The season that brings families closer together is coming, and with it, many family-friendly events and activities are the perfect excuse to spend quality time together.
The winter holidays provide the perfect time of year for family bonding, giving an excuse to try new traditions or even old favorites. Many of the events on this list will do the job!
Fortunately, in Boston, there are many opportunities to craft unforgettable moments and embrace the festive spirit as a family this holiday season!
Take a look at our top picks below:
Make sure to take the time to visit the Edaville Festival of Lights, New England’s oldest Christmas tradition!
Families will see steam trains, 250,000+ Christmas lights, food, local businesses and crafters, Santa, vintage amusement rides, and more!
Location:
EDAVILLE FAMILY THEME PARK
DATES:
Thursdays – Sundays, November 9 through December 31 | Thursdays 4 PM-8 PM | Fridays 4 PM-9 PM | Saturdays 2 PM-9 PM | Sundays 2 PM-8 PM
ZOOLIGHTS is a must-visit this holiday season!
Families will enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights spanning Stone Zoo’s 26 acres during ZOOLIGHTS!
Families can reserve a special “Santa Experience” on select nights and meet Mrs. Claus as she strolls throughout the Zoo on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings—and on Christmas Eve!
Location:
Stone Zoo
DATES:
November 17 – January 7, 4 PM – 9:30 PM (Closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 25)
FRIENDSGIVING will allow visitors to join scheduled keeper chats to learn more about family dynamics within the animal kingdom.
Whether finding food or engaging in play, many of the animals living at Stone Zoo depend on these relationships. Watch the animals get in on the Friendsgiving fun with themed enrichment!
Location:
Stone Zoo
DATES:
November 18 – 22, 10 AM – 3 PM
Don’t miss the blue lights on the trellis being turned on the Monday before Thanksgiving, as they have been since 2003!
During this event, families will enjoy holiday sing-alongs, a visit from Santa Claus, cookies, hot chocolate, and clam chowder.
Location:
Christopher Columbus Park
DATES:
November 20, 6 PM
During Holiday Happenings 2023, families will kick off the season with the Grinch, the Gingerbread exhibit, art activities, and more!
This event is free with museum admission. There will be plenty of fun activities for all ages!
Location:
Springfield Museums
DATES:
November 24, 10 AM- 5 PM
This is the perfect chance for families to explore the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village.
Visitors will watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, ride the horse-drawn carriage, and more.
Location:
Old Sturbridge Village
DATES:
November 24, 25, 26, and December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30 |
2 PM – 8 PM
Don’t miss this beautiful tradition in which the City of Boston and guests from the Province of Nova Scotia celebrate the 82nd Annual Tree Lighting on Boston Common on Thursday, November 30.
Location:
Boston Common
DATES:
November 30. 6 PM
Light Up Seaport 2023 is the best way to start the holiday season!
Families will enjoy a big night of lights at the annual tree lighting, Light Up Seaport.
Location:
Boston Seaport
DATES:
December 1, 5 PM- 9 PM
Make sure your little ones don’t miss the annual breakfast with Santa Claus!
This will be a morning filled with activities, including live music, arts and crafts, etc.
Location:
Irish Cultural Center
DATES:
December 2, 11 AM- 1 PM
The 2nd Annual North Pole and Santa’s Goat Barn, a holiday event at Great Rock Farm, is fun for all ages and fully outdoors on a farm!
Be prepared with appropriate clothes and possibly traction on boots, depending on the weather conditions.
Location:
Goats To Go
DATES:
December 2, 1 PM- 3 PM
This experience includes admission, lunch, bus travel, and driver tips!
First, you will enjoy a leisurely lunch at the iconic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. Then, stroll through the gift shops and art galleries under the glow of the holiday decorations on Main Street.
Location:
Naumkeag House & Gardens
DATES:
December 8, 12:30 PM- 7:30 PM
In addition to the Grinch’s Grotto and gingerbread exhibition In the Land of Sugar and Seuss, meet St. Nick and enjoy hands-on activities. This event is free with museum admission.
Location:
Springfield Museums
DATES:
December 16, 10 AM- 5 PM
Families with children ages 2 and up will get to celebrate the season with a family-friendly sing-along featuring dancing snowmen, jingle bells, and lots of snowy fun!
Two friendly performers guide the audience through songs, stories, and imagination games. This interactive puppet cabaret is specially designed for all ages, from the youngest audiences and their big siblings to grown-ups who are young at heart!
Location:
PUPPET SHOWPLACE THEATER
DATES:
December 20, 3:30, 5:30 PM | December 21, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 PM | December 22, 3:30, 5:30 PM | December 23, 10:30 AM, 1 PM
This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to the motion picture in ELF IN CONCERT!
Location:
Wang Theatre
DATES:
December 23, Hours Vary
