Home > Shark Guides > Events > Winter Events > Christmas in Boston

Christmas in Boston

Snowflakes blowing in the wind, hot cocoa, classic holiday music… Christmas in Boston is the picture of the perfect holiday scene. Just add some chestnuts roasting on an open fire and snap yourself a holiday greeting card for friends and family while you’re at it. There are tons of entertaining activities to do around the holiday time to get in the Christmas spirit. From ice skating, caroling, to soaking in the old atmosphere and the classic New England ambiance, here are some classic Christmas events you don’t want to miss!

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Faneuil Hall

Although not necessarily around Christmas, if you happen to be in Boston mid-November, check out the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Faneuil Hall. It’s a classic Christmas tradition not to be missed. During the day, enjoy holiday performances from choir groups, dancers, Boston Ballet Nutcrackers in costume, and of course, snap a picture with Santa Claus himself. In the evening, stick around for the actual lighting ceremony for a tree that takes over a week to install and is decorated with over 20,000 lights and 1,500 ornaments.

Nutcracker Ballet

Each year, the prestigious Boston Ballet company puts on the popular Christmas ballet production of the Nutcracker at the Opera House. Performances usually begin around Thanksgiving, and extend into the Christmas holidays.

Zoolights

No Christmas is complete without an all-out light show. From mid-November to the first of January, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo for a fantastic light show of over two million holiday lights. Walk by ice carving demonstrations, trees lit up in all colors of the rainbow, and of course, have a quick chat with St. Nick too.

Downtown Crossing Holiday Market

For most of the year, Downtown Crossing remains a large shopping area. But during the holidays, it turns into a festive holiday market from the end of November to just before Christmas Eve. All sorts of vendors come out for this daily market selling clothing, pottery, jewelry, specialty holiday food, and several holiday focused goods. Local artists will also be in attendance, showcasing their work. You can get all your Christmas shopping done and pay a quick visit to Santa too.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

All through December be sure to catch a showing of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. Ticket prices vary, especially during peak times so buy them early! If you wish, enjoy a pre-show reception and a full-course meal before you catch the show at the Citi Performing Arts Center.

Boston Common Tree lighting

If you missed the Faneuil Hall tree lighting ceremony in November, you’ll have a second chance to witness a traditional and official Christmas tree event at the Boston Common. It’s also a major televised affair, officially kicking off Christmas in Boston, so you’ll be sure to see famous personalities. Past guest include the Radio City Rockettes and American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee.

Since 1917, the tree used for the ceremony has been donated by Nova Scotia, in thanks for Boston’s quick response to the Halifax Explosion on December 6, 1917. There was a collision between a French ship, the S.S. Mont Blanc that was filled with explosives, and a Norwegian ship in the Halifax Harbor. More than 1,000 people died, and many more were injured in the accident.

Candlelight Carols

Singing carols during Christmastime is another holiday necessity. Each year in December, the Trinity Church puts on the Candlelight Carols concert that is free to the public, although a donation is suggested. Seats fill up quickly so come early!

Book a Boston Hotel today!

More Shark Guides

FIND HOTELS NOW

Christmas in Boston