The 2021 holiday season is fast approaching and with it comes holiday celebrations and events. Boston is magical during the winter season and offers a broad selection of events and festive experiences.
With all COVID-19 restrictions now lifted, residents of Charlestown are looking forward to celebrating with friends and family by experiencing all that the city has to offer. To help you plan out your holiday calendar and make the most of the season, we have put together a list of some of the best holiday events around the city.
1. Snowport: November 19 - January 17
Boston Seaport is hosting bringing back its third annual Snowport, which consists of a European-styled winter market and fun winter games. The market will feature more than 60 small business vendors, many of whom are female or minority owned. Visitors can indulge in delicious food and try their hand at iceless curling, light-up Bocce, or large-scale board games. The tree lighting ceremony will take place Dec. 3rd on the Snowport Common with a Menorah lighting the following evening at One Seaport Courtyard. Check out the complete list of vendors here.
2. Lighting of the Ship at Martin’s Park: November 27
At 4pm at the Smith Family Waterfront in the Seaport District, the signature wooden display will be lit. The park will be transformed into an enchanted wonderland and Santa will be delivered by boat at the Harborwalk. Hot cocoa and souvenirs will be available for visitors to purchase.
3. Copley Square Tree Lighting: November 29
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and The Friends of Copley Square are kicking off the holiday season with the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting. The family-friendly event runs from 5pm to 6pm on November 29th. There will be refreshments and giveaways as well as a line-up of local talent.
4. Boston Common Tree Lighting: December 2
This tree lighting is known to be the official kick-off of the holiday season. At 8pm on December 2nd, Boston’s official Christmas tree and other trees throughout Boston Common will come alive with thousands of glittering lights. The Major will be present on stage and there will be plenty of vendors supplying treats. Don’t miss the Tree Lighting Skating Spectacular, being held at 5pm at Frog Pond, just before the tree lighting ceremony. If you haven’t been, the Boston Common Tree Lighting is not an event to miss!
5. Boston Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour: December 3-5
The Mayor’s trolley tour will be bringing cheer to children across Boston from the evening of Friday, December 3rd through to Sunday, December 5th. It will be making stops at most of Boston’s key destinations. A full summary of the tour’s stops can be found here.
6. The Nutcracker: Commonwealth Ballet 2021: December 17-19
The delightful Christmas classic production of The Nutcracker will be put on by the Commonwealth Ballet. Showings are limited, so you will want to purchase your tickets before it’s sold out.
7. Zoolights at Stone Zoo, Stoneham: November 25 - January 9
The zoo will be alight with dazzling lights each night (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 4pm to 9:30pm. Visitors can take a one-direction stroll with a cup of hot cocoa through the twinkling zoo. This event is sure to enchant people of all ages.
References:
https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/holiday_zoolights_stone_zoo/p1089.php
https://bostoncentral.com/events/boston-tree-lighting/p888.php
https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/ice/p58758.php
https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/copley-tree-lighting-boston/p1286.php
https://bostoncentral.com/events/enchanted-trolley-tour-boston/p10030.php
https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/the-nutcracker-commonwealth-ballet-regis-college/p6568.php