Christmas in Boston turns the city into a festive wonderland of lights, spectacular decorations, special holiday music and shows, and plenty of good cheer. 

The winter holiday season is a wonderful time to visit!

Stop by Boston Common for a round ofice skating, or walk over to Columbus Park to see50,000 dazzling blue and white holiday lights glowing from the trellis and nearby trees. 

Enjoy a spectacular performance ofThe Nutcracker orBlack Nativity . . . sing along at aHoliday Pops concert at Symphony Hall . . . take a special Boston HarborHoliday Brunch,Cocoa & Carols,orNew Year's Eve fireworks cruise . . . or attend Christmas Eve midnight mass or church services . . . enjoy hot mulled wine and holiday shopping at one of Boston's holiday markets. 

Or, just walk around and enjoy all the gorgeous lighted trees, serenading carolers, and maybe even snow that make Christmas in Boston so special.

Top photo: Lighted Christmas tree at Faneuil Marketplace, (c) Boston Discovery Guide®

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Where to Find Lighted Christmas Trees

By late November and early December, Boston sparkles with beautifully decorated and festively litChristmas trees. 

Two of the biggest trees stand proudly inBoston Common andFaneuil Hall Marketplace, with more in Copley Square, Seaport, and other locations. 

You can find more lighted trees near Macy's in pedestrian-friendly Downtown Crossing - plus plenty more in store windows, hotel lobbies, and restaurants.

Want to actually see the Christmas lights turned on? Holiday tree lighting events take place in late November - early December. Find the schedule here

Holiday Concerts, Shows, & Performances

Take a look at the fantastic line up of Christmas holiday shows and concerts in Boston this year, and use these ticket discount codes to save on your tickets:

EnterDISCOVERY10 to save10%onTicketLiquidator &TicketNetworktickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/26.

Top Boston Christmas and Holiday Shows & Concerts

Save with this event discount code: 

EnterDISCOVERY10 to save10%onTicketLiquidator &TicketNetworktickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/26.

Christmas Shows Schedule & Tickets

Boston theater during December focuses on the holidays, with Nutcracker shows, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, Harry Potter, and more to be announced soon:

• Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker - Boston Opera House - Through Dec 28
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- Emerson Colonial Theatre - Through Dec 20
• Urban Nutcracker - Shubert Theatre - Dec 13 - 21
• Cirque du Soleil: Twas the Night Before- Wang Theatre - Through Dec 14
• Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto - Agganis Arena - Dec 19 - 29
• Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Snow Queen- Emerson Colonial Theatre - Dec 27

Holiday Pops Schedule & Tickets

See More Seasonal Holiday Show Dates & Tickets

Holiday Shopping Strolls in Boston

Want to shop local?  Holiday shopping strolls in several Boston neighborhoods give you the perfect opportunity to support local businesses, find the perfect gifts, and enjoy other seasonal treats such as refreshments, music, and sparkling Christmas lights and decorations.

Here are locations and dates for a few of Boston's best holiday strolls (to be confirmed) :

• Back Bay, Newbury Street (this 8-block, mile-long famous shopping street will be pedestrian-only for these dates) - November 30 and December 7 (rain/bad weather date: December 14)
• North End, mostly along Salem and Hanover Streets - December 12

Christmas Eve Events in Boston

If you're looking specifically forevents on Christmas Eve, you'll find an excellent mix of music, entertainment, and religious services. 

Keep in mind that many businesses close early, some restaurants will be open only for lunch while others may close all day, and stores will be packed full of last minute shoppers.  Some attractions and tours may also be closed for part or all of Christmas Eve.

Scroll down this page to find information - or use theseQuick Links: Music  | Entertainment  | Church Services

Boston Hotels with Christmas Specials

Boston hotels deck their halls - and their lobbies - with lavish seasonal splendor throughout December and the holiday season. 

Better yet, they get into the spirit of giving by offeringspecial holiday packages.

• Eliot Hotel- "Winter in the City" and "Make Room for the Holidays!"  Check rates
• The Newbury Boston - "Holiday Tea for Two" -Check rates 
• Lenox Hotel - "Fireside Experience Package" -Check rates 
• Bostonian Boston Hotel- "Winter Wonder"-Check rates

Holiday Savings with Boston Discount Cards

Don't forget thatBoston discount passes can save you up to 50% and more on top attractions during the holidays.  They also make nice holiday gifts.  Using a discount card is the easiest way to save money when visiting Boston!

Christmas Shopping in Boston

Boston stores deck their halls - and walls, windows, aisles - with holiday decorations designed to put you into the spending, and of course giving, spirit.

Just seeing all the decorations can be lots of fun.

But if you're serious about shopping, read our recommendations for the best places forChristmas shopping in Boston, especially if you want to accomplish a lot in a short time.

For biggest savings at discount outlets, check outWrentham VillageandAssembly Row.

Boston's Christmas Markets & Winter Festival Markets

Enjoy hot mulled wine, hot chocolate, and plenty of other good things to sip and nibble on while you explore Boston's biggest and bestHoliday Markets this year! 

Depending on what's on offer on any particular day, you may get to see live ice sculpting, holiday workshops, plenty of artisans and vendors - plus it's the perfect way to get all your holiday shopping done in one place at this family-friendly event.

Find out about this year's Christmas Markets in Boston, Cambridge, & Somerville

Special Holiday Cruises on the Northern Lights

Celebrate the holidays while relaxing and sightseeing on the festively decoratedYachtNorthern Lights on thesespecial cruisesaround Boston Harbor:

• Holiday Cocoa & Carols Cruise on the Northern Lights - Sip hot chocolate and treats as you listen to jazzy holiday favorites on this festive cruise -Book now
• Holiday Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights- See historic sights and panoramic views around Boston Harbor with friends and family as you enjoy this relaxing cruise with brunch, hot chocolate, and holiday cheer -Book now
• Holiday Sunset Cruise on the Northern Lights - Enjoy gorgoeous sunset views over the Boston skyline, a cup of hot chocolate, classic holiday hits as you cruise on the festively decorated 1920's style yacht around Boston Harbor -Book now
• New Year's Eve Cruise- Say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2025 on this elegant Boston Harbor cruise with fireworks, live music, and gourmet appetizers; purchase the beverage of your choice onboard - or pre-order a bottle of Moet & Chandon when you book -Book now
• New Year's Day Brunch Cruise - Welcome the New Year with a tasty hot 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing tour around Boston Harbor - perfect start to the New Year! -Book now
• Gift Card - Give the perfect holiday gift!  Shop now

Carolers - Where to Enjoy a Performance

One of the serendipitous delights about walking around Boston in December is happening upon a group ofChristmas carolers.  

Some perform in predictable places likeFaneuil Hall Marketplace and inDowntown Crossing near Macy's, but others appear in random places, singing just for the sheer joy of sharing traditional holiday music and Christmas carols. 

Walk aroundBeacon Hill on almost any evening as Christmas draws near, and you're likely to hear a caroling party or two singing as they wind their way around the narrow streets, carrying candles and spreading holiday cheer. 

Want to participate?  Gather a few of your friends, neighbors, and family members, light a few candles, and form your own caroling party.

More things to do in Boston in December

Christmas in Boston - The Movie

The holiday season brings the perfect excuse to watchChristmas in Boston (#ad), a light-hearted chick-flick movie. 

The plot is silly but sweet - pen pals since middle school, Gina and Seth have never met ...until finally Seth needs to make a Christmas week trip to Boston where Gina works. 

The problem?  All these years, they've been exchanging photos ... but of their best friends rather than of themselves.  You can probably guess what happens - but still, it's fun to watch. 

Note- don't watch this movie with your young kids unless you want to explain a non-culinary use of chocolate syrup.

The Boston part?  Wonderful scenes ofBack Bay and the giant Christmas tree inFaneuil Hall Marketplace. 

More about fun Boston Christmas movies (#ad)

Where to Find Santa in Boston

Boston has plenty of Santas to grant Christmas gift wishes - or at least listen to your child's fantasy gift list. 

You'll get some great photos - a perhaps a few surprises as you hear the wish list unfold.

But to get into the real spirit of Christmas in Boston, watch for Globe Santa, who usually appears at various places throughout the city during the holiday season. 

This is a special Santa, one who really does make wishes come true for the city's neediest families.  When you see him (or her) - give generously!  Find out more about how todonate

You can find plenty more Santas throughout the city - try theShops at Prudential Center,Assembly Row, theSnowport Holiday Market at Seaport, Downtown Crossing - look for pop-up Christmas markets.  You can also find Santa at times at almost everyBoston shopping mall.

Visiting Boston for Christmas? Fun Ways to Explore the City

Christmas Eve Midnight Services & Special Music, Plus Hanukkah Observances

If you're visiting Boston and want to attendChristmas Eve services, Midnight Mass, Christmas Day church services,or Hanukkah or Shabbat services,you'll find a warm welcome from our famous churches and synagogues, regardless of your personal beliefs or religion.  

Here areBoston churches, synagogues, and places of worship with Christmas Eve and Hanukkah services, and strong ties to Boston history.  Please check their websites for service times and possible weather-related updates:

-Arlington Street Church (Unitarian Universalist; 351 Boylston Street, Back Bay; 617-536-7050, www.ascboston.org) - Renowned for its music andTiffany windows
-The Boston Synagogue - (Unaffiliated post-denominational egalitarian Jewish shul with a lay-led congregation; 55 Martha Road, West End, http://bostonsynagogue.org) - Theonly synagogue in downtown Boston; Shabbat and Holiday services every week; award-winning modern building built in 1971
-Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Roman Catholic; 1400 Washington St, South End; 617-542-5682; www.holycrossboston.com) -Gothic Revival style; largest in New England); midnight mass on Christmas Eve
-Emmanuel Church/Center(home to Episcopal and Boston Jewish Spirit congregations; 15 Newbury Street, Back Bay, 617-536-3355; www.emmanuel-boston.org) - Famous forBach cantatas presented during Sunday services
-King's Chapel(Ecumenical; corner of Tremont and School Streets, Historical Downtown Boston; 617-227-2155; www.kings-chapel.org) - Founded in 1686,Freedom Trail site, renowned for its music
-Old North Church (Episcopal; 193 Salem Street, North End; 617-523-6676; www.oldnorth.com) - Freedom Trail site wherePaul Revere arranged for 2 lanterns to be hung; built in 1723; oldest standing church building in Boston; usually has carols on Christmas Eve
-Old South Church (Congregational; corner of Dartmouth & Boylston, Copley Square, Boston; 617-536-1970) - The congregation dates back to 1669 and the second generation of Boston's founders; the magnificent Northern Italian Gothic building is the congregation's third home (you can visit the first, theOld South Meeting House, on theFreedom Trail)
-Park Street Church(Evangelical; One Park Street, across from Boston Common; 617-523-3383; www.parkstreet.org) -Freedom Trail site
- Saint Leonard Church (Roman Catholic; 320 Hanover Street, North End; 617-523-2110) - Founded in 1873 and the first Roman Catholic Church built byItalian immigrants in New England.  Close to the Freedom Trail
-Trinity Church (Episcopal; 206 Clarendon St, Copley Square;617-536-0944; www.trinitychurchboston.org) - World-famous architectural masterpiece byH.H. Richardson; afternoon and midnight services, with special organ music.
- Vilna Shul (Jewish cultural center and historic synagogue; 18 Phillips Street, Beacon Hill neighborhood, Boston; 617-523-2324; www.vilnashul.org) - Built in 1919 but home to a traditional Jewish synagogue of Lithuanian immigrants formed in the 1890s. Beautiful muralsare currently undergoing restoration.  Hosts Hanukkah events and special Shabbats.  Check Vilna Shul'swebsite for details about Chanukah celebrations.

More Christmas and Hanukkah Celebrations in Boston during December

Please note:  All dates in the following section still need to be confirmed for 2025:

• A community-wide Hanukkah A Cappela Concert featuring a wide range of university musical groups takes place at Vilna Shul on December 7 at 12 noon and 4pm.  $0 - $18/person.  On Sunday, December 9, 10-11:30am, Vilna Shul hosts a Hanukkah Celebration for families with young children featuring crafts, singing, donuts, and more.  (18 Phillips Street, Beacon Hill neighborhood). Seewebsite for more details
• Menorah lightsglow on the 32-foot tall menorah in Copley Square during each night of Hanukkah (begins December 14, 2025).  Sponsored byChabad of Boston. 
• Menorah Lighting at One Seaport Courtyard, 60 Seaport Blvd - Join Chabad of Downtown Boston for their annual Seaport Menorah Lighting Ceremony along with holiday Chanukkah treats such as kosher jelly doughnuts and chocolate gelt from 4:30 - 5:30 on December 28
• More menorahs can usually be found at the Massachusetts State House, Faneuil Marketplace, Boston Common, and other locations. 
• Hanukkah Festival of Lights at Museum of Fine Arts- December 11, 5-10pm.  Come meet up for an evening of art, music, and other activities to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.  Activities include face painting, story time, stained glass designs, a photography popup, a klezmer band, and more.  Free, except for the prix-fixe meal (not kosher) offered in the museum's Cafe. 
• Chorus Pro Musica - Candlelight Christmas Celebration featuring Old South's Mitchell Crawford on the Skinner Organ, special guest instrumentalists, and sing-along carols; December 12 at 8pm. Old South Church (Copley Square, corner of Dartmouth & Boylston, Back Bay, Boston. Get your tickets.
• Christmas with the Back Bay Ringers - The handbell ringers presents a program of Christmas music; December 12, 7:30pm atEmmanuel Church (15 Newbury Street, Back Bay, Boston) and additional concerts in Wellesley, Brockton, and Rockport.  Get tickets on theirwebsite.
• Back Bay Chorale: A Boston Christmas - Holiday Concert by the Boston Chorale celebrating the season, including old and new traditional and secular songs and carol from around the world;Old South Church (Copley Square, corner of Dartmouth & Boylston, Back Bay, Boston), December 19 (7pm) and 20 (4pm); check theBoston Chorale website for ticket info
• Central Reform Temple of Boston, 15 Newbury Street (Emmanuel Church), Back Bay neighborhood; Chanukah celebrations appear to be online only again this year; check their December events calendar on theirwebsite for details
• Family Fun Chanukah Celebration at The Boston Synagogue (55 Martha Road in Charles River Park/West End)- no details available yet, so check the temple'swebsite for more information
• Old North Church (193 Salem Street in the North End).  Check theirwebsite for Chirstmas services and music.

Secular Entertainment on December 24

Try these suggestions forsecular entertainment on Christmas Eve (make reservations as early as possible):

Matzo Ball at the Royale (279 Tremont Street, Theatre District) - Music and dance beginning about 9pm on December 24 and ending 2am December 25 for the nation's largest Jewish singles event (according to the sponsors), and no, you don't have to be Jewish to attend this 21+ event. Tickets required, and it always sells out quite early; check for ticket availability in early November: Matzo Ball website

Loews Boston Common Theater - 19 screens of entertainment (175 Tremont Street, across from Boston Common); call 888-262-4386 for shows and times.

Chinatown restaurants - Many, although not all, are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Questions & Answers about Christmas in Boston

Romantic Things to Do in Boston during the Christmas Holidays

Hello!  My name is Shelly. I moved to Massachusetts about a year ago but I don't know much about the state. My boyfriend of three years lives in Florida and he is coming to visit for the Christmas holidays . . .More

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