Christmas in Boston: Top Festive Things to Do This Season

Christmas in Boston feels like stepping into a classic holiday movie—twinkling lights overhead, festive markets buzzing with energy, and treasured traditions filling every corner of the city. From the iconic tree lightings at Boston Common and Copley Square to cozy hot-chocolate strolls through Beacon Hill, the city transforms into a true winter wonderland. Whether you’re here for holiday shopping, magical performances, or family-friendly events, Boston delivers seasonal charm in every neighborhood. This guide brings together the top festive things to do this season so you can experience the city at its most joyful. As one of North America’s most historic cities, Boston blends classic charm with modern holiday spirit, making December feel like pure winter nostalgia.

Is Boston Worth Visiting at Christmas?

Yes—Boston is absolutely worth visiting at Christmas. The city transforms into a winter wonderland filled with historic charm, festive lights, and one of the most impressive holiday event calendars in New England. Here’s why:

A Classic Winter Wonderland

Boston feels warm and magical in December, even with the cold air. Twinkling lights fill Boston Common, Copley Square, and Beacon Hill. Holiday music, decorated streets, and seasonal markets create a cozy, storybook atmosphere. The glowing Christmas lights and giant decorations feel straight out of a 20th century holiday postcard.

Endless Things to Do

The city is packed with Christmas activities—tree lightings, holiday markets, family-friendly shows, festive food events, and winter attractions. From Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to Santa Claus appearances across the city, the festive season fills nearly every corner of Boston.

Who Will Love Visiting Boston in December?

Families

Great for kid-friendly holiday markets, Santa meet-and-greets, ZooLights, and enchanting performances.

Couples

Romantic lights trails, waterfront strolls, holiday cruises, and scenic dinners make December a perfect getaway.

Culture Lovers

Boston’s holiday arts scene is one of the best in the country—The Nutcracker, Holiday Pops, Black Nativity, Christmas Revels, and more.

Foodies

Warm cafés, festive pop-ups, holiday cocktails, and winter menus make December a great month for eating your way through the city.

Sports Fans

Catch the Bruins or Celtics at TD Garden—ideal for visitors who love mixing holiday travel with big-game energy.

How Cold Is Boston at Christmas?

Boston is cold at Christmas, but it is a beautiful kind of cold—crisp air, winter lights, and a festive atmosphere everywhere you go. Cold evenings create the perfect backdrop for hot cocoa, candy canes, and warm winter strolls through decorated neighborhoods. With the right clothing, it’s very comfortable to explore.

Temperature Range

December temperatures usually sit between 30°F and 45°F (-1°C to 7°C). Nights can drop below freezing, especially closer to Christmas week.

Wind & Waterfront Chill

Boston’s waterfront areas—like the Seaport, Boston Harbor, and the North End—feel colder because of the wind. Windchills can make temperatures feel 5–10 degrees lower, so warm layers are important.

Snow and Ice

Light snow is common in December. You may see icy sidewalks early in the morning or late at night. Most days are still easy to walk around, but winter gear is helpful.

What to Wear in Boston at Christmas?

• Layers keep you warm outdoors but comfortable indoors. Wear a base layer, a sweater, and a waterproof winter jacket.

• Choose warm, waterproof boots with good grip. Streets and paths can be wet or icy.

• A hat

• Gloves

• A scarf

• Warm socks

These layers also help if you're exploring outdoor Christmas tree lighting events or wandering through busy department stores and shopping mall spaces filled with holiday cheer.

Boston at Its Sparkliest

Boston glows during Christmas. The city fills with twinkling lights, giant trees, and festive displays that turn every neighborhood into a winter wonderland. These are the brightest spots to visit during the holiday season.

Boston Common Tree

The Boston Common Christmas tree is the city’s most famous holiday symbol. It is a yearly gift from Nova Scotia, thanking Boston for its help after the 1917 Halifax Explosion. The tree lighting ceremony includes live music, holiday performances, and a special show by the Skating Club of Boston at Frog Pond. The ceremony often draws thousands of locals and visitors who gather to soak in the holiday cheer on one of Boston’s brightest December nights.

Copley Square Tree Lighting

Copley Square hosts another beloved tree lighting. Families gather for music, crafts, and warm drinks. Fairmont Copley Plaza often offers a family reception with treats and festive décor.

Downtown Crossing & Macy’s Windows

Downtown Crossing turns into a pedestrian holiday zone with decorated trees, glowing arches, and classic Macy’s window displays.

Boston’s Holiday Lights Trail

You can connect the city’s major trees and displays into your own walking route. This DIY lights trail is an easy way to explore festive streets and neighborhoods at your own pace.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting

This Back Bay boulevard becomes one of Boston’s most elegant winter scenes. Tall trees wrapped in white lights line the entire street, creating a peaceful and picture-perfect walk.

Christopher Columbus Park Trellis

The trellis lights up with over 50,000 blue and white lights. It is a glowing tunnel at the entrance to the North End and a must-see for nighttime photos.

JP Holiday Light Show

The Jamaica Plain projection show adds colorful animations to local buildings. It feels playful and modern, perfect for families.

The Anchor at Charlestown Navy Yard

Martin’s Park Ship Lighting

This children’s park hosts a magical ship lighting ceremony. The park becomes a sparkling playground filled with glowing decorations.

ZooLights at Stone Zoo (Stoneham)

Stone Zoo transforms into a glowing winter world. Visitors walk through illuminated animal habitats and themed holiday scenes.

Southwick’s Zoo Winter Wonderland (Mendon)

This zoo offers beautiful lights, walkthrough displays, and the Festival of Illumination. It is great for families who want a full evening experience.

Winterlights by The Trustees

These are some of the most stunning light shows in Massachusetts. Locations include:

• Naumkeag in Stockbridge

• The Bradley Estate in Canton

• Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens (Wellesley / North Andover)

Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium (Foxborough)

This drive-through experience features tunnels, animated displays, and colorful arches. It is an easy and cozy option on cold nights.

Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield)

This is one of the largest drive-through holiday light displays in New England. It has massive themed sections, character displays, and plenty of photo spots.

La Salette Shrine Festival of Lights (Attleboro)

La Salette features over 400,000 lights, nativity scenes, and peaceful walking paths. It is a beautiful place for visitors seeking a spiritual or reflective holiday moment.

Does Boston Have Good Christmas Markets?

Boston has excellent Christmas markets filled with local makers, festive food, and cozy winter energy. From huge seasonal markets to neighborhood pop-ups, there is something for every shopper. These markets are family-friendly, easy to explore, and perfect for holiday shopping.

Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market

Snowport Holiday Market (Seaport)

Snowport is Boston’s biggest and most popular Christmas market. It features 120+ makers, food stalls, warm drinks, and a custom cocktail bar. There is also an evergreen tree market and festive décor throughout the Seaport.

SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market (South End)

The SoWa Winter Festival brings together over 100 New England artists, makers, and specialty food vendors. It’s held in indoor and covered spaces, making it a warm and comfortable winter outing.

SoWa Vintage Market (Weekly)

This year-round vintage and antiques market becomes extra festive during December. It is a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, retro decorations, and handmade treasures.

Harvard Square Holiday Fair

One of the city’s longest-running juried fairs. It spans multiple weekends with crafts, textiles, jewelry, and global gift items.

Gifted Holiday Market at Fairmont Copley Plaza

Held inside the elegant Fairmont Copley Plaza Ballroom, this one-day market features curated handmade items in a festive historic setting.

Boston Women’s Holiday Market

A lively pop-up market featuring local women-owned businesses, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats.

Kilroy Square Holiday Market

A multi-day outdoor market with over 90 vendors, hot cocktails, and a holiday beer garden.

Holiday Market at View Boston

Visitors can browse local goods while enjoying skyline views and festive cocktails.

Which Classic Ice Skating Rinks and Outdoor Winter Games Can I Play in Boston?

Frog Pond Ice Skating (Boston Common)

Frog Pond is Boston’s most famous rink. It offers skate rentals, lockers, and warm drinks like hot cocoa. The rink also hosts a Skating Spectacular during the tree lighting ceremony at Boston Common.

Kendall Square Rink (Cambridge)

This rink is smaller and quieter, making it great for beginners and families. It also hosts a holiday ice show during December.

Winter Skate at Patriot Place (Gillette Stadium)

Located next to the home of the New England Patriots, this rink has a festive football-themed atmosphere. It’s ideal for a full day out with dining and shopping nearby.

Warrior Ice Arena (Boston Landing)

This is the official practice rink of the Boston Bruins. It offers public skate sessions, making it a fun spot for sports fans.

Snowport Winter Wonderland (Seaport)

Snowport transforms the Seaport into a playful winter zone. Visitors can enjoy giant outdoor games like curling lanes, bocce, Jenga, and Battleship.

What are Some Boston’s Must-See Holiday Classics?

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Performed at the Citizens Bank Opera House, this is Boston’s most famous holiday show. The dancing, costumes, and sets create a magical experience for all ages.

Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall

The Boston Pops perform cheerful Christmas music in one of the most beautiful halls in the country. There are afternoon matinees, kids’ concerts, and sensory-friendly shows.

Black Nativity

Presented by the National Center of Afro-American Artists, this show blends gospel, narration, and dance. It is based on Langston Hughes’ telling of the nativity story and is full of powerful music.

Urban Nutcracker

This Boston favorite mixes ballet with tap, hip hop, jazz, and flamenco. It brings a modern, diverse twist to the classic Nutcracker story.

The Christmas Revels

A warm, multicultural celebration of the winter solstice. It features singing, storytelling, folk traditions, and audience participation.

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn

A beloved Irish/folk show performed at theaters around Massachusetts. It features live music, dance, and sweet holiday storytelling.

Where to Go For Holiday Walks & Strolls in the City?

Freedom Trail Holiday Stroll

This special version of Boston’s famous Freedom Trail is led by costumed guides. They share stories of colonial Christmas traditions, winter life in early Boston, and festive moments from Revolutionary times.

Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll

Beacon Hill looks magical during Christmas. The stroll features carolers, horse-drawn rides, tree lighting, and glowing gas lamps. The neighborhood’s brick paths and Victorian charm make it feel like stepping back in time.

Canal District Holiday Stroll (Worcester)

This lively stroll includes local shopping, performances, and winter activities. It is a great option for families visiting central Massachusetts.

Community Holiday Strolls Across Massachusetts

Many towns host small, cozy strolls with lights, treats, and local traditions. Popular ones take place in Framingham, Hudson, Marlborough, Wayland, and South Hadley.

Boston Harbor Ice Sculpture Stroll (New Year’s Eve)

This is one of Boston’s most beloved winter traditions. Artists create ice sculptures across the waterfront, and visitors enjoy a free, self-guided walking trail on New Year’s Eve. Since the event takes place on December 25 and through New Year's festivities, it’s a perfect way to extend your holiday spirit into the final days of the year.

Waterfront Lights & Columbus Park Trellis

The waterfront lights create a peaceful winter walk. The Christopher Columbus Park Trellis shines with more than 50,000 blue and white lights, making it one of the most iconic holiday spots in the city.

Are There Coastal Christmas Escapes in Boston?

These coastal escapes also make great alternatives to crowded York City destinations during the holidays, offering quieter charm and stunning winter scenery.

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude (Maine)

Kennebunkport becomes a picture-perfect Christmas village in December. Highlights include Santa arriving by lobster boat, a festive hat parade, and cozy shops decorated with lights and garlands.

Ogunquit – Christmas by the Sea

Ogunquit hosts one of Maine’s most beloved holiday weekends. Expect bonfires on the beach, caroling, parades, artisan markets, and a peaceful small-town holiday atmosphere.

Camden – Christmas by the Sea

This charming harbor town celebrates with parades, concerts, and craft fairs. At night, look for the shining star over Mt. Battie, which creates a magical backdrop over the village.

Rockport “Christmas in Rockport”

Rockport feels like a classic New England postcard during Christmas. Santa arrives by boat, the Dock Square tree lights up the downtown, and a live nativity adds historic charm.

What is the Boston Frostival?

Boston has entered a brand-new winter era with Boston Frostival, a city-wide celebration that runs from late November through February. It turns Boston into a full-season destination filled with lights, art, games, and festive events. It’s Boston’s answer to northern lights–style winter magic, with glowing installations and sparkling night skies throughout the city.

Boston Frostival combines holiday traditions, outdoor fun, cultural programming, and illuminated attractions into one cohesive experience. It spreads across multiple neighborhoods and encourages visitors to explore Boston in a whole new way.

Drone Shows Over Boston Common

One of Frostival’s biggest highlights is the illuminated drone shows. These shows run on Saturday nights from late November through December. Hundreds of synchronized drones animate holiday scenes, winter characters, and sparkling patterns high above the Common. The entire park becomes a viewing platform, making this one of the most magical free events in the city.

Ferris Wheel on the Greenway

During Frostival, a winter Ferris wheel rises on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. It offers panoramic views of downtown, the waterfront, and the harbor. It’s a fun, unexpected attraction perfect for photos and a warm drink afterward.

Copley Square Winter Games Hub

From February 6–28, Frostival transforms Copley Square into a Winter Games–themed hub inspired by the upcoming Milan Olympics. Expect interactive sports installations, themed activities, festive décor, and cold-weather fun. It makes Back Bay feel alive even in the chilliest weeks of winter.

Femme Fête Wine Festival

One of Frostival’s most exciting additions is Femme Fête, a wine festival celebrating women winemakers and women-owned wineries from around the world. Hosted at the historic Cyclorama, it’s an evening of sampling, storytelling, and artsy winter ambiance.

Conclusion

Christmas in Boston sparkles with lights, music, markets, and timeless New England charm. Whether you’re exploring festive neighborhoods, sipping hot chocolate on the waterfront, or enjoying world-class holiday shows, the city offers something joyful for every traveler. With so many family-friendly events, cozy spots to warm up, and magical winter experiences, Boston is the perfect place to celebrate the season.