As the Freedom Trail celebrates 75 years, the Freedom Trail Foundation invites revelers of all ages to experience this year’s Historic Holiday Strolls. The festive atmosphere of the city, set against the unique backdrop of Boston’s historic sites and centuries of history, makes these merry 60-minute tours a perfect way to enjoy the holiday season. Walk the Freedom Trail and discover how Boston’s holiday traditions evolved on the Strolls offered Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. from November 20 through December 26 (excluding Christmas Day, Friday, December 25). 	&nbsp; 	Led by 19th-century Dickensian costumed guides departing from the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common, the Strolls are complete with a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail and the history of 19th-century holiday traditions. Following the Stroll, guests receive discounts off museum store purchases at Freedom Trail sites, including Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Old North Church’s Heritage and Gift Shops (valid with any Historic Holiday Stroll receipt from November through December).&nbsp;&nbsp; 	&nbsp; 	Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, and reservations can be made online; tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center. The Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Strolls may also be scheduled for a group tour by calling (617) 357-8300. The Freedom Trail Foundation continues to offer daily public Walk Into History® Tours throughout the season and during the winter months. For tour tickets and more information please visit <a href="http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/">www.thefreedomtrail.org</a>.

Boston Common Visitor Information Center

As the Freedom Trail celebrates 75 years, the Freedom Trail Foundation invites revelers of all ages to experience this year’s Historic Holiday Strolls. The festive atmosphere of the city, set against the unique backdrop of Boston’s historic sites and centuries of history, makes these merry 60-minute tours a perfect way to enjoy the holiday season. Walk the Freedom Trail and discover how Boston’s holiday traditions evolved on the Strolls offered Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. from November 20 through December 26 (excluding Christmas Day, Friday, December 25). 	  	Led by 19th-century Dickensian costumed guides departing from the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common, the Strolls are complete with a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail and the history of 19th-century holiday traditions. Following the Stroll, guests receive discounts off museum store purchases at Freedom Trail sites, including Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Old North Church’s Heritage and Gift Shops (valid with any Historic Holiday Stroll receipt from November through December).   	  	Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, and reservations can be made online; tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center. The Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Strolls may also be scheduled for a group tour by calling (617) 357-8300. The Freedom Trail Foundation continues to offer daily public Walk Into History® Tours throughout the season and during the winter months. For tour tickets and more information please visit <a href="http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/">www.thefreedomtrail.org</a>.

Everyone's favorite neighborhood event, The Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll, is Thursday, December 3 from 6–9PM. One of the neighborhood’s most beloved annual events, the Beacon Hill Business Association’s long-running Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll returns Thursday, Dec. 3. Charles Street between Cambridge and Beacon streets will be closed off to traffic, allowing for holiday shoppers to stroll through its shops, restaurants, and offices while enjoying refreshments and music performances. Tree lighting at Charles St &amp; Mt Vernon St at 7pm. Participating small businesses, shops, and restaurants located up and down the five block of Charles Street will also welcome guests during this festive event Event sponsors include Beacon Hill Books and Cafe, Upstairs Downstairs Home, and the Aland Realty Group.

Charles Street to Cambridge St

Holiday Stroll will be held on December 6, 2026. ​ In case of inclement weather, the makeup date will be December 13. Open Newbury is back for one day in December to encourage holiday shopping in the Back Bay. Since the start of Open Newbury in 2016, thousands have enjoyed food, shopping, and dining along the mile-long, eight-block stretch from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. Newbury Street will be car-free from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on December 7. The route will be the same as the summer Open Newbury series, with Newbury Street closed to cars from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. There will be family-friendly activities, pop-up parklets, brand activations, and much more.

Newbury Street

One of Boston's most beloved neighborhood holiday traditions is back! The <a href="https://www.sebaboston.com/">South End Business Alliance</a> (SEBA) will host its annual South End Holiday Stroll on Wednesday, December 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., inviting residents and visitors to experience the magic of the season while supporting the neighborhood's vibrant community of independent businesses. Established in 2003, the South End Holiday Stroll has grown tremendously in recent years, expanding into a neighborhood-wide celebration featuring more than 70 participating businesses across retail, restaurants, arts and culture, and more. For one festive evening, neighborhood businesses will stay open late, welcoming visitors with special holiday experiences, seasonal bites and beverages, pop-ups, exclusive offerings, and plenty of holiday cheer. Attendees can explore the neighborhood at their own pace, discovering offerings like a sip + stitch experience at the newly opened <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newagaingoods/">new again goods</a>, where visitors can browse vintage finds and receive complimentary chainstitch hand embroidery, or snap a holiday photo with Santa at <a href="https://parksidebookshop.com/">Parkside Bookshop</a>. Adding to the festivities, the Jolly Trolley will return, offering complimentary transportation aboard a festively decorated trolley to help visitors travel throughout the neighborhood with ease. "The Holiday Stroll has become such a wonderful reflection of what makes the South End special— its independent businesses, creative community, and neighbors who come together to support one another," said Philip Saul, owner of Sault and President of the South End Business Alliance. "What started as a neighborhood holiday event over 20 years ago has grown into an incredible celebration. We're excited to welcome everyone to experience the neighborhood and appreciate their support of the local businesses that make the South End such a special place to live, work, and visit." To help attendees make the most of the evening, SEBA has created an <a href="https://viewer.mapme.com/southendholidaystroll">interactive online map</a> featuring participating businesses and details about the special experiences each will offer during the Stroll. Visitors can use the mobile-friendly map to plan their route and discover everything happening across the neighborhood. The annual <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/south-end-business-alliance-holiday-raffle--2026-2">South End Holiday Raffle</a> has also returned, offering attendees the opportunity to win one of 5 prize baskets, each with a value of $1,000+. Raffle tickets are $10, with proceeds supporting the South End Business Alliance and its ongoing work to strengthen the neighborhood's local business community. Whether checking off a few holiday gifts, meeting friends for a festive bite, discovering a new neighborhood favorite, or simply soaking up the holiday atmosphere, the South End Holiday Stroll offers something for everyone.

South End Boston

A festive holiday stroll featuring local artisans, seasonal treats, and holiday charm under The Liberty’s iconic upside-down trees. Christmas Stroll at The Liberty Hotel Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Step into the holiday season at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/liberty_hotel/">The Liberty Hotel</a>’s Second Annual Christmas Stroll. Join us for an afternoon of holiday shopping, seasonal offerings, and local discoveries in one of Boston’s most distinctive settings. Wander through our historic lobby, rotundas, and Ballroom as local artisans, boutiques, and small businesses showcase a curated selection of gifts, handcrafted goods, and seasonal favorites. With our signature upside-down Christmas trees setting the scene, it's the perfect opportunity to shop local and enjoy an afternoon in Beacon Hill. Whether you're finding the perfect holiday gift, supporting Boston’s local artisans and small businesses, or simply enjoying the spirit of the season, The Liberty invites you to spend a festive afternoon filled with local discoveries and holiday cheer. ADMISSION IS COMPLIMENTARY. What to Expect<ul><li>A curated selection of local artisans, boutiques, and small businesses</li><li>Unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and specialty products</li><li>Seasonal treats and holiday favorites available for purchase</li><li>Festive photo opportunities beneath our iconic upside-down Christmas trees</li></ul>Celebrate the season, discover something special, and support local businesses at The Liberty Hotel. List of Vendors: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anakatarinadesign/">Ana Katarina Design Jewelry</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beaconhillbake/">Beacon Hill Bakery</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shopcandlefish/">Candlefish</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolascakes/">Carola’s Cakes</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bostoncandlelux">Boston CandleLux</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/choco_la_chi/">ChocolaChi</a> | <a href="https://michaeldavidwinery.com/collection/freakshow">Michael David Winery's Freakshow</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sailcbi/">Boston Community Boating</a> | Dina Massage Spa | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eatroehouse/">Roe House</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hollowhorseshoecrab/">Hollow Horseshow Crab</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/twodogsdesigns/">Two Dogs Design Jewels</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weldedwardrobe/">Welded Wardrobe Jewelry</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ryanmactheartist/">Ryan McIntyre Art</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sewwhatamazingkrafts/">Sew What Amazing Krafts S.W.A.K</a> and more! And, to set the mood, there will be live holiday music in the lobby.

Liberty Hotel

Get ready to light up your holiday season with Boston's top lighting ceremonies for the 2026 season. From the iconic Boston Common tree to the sparkling lights of the Comm Ave Mall and beyond, mark your calendar for a magical season in the city. Events listed chronologically. 🔺) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/citgo-sign-relighting-celebration-in-kenmore-square-boston-boston-1048188">CITGO SIGN RELIGHTING CELEBRATION</a> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/uYmIJAS.jpeg"> Date: Thursday, 11/19 at 6pm Info: Not technically a holiday lighting, but it’s a big glowing triangle, so it’s basically a Christmas tree. After a renovation moved it 30 feet higher and 120 feet east, the CITGO sign gets relit in Kenmore Square with the BU Pep Band, Berklee House Band, and a countdown to the big moment. 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/quincy-market-annual-tree-lighting-boston-1047659">QUINCY MARKET TREE LIGHTING</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762953971/holiday-1_ezaxd8.jpg"> Date: Saturday, 11/21 at 2pm Info: An afternoon of holiday magic awaits at this year’s Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Celebration featuring live entertainment, free festive treats, and SO much more. The tree will be lit with over 1 mile of lights and 900 ornaments during this lighting ceremony. BONUS: See the tree <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/quincy-market-holiday-tree-arrives-in-boston-boston-1048080">arrive on a tractor trailer</a> at 10am Fri Nov 13!   2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2022-annual-trellis-lighting-at-christopher-columbus-park-boston-395455">NORTH END WATERFRONT TRELLIS LIGHTING﻿</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954056/holiday-2_u8cuz4.jpg"> Date: Monday, 11/23 at 5pm Info: 50,000 blue lights will illuminate 260 feet of trellis, along with 14 decorated trees nearby. Enjoy the holiday sing-alongs and a visit from Santa Claus, along with cookies, hot chocolate, and clam chowder. 3)<a href="https://joyraft.com/event/3rd-annual-holiday-ship-lighting-at-martin-s-park-in-seaport-boston-434296"> MARTIN'S PARK SHIP LIGHTING</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954092/holiday-3_oayuht.jpg"> Date: Saturday, 11/28 at 4pm Info: Watch Martin’s Park glow with over 1,500 feet of blue and white lights as the ship, bridge, and beach fencing are illuminated. Enjoy holiday tunes from Ball In The House, meet Betty the Yeti, and catch Santa’s grand arrival by boat. 4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/charles-hotel-harvard-square-annual-tree-lighting-celebration-cambridge-1048219">CHARLES HOTEL ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954126/holiday-4_zmp4ey.jpg"> Date: Saturday, 11/28 at 4pm Info: Celebrate the season at The Charles Hotel’s annual tree lighting featuring a festive holiday market with local vendors, seasonal treats, and a visit from Santa.  5) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/copley-square-holiday-tree-lighting-boston-1048222">COPLEY SQUARE TREE LIGHTING</a> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/YeYgo8b.jpeg"> Date: Monday, 11/30 at 4pm Info: Celebrate Copley Square's annual tree lighting with live music, Santa and Rudolph appearances, plus performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, Joelle James, and the Boston Pops Brass Ensemble, followed by cookies and photos with Santa at the Fairmont Copley Plaza at 6pm. 6) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-landing-holiday-tree-lighting--2-boston-1047983">BOSTON LANDING HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING</a> ﻿<img src="https://i.imgur.com/rg14P1J.jpeg"> Date: Wednesday, 12/2 at 4pm Info: Celebrate the season at Boston Landing’s holiday tree lighting with a FREE, family-friendly celebration filled with festive experiences, holiday entertainment, and seasonal surprises throughout the neighborhood! 7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-common-tree-lighting-ceremony-2023-boston-400664">BOSTON COMMON HOLIDAY TREE</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954569/holiday-7_hzewn4.jpg"> Date: Thursday, 12/3 at 6pm Info: The start of the holiday season in Boston commences with the illumination of Boston's official Christmas tree, as well as the trees adorning both Boston Common and the Public Garden. BONUS: Don't miss the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-s-official-holiday-tree-arrival-2023-boston-436346">tree arriving on the Common from Nova Scotia</a> on Tue Nov 24 at 10am! 8) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2023-lighting-of-the-commonwealth-avenue-mall-boston-434684">COMM AVE MALL HOLIDAY LIGHTS</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954580/holiday-8_ybjx59.jpg"> Date: Thursday, 12/3 at 8pm Info: This is one of, if not *the* biggest annual light installations in Boston. Following the Boston Common Tree Lighting, join the City of Boston and the Friends of the Public Garden for this special illumination.  9) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/beacon-hill-holiday-stroll-and-tree-lighting-2023-boston-437210">BEACON HILL TREE LIGHTING</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954592/holiday-9_vrqbog.jpg"> Date: Thursday, 12/3 at 5pm Info: Join the festive celebration at the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll, an annual event by the Beacon Hill Business Association, featuring a traffic-free stroll on Charles Street with refreshments, live music, and a magical tree lighting. More details TBA. (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc3Y_UoniXG">Photo</a> by @yayitsyanan) 10) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/light-up-seaport-in-snowport-2023-boston-433762">LIGHT UP SEAPORT</a><img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954661/holiday-10_tivv8s.jpg"> Date: Friday, 12/4 at 5pm Info: Mark your calendars for December 4, when Boston’s largest holiday tree will light up the Seaport. Enjoy live performances, holiday tunes, and an appearance from Seaport’s own Betty the Yeti before the tree lighting at 7:20pm. 11) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-anchor-winter-garden-holiday-tree-lighting-charlestown-1029261">THE ANCHOR HOLIDAY TREE AND MENORAH LIGHTING</a> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/kiPOf2u.jpeg"> Date: Friday, 12/4 at 6pm Info: The annual Tree and Menorah Lighting is the official kickoff to this year’s Frozen Fire Festival and the grand opening of The Anchor's year-round Winter Garden! 12) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/menorah-lighting--2-boston-1008462">MENORAH LIGHTING SEAPORT</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1762954672/holiday-11_mxa6ju.jpg"> Date: Thursday 12/10 at 4:30pm Info: Celebrate Hanukkah in Seaport with a 9-foot menorah lighting, presented with Chabad of Downtown Boston. Enjoy traditional treats like kosher jelly donuts and chocolate gelt.

Boston

The holidays are here and shopping for loved ones is high on everyone’s to-do list. This year, shop small businesses to find unique gifts and support the local economy. At these pop-up holiday markets you can find a huge selection of goods all in one place, plus plenty of extra amusements. Grab a hot chocolate and let the window shopping begin! by Celina Colby Markets listed chronologically.  1)<a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-holiday-market-at-snowport-2023-boston-seaport-395741"> The Holiday Market at Snowport</a> When: Open daily, Friday 11/6–Sunday 12/27 Where: Seaport Info: One of the most exciting parts of Snowport, Seaport’s annual winter wonderland, is the extensive market of local businesses that you can shop the whole month of December. There are more than 125 shops represented so you can find goodies for even the pickiest relatives. 2)<a href="https://joyraft.com/event/11th-annual-sowa-christmas-market-november-20-december-27-boston-1046765"> </a><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-arsenal-holiday-bazaar-watertown-1047814">The Arsenal Holiday Bazaar</a> When: Saturday 11/14–Sunday 11/15 Where: Watertown Info: The Brighton Bazaar team is bringing its first-ever holiday market to Arsenal Yards, where more than 50 small local businesses will pop up in Bond Square selling art, vinyl, vintage, and more. Shop to vinyl DJ sets, then grab a bite at one of 20+ restaurants nearby. Admission and parking are free, and the market runs rain or shine. 3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/11th-annual-sowa-christmas-market-november-20-december-27-boston-1046765">11th Annual SoWa Christmas Market</a> When: Tuesday 11/20– Sunday 12/27 Where: South End Info: More than 100 local makers are back at the SoWa Power Station with handmade gifts and seasonal treats. Grab a bite from more than 15 food vendors, catch live music at the Sleigh Bar, ride the mechanical bull at Thursday Country Nights, and snap photos with Santa and the Grinch on select days. 4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-thanksgiving-market-harbor-festival-boston-1047712">Boston Thanksgiving Market &amp; Harbor Festival</a> When: Friday 11/20–Sunday 11/22 Where: North End Info: Get a head start on holiday shopping at this three-day waterfront festival in Christopher Columbus Park. Browse handmade crafts, jewelry, boutique fashion, home décor, and specialty foods from local artisans and small businesses. Live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities round out the day, all with harbor views. 5) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/stocking-stuffer-holiday-market-everett-1047051">Stocking Stuffer Holiday Market</a> When: Saturday 11/21 Where: Everett Info: Bring your pup to Whoville at New England’s first dog bar, where an indoor dog park and full-service bar make for the coziest holiday shopping trip. Browse gifts from local vendors, sip mulled wine and seasonal cocktails, and grab a festive treat while your four-legged friend makes new pals. 6) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/holiday-maker-market-boston-1047138">Holiday Maker Market at Marzae Cellar + Provisions</a> When: Sunday 11/22 Where: Downtown Info: Massachusetts’ only natural winery kicks off the season with a curated market of New England makers inside Boston Public Market. Sample and shop small-batch goods like Wicked Bess cocktail and mocktail mixers, Red Kettle Kimchi, and Maine Garum Co.’s fish sauce, all with a glass of natural wine in hand. Admission is free. 7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-women-s-holiday-market-at-warehouse-xi-somerville-1047372">Boston Women’s Holiday Market at Warehouse XI</a> When: Sunday 11/22 Where: Union Square Info: You’re bound to find gifts for everyone on your list at this marketplace of more than 30 woman-owned businesses in Greater Boston. Browse handmade jewelry, ceramics, candles, art, skincare, and gourmet treats, all with free entry. Arrive early to hunt for one of five Golden Tickets hidden around the venue, each good for a $50 shopping spree. 8) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/kilroy-square-holiday-market--3-quincy-1048214">Kilroy Square Holiday Market</a> When: Friday 11/27–Sunday 11/29 and Friday 12/4–Sunday 12/6 Where: Quincy Info: The Quincy Chamber of Commerce brings two weekends of holiday shopping to Kilroy Square, with a rotating lineup of local makers selling jewelry, pottery, candles, soaps, and pet treats inside a heated tent. Grab baked goods and coffee in the gallery, hit the food trucks outside, and stop by on Sunday 11/29 from 1-3pm for a visit with Santa. 9) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/bow-market-small-business-saturday-somerville-1048131">Bow Market Small Business Saturday</a> When: Saturday 11/28 Where: Union Square Info: Keep it small and local at Bow Market’s annual Small Business Saturday celebration. Shop the maker market curated by Tiny Turns Paperie, score retail and food and drink specials from Bow Market businesses, and take on the “shop small, win big” prize challenges. Admission is free, but an RSVP is requested. 10)<a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-public-market-holiday-pop-up-market-boston-1047948"> Boston Public Market Holiday Pop-up Market</a> When: Saturdays &amp; Sundays 11/28–12/13, then daily 12/14–12/24 Where: North End Info: Shop local all season long at Boston Public Market, where a rotating lineup of New England makers, food producers, and small businesses pops up alongside the market’s year-round vendors. Pick up handmade gifts and specialty goods, and stock up on local ingredients for your holiday gatherings. New vendors join throughout the season, so each visit has something new. 11) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-women-s-holiday-market-at-the-armory--3-somerville-1047373">Boston Women’s Holiday Market at The Armory</a> When: Sunday 11/29 Where: Somerville Info: Keep the Small Business Saturday spirit going at this market, where more than 30 women makers fill two floors of the historic Arts at the Armory. Shop handmade jewelry, skincare, apparel, home decor, and sweet treats, with free entry and no lines. Before you go, enter by 11/20 for a chance to win a $50 gift card to use at the market. 12) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/sip-shop-at-cambridgeside-cambridge-1048192">Sip &amp; Shop at CambridgeSide</a> When: Thursday 12/3 Where: East Cambridge Info: Make a night of holiday shopping at CambridgeSide’s Sip &amp; Shop Holiday Market, where you can browse local vendors with a festive cocktail or glass of wine in hand. Sign up for the holiday wreath-making workshop to get crafty, or just soak up the seasonal vibes with friends. Admission is free. 13) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/beacon-hill-holiday-stroll-and-tree-lighting-2023-boston-437210">Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting</a> When: Thursday 12/4 Where: Beacon Hill Info: Stroll down Charles Street in Beacon Hill taking in the holiday decor and shopping at the local businesses that line the historic road. Stay for the tree lighting at Charles St &amp; Mt Vernon St at 7pm. 14) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/christkindlmarkt-german-holiday-market--4-boston-1047845">Christkindlmarkt – German Holiday Market</a> When: Saturday 12/5 Where: Allston Info: Join the German International School Boston for an authentic German-style holiday market complete with a petting zoo, live caroling, family portraits, sweet treats, and, of course, local vendors selling special gifts.  15)<a href="https://joyraft.com/event/open-newbury-street-holiday-stroll-2026-boston-1047994"> Open Newbury Street Holiday Stroll</a> When: Sunday 12/6 Where: Back Bay Info: For one Sunday only in December, Newbury Street will shut down to car traffic so holiday shoppers can roam the stretch and pick up gifts stress-free. Grab a hot chocolate and prepare to encounter plenty of live performances and unique street vendors.  16) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/holiday-market--5-jamaica-plain-1047511">Winter Market at Sam Adams Brewery</a> When: Sunday 12/6 Where: Jamaica Plain Info: The Sam Adams Boston Brewery is turning into a winter wonderland filled with local vendors selling handcrafted gifts, artisanal goods, and seasonal treats. Shop to live music while you sip exclusive holiday releases. Try Imperial Roast, a coffee brown ale made with Stay Awhile Coffee, or Merry Maker Reserve, a gingerbread stout aged in Boston Harbor Distillery barrels. 17) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/10th-annual-union-square-holiday-stroll">Union Square Jingle &amp; Holiday Stroll</a> When: Saturday, 12/6 Where: Union Square Info: Union Square comes to life at this time of year in a wave of holiday decorations and festive light displays. Enjoy them all during the Holiday Stroll and shop local businesses along the way. While you’re at it enter to win a cash prize. 18) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-south-end-holiday-stroll-returns-on-december-9-70-businesses-holiday-cheer-and-the-jolly-trolley-boston-1048202">South End Holiday Stroll</a> When: Wednesday 12/9 Where: South End Info: One of Boston’s favorite neighborhood holiday traditions is back, with more than 70 South End shops, restaurants, and arts spaces staying open late for one festive evening. Stroll at your own pace for seasonal bites and drinks, pop-ups, and exclusive offers, and keep an eye out for the Jolly Trolley. 19) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/harvard-square-holiday-fair--11-cambridge-1048113">Harvard Square Holiday Fair</a> When: Friday 12/11–Sunday 12/13 and Friday 12/18–Sunday 12/20 Where: Harvard Square Info: Now in its 41st year, the original “rock and roll holiday fair” returns to the lower level of the Crimson Galleria for two weekends of shopping. Meet New England craftspeople and world-traveling importers selling original, affordable gifts, all to a great soundtrack that brings back the spirit of old Harvard Square. Admission is free. 20) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/cultural-survival-bazaar--15-boston-1046389">Cultural Survival Bazaar</a> When: Saturday 12/12–Sunday 12/13 Where: South End Info: Support and learn about Indigenous artists at the Cultural Survival Bazaar at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. You’ll find handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more from dozens of countries, plus you can enjoy live cultural performances.  21) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/canal-district-kendall-winter-market-cambridge-1047643">Canal District Kendall Winter Market</a> When: Saturday 12/12, 11am–4pm Where: Kendall Square Info: Glide into the season with free ice skating, professional skate shows, and photos with Santa and friends at this festive winter market. Shop local vendors for unique gifts, grab seasonal treats, make holiday crafts, and catch live entertainment. 22) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2026-black-business-holiday-marketplace-cambridge-1047645">2026 Black Business Holiday Marketplace</a> When: Saturday 12/12–Sunday 12/13 and Saturday 12/19–Sunday 12/20 Where: Harvard Square Info: Celebrate the season and support local Black-owned businesses at the 5th annual marketplace hosted by the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network. Browse dozens of vendors selling handcrafted gifts, soaps, sauces, bags, jewelry, and more, with live entertainment all weekend long. 23) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/station-street-studios-holiday-market-weekend-1-brookline-1028291">Station Street Studios Holiday Market</a> When:<a href="https://joyraft.com/event/opening-reception-station-street-studios-holiday-market-brookline-1028293"> </a>Saturday 12/12–Sunday 12/13 and Saturday 12/19–Sunday 12/20 Where: Brookline Info: ArtsBrookline and Station St. Studios open their doors for an annual holiday market in Brookline Village. Shop fine art, prints, apparel, crafts, jewelry, and more from independent artists, and kick things off at the<a href="https://joyraft.com/event/opening-reception-station-street-studios-holiday-market-brookline-1028293"> opening reception</a> on Friday 12/11 from 5-9pm. 24) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/holiday-market-pottery-art-sale-open-studio-show-cambridge-1047918">Holiday Market, Pottery &amp; Art Sale, and Open Studio Show at The Clay Table</a> When: Saturday 12/12–Sunday 12/13  Where: Central Square Info: Shop handmade pottery, artwork, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists at this Cambridge clay studio. Get your hands dirty with clay activities, take a studio tour, and enter the raffle for a chance to win a pottery class. 25) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-west-end-museum-holiday-market-boston-1047767">The West End Museum Holiday Market</a> When: Sunday 12/13 Where: West End Info: Meet local craftspeople and find unique gifts at this cozy indoor neighborhood market, with vendors selling original paintings, photography, crochet crafts, books, and more. Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day with a free cup, then explore the museum’s exhibit on the West End Branch Library, which hosted interfaith holiday parties nearly a century ago. OUTSIDE OF THE CITY 26) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-holiday-shoppes-at-tuscan-village-winter-wonderland-outdoor-holiday-marketplace-salem-1048218">The Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village</a> When: Friday 11/6–Thursday 12/24 Where: Salem, NH Info: Tuscan Village turns into a winter wonderland with an outdoor marketplace of 40+ local crafters and artisans. Sip a holiday cocktail at the Sam Adams Pavilion, sample imported seasonal treats inside Tuscan Market, and don’t miss the Saturday 11/21 tree lighting, with photos with Santa and the lighting of a 55-foot Christmas tree.

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

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything to do around Boston.

Things to do in Boston and beyond

Things to do in Boston

Fun happenings at Museum of Science, Boston 💫 

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 📈

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.