It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year, and Boston is brimming with holiday markets, extravagant galas, festive performances and more.
Get in the holiday spirit at Snowport
Through 12/31
The Holiday Market at Snowport
Step into a winter wonderland as Seaport transforms into Snowport. The Holiday Market at Snowport features over 120 small businesses, making it the best place to check off your Christmas to-do list. Peruse art, candles, home decor and so much more while indulging in seasonal snacks and sips. Last year’s affair featured treats from Naughty Waffle, Downeast Cider and others. 100 Seaport Blvd., bostonseaport.xyz
Through 1/6/24
Winterlights
Craving a holiday adventure right outside the city? Look no further than the Trustees of Reservations’ Winterlights at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate. Thousands of shimmering lights illuminate the luxurious garden property every year, welcoming guests to enjoy a winter stroll with seasonal snacks and hot sips. 2468B Washington St., Canton, thetrustees.org
The Nutcracker transports attendees to a whimsical Christmas daydream.
Through 12/31
The Nutcracker at Boston Ballet
Slip into a winter daydream complete with shimmering snow, billowing costumes and dreamy holiday scenes at Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Choreographer Mikko Nissinen is back with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, which takes on Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s historic score of music. See all your favorite characters in the spotlight, like the dancing bear, the waltzing flower and, of course, the nutcracker, as they bring a small German town to life. 539 Washington St., bostonballet.org
12/1-12/24
Holiday Pops
Experience the magic of the season as the beloved Boston Pops orchestra comes to town. The Holiday Pops performances are known for their vibrant and magnificent shows fit for the whole family. Sing along to traditional Christmas and holiday classics while enjoying a bottle of Champagne at your private table before Santa Claus glides down the aisles for the big finale. 301 Massachusetts Ave., bso.org
Guests of Interfaith Social Services’ Feed the Hungry Gala can enjoy music, fundraising and more.
12/8
Feed the Hungry Gala
‘Tis the season of giving this December at the Feed the Hungry Gala with Interfaith Social Services. The event raises funds for their mental health counseling, emergency food and homelessness prevention programs so families and individuals on the South Shore can get the help they need. This gala boasts live entertainment, interactive games, a silent auction, bites and beverages. 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy, feedthehungrygala.org
12/15 & 12/17
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are back in full swing for their 2023-2024 season as they take on the Orlando Magic this winter. Last year, Orlando was victorious with a 113-98 win, but with Boston’s 74-53 record overall against the Magic, hopes are high for December’s matchup. Whether you’re a die-hard follower or just looking for some fun, the weekend’s competitions will surely bring out the sports lover in all of us. 100 Legends Way, celtics.com
1/5/24
MFA First Fridays
Friday afternoons are meant for unwinding and relaxing, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Museum of Fine Arts’ (MFA) First Fridays series. Taking place only in select months, MFA First Fridays are the perfect time to not only welcome the weekend, but on the first Friday of January, to usher in the new year too. Listen to music, make art, dance and shake off the week’s worries at the always-inviting MFA. 465 Huntington Ave., mfa.org
1/8/24-1/9/24
Madonna: The Celebration Tour
Do you have ‘Madonnamania?’ Explore four decades of the pop icon’s music at Madonna: The Celebration Tour coming to TD Garden in January. The setlist is full of her greatest hits so that fans can sing and dance all night long. Hear from special guest Bob the Drag Queen, otherwise known as Caldwell Tidicue, and feel nostalgic as you listen to Madonna favorites from the last 40 years. 100 Legends Way, tdgarden.com
Attendees of the 35th Annual Boston Wine & Food Festival can explore top wines from around the world.
1/12/24-3/31/24
35th Annual Boston Wine & Food Festival
Calling all oenophiles—the 35th Annual Boston Wine & Food Festival is finally here. The occasion will include intimate wine-maker-hosted dinners, popup tastings, master class seminars and more, all taking place at the elegant Boston Harbor Hotel. Top vintners and connoisseurs in wine and food from around the world will be present, and past festivals have highlighted wineries like Opus One, Ruby Wines Inc. out of Massachusetts, Aperture and others. 70 Rowes Wharf, bostonwineandfoodfestival.com
Watch the Hairspray cast perform favorites like “Run and Tell That”
1/19/24-1/21/24
Hairspray at Emerson Colonial Theatre
You Can’t Stop the Beat at this Tony award-winning Broadway musical as it opens at Emerson Colonial Theatre. Fans can dance in their seats to hit songs like “Good Morning Baltimore” and “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now,” performed by Caroline Eiseman as Tracy Turnblad, Skyler Shields as Link Larkin and others. 106 Boylston St., emersoncolonialtheatre.com
Photography by: BOSTON SEAPORT BY WS LINDSAY AHERN; BROOKE TRISOLINI; MATT TEUTEN PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF BRAND; JEREMY DANIEL
