Night Lights: Color Cascade at New England Botanic Garden

Immerse yourself in the magic of the season at New England Botanic Garden with a breathtaking winter light display that is unmatched in the region. This year, prepare to be amazed by Night Lights: Color Cascade, a one-of-a-kind winter experience where visitors embark on a spellbinding journey through a mesmerizing array of radiant, glowing lights in every imaginable color. Amidst a quarter million lights, enjoy a delightful evening complete with festive favorites such as s’mores roasting, seasonal drinks, a model train, holiday shopping, and fun photo opportunities for the whole family! NEW this year, an outdoor skating rink will debut for the first time in Night Lights’ history to bring joy to the young and young at heart. Colorful landscapes, immersive experiences, and life-long memories await this winter! Night Lights tickets must be purchased in advance and the Garden recommends that visitors plan ahead as this event, which welcomed 66,000 people from around the region last year, does sell out!

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Killer in the Conservatory: The Price of Immortality

Join New England Botanic Garden for an immersive and interactive murder mystery experience in collaboration with Escapism Productions. Each ticket includes one free beverage, an open popcorn bar, and a killer evening of murder mystery fun. Guests are welcome to come dressed for the occasion. Must be at least 21 to attend. Back by popular demand, the Garden’s Killer in the Conservatory series continues with an all-new murder mystery. We invite you to enter into the realm of mystery and intrigue in a second chronicle featuring the tireless Inspector Leopold Lapis. Get transported to the Victorian era as you find yourself invited to the somber yet peculiar will reading of Dr. Vivian Verdant, a renowned herbologist with a passion for the alchemical arts. But as the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that this gathering is no ordinary affair. Lapis soon discovers that Dr. Verdant’s death may not be as straightforward as it seems, and the real mystery lies in uncovering the secrets she left behind. Who among the gathered suspects holds the key to the truth? Use your detective skills to assist Lapis with unraveling the tangled web of motives and deception. Solve puzzles, interrogate suspects, and gather clues to crack the case and bring the elusive culprit to justice–if you can. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Fireside Concert: Sounds of New England

Enjoy warm notes on chilly winter nights. Join Juventas New Music Ensemble and New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill for an intimate concert experience set against the cozy backdrop of a crackling fire. The program features romantic, classical music by contemporary composers. Each piece is inspired by natural places in five of the New England states. Set in New England Botanic Garden’s Great Hall in the warmth of the stone hearth fireplace, guests will enjoy cocktail table seating, with seasonal drinks and light bites available for purchase. Tickets are sold as half-table tickets, and each ticket admits up to two attendees. Single admissions are not available for this event. Attendees will be seated at a shared four-person cocktail table. For private tables, or for parties of up to four, we recommend purchasing two half-table tickets. We will do our best to seat parties together. Tables will be assigned from front to back based on the order in which they are purchased. This event is designed to be an intimate experience with a smaller capacity, so tickets are limited. Reserve yours today! Doors and concessions open at 6:15pm. Music begins at 7pm.

Winter Solstice Celebration at New England Botanic Garden

Celebrate the Winter Solstice by immersing yourself in the beauty of nature, creativity, and festive cheer! This enchanting season invites you to embrace its charm through a delightful hands-on experience. Join us in crafting a stunning floral crown centerpiece using an array of seasonal and dried blooms that capture the essence of winter's beauty. As you create, you'll also have the opportunity to pour your own beeswax candle, filling your home with a warm, inviting glow. Take a piece of the magic home with you, and let your creations bring joy and light to your winter celebrations!

Winter Holiday Floral Arrangement at New England Botanic Garden

Deck the halls with dazzling winter florals! Join us for a festive floral design workshop where you'll create beautiful holiday décor for your home. Great for gifting or brightening your own home. All ability levels are welcome and all supplies will be provided. Instructor: Mary Beth Hayes Mary Beth is an avid gardener and floral designer who began studying floral design so she could bring the beauty of the garden into her home. She’s taken classes with the Mass Horticultural Society and Cass School of Floral Design in Watertown, Massachusetts. She has studied with noted floral designers Francoise Weeks, Holly Chapple and Hitomi Gilliam. Mary Beth loves to share the techniques she has learned with others so we can all “play with flowers” and create beautiful, natural flower arrangements and more.

Forcing Bulbs: Amaryllis and Paperwhites

Start a new holiday tradition with NEBG by mastering the art of forcing amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs in this hands-on workshop led by our expert horticulture team. You'll learn essential techniques for coaxing these stunning winter blooms to flourish indoors, adding a burst of color to your home when you need it most. Under the guidance of our skilled staff, you'll craft beautiful, custom bulb displays perfect for holiday décor or gifting. This beginner's workshop provides the tools and knowledge to create lasting floral beauty.

Autumn Horticulturist Walk & Talk

Horticulturist Walk &amp; Talk at New England Botanic Garden Join the Garden’s own horticulture experts for a seasonal walk and talk, focusing on what’s in bloom and fall favorites from NEBG's collections. Learn about the some of the first plants in New England Botanic Garden’s collection as well as some of the new additions. Please Note: in case of inclement weather, the class will be moved to our indoor conservatories. The class will be held rain or shine.

Night Lights Nighttime Photography

In this three-hour workshop, you'll explore night photography during the popular Night Lights event at Tower Hill. Begin with a one-hour "Introduction to Night Photography" lecture, covering essential techniques such as equipment, exposure, white balance, composition, and managing the contrast of bright lights and deep shadows. Following the lecture, enjoy a two-hour guided photo shoot in Tower Hill’s illuminated gardens, where two experienced instructors will assist you in capturing stunning images and ensuring you have an enjoyable experience.

Gnomevember at New England Botanic Garden

A delightfully mischievous cast of garden gnomes are returning to New England Botanic Garden this fall! Visiting from near and far, these sneaky garden gnomes will take up residence in some of their favorite hiding spots around the Garden. The whole family will enjoy searching for all of the gnomes and uncovering their unique stories, each developed by a local artist who used their talents to bring the gnomes to life. Come be part of the magic this Gnomevember!

Seasonal Pruning Workshop: Dormant Pruning

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of home gardening, from plant identification and pruning, to soil and plant care? Are you an experienced gardener who is looking to improve your skills or gain a deeper understanding of important concepts like pruning, sustainability or soil testing/management? Join us for this yearlong series of workshops and classes designed to give gardeners, of all experience levels, the tools and knowledge to properly care for their gardens. No matter how small or large your garden is, you will gain new insights through this series of classes and hands-on workshops that take place here at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. The Pruning Workshops are performed in the garden and reflect the instructor’s five pruning windows during the year to accomplish specific tasks unique to the plants and time of year. The fifth and final pruning workshop will focus on dormant pruning for many deciduous trees and shrubs as their structure is visible, as well as pruning to prevent winter damage. Plants may include ornamental trees and late flowering shrubs. Plants do not respond to pruning in this window, which is critical for some important work in this window.

Seasonal Pruning Workshop: Dormant Pruning-2

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of home gardening, from plant identification and pruning, to soil and plant care? Are you an experienced gardener who is looking to improve your skills or gain a deeper understanding of important concepts like pruning, sustainability or soil testing/management? Join us for this yearlong series of workshops and classes designed to give gardeners, of all experience levels, the tools and knowledge to properly care for their gardens. No matter how small or large your garden is, you will gain new insights through this series of classes and hands-on workshops that take place here at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. The Pruning Workshops are performed in the garden and reflect the instructor’s five pruning windows during the year to accomplish specific tasks unique to the plants and time of year. The fifth and final pruning workshop will focus on dormant pruning for many deciduous trees and shrubs as their structure is visible, as well as pruning to prevent winter damage. Plants may include ornamental trees and late flowering shrubs. Plants do not respond to pruning in this window, which is critical for some important work in this window.

Holiday Wreath Making with Bluebird Bouquets

The annual Wreath Making Workshop has returned! Join Bluebird Bouquets for a festive and creative experience where you'll craft a fresh floral wreath to brighten your home this holiday season. Using an 18-inch grapevine base, you will learn to design in Bluebird’s signature asymmetrical style, combining seasonal foliage, vibrant florals, and decorative accents. Whether you plan to hang your wreath on your door, wall, or use it as a striking table centerpiece, this workshop offers all the materials and expert guidance you need to create a truly unique holiday decoration. Don't miss this beloved seasonal tradition!

Poinsettia Blooms: Hand-Painting Silk

Celebrate the season with a hands-on workshop, hand-painting a 14"x14" silk kerchief or wall décor inspired by vibrant poinsettias.&nbsp;No experience needed - just bring your creativity and love for botanical beauty. All materials will be provided. Please Note: The maximum class size is 8 students.&nbsp;Please register early. Meet Your Instructor: Lidia Mikhaylova I enjoy expressing the world around me through my paintings, and I love putting the reality of everyday life on the canvas using colors and shapes. The purpose of my art is to inspire people to see the hidden beauty in the simplicity of their surroundings. Too often we are waiting for miracles but forgetting to look right in front of us. There is a lot of beauty in everyday life! In order to notice it, we simply need to pause, look around… and maybe ask yourself a question: what brings richness to my life?

Poinsettia Care 101: Keeping Them Alive

Are you tired of watching your poinsettia wither away before the new year even begins? You’re not alone! Whether you're a first-time plant parent or have struggled with poinsettias in the past, this workshop is designed to take the mystery (and frustration) out of caring for this holiday classic. In a fun, hands-on setting, we’ll teach you everything you need to know—from how to pick the healthiest plant, to watering and light tips, and even troubleshooting common problems like leaf drop. And don’t worry if you’ve never managed to keep one alive before—this class is perfect for beginners! By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel confident in caring for your poinsettia and even have the know-how to help it bloom again next year. Plus, you’ll leave with your very own poinsettia to take home, ready to thrive with all your new plant care skills!

Gnome Sweet Gnome: Paint Your Own Garden

Create your own mini garden gnome in this fun painting workshop for tweens to adults! Enjoy gnome-sized treats while brining your own gnome to life with paint. Meet Your Instructor: Linda Snay Linda Snay was born in Connecticut and has always been drawn to the world of art.&nbsp;She discovered watercolors at a young age and was encouraged by art teachers.&nbsp;She studied art in college and went on to graduate from Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA, double major in Studio Art and Art History.&nbsp;After moving to Massachusetts, her career led to positions in education in museums and art centers, and she is currently a teaching artist leading engaging art classes for both children and adults.&nbsp;She works in various media, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, and pastel.&nbsp;She is a member of Arts Worcester and participates regularly in exhibitions in Central Massachusetts.

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

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

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.