Get in the holiday spirit with Boston’s best festivities, from music performances to elegant galas, markets and more.
11/10-12/31
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
11/17-12/30
Newport Mansions
Although not in Boston, the iconic Newport mansions are truly worth a visit during this holiday season. The 13-acre landscape of The Breakers will be illuminated during Sparkling Lights. Walk through tunnels of light and marvel at displays including a striking 50-foot long, 26-foot tall outline of a train from the Vanderbitl’s New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. As you make your way around the grounds, warm up at one of the fire pits and enjoy s’mores kits and adult beverages for purchase on the back terrace. Step inside the Gilded Age mansion, as well as the nearby Marble House and The Elms to admire the extravagant decorations, themed Christmas trees, and fresh floral arrangements like the 15-foot tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of the The Breakers. Newportmansions.org
11/24-11/26
Handel’s Messiah
For the 170th 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 John Holiday 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.
11/24-12/17
SoWa Winter Festival
Wondering what a true winter wonderland feels like? Shop at SoWa’s 8th annual Winter Festival, and you’ll find out. Attendees can 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 food trucks like Pieson’s Pizza or a cocktail on the second-level Mezzanine Bar. 550 Harrison Ave., sowaboston.com
11/24-12/31
The Nutcracker at Boston Ballet
Step into a winter daydream at Boston Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. Beloved choreographer Mikko Nissinen returns with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, which fills the Citizens Bank Opera House with Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s historic music score. Catch 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
11/25
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 a live auction that raises funds for the club’s scholarship program—the initiative supports young Greek women in pursuing their academic goals. Join the event’s honored guest—WCVB-TV anchor Maria Stephanos—for a cheerful night of fundraising. 138 St. James Ave., hellenicwomensclub.org
12/1-12/23
Women’s Market
Support female-led businesses this holiday season at the Boston Women’s Market. More than 40 vendors will be at Quincy Market on weekends this December with unique products ranging from hand-crafted jewelry to stationary to gifts for your furry friend. 4 South Market St., bostonwomensmarket.com
12/1-12/24
Holiday Pops
Spend an enchanting evening with the Boston Pops orchestra. The Holiday Pops are known for their vibrant shows filled with traditional Christmas and holiday classics. Those lucky enough to secure a ticket to Dec. 13th’s A Company Celebration, highlighting the city’s top business leaders, will also see special guest and former SNL cast member Ana Gasteyer. 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/pops
12/2 & 12/3
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. 2. Shop local small businesses like Heyday Skincare, Lifebloom Candles, Bohdii Boutique and others while indulging in sweet sips—and don’t forget to visit with Santa for a photo. 383 Dorchester Ave., lotonthedot.com
12/7
Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll
Draped in colorful lights, wreaths and cheer, Beacon Hill is a must-visit neighborhood this time of year—especially on the evening of their Holiday Stroll. Roam Charles Street late into the evening as you check off your gifting list. Local cafes and restaurants stay open for shoppers, offering sweet treats and hot cocoa as carolers and a brass quartet make their way down the charmingly decorated street. Charles St., bhcivic.org
12/7
Ice Sculpture Stroll at Assembly Row
Bring the kids to Somerville on Thursday, December 7 where nine ice sculptures of varying shapes and sizes will be placed all around Assembly Row. The little ones will be excited to see sculptures like The Grinch and Frosty the Snowman thanks to Eric Fontecchio from Brookline Ice. Grab a map to make sure you visit them all and enjoy free cocoa, cider and other giveaways along the way. 355 Artisan Way, Somerville, assemblyrow.com
12/10
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
12/10
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 70 vendors will set up in the Grand Ballroom from 10am-6pm. Buy a VIP ticket and get early access at 10am before the crowds descend. 138 St. James Ave., 617.267.5300, fairmont.com
12/11
Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas One and All 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 25 years and promises a setlist with festive songs and her most recognizable tunes from over the years. 100 Legends Way, ticketmaster.com
12/15-12/17 and 12/21-12/23
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—don’t miss out on these treasured goodies. 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge, harvardsquareholidayfair.com
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 afterwards 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
