80 things to do in Boston between Christmas weekend & New Year’s 2026

Close out the year with festive experiences from shows and movies to themed New Year’s Eve parties and more. Explore the city this week with your favorite list before 2026 begins! Thanks for spending 2025 with us &amp; happy holidays from us to you.  1) First Night Boston 2026 <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-night-boston-boston-400663">bit.ly/3nt-</a> 2) Midnight Fireworks on the Harbor <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/new-year-s-eve-on-the-waterfront-midnight-fireworks-boston-398446">bit.ly/-b8i</a> 3) Frog Pond Skating Spectacular <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-common-frog-pond-skating-spectacular-2023-boston-437065">bit.ly/il-I</a> 4) Holiday Flash Mobs <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/holiday-flash-mob-boston-2025-boston-1029962">bit.ly/3Y-n</a> 5) Ice Sculpture Village @ First Night <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ice-sculpture-village-at-first-night-boston-2024-boston-441443">bit.ly/Ui-i</a> 6) Boston Common NYE Fireworks <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-night-boston-2025-boston-common-new-year-s-eve-fireworks-boston-1010348">bit.ly/-jzK</a> 7) 14 Free NYE Parties to Ring in ‘26 <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/13-fun-boston-bars-that-aren-t-charging-covers-for-new-year-s-eve-2025-boston-1010495">bit.ly/A-Wo</a> 8) 10+ Holiday Lights Spots in Bos <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/10-places-to-see-holiday-lights-around-boston-boston-395993">bit.ly/-ljI</a> 9) NYE Concerts @ City Hall Plaza <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/live-concert-at-city-hall-plaza-for-first-night-boston-2026-boston-1030475">bit.ly/xi-I</a> 10) 11 Spots to Ice Skate in Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-9-best-outdoor-ice-skating-rinks-in-around-boston-this-winter-boston-437081">bit.ly/I-jr</a> 11) FREE MBTA on NYE <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-mbta-on-new-year-s-eve-boston-306798">bit.ly/-Ijl</a> 12) NYE Ice Sculpture Stroll <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/new-year-s-eve-on-the-waterfront-ice-sculpture-stroll-celebration--2-boston-1030205">bit.ly/i-Hj</a> 13) Somerville Illuminations 2025 <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/somerville-illuminations-2023-somerville-437948">bit.ly/zO-R</a> 14) Boston Winter Fest @ Hood Park <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-s-winter-fest-returns-to-charlestown-s-hood-park-providing-a-reimagined-holiday-experience-throughout-december-charlestown-1028659">bit.ly/9m-L</a> 15) 10th Annual SoWa Winter Fest <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/sowa-winter-festival-2023-boston-394224">bit.ly/-Tha</a> 16) FREE Mapparium on NYE <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/join-us-at-the-christian-science-plaza-for-celebrations-as-part-of-first-night-boston-2026--2-boston-1029632">bit.ly/lH-1</a> 17) XMas Eve State House Carols <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/christmas-eve-balcony-carols-at-the-old-state-house-boston-1030231">bit.ly/H-pK</a> 18) Holiday Pops @ Symphony Hall <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/holiday-pops--5-boston-1027205">bit.ly/N-v9</a> 19) ‘Charlie Brown Xmas’ Live <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-symphony-orchestra-a-charlie-brown-christmas-live-boston-1027576">bit.ly/O-No</a> 20) BSO ‘Elf’ in Concert <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-symphony-orchestra-elf-in-concert-boston-1027574">bit.ly/q-oX</a> 21) First Night Boston Parade <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-night-2025-parade-boston-1010347">bit.ly/-jnI</a> 22) 20s &amp; 30s Board Game Social <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/20-s-30-s-last-social-for-2025-board-game-night-social-aeronaut-brewery-somerville-somerville-1030277">bit.ly/rsfJ</a> 23) ‘The Holdovers’ + Game Nite <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-holdovers-game-night-boston-1029513">bit.ly/6t-N</a> 24) Comfy AF NYE @ Bow <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/comfy-af-nye-somerville-1030129">bit.ly/Ym-f</a> 25) Seaport Holiday Market 2025 <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-holiday-market-at-snowport-2023-boston-seaport-395741">bit.ly/sN0w</a> 26) Decked Out Homes Around Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/festive-boston-10-homes-neighborhoods-streets-decked-out-for-the-2023-holiday-season-boston-439968">bit.ly/-iIJ</a> 27) Historic Holiday Strolls <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/historic-holiday-strolls-boston-1028380">bit.ly/Q-Kc</a> 28) NYE Rodeo at Aeronaut <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/a-new-year-s-eve-rodeo-at-aeronaut-somerville-1029398">bit.ly/4-jF</a> 29) 10+ Festive Bars Around Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-13-most-festive-bars-and-restaurants-in-boston-this-holiday-season-boston-437283">bit.ly/I-j1</a> 30) Free Popcorn Bar @ BPM <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-spiced-popcorn-bar--2-cambridge-1029645">bit.ly/T-Vt</a> 31) Neon New Year’s Party <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/lamplighter-s-neon-new-year-s-eve-party-cambridge-1030098">bit.ly/E-4c</a> 32) NYE at Sam Adams Downtown <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/nye-party-at-the-downtown-taproom-boston-1029715">bit.ly/KhLj</a> 33) Ice Skating on the Frog Pond <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ice-skating-on-the-frog-pond-at-boston-common-boston-397497">bit.ly/-Tgy</a> 34) Drag &amp; Disco @ Lamplighter <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/lamplighter-s-drag-disco-new-year-s-eve-cambridge-1030099">bit.ly/6J-v</a> 35) Mighty Squirrel NYE Glow Party <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/new-year-s-eve-party-mighty-squirrel-fenway-boston-1030025">bit.ly/6-We</a> 36) ‘The Slutcracker’ <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-slutcracker-somerville-398114">bit.ly/-62w</a> 37) JP Holiday Light Show <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/jp-holiday-light-show-illumination-jp-1028964">bit.ly/3-zX</a> 38) Crafts &amp; Cocktails: Wicked <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/crafts-cocktails-wicked-night-boston-1029514">bit.ly/9-2i</a> 39) Drag @ Maccabee Bar <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/maccabee-bar-new-year-s-eve-drag-show-featuring-the-ain-t-mitzahavin-troupe-cambridge-1030184">bit.ly/fU-T</a> 40) Disney Music Bingo <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/disney-themed-music-bingo-at-canalside-food-drink-cambridge-1030323">bit.ly/Sc-f</a> 41) Belgian Florists Showcase <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/belgian-florists-showcase--2-boston-1029030">bit.ly/xU-w</a> 42) Ballers Seaport Now Open <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/ballers-boston-seaport-now-open-ice-skating-igloos-fire-pits-winter-drinks-bites-boston-1029732">bit.ly/n-Cv</a> 43) Disney on Ice <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/disney-on-ice-frozen-encanto-boston-1027564">bit.ly/vE-u</a> 44) Heated Igloos @ Sam Adams <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/heated-igloos--2-boston-1028607">bit.ly/4-wy</a> 45) Holiday Kingdom in DTX <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/holiday-kingdom-in-downtown-12-festive-animal-nutcracker-displays-boston-1009293">bit.ly/4i7-</a> 46) Avery Bar Chocolat <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/avery-bar-chocolat-returns-to-the-ritz-carlton-boston-boston-1028925">bit.ly/3-Rc</a> 47) Putt Across America <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/putt-across-america-boston-1024184">bit.ly/-Uik</a> 48) ‘The Moonwalker’ Experience <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-moonwalkers-a-journey-with-tom-hanks-boston-1020263">bit.ly/-Bci</a> 49) Sipping Santa @ Shoreleaf <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/sippin-santa-at-shore-leave-boston-397422">bit.ly/-ijII</a> 50) All Aboard! Trains @ Science Park <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/all-aboard-trains-at-science-park-boston-1028960">bit.ly/-jJl</a> 51) Holly Jolly Bar @ Harpoon <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/holly-jolly-bar-at-harpoon-brewery-boston-1008652">bit.ly/1p-1</a> 52) ‘Winter Market’ Bar @ Publico <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/publico-s-winter-market-holiday-pop-up-boston-1008572">bit.ly/-nhI</a> 53) Upside Down Trees @ The Liberty <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/upside-down-holiday-trees-at-the-liberty-hotel-lobby-bar-boston-397426">bit.ly/T-i1</a> 54) ‘Miracle’ Holiday Bar <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/miracle-pop-up-bar-at-mystic-station-malden-398404">bit.ly/-Ntr</a> 55) Porter Sq Books Book Swap <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/bookclub-chapter-twelve-boston-1029774">bit.ly/JdOx</a> 56) Deck the Halls @ Hammond Castle <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/deck-the-halls-at-hammond-castle-museum-gloucester-1028717">bit.ly/jB-Y</a> 57) Edaville Holiday Festival of Lights <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/edaville-historic-train-holiday-festival-of-lights-2025-caver-1029332">bit.ly/-ijF</a> 58) Après Bar @ Yotel Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/apres-deck-12-boston-399169">bit.ly/Pi-o</a> 59) Free Curling @ Snowport <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/snowport-curling--3-boston-1027700">bit.ly/4-If</a> 60) ZooLights @ Stone Zoo <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/zoolights-at-stone-zoo-stoneham-397563">bit.ly/-oHB</a> 61) 13 Experiential Bars Around Bos <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-12-best-experiential-bars-around-boston-boston-397466">bit.ly/-pWr</a> 62) Winter Oasis @ View Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/stratus-winter-oasis-view-boston-at-prudential-center-boston-1009450">bit.ly/iu-g</a> 63) Museum of Ice Cream <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/museum-of-ice-cream-coming-to-boston-seaport-boston-435893">bit.ly/Vt-3</a> 64) Free Friday Wine Tasting <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-friday-wine-tastings-deluca-s-market-boston-1020036">bit.ly/U-tn</a> 65) Social Club @ Fine Wine Shop <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-social-club-at-bonde-fine-wine-shop--22-cambridge-1025110">bit.ly/x-7l</a> 66) 18 Bos Public Library Card Perks <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-discounted-tickets-to-19-museums-cruises-and-other-attractions-with-your-boston-public-library-card-boston-431210">bit.ly/-l-k</a> 67) 22 ‘Happy Hour’ Deals in Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-19-best-happy-hour-food-drink-deals-around-boston-that-are-actually-worth-it-boston-1003226">bit.ly/I-1j</a> 68) Seaport Smalls: Live Music <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/seaport-smalls--66-boston-1011729">bit.ly/9-ir</a> 69) Sunday Jazz Brunch <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/sunday-jazz-brunch-cambridge-1027581">bit.ly/4p-R</a> 70) 20+ Free Museums in Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-museums-in-boston-including-free-museum-days-boston-445823">bit.ly/kj-1</a> 71) New England Botanic Garden <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/new-england-botanic-garden-at-tower-hill-boylston-1001049">bit.ly/T-I0</a> 72) Coffee + Crafts <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/coffee-crafts--16-boston-1010654">bit.ly/oK-8</a> 73) 30+ Trivia Nights in Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/20-trivia-nights-in-boston-for-every-day-of-the-week-boston-371544">bit.ly/-BAZ</a> 74) Poetry Open Mic Night <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/poetry-open-mic-at-trident-boston-446048">bit.ly/T-9r</a> 75) Free Harvard Art Museums <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-admission-to-the-harvard-art-museums-cambridge-423522">bit.ly/-5Yw</a> 76) Free Places to “WFH” <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-s-best-places-to-work-remotely-that-aren-t-a-coffee-shop-boston-445814">bit.ly/iy-i</a> 77) Live Irish Music Seisiúns <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/traditional-irish-music-sessions-at-the-druid-cambridge-239715">bit.ly/f-gk</a> 78) SoWa Vintage Market <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/sowa-vintage-market-boston-376336">bit.ly/0BgC</a> 79) $10 Commuter Rail Wknds <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/10-commuter-rail-weekends-boston-395708">bit.ly/sD-N</a> 80) 10+ Sledding Hills Around Boston <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/10-best-sledding-hills-in-boston-boston-403066">bit.ly/-Ov3</a> All weekend events: <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/?day=17&amp;month=4&amp;weekend=1&amp;year=2021">bit.ly/3Rbjz7v</a> List permalink: <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/80-things-to-do-in-boston-between-christmas-weekend-new-year-s-2026-boston-1030476">bit.ly/3KPsOvL</a> Advertise with us: <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/advertise">bit.ly/--ad</a>

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

80 things to do in Boston between Christmas weekend & New Year’s 2026

Website

Where?