Boston Holiday Events
Our December list of holiday kids and family activities guide gives you a one-stop shop to find fun things to do in and around Boston with the family. This handy list is organized by region to make it easy to find something fun to do no matter where you are in the Greater Boston area.Boston Metro
Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and , Boston, $$
Sat, December 7, 2024 - Sat, December 7, 2024
Get your tickets now to discover Holiday music featuring “The Nutcracker” and More at Temple Ohabei Shalom under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Sat, December 7, 2024 - Sat, December 7, 2024
Get your tickets now to discover Holiday music featuring “The Nutcracker” and More at Temple Ohabei Shalom under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Boston Public Garden Swan Boats 2024, Back Bay
Sat, April 13, 2024 - Mon, September 2, 2024
The Swan Boats have been in operation since 1877, and have since become a cultural icon for the city. Swan Boats are a fleet of pontoon pleasure boats which operate in the Boston Public Garden lagoon.
Sat, April 13, 2024 - Mon, September 2, 2024
The Swan Boats have been in operation since 1877, and have since become a cultural icon for the city. Swan Boats are a fleet of pontoon pleasure boats which operate in the Boston Public Garden lagoon.
The Anchor at Shipyard Park, Charlestown, Free
Mon, April 15, 2024 - Sun, September 1, 2024
The Anchor is an all-ages gathering space that is complemented by an inclusive and dynamic programming and events calendar, public art, youth initiatives and complimentary public amenities.
Mon, April 15, 2024 - Sun, September 1, 2024
The Anchor is an all-ages gathering space that is complemented by an inclusive and dynamic programming and events calendar, public art, youth initiatives and complimentary public amenities.
Piers Park Opening Day & Free Sailing, Boston, Free
Sat, May 4, 2024
Join in for our 26th opening day! From 1-3pm we’ll have food, music, and free sailing! This event is fun for all ages and everyone is welcome.
Sat, May 4, 2024
Join in for our 26th opening day! From 1-3pm we’ll have food, music, and free sailing! This event is fun for all ages and everyone is welcome.
Annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Party at High Street Place (21+), Boston, $$$
Sat, May 4, 2024
Attendees will enjoy the thrill of the race as they watch the most exciting two minutes in sports on High Street Place's massive LED video entertainment wall, the largest in the city.
Sat, May 4, 2024
Attendees will enjoy the thrill of the race as they watch the most exciting two minutes in sports on High Street Place's massive LED video entertainment wall, the largest in the city.
Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum 2024, Jamaica Plain, Free
Sun, May 12, 2024 - Sun, May 12, 2024
This beloved Boston tradition celebrates the lilacs as well as many other special collections at their peak at this lovely time of year. Come celebrate spring at the Arnold Arboretum.
Sun, May 12, 2024 - Sun, May 12, 2024
This beloved Boston tradition celebrates the lilacs as well as many other special collections at their peak at this lovely time of year. Come celebrate spring at the Arnold Arboretum.
ICA Watershed, Boston, Free
Wed, May 22, 2024 - Fri, October 4, 2024
Located in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston, the ICA Watershed transforms a 15,000-square-foot, formerly condemned space into a new civic and cultural asset. This exciting new cross-harbor...
Wed, May 22, 2024 - Fri, October 4, 2024
Located in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston, the ICA Watershed transforms a 15,000-square-foot, formerly condemned space into a new civic and cultural asset. This exciting new cross-harbor...
Somerville Memorial Day Parade, Somerville, Free
Sun, May 26, 2024 - Sun, May 26, 2024
The Memorial Day Parade will begin starting at 3pm and will continue until 7pm. This event is free for the public to attend to honor the officer who lost his life.
Sun, May 26, 2024 - Sun, May 26, 2024
The Memorial Day Parade will begin starting at 3pm and will continue until 7pm. This event is free for the public to attend to honor the officer who lost his life.
ICA Free Admission - Memorial Day, Boston, Free
Mon, May 27, 2024 - Mon, May 27, 2024
In honor of Memorial Day the ICA is offering FREE admission for all on Memorial Day. Peruse four outstanding exhibitions as well as an interactive art studio.
Mon, May 27, 2024 - Mon, May 27, 2024
In honor of Memorial Day the ICA is offering FREE admission for all on Memorial Day. Peruse four outstanding exhibitions as well as an interactive art studio.
Memorial Day Open House: Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, Free
Mon, May 27, 2024
Celebrate Memorial Day at the Museum of Fine Arts and visit the Museum for a fun-filled day of vibrant activities your whole family will enjoy. Join us for a day of celebration with free general admission for all,...
Mon, May 27, 2024
Celebrate Memorial Day at the Museum of Fine Arts and visit the Museum for a fun-filled day of vibrant activities your whole family will enjoy. Join us for a day of celebration with free general admission for all,...
Guide to Boston Spray Parks & Wading Pools, Boston, Free
Sat, June 1, 2024 - Tue, September 3, 2024
Summertime in Boston means it's time splash in spray parks! There's plenty of free water fun to be had all around the city, and we've rounded up some of our favorite spots.
Sat, June 1, 2024 - Tue, September 3, 2024
Summertime in Boston means it's time splash in spray parks! There's plenty of free water fun to be had all around the city, and we've rounded up some of our favorite spots.
Juneteenth at the ICA - Free Admission, Boston, Free
Wed, June 19, 2024 - Wed, June 19, 2024
The ICA is offering FREE museum admission for all on Juneteenth, Monday, June 19. Advanced timed tickets are required and will be available to reserve beginning on Saturday, June 17 at 10 AM.
Wed, June 19, 2024 - Wed, June 19, 2024
The ICA is offering FREE museum admission for all on Juneteenth, Monday, June 19. Advanced timed tickets are required and will be available to reserve beginning on Saturday, June 17 at 10 AM.
Boston Fireworks & Pops Concert | July 4th 2024 | Hatch Shell Esplanade, Boston, Free
Thu, July 4, 2024
Enjoy the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and a spectacular display of fireworks over the Charles River. This year maestro Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra are set to entertain at Boston’s annual...
Thu, July 4, 2024
Enjoy the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and a spectacular display of fireworks over the Charles River. This year maestro Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra are set to entertain at Boston’s annual...
Dudley Farm Day, Roxbury, Free
Sat, April 20, 2024 - Sat, April 20, 2024
Dudley Farm Day is baaaaa-ck for its second year! Join us for a day of farm animals, wool weaving, butter making, seed planting, craft-making fun here at the Shirley-Eustis House.
Sat, April 20, 2024 - Sat, April 20, 2024
Dudley Farm Day is baaaaa-ck for its second year! Join us for a day of farm animals, wool weaving, butter making, seed planting, craft-making fun here at the Shirley-Eustis House.
Cinco de Mayo in Downtown Crossing, Boston, Free
Fri, May 3, 2024
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Downtown Crossing with a day of authentic Mexican music, dance and arts, in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston.
Fri, May 3, 2024
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Downtown Crossing with a day of authentic Mexican music, dance and arts, in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston.
Duckling Day Boston 2024, Boston, $$$
Sun, May 12, 2024 - Sun, May 12, 2024
The Friends of the Public Garden, in association with the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, celebrates Mother’s Day with Boston-area families during its annual Duckling Day event. The next Duckling Day...
Sun, May 12, 2024 - Sun, May 12, 2024
The Friends of the Public Garden, in association with the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, celebrates Mother’s Day with Boston-area families during its annual Duckling Day event. The next Duckling Day...
2024 Memorial Day Flag Garden, Boston, Free
Thu, May 23, 2024 - Mon, May 27, 2024
Home Base and Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund invite you to help create Boston’s iconic Memorial Day Flag Garden tribute.
Thu, May 23, 2024 - Mon, May 27, 2024
Home Base and Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund invite you to help create Boston’s iconic Memorial Day Flag Garden tribute.
Boston 4th of July Events, Activities & Parade, Boston, Free
Mon, July 1, 2024 - Thu, July 4, 2024
Residents and visitors are invited to view the City of Boston's official commemoration, enjoy the Boston Pops Spectacular televised performances, and participate in Boston Harborfest programming.
Mon, July 1, 2024 - Thu, July 4, 2024
Residents and visitors are invited to view the City of Boston's official commemoration, enjoy the Boston Pops Spectacular televised performances, and participate in Boston Harborfest programming.
Boston Fireworks & Pops Concert | July 4th 2024 | Hatch Shell Esplanade, Boston, Free
Thu, July 4, 2024
Enjoy the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and a spectacular display of fireworks over the Charles River. This year maestro Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra are set to entertain at Boston’s annual...
Thu, July 4, 2024
Enjoy the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and a spectacular display of fireworks over the Charles River. This year maestro Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra are set to entertain at Boston’s annual...
First Night Boston 2025 - New Year's Eve, Boston, Free
Tue, December 31, 2024 - Wed, January 1, 2025
For over 40 years, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season and the beginning of a new year.
Tue, December 31, 2024 - Wed, January 1, 2025
For over 40 years, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season and the beginning of a new year.
West Suburbs
Lexington Discovery Day, Lexington, Free
Sat, May 25, 2024
Celebrate the beginning of summer at Lexington's annual Discovery Day. This tradition combines a street fair and sidewalk sale, and will again be held in the Muzzey Street/Waltham Street Municipal parking lot behind...
Sat, May 25, 2024
Celebrate the beginning of summer at Lexington's annual Discovery Day. This tradition combines a street fair and sidewalk sale, and will again be held in the Muzzey Street/Waltham Street Municipal parking lot behind...
Say Hello to Spring at Garnet Hill’s In-Store Shopping Event, Dedham, Free
Sat, April 20, 2024 - Sat, April 20, 2024
Save the date! Join us as we celebrate spring at our Garnet Hill store at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA, 10AM–2PM on Saturday, April 20.
Sat, April 20, 2024 - Sat, April 20, 2024
Save the date! Join us as we celebrate spring at our Garnet Hill store at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA, 10AM–2PM on Saturday, April 20.
Sudbury Memorial Day Parade 2024, Sudbury, Free
Mon, May 27, 2024
The Sudbury Memorial Day Parade, Ceremonies, and Program is held on the last Monday in May. Sudbury has formally honored its war dead for more than 100 years. The parade and ceremonies honor veterans of all wars that...
Mon, May 27, 2024
The Sudbury Memorial Day Parade, Ceremonies, and Program is held on the last Monday in May. Sudbury has formally honored its war dead for more than 100 years. The parade and ceremonies honor veterans of all wars that...
Santa's Elevator Express at Natick Mall, Natick, $$
Sat, November 16, 2024 - Tue, December 24, 2024
Take an exciting adventure to the North Pole! Step into the magical elevator and head to Santa's workshop, where you'll have the chance to take pictures and spend quality time with Santa!
Sat, November 16, 2024 - Tue, December 24, 2024
Take an exciting adventure to the North Pole! Step into the magical elevator and head to Santa's workshop, where you'll have the chance to take pictures and spend quality time with Santa!
May Pole Dancing on the Sudbury Town Common, Sudbury, Free
Sun, May 5, 2024 - Sun, May 5, 2024
Join First Parish of Sudbury in dancing around the Maypole, on the Sudbury Town Common, across from First Parish. All are invited to join in learning Maypole dances!
Sun, May 5, 2024 - Sun, May 5, 2024
Join First Parish of Sudbury in dancing around the Maypole, on the Sudbury Town Common, across from First Parish. All are invited to join in learning Maypole dances!
Acton's July 4th Celebration, Acton, Free
Thu, July 4, 2024 - Thu, July 4, 2024
Featuring a free concert and spectacular fireworks. Free admission and donations are welcome. Bus shuttle service from Nagog Park Drive parking areas to NARA will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Thu, July 4, 2024 - Thu, July 4, 2024
Featuring a free concert and spectacular fireworks. Free admission and donations are welcome. Bus shuttle service from Nagog Park Drive parking areas to NARA will begin at 5:30 p.m.
North Suburbs
Gloucester Juneteenth Celebration, Gloucester
Sun, June 16, 2024 - Sun, June 16, 2024
Celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States! Learn about the Juneteenth Holiday and its connection to Cape Ann history while celebrating Black history.
Sun, June 16, 2024 - Sun, June 16, 2024
Celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States! Learn about the Juneteenth Holiday and its connection to Cape Ann history while celebrating Black history.
Winchester Block Party & Town Day 2024, Winchester, Free
Sat, June 1, 2024 - Sat, June 1, 2024
Thousands of individuals and families attend each year to enjoy a day of browsing exhibits, playing games, competing in athletics, eating (!), listening to different types of music, attending the health fair, and...
Sat, June 1, 2024 - Sat, June 1, 2024
Thousands of individuals and families attend each year to enjoy a day of browsing exhibits, playing games, competing in athletics, eating (!), listening to different types of music, attending the health fair, and...
Topsfield Fair 2024, Topsfield, $$
Fri, October 4, 2024 - Mon, October 14, 2024
Enjoy America's oldest and finest agricultural fair w/ New England‘s largest carnival midway, cool demos, (ranging from beekeeping to miniature trains), a Grange Museum, pumpkin weigh-offs, live entertainment and the...
Fri, October 4, 2024 - Mon, October 14, 2024
Enjoy America's oldest and finest agricultural fair w/ New England‘s largest carnival midway, cool demos, (ranging from beekeeping to miniature trains), a Grange Museum, pumpkin weigh-offs, live entertainment and the...
South Suburbs
Marshfield Holiday Light Show, Marshfield, $$
Sun, November 24, 2030 - Sat, December 30, 2023
The display at the Marshfield Fairgrounds is returning for its third year for those looking for a drive-thru lights display on the South Shore. It’s got dozens of large displays along the mile, and they’ll twinkle in...
Sun, November 24, 2030 - Sat, December 30, 2023
The display at the Marshfield Fairgrounds is returning for its third year for those looking for a drive-thru lights display on the South Shore. It’s got dozens of large displays along the mile, and they’ll twinkle in...
Nantucket Wine Festival 2023, Nantucket, $$$$
Wed, May 15, 2024 - Sun, May 19, 2024
More than 100 wineries and restaurants will be featured at this annual event. Enjoy a variety of wine tastings in Nantucket homes, dinners and seminars.
Wed, May 15, 2024 - Sun, May 19, 2024
More than 100 wineries and restaurants will be featured at this annual event. Enjoy a variety of wine tastings in Nantucket homes, dinners and seminars.
Marshfield Fair 2024, Marshfield, $
Sat, August 16, 2025 - Mon, August 25, 2025
This year's fair offers great family entertainment with hundreds of farm animals, daily free shows, free grandstand attractions, arts & crafts, 4 H & Agricultural exhibits, horticultural displays & much more.
Sat, August 16, 2025 - Mon, August 25, 2025
This year's fair offers great family entertainment with hundreds of farm animals, daily free shows, free grandstand attractions, arts & crafts, 4 H & Agricultural exhibits, horticultural displays & much more.
Marshfield Holiday Light Show, Marshfield, $$
Sun, November 24, 2030 - Sat, December 30, 2023
The display at the Marshfield Fairgrounds is returning for its third year for those looking for a drive-thru lights display on the South Shore. It’s got dozens of large displays along the mile, and they’ll twinkle in...
Sun, November 24, 2030 - Sat, December 30, 2023
The display at the Marshfield Fairgrounds is returning for its third year for those looking for a drive-thru lights display on the South Shore. It’s got dozens of large displays along the mile, and they’ll twinkle in...
Western Mass
The Big E 2024, Western Mass, $$$
Fri, September 13, 2024 - Sun, September 29, 2024
The Big E is a New England autumn tradition and the ninth largest fair in North America. There's no better place to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste tempting aromas of the fall season than at The Big E.
Fri, September 13, 2024 - Sun, September 29, 2024
The Big E is a New England autumn tradition and the ninth largest fair in North America. There's no better place to enjoy the sights, sounds and taste tempting aromas of the fall season than at The Big E.
Maine
Charity Egg Hunt at Sandy Hill, Maine, $
Sat, April 20, 2024 - Sat, April 20, 2024
Sandy Hill Farm's annual Easter Egg Hunt will challenge children to find eggs along a 1-mile trail. At the end, kids exchange their eggs for a goodie bag of cider donuts & more.
Sat, April 20, 2024 - Sat, April 20, 2024
Sandy Hill Farm's annual Easter Egg Hunt will challenge children to find eggs along a 1-mile trail. At the end, kids exchange their eggs for a goodie bag of cider donuts & more.
New Hampshire
Hampton Beach Master Sandsculpting Sand Castle Competition, New Hampshire, Free
Thu, June 20, 2024 - Sat, June 22, 2024
The fun starts when 250 tons of imported sand is dropped on Hampton Beach. After the competition, the entire area will be illuminated for night viewing through June.
Thu, June 20, 2024 - Sat, June 22, 2024
The fun starts when 250 tons of imported sand is dropped on Hampton Beach. After the competition, the entire area will be illuminated for night viewing through June.
Hampton Beach Fireworks 2024, New Hampshire, Free
Tue, May 26, 2026 - Tue, December 31, 2024
Fireworks are held weekly every Wednesday during the summer, on the beach at the top of B and C Streets, beside the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a blanket and the whole family to experience the magic of the night sky lit by a display of beautiful fireworks.
Tue, May 26, 2026 - Tue, December 31, 2024
Fireworks are held weekly every Wednesday during the summer, on the beach at the top of B and C Streets, beside the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a blanket and the whole family to experience the magic of the night sky lit by a display of beautiful fireworks.
New England
What's Open on Memorial Day?, New England
Mon, May 27, 2024 - Mon, May 27, 2024
What's open for fun on Memorial Day in Greater Boston? Check here to find out.
Mon, May 27, 2024 - Mon, May 27, 2024
What's open for fun on Memorial Day in Greater Boston? Check here to find out.
Rhode Island
Waterfire Providence 2024, Rhode Island, Free
Mon, April 18, 2022 - Sat, April 20, 2024
WaterFire centers on a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence.
Mon, April 18, 2022 - Sat, April 20, 2024
WaterFire centers on a series of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence.
Other Boston Area
Massachusetts Free Fishing Weekend (Freshwater), Other Boston Area
Sat, June 1, 2024 - Sun, June 2, 2024
Take a friend or family member fishing -- you won't need a fishing license in freshwater for these two days! All other fishing regulations apply.
Sat, June 1, 2024 - Sun, June 2, 2024
Take a friend or family member fishing -- you won't need a fishing license in freshwater for these two days! All other fishing regulations apply.
Multiple Locations
More Boston Holiday Events
You can find lots more family-friendly Boston events each week on the BostonCentral calendar and our popular things to do this week newsletter.