The holiday season is officially here. With festive parties, tree lightings and holiday shopping just around the corner, it’s not too early to start making your plans for the holiday season.
Whether you’re local to the Boston area, or visiting for the holidays, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to 2018 Boston Holiday Events. Some of the items on the list are activities that my husband and I have been doing for years (I love nothing more than a good tradition). And others are new things that I’d like to try this year. Read on for suggestions for the top Boston Holiday Events this year – and let us know what you check off your list!
Sing Along with The Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall
One of my absolute favorite Boston holiday events (which my husband will attest to!) is going to see the Holiday Pops at Boston’s Symphony Hall. Performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, shows always include a visit from Santa, and a sing-along to classic Christmas carols at the end. Performances run from Dec. 6-24, 2018.
Visit Whoville with “How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical”
This year The Grinch is coming to Boston, and you won’t want to miss this musical. Gavin Lee, the star of SpongeBob Squarepants The Musical, will be playing the Grinch in this heartwarming show about the spirit of Christmas. Shows run from Nov. 28 – Dec. 9, 2018 at the Boch Center Wang Theater on Tremont Street.
See Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker at The Boston Opera House
Performed by The Boston Ballet in the beautiful Boston Opera House, seeing The Nutcracker is another of my favorite annual Boston holiday events. The choreography, costumes and incredible set design will capture your imagination, no matter your age. Performances run from Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2018.
Enjoy Boston’s Sparking Holiday Light Displays
Most of Boston’s tree lighting ceremonies take place in late November, and you’ll usually find Boston aglow with sparkly lights by early December. Two of the largest light displays are the Blink! Light and Sound Show at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which goes from Nov. 28, 2018 – Jan. 1, 2019, and the Tree Lighting on Boston Common, taking place Nov. 29, 2018 at 7pm. Boston Common will also light New England’s tallest Menorah at the 35th Annual 2018 Menorah Lighting at Brewer Fountain. The grand ceremony will take place on Dec. 2, and candles will be lit each day of Hanukkah.
Christopher Columbus Park in the North End is another great place to enjoy holiday lights. The Annual Trellis Lighting is taking place on Nov. 19, 2018, during which the park’s signature trellis will be lit with sparkly blue lights. The Copley Square Tree Lighting is taking place on Nov. 26, 2018, followed by a reception at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. And those in the Seaport area can also enjoy the Light Up Seaport event, taking place on Nov. 30, 2018.
Experience Black Nativity at The Paramount Theater
Combining the Gospel of St. Luke with the verse of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, Black Nativity is one of the most soulful events of the season. The famous song-play incorporates singers, dancers, actors and musicians for a performance that will stay with you long after it’s over. The show’s 12 performances take place between Dec. 7-23, 2018.
Ice Skate on Frog Pond at Boston Common
While skating on Frog Pond at Boston Common may sound like a touristy thing to go, you’ll actually often find locals out on the ice. If you bring your own skates, it’s only $6 to hit the ice – and the pond even offers season passes. It’s especially fun during the month of December, when the trees in the Common are lit up with holiday lights. Skating opens for the season in mid-November.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Museum of Fine Arts
Each year the Museum of Fine Arts Boston hosts a celebration of Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights. You’ll have the chance to explore the MFA’s collection of Judaica, including tours and musical performances, culminating in a community candle-lighting. This year’s event will take place on Dec. 5, 2018.
Shop from Local Makers at SoWa Winter Festival and CraftBoston
I love supporting local artisans and makers and buying unique gifts that you can’t find in big box stores. Boston hosts a variety of markets and craft shows throughout the holidays that are well worth a visit. Two of my favorites include the SoWa Winter Festival which takes place the two weekends following Thanksgiving (Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9, 2018), and CraftBoston, which takes place at the Hynes Convention Center from Dec. 14-16, 2018.
Support Local Shops & Restaurants during Boston’s Holiday Strolls
Boston offers many unique neighborhoods with an awesome selection of independent shops and boutiques. The North End, South End, Back Bay, Fort Point Channel, Beacon Hill and other neighborhoods offer annual Holiday Strolls, during which stores and restaurants stay open late and offer special discounts and goodies. Dates for this year’s Holiday Strolls follow below:
- The North End Holiday Stroll: Nov. 30, 2018 from 5-10pm
- The South End Holiday Stroll: Dec. 5, 2018 from 4-9pm
- The Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll: Dec. 8, 2018 from 6-9pm
- The Newbury Street Holiday Stroll: TBD
- The Fort Point Channel Holiday Stroll: TBD
Host a Christmas Party for Deserving Children with Christmas in the City
Christmas in the City is a wonderful local organization that I’ve been working with for years now. Every year they throw a huge Christmas party for children living in homeless shelters throughout the greater Boston area. Each child receives a gift and enjoys a day of fun. A huge number of volunteers are needed to help throw the party each year, which is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. If you can’t make the party, you can still donate toys, or sponsor a child’s wishlist.
Run in the Santa Speedo Run on Newbury Street
While running through Back Bay in a bathing suit and Santa hat may not sound like your idea of fun, it’s an annual Boston tradition. And it’s for a good cause – the event raises money for local children in need through the Play Ball! Foundation. Starting and ending at Lir Tavern, this year’s run takes place on Boylston and Newbury streets in the Back Bay on Dec. 8, 2018.
Catch a Bruins or Celtics Game at TD Garden
The holidays are a great time to catch a game at the Garden (early Christmas gift, perhaps?). The Bruins and the Celtics each have six home games in November and seven in December. Grab some dinner in the nearby North End – where many of the restaurants get decked out for the holidays – before or after to round out your day. (See my Insider’s Guide to the North End for tips!)
What are your favorite holiday events in the Boston area? Let us know in the comments below!
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Categories: Activities, Boston
Exactly what I was looking for! Local holiday events.