10 Massachusetts winter
and holiday events.
A 50-foot tree at Faneuil Hall, an 1830s village lit by candlelight, and Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge painting recreated live on Main Street. Boston to the Berkshires, this is what we'd put on the calendar.
All 10, at a glance.
| Event | Where | Typical timing | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faneuil Hall Marketplace tree lighting | Boston | Late November | Free |
| Boston Common Christmas tree lighting | Boston | Early December | Free |
| ZooLights | Stone Zoo, Stoneham | Late Nov–early Jan | Paid admission |
| SoWa Winter Festival | South End, Boston | Late Nov–late Dec | $10, 12 & under free |
| Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas | Stockbridge (Berkshires) | First weekend of Dec | Free to view |
| Christmas by Candlelight | Old Sturbridge Village | Late Nov–late Dec, select dates | Paid admission |
| Christmas in Salem | Salem | Early December | Free to browse; house tour $40–45 |
| Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker | Boch Center, Boston | December | Paid tickets |
| Midwinter Revels | Sanders Theatre, Cambridge | Mid–late December | Paid tickets |
| First Night Boston | City Hall Plaza, Boston | Dec 31 | Free |
Timing reflects each event's usual pattern as of September 2026. Confirm exact dates on each event's own site closer to the season.
Our top three for young kids.
The Faneuil Hall Marketplace tree lighting is the easiest: free, walkable, stroller-friendly, and a genuine kickoff to the Boston season. ZooLights at Stone Zoo is a good shorter alternative to a big city event, a walk-through light trail sized for young attention spans. First Night Boston is worth it even with young kids: the fireworks run early enough (around 7pm) that nobody has to stay up until midnight to see them.
What families ask us.
What is the best Boston-area holiday event for young kids?
The Faneuil Hall Marketplace tree lighting, which stays free and walkable in a stroller-friendly downtown setting. ZooLights at Stone Zoo is a close second, a shorter walk-through light trail than some of the bigger regional displays.
Is the Boston Common tree lighting still happening?
Yes, it remains a Boston civic tradition each December, though the exact date shifts year to year. Check Boston.gov closer to the date.
What is Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village?
An 1830s living-history village lit by candlelight through the holiday season, with costumed interpreters, sleigh rides, and hands-on crafts like candle-dipping. It runs on select dates from late November through late December.
Are these Massachusetts holiday events free?
The tree lightings (Faneuil Hall, Boston Common) and First Night Boston are free. ZooLights, Christmas by Candlelight, the SoWa Winter Festival, and Boston Ballet's Nutcracker all charge admission.