
Grab a table at these bars and restaurants.
Belly Up to Boston’s Best Hotel Bars
Cap off a day of shopping with the perfectly made cocktail. Boston’s finest hotels serve up drinks worth lingering over: try an Old Fashioned at Street Bar at The Newbury, a Boston Sling at the Long Bar and Terrace at Raffles, or a Manhattan at Trifecta at the Four Seasons One Dalton. For holiday flair, head to City Bar at The Lenox for a Vesper, settle in at OAK Long Bar at the Fairmont Copley Plaza for an Espresso Martini and cookie skillet, and don’t miss the upside-down Christmas tree at The Liberty Hotel.
Explore Boston's must-visit hotel bars.
Find Some Stillness in a Museum Exhibit
Take a break from the holiday bustle (might we say near chaos!) at one of Boston's world-renowned museums. Explore one of the Museum of Fine Art's visiting exhibits or timeless treasures, take a walk through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and learn more about the woman behind the art collection, or see science and technology come alive at the Museum of Science. There’s something to inspire every age and interest during the holiday season.
Discover Boston's top museums.
Score Tickets to a Concert
Boston’s legendary music venues host an incredible lineup of concerts all season long. Catch big-name headliners at TD Garden or MGM Music Hall, or discover old and new favorites at the House of Blues and Brighton Music Hall. Want to keep the holiday spirit going? Check out the full calendar of holiday performances happening throughout the city.
Find upcoming concerts in Boston.
Celebrate the New Year with First Night
Since 1976, Boston’s First Night has welcomed the New Year with live entertainment, light displays, and family-friendly fun across downtown. Gather loved ones and ring in the year Boston-style.
See what's on the schedule.
Whether it’s your first visit, your hundredth trip, or simply a night out in your own neighborhood, Boston offers endless ways to celebrate the season!
