So, if you find yourself in Boston on Christmas Eve, here are the top 12 ways to spread the holiday cheer!
1. Find the Decorated Christmas Trees Across Town
From late November through New Year, sparkly and festive Christmas trees lit up the entire city. Boston is filled with the sound of Christmas carols, surprise Santa appearances, carnivals, and various fun activities for kids. People huddle around these LED-lit trees and enjoy an evening of merry.
The tree at the Boston Commons is by far the most popular one. The tree gifted by Nova Scotia is also a meeting place for ice skating, fireworks, and the free ice show.
Other places to see decorated Christmas trees: Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree, Copley Square Tree & Prudential Tower 31 Nights of Light, Macy's Tree in Downtown Boston.
2. Shop till you drop at Boston's Winter Holiday Markets
If you are a shopaholic, Boston has some amazing winter markets to get you in the holiday spirit. From artisans selling jewelry, art, sculptures, and woven clothes to glassblowers, candle makers, jewelers, knitters, and woodworkers, the city has spectacular markets for the perfect Christmas gifts. Look out for temporary pop-up shops that sell original and creative pieces. Some shops also offer local brews, homemade wines to sample, and delicious food from street carts!
Winter markets: North Shore Holiday Market, Old South Church Christmas Craft Fair, Boston Christmas Festival
3. Go Ice-Skating at the Warrior Ice Arena
Home of the Boston Bruins, the Warrior Ice Arena is a must for all sports enthusiasts. Let loose and stake those calories away at the huge Ice rink. While the Bruins largely use it for practice and matches, you can make a reservation and skate here, regardless of skill level! If you don’t skate, there is an observation deck to watch from.
Other ice rinks in Boston: Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square, Winter Skate at Patriot Place, Kelly Outdoor Rink
4. Follow Holiday Tradition and Watch the Nutcracker
If you have a penchant for classical music and theatre, immerse yourself in this holiday classic. The Nutcracker is a brilliant soulful ballet performance by Boston Ballet production with music by the Boston Ballet musicians. The sheer magnificence and skill of the performers are enthralling,, and you are in for a magical night! Spend the Christmas in Boston experiencing the Boston tradition and watch the Nutcracker this Christmas at the Opera House
Address: 539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, United States
5. Listen to Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall
Listen to Christmas classics like 12 Days of Christmas, O Holy Night, and Home for the Holidays by the Boston Pops orchestra lead by Keith Lockhart at Symphony Hall. Enjoy an evening filled with music, sing-a-longs, visits from Santa, and special performances for kids! The Boston pops will surely get you into the holiday spirit! You will need to pre-book tickets for the show with performances lasting between 70 mins to 2 hours.
Address: 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Ticket Price: Between USD 183 to USD 331
6. Take a stroll through the Historic City
Boston is a city where old meets new. Some areas still have a rustic feel with cobblestoned streets and victorian style architecture. With the snow lining the roads and trees, houses lit in the most wonderful lights, and a cup of hot beverage in your hand, walking through the city feels magical. This is a free and cheerful way to spend Christmas in Boston.
7. Take the Kids to the Stone Zoo
The Stone Zoo is a winter wonderland for kids and teens. Walkthrough the sparkly lit path and see bald eagles, arctic foxes, and reindeer! There are also lantern displays across the zoo. You will have to make a reservation beforehand. Christmas in Boston does not get any more exciting than the light works display in the Stone Zoo! So if you’re looking for a family-friendly way to spend the evening, this is the place to be.
Address: 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180, United States
Tickets: USD 14 for one and USD 50 for four people
8. Attend a Christmas Service
Trinity Church" width="700" height="933" data-mce-src="https://www.holidify.com/images/cmsuploads/compressed/10801498101533918473025192599143701041956058n_20201201190830.jpg">Hanukkah and Christmas services in Churches and Synagogues are a magnificent experience. The sound of the bells ringing, the choir's singing, the wreaths, and decorations across the room will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. Regardless of your beliefs, attending a service will give you the full Christmas experience!
Churches and Synagogues: Trinity Church, Old South Church, The Church of St. Paul, Temple Israel, Boston Synagogue, Chabad Boston.
9. Catch the Iconic Christmas Celtic Sojourn
The Christmas Celtic Sojourn led by Brian O’Donovan has been around since the mid-1980s. It is one of the most iconic events to do in Boston around Christmas-time with various singers and dancers performing Gospel and traditional Irish tunes with various singers and dancers performing Gospel and traditional Irish tunes with various singers and dancers performing Gospel and traditional Irish tunes. With an international cast ranging from Ireland to Scandinavia, the Christmas Celtic Sojourn is a fun night filled with merry music and uplifting dancing. Tickets range from USD 25 to USD 85.
Locations: Cutler Majestic Theatre Boston, MA and various other locations in Massachusetts
10. Mendon Christmas Drive-In
Watch your favorite holiday movie with your family while munching on gingerbread and hot chocolate at Mendon Christmas Drive-In. Bring out your inner child! Watch ‘Elf,’ ‘Frozen,’ ‘The Polar Express’ or ‘The Grinch’ along with a special Christmas Laser show! Tickets cost USD 30 per car,, and it's an outdoor drive-in movie theatre. So bring blankets and snuggle in to watch Christmas Classics.
Address: Cutler Majestic Theatre Boston, MA
11. Christmas Feast: Holiday Dining in Boston
If you want to indulge this holiday season, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in and around Boston. Christmas in Boston is incomplete without a taste of the incredible Irish and Italian traditional holiday cuisine. Head over to Boston's historic taverns or seafood restaurants,, or steak houses across the city.
Best food in Boston: Alcove Boston, Davio’s, Bronwyn Restaurant, Legal Harbourside, Town Meeting- Inn at Hastings Park.
12. Take a Christmas Cruise in the Boston Harbour
The ‘Northern Lights’ yacht takes you on a magical night in the Boston harbor with the city skyline's backdrop. Enjoy the evening with cocktails and food as you listen to your favorite Jazzy music and Irish ballads. They also conduct sightseeing tours around historic sights in Boston. The cozy atmosphere and the Christmas lights make for the perfect luxury cruise!
So this holiday season, get ready to reenact the Boston Tea Party, go to theatrical shows, eat your fill under the sparkly lights, and the countdown to New Year in Boston!