2025 Family Friendly Holiday Events & Kid Christmas Activities in Boston, MA

The holiday season is upon us and Boston, MA is brimming with fun, family friendly activities. Taking some time away from shopping and decorating can be a nice way to create memories with the whole family that everyone will enjoy. Here are some great holiday events in Boston and around Massachusetts.

SoWa Winter Festival, South End

The annual SoWa WinterFestival takes place at the Sowa Power Station from Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2025. The festival has over 125 local vendors, all of whom have handmade gifts and art available for purchase. There will be specialty food and cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverages available as well. Admission is $10 and children under 12 have free admission. 

The details:

November 28 – December 28, 2025

550 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

$10 for ages 12+

The Seaport becomes the Snowport

Boston’s Seaport area will once again be transformed into a holiday destination. The area will have pop-up markets, holiday gifts, seasonal food and beverages along with rooftop igloos. Outdoor games, like curling will be available.

• The Snowport Holiday Market will run from Nov. 7th to Dec. 28, 2025.
• The tree market will run from Nov. 21-Dec. 23. 
• Light Up Seaport will be held Dec. 5, with the tree lighting at 7:20.
• The Holiday Stroll is on Dec. 13 from 1-4 p.m. 
• A Menorah Lighting will be held on Dec. 21 at 4:30.

MFA Boston Hanukkah Celebrations

The MFA in Boston will celebrate Hanukkah on Dec. 18, 2025 from 5-10 p.m. The museum will host performances and art that highlight the diversity of Jewish culture and more.

The details:

December 18, 2025

5-10 p.m.

465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

$5 

Holiday Pops Concerts at Symphony Hall

A highly anticipated annual holiday event, The Boston Pops will be back from Dec. 4-30, 2025. They will also hold child friendly matinees so the entire family can enjoy the holiday music. 

The details:

December 4-30, 2025

301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Ticket prices vary

Cocoa and Carol Holiday Cruise in the Boston Harbor

If you’re looking to  enjoy a winter cruise of Boston Harbor, this event is perfect for you and your family. The ship is fully decorated in Christmas style, with hot chocolate and warm beverages included with the price of admission. They do have afternoon times available so your little ones can enjoy carols, a treat and seeing the lights of the city from a new angle. 

The details:

Now – December 30, 2025

60 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

$57.24-$72.08

Boston Common, Back Bay

The Boston Common will host their tree lighting Dec. 4.  6-8 p.m. This free event is great for children of all ages. The entire Common and Boston Public Garden will have their holiday lights up, which makes for a great stroll after the tree is lit. There will also be holiday performances and a fireworks display to end the event.

The details:

December 4, 2025

6-8 p.m.

139 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02111

Free for all ages 

Lighting of the Ship at Martin’s Park, Seaport

The lighting of the ship is a free event held on Nov. 29 from 5-6 p.m. The ship, ​​surrounding beach fencing, and pedestrian bridge are illuminated with over 1,500 feet of blue and white tube lights. Santa will arrive by boat with the Boston Police Harbor unit. There will also be acapella performances, a sighting of Betty the Yeti and hot beverages available. 

The details:

November 29, 2025

5-6 p.m.

64 Sleeper St. Boston, MA 02210

Free for all ages 

Zoo Lights @ Stone Zoo, Stoneham

Stone Zoo will host their annual Zoo Lights event from Nov. 14-Jan. 4. Perfect for even the smallest babies (because we all know they love lights) this event allows the whole family to enjoy the zoo in a new and festive way.

They also host events such as Hot Chocolate with a Reindeer and a visit with Santa.

The details:

November 14-January 4, 2025

149 Pond St. Stoneham, MA 02180

$18.95 for nonmembers, children under 2 are free

Christmas on The Common at Bridgewater

Bring the whole family for holiday fun on the town common! There will be music, food, crafts, local businesses and civic groups, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

The details:

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324

12-4 p.m.

Free for all ages 

17th Annual Festival of Trees in Wellsley, MA 

Visit to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for beautifully decorated trees, an indoor snow village, a model railroad, outdoor light displays, and a fire fit with s’mores. 

The details:

November 28- December 

Thursdays through Sundays in December, plus special vacation week hours

The Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

Peak Pricing: $29 Adults | $10 Kids (3-17) | $22 MHS Members | $5 Children of Members

Off-Peak Pricing: $24 Adults | $8 Kids (3-17) | $17 MHS Members | $5 Children of Members

Tickets must be purchased in advance. 

Santa’s Wonderland, Foxboro, MA

Bring the family for a FREE visit and photo with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough. Hours vary throughout the season, check the website for hours and timed reservations. This year they will also host a story time with Mr. and Mrs. Clause every Tuesday. 

The details:

November 3-December 24, 2025

1 Bass Pro Drive, Foxboro, MA 02035

Free with timed tickets

Ice Skating at the Frog Pond, Boston, MA

Come to the Boston Common for outdoor ice skating at Frog Pond! This is one of the most iconic holiday activities to do with kids in Boston. Voted Best Outdoor Skating Rink in the US by USA Today. Skate rentals, lockers, skate sharpening, skating aid rentals for beginners available. 

The details:

Opening soon, check the website for updates and timing. 

139 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02111

The admission price is based on the skater’s height.

58-Inches and Over: $12.00

Under 58-Inches: Free

No matter what you do, creating fun memories for yourself and your children to look back on over the years is one of the best gifts you can give one another. The holidays can be full of stress and taking a moment, or a few hours, to simply enjoy being with family and friends is a wonderful way to destress and find the cheer. 

Well Supported Family by Nightingale greet you at home for their shift to make sure everyone gets some much needed sleep after all the holiday fun.