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Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids 2025

Head to Boston for affordable seasonal fun with the top free Christmas and holiday events for 2025! The menorah in Copley Square. Photo by Leslee/Flickr 2.0
Head to Boston for affordable seasonal fun with the top free Christmas and holiday events for 2025! The menorah in Copley Square. Photo by Leslee/Flickr 2.0
12/1/24 - By N Ferreira

With all the expenses of the season piling up at once, it's a bonus when parents find free holiday and Christmas events in Boston for kids in 2025. Here are our picks for the best events near Boston celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's without needing to dig into your wallet (except maybe to take out your T pass). Hop aboard the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley for a tour through Boston or take in Jingle Jam: Free, Festive Christmas Fun in Watertown. The Annual Menorah Lighting will take place in the Seaport, And, of course, everyone will love First Night Boston 2026 in the heart of the city.

There are more free holiday light displays to see in our list of Boston's Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows. For more holiday and Christmas ideas, explore our Holiday Fun Guide for Boston Kids.    

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See how bright the season shines at these free holiday events in Boston in 2025. Snowport photo courtesy of the Boston Seaport.
See how bright the season shines at these free holiday events in Boston in 2025. Snowport photo courtesy of the Boston Seaport.

Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids 2025

Santa's Wonderland

Foxborough
Daily through December 24, 2025
Enjoy a free photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland in Foxborough.  READ MORE

Winter Lights on Cape Ann

Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex
Through January 1, 2025
Pack up the car and enjoy the annual Winter Lights Celebration on Cape Ann. Local businesses throughout Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their establishments with twinkling lights and/or creative window displays.  READ MORE

2025 Boston Common Tree Lighting

Boston
December 4, 2025
It's the 84th Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting! Hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu, with special appearances by Santa and Rudolph. The ceremony includes lighting Boston's official Christmas tree and trees through the Commons and Public Garden.  READ MORE

Sutton Chain of Lights

Sutton
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Join businesses, churches, and organizations in Sutton for the annual town-wide celebration welcoming the holiday season. Held every year on the first Saturday of December, the event features free trolley rides to all the participating locations, food, children's activities, shopping, and lots of cheer. READ MORE

Taunton Lights on Festival

Taunton
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Unwrap the magic of the city at Taunton's Lighting of the Green & 2025 Lights On Festival for this annual, community-loved celebration featuring live entertainment, kids' activities, fireworks, and a magical display of holiday lights on the historic Taunton Green. READ MORE

Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour

Boston
Saturday & Sunday, December 6 - 7, 2025
For the 29th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event includes visits with Santa, tree lightings, and more. READ MORE

The Enchanted Village

Avon
Through January 1, 2026
The old-fashioned village with 59 mechanical figures and 18 vignettes is at Jordan’s Furniture, where you can also take pictures with Santa, skate on synthetic ice, and see a light show. READ MORE

Saint Bernards Come to Smolak Farms

North Andover
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Join the New England Saint Bernard Club at Smolak Farms for a sled pull! Families can come out and choose from our extensive selection of pre-cut trees. These lovable and gentle Saint Bernards will pull them back to your car and take pictures with families making this an unforgettable experience. READ MORE

The Union Square Jingle

Somerville
Sunday, December 7, 2025
This celebration of Union Square sparkle, discovery, and delight is sure to jumpstart holiday shopping and get the whole family exploring all that the “38th coolest neighborhood in the world” has to offer!  READ MORE

Boston College Bands: Free Christmas Concert

Chestnut Hill
Sunday, December 7, 2025
The annual BC Bands Christmas Festival returns, featuring BC bOp!, University Wind Ensemble, & Symphonic Band. READ MORE

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette

Attleborough
Daily through January 6, 2026
Celebrate La Salette Shrine Light's 72nd year. The lights have been shining brightly each year at Christmastime since 1953. See over 2,000 manger scenes from around the world illuminated by 400,000 lights and more. READ MORE

Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair

Cambridge
Fridays - Sundays December 12 - 21, 2025
One of the oldest and most popular in the Boston area, the Harvard Square Fair includes a changing mix of New England craftspeople and world traveling importers featuring many kinds of gift items. READ MORE

Jingle Jam: Free, Festive Christmas Fun

Watertown
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Get ready for a day of holiday cheer and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. From festive games and activities to live music and delicious treats, there's something for everyone. READ MORE

SNOWPORT at Seaport

Boston
Daily through February 28, 2026
Hold on to those handwarmers -- the Seaport has been shaken up in a giant snow globe, transforming the neighborhood into a magical winter wonderland. READ MORE

Annual Menorah Lighting in the Seaport District

Boston
Sunday, December 21, 2025
The Seaport District will be aglow with a giant 9' menorah and LED show. Expect live music, Chanukah treats and more!  READ MORE

First Night Boston 2026

Boston
Sunday, December 31, 2025
Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season, and the beginning of a new year. In keeping with this fantastic Boston tradition, the First Night celebration will open 2026 with an array of performances.  READ MORE

NYE on the Waterfront: Ice Sculpture Stroll & Celebration

Boston
Sunday, December 31, 2025
Boston Harbor Now is proud to present the annual New Year's Eve on the Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll, with multiple ice sculptures on display. READ MORE

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