Get in the holiday spirit with Boston’s best festivities, from music performances to elegant galas, markets and more.
11/8 -12/29
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 selling everything from art, ceramics, home decor and so much more. Indulge in snacks and sips from 17 food and beverage concepts including vendors new this year such as Dumpling Daughter and The Half Cookie. Also new this year is The Stage by Mohegan Sun which will host live performances by local musicians each Monday. 100 Seaport Blvd., bostonseaport.xyz
11/29-12/01
Handel’s Messiah
For the 171st year, the Handel + Haydn (H+H) Society’s Handel’s Messiah performance is back in Boston. Under artistic director Jonathan Cohen, the show features beautiful vocals from famous soloist Jeanine De Bique and others, along with the H+H chorus and orchestra. Sit back and relax as each note of the 18th-century oratorio echoes through Symphony Hall. 301 Massachusetts Ave., handelandhaydn.org
The SoWa Winter Festival is a must-visit holiday market.
11/29-12/22
SoWa Winter Festival
Shop at SoWa’s 9th annual Winter Festival and browse gifts from over 100 of the region’s most talented artisans under hundreds of twinkling lights and Christmas decor. While ticking off your holiday shopping list, grab a bite from Boston restaurants like Marseille or a coffee at The Buttery. 550 Harrison Ave., sowaboston.com
11/29-12/22
Downtown Boston Holiday Market
If you’re headed downtown to do some holiday shopping, swing by Summer Street Plaza in Downtown Crossing and peruse artisan gifts. The market will be held each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a rotating roster of diverse vendors. 10 Summer St., downtownboston.org
11/29-12/29
The Nutcracker at Boston Ballet
Catch all of 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 in Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. The music is as festive as the dancing as the Boston Ballet Orchestra fills the Citizens Bank Opera House with Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s historic music score. 539 Washington St., bostonballet.org
11/29
The Mistletoe Ball
Love is in the air at the Fairmont Copley Plaza for the Hellenic Women’s Club Mistletoe Ball. Dressed to the nines, guests can enjoy live music and an auction that raises funds for the club’s scholarship program—the initiative supports young Greek women in pursuing their academic goals. Join the event for a cheerful night of fundraising.138 St. James Ave., hellenicwomensclub.org
12/5
Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time Tour
Would it really be December without Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”? Head to TD Garden and hear this legendary tune performed live by the pop icon herself. The show will celebrate Carey’s holiday album reaching over 25 years and promises a setlist with festive songs and her most recognizable tunes from over the years. 100 Legends Way, ticketmaster.com
12/5-12/24
Holiday Pops
Spend an enchanting evening with the Boston Pops orchestra and the Holiday Pops known for their vibrant shows filled with traditional Christmas and holiday classics. Those lucky enough to secure a ticket can top off the night with a bottle of Champagne at your private table before Santa Claus glides down the aisles for the big finale. 301 Massachusetts Ave., bso.org
12/5-1/25
Winter Fest
A new winter wonderland is coming this year. Winter Fest debuts at Hood Park in Charlestown, filling two acres with twinkling lights and immersive experiences for both grown ups and kids. The entire family can enjoy ice skating, a whimsical toy workshop and a life-size ice castle and ginergbread house while the adults can browse the artisan marketplace and enjoy cocktails at the Après Ski Veuve Clicquot Gondola Lounge. 100 Hood Park, Charlestown, winterfestboston.com
12/7 & 12/8
Christmas and Holiday Market at the LOT
One of Boston’s best outdoor pop-ups—the LOT on the Dot’s Christmas and Holiday Market—opens Dec. 7. Shop local small businesses for jewelry, clothing, local souvenirs, art and more while indulging in sweet sips—and don’t forget to visit with Santa for a photo. 383 Dorchester Ave., lotonthedot.com
12/8
Gifted Holiday Market at Fairmont Copley Plaza
For the first time, New England Open Markets is hosting a holiday market inside the iconic hotel for one day only. Over 90 vendors will set up in the Grand Ballroom from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Buy a VIP ticket and get early access at 10 a.m. before the crowds descend. 138 St. James Ave., eventbrite.com
12/14
Christmas with the Copley Singers
Holiday carols take on a whole new meaning at this magical performance. Join the renowned choir and artistic director Andrew E. Clarkson at Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross for an afternoon of popular Christmas anthems. Attendees can listen to festive medleys while dolled up in their Christmas best in the elegantly decorated cathedral. 1400 Washington St., copleysingers.org
12/14-12/15
Women’s Market
Support female-led businesses this holiday season at the Boston Women’s Holiday Market South End. More than 40 vendors will be on Albany St. this December with unique products ranging from hand-crafted jewelry to stationery to gifts for your furry friend. 225 Albany St., bostonwomensmarket.com
12/13-12/15 and 12/20-12/22
Harvard Square Holiday Fairs
An honored Harvard Square tradition is back for two weekends next month. Each weekend will feature a wide variety of regional and worldwide craftspeople selling art, skincare, jewelry and other gifts. This year’s vendors include Storyteller Jewelry, Moonhill Woodart, Pura Vida and more.. 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge, harvardsquareholidayfair.com
12/7 & 12/31
Ice Sculpture Strolls
Bring the kids to Assembly Row on Dec. 7 to see nine classic holiday sculptures like The Grinch and Frosty the Snowman brought to life thanks to Eric Fontecchio from Brookline Ice. The waterfront will then host more fabulous frozen design on Dec. 31 where 30 sculptures will be placed all around Boston Harbor. Grab a map at each location to make sure you visit them all and enjoy free cocoa, cider and other giveaways along the way. 355 Artisan Way, Somerville, assemblyrow.com; 1 Constitution Road, bostonharbornow.org
Through the season
The Rink
The 6,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink returns this winter season with opportunities for everyone to get out on the ice. Sign up for skating lessons hosted by The Skating Club of Boston or IceFlow Yoga hosted by Joy Skate Productions. Warm up afterward with food and drinks at the adjacent Time Out Market and Trillium Brewing or any of the neighborhood eateries. Visit before the Christmas holiday and shop for a tree, wreaths and decor at the Fenway Tree Farm across the street. 401 Park St, therink401park.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Brands; Fairmont photo by SCARLET ROOTS PHOTOGRAPHY; Holiday Pops photo by Hilary Scott
