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Boston Must Do Christmas Events To Book Now Before They Sell Out

From stage shows to magical experiences, book these Boston Christmas events before it's too late! Twas the Night Before photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
From stage shows to magical experiences, book these Boston Christmas events before it's too late! Twas the Night Before photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
10/24/25 - By Kate Andrews

Believe it or not, the secret to a magical holiday season in Boston begins right now. Tickets for the area's most cherished events go on sale sooner than you think and often sell out in a heartbeat, leaving last-minute planners out in the cold.

For busy parents, juggling everyday life is a feat in itself; adding "chief holiday memory maker" to the list can be overwhelming. We're taking the guesswork out of it for you. We've gathered all the essential booking dates and insider tips for Boston's can't-miss experiences, from enchanting light displays to festive stage productions.

So grab your calendar and get ready to lock in your plans. Whether you're continuing a time-honored tradition like seeing Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker and the BSO’s Holiday Pops, or starting a brand new one, our complete Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Boston Families is your key to making unforgettable memories this year.

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Find classic Christmas joy at these must-do Boston events. Photo by Brooke Trisolini for the Boston Ballet
Find classic Christmas joy at these must-do Boston events. Photo by Brooke Trisolini for the Boston Ballet

Must Do Christmas Events in Boston To Book Now

Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker

Theater District
November 28 - December 28, 2025
Slip away into the warm drawing room of the Silberhaus family and watch as Clara’s surroundings transform before your eyes. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this classical ballet—set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky—continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. READ MORE

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Theater District
November 29, 2025
The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet brings a mix of dancing, acrobatics, and puppetry—as well as lavish sets and costumes—to the Wang Theatre stage. READ MORE

The BSO's Holiday Pops

South End
December 4 - 31
Rejoice as the Boston Pops return for performances filled with holiday music favorites, the jubilant Pops sing-along, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Started in 1973 by Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, these concerts take place in the magical atmosphere of world-famous Symphony Hall, beautifully decorated to evoke all the magic and charm of the season. READ MORE

Elf in Concert

South End
December 27 - 28, 2025
See the holiday fave Elf on the big screen while the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs the musical score live. READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live at the Symphony

South End
December 30, 2025
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang for a live show that celebrates the 60th anniversary of the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. Actors will bring the characters to life alongside big-screen animation. Live renditions of the beloved score will be sure to entertain all ages. READ MORE
The spirit of Christmas present is calling for you to book today! Photo courtesy of North Shore Theatre/Steven Richard Photography
The spirit of Christmas present is calling for you to book today! Photo courtesy of North Shore Theatre/Steven Richard Photography

Must Do Christmas Events near Boston To Book Now

Night Lights: Dazzling Gardens at New England Botanic Garden

Boylston
November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Enter an illuminated world where the stars of the botanic garden shine, and where sparkling experiences and one-of-a-kind light displays inspire joy that lasts all year. It’s a celebration of nature like never before seen—bright, bold, and full of dazzle. READ MORE

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at DCU Center

Worcester
November 29, 2025
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its holiday concert to Worcester's DCU Center for two shows filled with lasers, pyrotechnics, and rocking renditions of traditional holiday favorites. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol - North Shore Music Theatre

Beverly
December 4 - 21, 2025
New England’s brightest holiday tradition celebrates its 31st annual production. An original adaptation based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol is a musical ghost story following the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season.  READ MORE

Holiday Trolley: Catch the Gingerbread Man

Salem
December 13 & 14, 2025
Embark on a whimsical ride through downtown Salem with the Good Witch of Salem during the annual Gingerbread Man Trolley Adventure. The journey begins at the Good Witch’s shop with an interactive story time featuring motions, props, and baking tools to bring the tale to life. READ MORE
Book some Christmas magic in New England before these events sell out! Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Photo courtesy of Cirque Productions
Book some Christmas magic in New England before these events sell out! Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Photo courtesy of Cirque Productions

Must Do Christmas Events in New England To Book Now

Polar Express at Maine Narrow Gauge

Portland, ME
November 16 - December 27, 2025
All aboard to the North Pole!   Step aboard our train for a magical journey this holiday season. The classic POLAR EXPRESS™ book and film comes to life before your eyes in Portland, Maine.  READ MORE

Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln and North Conway, New Hampshire

Lincoln & North Conway
November 28 - December 23, 2025
Go on the family adventure of a lifetime aboard the magical journey. The Journey to the North Pole offers a unique experience that only happens in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Take a magical trip to see Santa, his workshop, and his busy elves at the North Pole. READ MORE

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at SNHU

Manchester, NH
November 28, 2025
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its holiday concert to Manchester's SNHU arena for two shows filled with lasers, pyrotechnics, and rocking renditions of traditional holiday favorites. READ MORE

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Providence, RI
December 19 - 21, 2025
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into a perfect gift.  READ MORE

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