10 must-do holiday activities in Boston
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It's the best time of year. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of this holiday season in Boston.
1. See holiday lights
These are a few great places to see holiday lights:
2. Shop local
Black Market Nubian: Grab a gift from one of 30+ Black-owned small businesses. BNM is hosting pop-up shop events each Saturday until Christmas Eve.
- Hours: 1–5pm Saturdays until Dec. 24.
- Address: 2136 Washington St.
Boston Women's Market: From art and clothes to candles and home goods, there's plenty of locally made gifts to choose from.
3. Take a photo with Santa
It's never too early to plan a trip to meet Santa and his elves. Walk-ups are welcome, but you get a free call from Santa if you book a reservation.
- Location: The Shops at Chestnut Hill.
- Details: Book your photo session here.
More places to see Santa:
- Burlington Mall (includes pet photos).
- The Community House.
- Bass Pro Shop (Foxborough).
4. Board The Polar Express train
Travel to the "North Pole" with hot cocoa and a cookie aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad. The ride includes a visit from Santa and his elves and a special gift for each child.
- Cost: Matinee rides start at $44 (ages 3-12) and $54 (age 13+). Nighttime rides start at $59 (ages 3-12) and $69 (age 13+).
- Location: Train departs from 70 Main St. (Buzzards Bay)
If you go: Plan to arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to allow time for parking and picking up tickets. Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Get tickets here.
5. Pick out your tree
Still in the market for a Christmas tree? Here are a few local farms.
Smolak Farms: Self-service farm with balsam and Fraser firs. Details.
Crane Neck Tree Farm: This farm offers a variety of trees including Douglas firs and blue spruce. Cash or check only. Details.
Pakeen Farm: Trees include balsam, Fraser and concolor fir and blue, white and Norway spruce. Pakeen also sells firewood and birch logs. Details.
Sleighbell Christmas Tree Farm: Sleigh Bell is a one-stop shop for knocking out most holiday bucket list items. Guests can buy trees, wreaths and gifts and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Details.
6. Experience a Winter Wonderland
Southwick's Zoo's annual Winter Wonderland is back. This year visitors can enjoy both Winter Wonderland and the Festival of Illumination which features a ride through an enchanted forest on Santa's train.
- Hours: 4:30–9pm Wednesday–Sunday until Dec. 31. Closed on Christmas.
- Cost: $27 per person.
- Address: 2 Southwick St.
Tickets available here.
7. Attend a live show
Here are a few must-see holiday performances:
- "Twas The Night Before" at Wang Theater.
- "A Swingin’ Little Christmas with Jane Lynch" at City Winery.
- "Candlelight Hanukkah: A Spotlight on Jewish Composers" at Temple Ohabei Shalom.
- "The Slutcracker" at Somerville Theater.
- "Black Nativity" at Emerson College.
- "Tafuta! A Young Child’s Search for the True Meaning of Kwanzaa" at Roxbury Community College.
8. Enjoy a movie night
The Honan-Allston branch of the Boston Public Library is screening "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Popcorn and soda will be provided.
- Admission is free.
- Address: 300 N. Harvard St.
9. Go ice skating
Grab your skates and check out these Boston-area rinks:
- Frog Pond at Boston Common.
- The Rink at 401 Park.
- Canal District Kendall.
- Warrior Ice Arena.
- Kelly Outdoor Rink.
10. Grab a festive drink
Sip on a Holiday Spiked Chai or Jingle Balls Nog at one of three Miracle pop-up bars in the area.
- The locations are Hotel Marlowe (Cambridge), Mystic Station (Malden) and Central Tavern (Milford)
Here's their holiday cocktail menu.
