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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Boston: Turkey Trots, Holiday Lights, and More

The holidays are arriving in style with the top things to do in Boston for Thanksgiving Weekend 2024! Boston Tuba Christmas Concert photo by Mike Ball via Flickr 2.0
The holidays are arriving in style with the top things to do in Boston for Thanksgiving Weekend 2024! Boston Tuba Christmas Concert photo by Mike Ball via Flickr 2.0
11/26/24 - By N Ferreira

Looking for the best things to do in Boston on Thanksgiving weekend 2025? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Thanksgiving weekend.

Gobble Gobble! Thanksgiving weekend in Boston is packed with meaningful moments and festive fun for families. Celebrate Native culture and history through music, dance, and storytelling at Celebrate! with Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, then head to the waterfront for the magical Lighting of the Ship in Martin’s Park. Round out the weekend with the joyful sounds of the Boston Tuba Christmas Concert, where hundreds of tubas and euphoniums fill the city with holiday cheer. It’s a warm and spirited way to kick off the season together.

Looking for ways to spend time at home as a family this long weekend? Try one of these easy Thanksgiving crafts or games. You can also start planning a New England Christmas adventure and go see Boston's best neighborhood holiday lights. For more holiday and Christmas activities, explore our Holiday Fun Guide for Boston Kids.  

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Holiday lights are shining in Boston this Thanksgiving Weekend. Lighting of the Ship in Martin’s Park. Photo courtesy of the event.
Holiday lights are shining in Boston this Thanksgiving Weekend. Lighting of the Ship in Martin’s Park. Photo courtesy of the event.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 in Boston - Things To Do with Kids

Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race

Andover
Thursday, November 27, 2025
The Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race is a Merrimack Valley tradition. At 10,000 participants, it's billed as the largest race in Massachusetts and one of the largest Thanksgiving day races in New England. READ MORE

Franklin Park Turkey Trot

Boston
Thursday, November 27, 2025
The Franklin Park Turkey Trot -- the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the City of Boston - is back for its 13th year on Thanksgiving morning. All ages are welcome, along with strollers, wheelchairs, and race-ready leashed dogs.  READ MORE

Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Loudon, NH
Opens Thursday, November 27, 2025
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is trading in the checkered flags for more than 3.5 million twinkly LED lights for their 11th annual Gift of Lights. Passengers will cruise through 2.5 miles of lights at this drive-thru experience, including the Tunnel of Lights. READ MORE

Celebrate! with Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers

Dorchester — FREE
Friday, November 28, 2025
Join the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers as they share stories of both their history and modern culture in a performance culminating in a full-audience powwow in honor of Native American Heritage Month. READ MORE

17th Annual Festival of Trees at Elm Bank

Wellesley
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
Families are invited to the Garden at Elm Bank this holiday season to experience a festive wonderland! The illuminated walking path leads through lighted gardens, a captivating train display, and enchanting historic trees. READ MORE

Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker

Boston
Opens Friday, November 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

SoWa Winter Festival

Boston—
Opens Friday, November 28, 2025
The SoWa Winter Festival has assembled over 100 of the region’s best makers, artists, designers, and specialty food vendors together under one roof. READ MORE

Castleberry Faire: Wilmington

Wilmington
Friday, November 28-30, 2025
Celebrate American handiwork by choosing from plenty of gifts, accessories, decorative items, arts and crafts from over 250 local and regional artisans. READ MORE

Lighting of the Ship in Martin’s Park

Boston — FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
A special children’s celebration will be held at the Smith Family Waterfront, and the ship will be lit for the third annual holiday in Martin’s Park. Martin’s Park will be transformed into a magical holiday display when the ship, surrounding beach fencing, and pedestrian bridge are illuminated with over 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. READ MORE

Boston Tuba Christmas Concert

Boston — FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit with more than 100 local tuba players playing your favorite holiday tunes. The warm and enchanting sound of this tuba-euphonium choir has won the hearts of audiences throughout the world, so do not miss your chance to be part of this holiday tradition. READ MORE
Work off the extra helpings by cutting your own tree this year! Photo courtesy of Smolak Farms
Work off the extra helpings by cutting your own tree this year! Photo courtesy of Smolak Farms

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Find the best spots for pictures with Santa in Boston in 2024! READ MORE

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