Massachusetts Holiday Festivities Guide
Discover the magic of the holiday season across Massachusetts, from the twinkling lights of Boston Common to the charming Christmas Stroll on Nantucket. This comprehensive guide connects you to all the festive celebrations, markets, concerts, and community events happening throughout Greater Boston, the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Whether you're seeking traditional tree lighting ceremonies, bustling holiday markets, world-class performances, or cozy small-town parades, Massachusetts offers unforgettable seasonal experiences for every taste and tradition.
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Greater Boston Holiday Magic
Greater Boston transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, offering spectacular lighting ceremonies, festive markets, and world-renowned performances. From the iconic Boston Common tree lighting to the enchanting trellis at Christopher Columbus Park, the city sparkles with holiday cheer. The Boston Pops Holiday concerts at Symphony Hall have become a beloved tradition, while the Theater District comes alive with seasonal shows and performances.
Experience the magic of Faneuil Hall Marketplace decked in holiday splendor, explore unique gifts at winter markets like Snowport and SoWa, and enjoy special brewery nights and social events throughout the season. The city's neighborhoods each add their own festive touch, creating a tapestry of celebrations that capture the spirit of the holidays in New England's most historic city.
Tree Lightings & Ceremonies
Boston Common, Public Garden, Faneuil Hall, Seaport District, and neighborhood celebrations throughout the city
Holiday Markets
Snowport, SoWa Winter Market, and festive shopping destinations across Greater Boston
Holiday Performances
Boston Pops Holiday concerts, Theater District shows, and seasonal entertainment
Essential Boston Holiday Links
  • Search All Boston Events (filter by "holiday" or "Christmas")
South Shore Celebrations
The South Shore communities offer charming, family-friendly holiday celebrations that capture the warmth of small-town New England traditions. From Hingham to Cohasset, Scituate to Marshfield, each town creates its own magical atmosphere with tree lighting ceremonies on historic commons, festive parades down Main Street, and craft fairs showcasing local artisans.
These coastal communities blend maritime heritage with holiday spirit, featuring everything from Santa arriving by boat to carolers strolling through downtown districts. The South Shore's holiday season is perfect for families seeking authentic New England charm, with numerous events designed specifically for children and opportunities to support local businesses at seasonal markets and fairs.
Craft Fairs & Markets
Discover unique handmade gifts and local artisan creations at South Shore holiday craft fairs
Tree Lightings & Parades
Experience traditional ceremonies and festive parades in Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, and beyond
Family Activities
Special events for kids including visits with Santa, holiday storytimes, and seasonal workshops
South Shore Holiday Resources
South Coast Holiday Traditions
The South Coast region, encompassing New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and surrounding communities, offers a distinctive blend of maritime heritage and multicultural holiday traditions. These historic port cities and coastal towns celebrate the season with waterfront light displays, downtown parades, community concerts, and festive gatherings that reflect the region's rich cultural diversity and working-class roots.
From tree lighting ceremonies in historic downtown districts to craft fairs featuring local artisans, the South Coast provides authentic, community-centered celebrations. The region's breweries and social venues also host special holiday events, creating opportunities for adults to enjoy seasonal festivities. Whether you're exploring the cobblestone streets of New Bedford's historic district or attending a holiday concert in Fall River, the South Coast offers warm, welcoming celebrations that honor both tradition and community.
Holiday Parades
Community parades featuring local organizations, marching bands, and festive floats through downtown districts
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Traditional lighting events bringing communities together in town centers and public spaces
Craft Fairs
Local artisan markets showcasing handmade gifts, decorations, and regional specialties
Holiday Concerts
Seasonal performances by community orchestras, choirs, and local musicians
Brewery Events
Special holiday-themed nights at local breweries with seasonal beverages and entertainment
Find South Coast Events
Cape Cod Holiday Charm
Cape Cod transforms into a cozy winter retreat during the holiday season, offering a quieter, more intimate alternative to summer's bustling crowds. The Cape's charming villages and historic towns celebrate with beloved traditions including festive strolls, tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and special performances. Mashpee Commons hosts the popular Cape Cod Christmas Market, while towns from Falmouth to Provincetown each add their own unique character to the season.
Experience the magic of Chatham's First Night celebration, join the Harwich or Yarmouth holiday strolls, or explore the decorated shops and galleries of Wellfleet and Orleans. The Cape's holiday season combines New England tradition with coastal charm, featuring everything from Santa arriving by boat to carolers performing in historic churches. With fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere, winter on Cape Cod offers an authentic, memorable holiday experience.
Signature Cape Events
  • Cape Cod Christmas Market at Mashpee Commons
  • Chatham First Night celebration
  • Falmouth Holiday Parade
  • Harwich and Yarmouth Holiday Strolls
  • Provincetown Holly Folly weekend
  • Sandwich Village tree lighting
  • Orleans and Wellfleet gallery strolls
Complete Cape Cod Holiday Calendar
Nantucket's Christmas Stroll
Nantucket's Christmas Stroll is one of New England's most iconic holiday celebrations, transforming the historic island into a Victorian-era winter wonderland for one magical weekend. This beloved tradition, typically held the first weekend of December, draws visitors from around the world to experience the island's unique blend of maritime heritage and holiday splendor. The entire downtown district is adorned with festive decorations, including the signature red bows that grace nearly every doorway and lamppost.
The Christmas Stroll weekend features a packed schedule of activities including the grand parade, tree lighting ceremony, house tours of historic homes decorated for the season, carolers in period costume, craft fairs, special shopping hours, and countless festive gatherings. The celebration extends beyond the main weekend through Nantucket Noel, a season-long series of events including concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and community gatherings that continue through the New Year.
1
Friday Evening
Stroll weekend kicks off with shop openings, wine tastings, and the lighting of downtown decorations
2
Saturday Morning
Craft fairs open, historic house tours begin, and carolers appear throughout town
3
Saturday Afternoon
The grand Christmas Stroll parade features festive floats, marching bands, and Santa's arrival
4
Saturday Evening
Tree lighting ceremony, carol singing, and special events at shops, restaurants, and venues
5
Sunday
Final day of house tours, craft fairs, and special brunches as the weekend concludes
Plan Your Nantucket Holiday Visit
Martha's Vineyard Holiday Season
Martha's Vineyard offers a more intimate, laid-back holiday experience compared to its sister island Nantucket, with each of the Vineyard's six towns hosting their own unique celebrations. From Edgartown's elegant tree lighting to Oak Bluffs' festive harbor decorations, Vineyard Haven's community gatherings to Up-Island's cozy events, the island embraces the season with characteristic warmth and creativity.
The Vineyard's holiday celebrations reflect the island's artistic community and year-round resident culture, featuring local craft fairs, gallery openings with holiday themes, community concerts, and New Year's Eve celebrations. The quieter winter season allows visitors to experience the island's authentic character, with opportunities to explore decorated shops, enjoy seasonal dining, and participate in community traditions that have been passed down through generations of island families.
Town Celebrations
Each Vineyard town hosts tree lightings, holiday strolls, and community gatherings with distinct local character
Arts & Crafts
Holiday markets featuring island artisans, gallery openings, and craft fairs showcasing local talent
Concerts & Performances
Seasonal concerts by island musicians, community theater productions, and caroling events
New Year's Celebrations
Ring in the New Year with island-style festivities, fireworks, and special events across the Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard Holiday Resources
Holiday Markets & Shopping
Massachusetts holiday markets offer unique shopping experiences that go far beyond typical retail, featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and specialty vendors selling handmade gifts, seasonal decorations, gourmet foods, and one-of-a-kind treasures. These markets capture the spirit of European Christmas markets while showcasing distinctly New England creativity and craftsmanship. From Boston's Snowport and SoWa Winter Market to the Cape Cod Christmas Market at Mashpee Commons, these festive gatherings combine shopping with entertainment, food, and community celebration.
Beyond the major markets, countless craft fairs take place throughout the season in community centers, churches, schools, and town halls across the state. These smaller, local fairs offer opportunities to meet the artists and makers directly, discover unique gifts while supporting your community, and experience the authentic, grassroots spirit of New England's holiday traditions. Many markets also feature live music, seasonal treats, visits with Santa, and activities for children, making them perfect destinations for the entire family.
Urban Markets
Boston's Snowport, SoWa Winter Market, and downtown holiday shopping districts with extended hours and special events
Cape & Islands
Cape Cod Christmas Market at Mashpee Commons, Nantucket Stroll craft fairs, and Vineyard artisan markets
Community Fairs
Local craft fairs throughout South Shore, South Coast, and suburban communities featuring regional artisans
Find Holiday Markets Near You
  • South Shore Holiday Fairs & Markets
Holiday Performances & Entertainment
Massachusetts offers world-class holiday entertainment, from the legendary Boston Pops Holiday concerts at Symphony Hall to intimate community theater productions in small towns across the state. The Boston Pops Holiday season is a cherished New England tradition, featuring beloved seasonal classics, guest artists, and the magic of live orchestral music in one of the world's finest concert halls.
Beyond Symphony Hall, the Theater District comes alive with holiday shows including touring Broadway productions, classic performances of "The Nutcracker" by Boston Ballet, "A Christmas Carol" adaptations, and family-friendly seasonal entertainment. Regional theaters, community performance spaces, and churches throughout Massachusetts also present holiday concerts, pageants, and shows that bring communities together in celebration.
Boston Pops Holiday Concerts
The iconic Boston Pops presents multiple performances of their beloved Holiday concert series at Symphony Hall, featuring festive classics, carol sing-alongs, and special guest artists. This treasured tradition has delighted audiences for generations.
Theater District Productions
Boston's Theater District hosts touring productions of holiday favorites, including Broadway shows, "The Nutcracker" by Boston Ballet, various adaptations of "A Christmas Carol," and family-oriented seasonal entertainment at multiple venues.
Community Performances
Local theaters, schools, churches, and community centers throughout Massachusetts present holiday concerts, pageants, carol services, and seasonal shows that showcase regional talent and bring neighborhoods together.
Performance Schedules & Tickets
Planning Your Holiday Visit
Planning your Massachusetts holiday experience is easy with the comprehensive resources available online. Each region maintains updated event calendars that are continuously refreshed with new activities, schedule changes, and special announcements. The key to making the most of your holiday visit is to check these official sources regularly, as many events require advance tickets or have limited capacity, especially popular attractions like the Boston Pops Holiday concerts and Nantucket's Christmas Stroll weekend.
When adding photos to your own website or social media, always use images you've taken yourself, properly licensed stock photos, or official images from event organizers who explicitly allow reuse through media kits or creative commons licensing. This respects copyright and supports the photographers and organizations who create these wonderful events. Most event websites provide media resources or contact information for obtaining permission to use their images.
Check Event Calendars
Visit official tourism and chamber websites for up-to-date schedules, as events and times may change
Book Early
Popular events like Boston Pops and Nantucket Stroll sell out quickly—reserve tickets and accommodations in advance
Respect Copyright
Use only your own photos, licensed images, or official media with permission when sharing events online
Essential Planning Resources