Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Boston in December

December in Boston is packed with exciting activities for families. From cozy indoor adventures to festive outdoor events, there’s no shortage of things to do with the kids as the city starts to sparkle with the magic of winter. Here’s a roundup of family-friendly fun happening in Boston in December!

Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker
Boston
Through December 29, 2024
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. Visit the website here.

The BSO's Holiday Pops
Boston
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. Visit the website here.

Nantucket Christmas Stroll
Nantucket —FREE
Friday, December 6 - 8, 2024
Join the island community of Nantucket and embrace the holiday spirit with one of New England's most classic (and prettiest) Christmas strolls. The 48th annual event features an illuminated tree-lined downtown, live entertainment, costumed carolers, holiday refreshments, craft shows, a 20-foot tree that magically talks to all who visit during Christmas Stroll Saturday, and a visit from Santa who makes a special appearance at the wharf via Coast Guard Cutter before greeting children. Visit the website here.

Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour
Boston— FREE
Saturday, December 7 - 8, 2024
For the 28th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour continues the festive tradition of lighting up holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children in 16 neighborhoods around the city. Visit the website here.

Sutton Chain of Lights
Sutton — FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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. Visit the website here.

Taunton Lights on Festival
Taunton —FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Unwrap the magic of the city at Taunton's Lighting of the Green & 2023 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. Visit the website here.

10th Annual Union Square Holiday Stroll
Somerville — FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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! Visit the website here.

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Favorites
Brookline — Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Get lost in the magic of this candlelit Christmas performance from the Vitamin String Quartet. Visit the website here.

Kids Only! Holiday Sale
Cambridge —FREE
Thursday & Friday, December 12 - 13, 2024
Parents, grandparents, guardians, aunts, uncles, cousins – bring the young people in your life! As per tradition, only children (0-18) and MLBCC teaching staff may enter the sale space, but very young children (0-6) can invite adults to accompany them if they need extra help making a selection. Visit the website here.

Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”
Boston
Saturday, December 14 - 22, 2024
Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”, the modern Boston-centric holiday classic presented by City Ballet of Boston, returns this December. Visit the website here.

Santa Photo Experience
Chestnut Hill
Through December 24, 2024
Santa is at The Shops at Chestnut Hill! All reservations come with a free phone call from Santa, powered by Portable North Pole! Visit the website here.

Annual Menorah Lighting on the Boston Common
Boston — FREE
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Head over to the Boston Common for the 40th annual celebration of Chanuka as the community kindles one of New England’s tallest menorahs! The event includes lighting the 22-foot menorah, greetings from dignitaries, a live music ensemble and more. Visit the website here.

Bessie’s Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve
Discovery Museum, Acton
Sunday, December 31, 2024
Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll into the New Year by making party hats and noise makers! Come decked out in festive pajamas and stick around for the countdown to 12:00 (noon) with a Noon Years’ Eve ball drop. Visit the website here.

First Night Boston 2025
Boston — FREE
Sunday, December 31, 2024
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 2025 with an array of performances. Visit the website here.

Snowport at Seaport
Seaport—FREE
Through December 31, 2024
Escape to a winter wonderland filled with safe, seasonal activities. Play a game of curling and other complimentary winter games on Seaport Common, book a rooftop igloo, and keep an eye out for Seaport’s friend, Betty the Yeti. The Holiday Market features more than 100 small businesses, including local craftsmen, artisans, and entrepreneurs selling unique gifts and wares. Visit the website here.

Night Lights: Starry Skies at New England Botanic Garden
Boylston
Through January 5, 2024
Night Lights: Starry Skies will take visitors on a journey through the cosmos and back. Thousands of individual lights transform many of the botanic garden’s formal garden spaces and conservatories into starry spectacle. Visit the website here.

2024 Boston Common Tree Lighting
Boston—FREE
Thursday, December 5, 2024
It's the 83rd Annual Boston Common Tree Lighting! Hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, marking the 52nd year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the explosion of a munitions ship on December 6, 1917. Visit the website here.

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