The holiday season is near! Streets sparkle, shop windows glow, and the city hums with festive cheer. Living at The Colonnade Residences puts you in the middle of Boston’s winter wonderland, giving you countless holiday things to do. From tree lighting to ice skating and Boston’s famous holiday markets, ‘tis the season to enjoy winter in the Back Bay neighborhood. Explore the top holiday events in Boston and find out why the city is a must-see during the winter!
Iconic Holiday Events in Boston
Boston shines during the festive seasons, offering a standout lineup of exciting events that return year after year, drawing in locals and visitors alike. The city transforms into a winter playground; all easily explored from The Colonnade Residences’ central Back Bay location.
Boston Common Tree Lighting & Holiday Lights
An adored seasonal tradition, the Boston Common Tree Lighting takes place on December 4th, 2025, at 6 PM on the Boston Common and is free to attend. The ceremony includes the lighting of Boston’s official Christmas tree, as well as holiday lights throughout the park and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. This event kicks off the cheerful season and provides a picture-perfect backdrop for classic holiday photos, Instagram-worthy shots, and a beautiful evening stroll.
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
A longstanding holiday tradition and an event not to be missed, the Boston Ballet’s timeless performance of The Nutcracker by Mikko Nissinen at the Citizens Opera House is a true spectacle. This ballet is full of mesmerizing dancing, classic holiday music, and beautiful set and costume designs. A perfect family or date-night event, sure to leave your holiday spirits illuminated.
Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall
An annual Boston favorite includes the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s festive Holiday Pops concert series. Offering concerts throughout December with a variety of showtimes, Holiday Pops blends classical and holiday music in a beautiful setting. These performances will fill your heart with the joy of the season and leave you enchanted from curtain rise to final bow.
Family-Friendly Holiday Activities
Looking for holiday events in Boston for the whole family to enjoy? Families will love the city’s kid-friendly fun around every corner. Lace up for ice skating, bundle up for twinkling lights at the zoo, and get ready for some holiday fun!
Ice Skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond
The Boston Common Frog Pond transforms into a sparkling ice rink during the holiday season in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. A classic winter activity: layer up in your cozy clothes, grab your blades, and glide around the rink as you enjoy the crisp Boston air. After skating, enjoy nearby hot cocoa and other sweet treats at the Frog Pond Café, Bakey, Thinking Cup, or Café 26; all within walking distance.
ZooLights at Stone Zoo
Another family-friendly winter event to enjoy is the holiday light display at Stone Zoo. ZooLights kicks off on November 14th and goes through January 4th. Get ready to experience the zoo like never before with illuminated pathways, festive light displays, and seasonal activities.
Enchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture
Step outside the city hustle and discover the Enchanted Village, a nostalgic holiday display at Jordan’s Furniture in Avon. With vintage animatronic scenes, an indoor ice-skating rink, reindeer games, and lots of family fun, exploring the village is a whimsical tradition that helps bring the season to life.
Holiday Shopping & Winter Markets
There’s nothing quite like the magic of Boston during the holidays, especially the city’s winter markets. These festive pop-ups fill the Back Bay neighborhood with cozy charm, artisan crafts, twinkling lights, and delicious seasonal treats. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts or simply soaking in the cheerful atmosphere, these markets capture the joy of the season!
Boston Holiday Market at Snowport (Seaport District)
The Snowport Holiday Market in the Seaport District has quickly become one of Boston’s most beloved winter events. Snowport features over 100 local artisans, festive food, live music, and so much more. Open seven days a week starting November 7th through December 28th, this holiday market is a must for anyone looking to experience the city’s holiday charm.
Newbury Street & Prudential Center Shopping
Just steps away from The Colonnade Residences in the heart of Back Bay, you will find iconic shopping destinations like Newbury Street and the Prudential Center. Enjoy Open Newbury Street on December 7th as the street will be closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into a festive wonderland, where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday inspiration.
Starting December 1st, the Prudential Center kicks off its 31 Nights of Light. Every night, the tower will transform into a magical display of holiday lights to celebrate 28 local non-profit organizations and three holidays. As you enjoy the festive events at the Prudential Center, you can knock out your holiday shopping with the many retail shops, including Sephora, Hoka, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more.
SoWa Winter Festival
From November 28th through December 28th, the SoWa Winter Festival takes place in Boston’s Art and Design District, in the South End neighborhood. The festival features over 100 local vendors offering handmade holiday gifts, art, seasonal goodies, cocktails, and more. Browsing through the SoWa Winter Festival captures everything people love about the holidays in Boston: style, charm, and community spirit.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
After exploring Boston’s charming holiday markets and soaking in the magic of the season, the city keeps the celebrations going with unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations. The city lights up with fireworks, rooftop parties, and family-friendly festivities like First Night Boston. Whether you’re planning a glamorous night out or looking for a charming, cozy night that leads into the New Year, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
First Night Boston
First Night Boston is one of the city’s most classic holiday events, bringing in locals and visitors together to ring in the new year. This family-friendly tradition features a full day of performances, parades, and ice sculptures throughout City Hall Plaza, Copley Square, and Boston Common, ending with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor. Whether you’re catching live music, admiring the art installations, or skating under the stars, First Night Boston perfectly captures the joy and spirit that make winter in Boston so special.
Rooftop & Fine Dining Celebrations
For those looking to toast to the new year with sweeping city views, Boston’s rooftop bars and upscale lounges offer an unforgettable way to celebrate. From chic spots overlooking Back Bay, like the Stratus, to trendy Seaport venues, like Rooftop at the Envoy, with panoramic harbor views, these settings combine festive energy with an elevated experience. Enjoy champagne toasts, live DJs, and cozy firepits as the countdown begins. For residents of The Colonnade Residences, the city’s best rooftop and dining celebrations are just a short stroll or ride away.
Living Near It All at The Colonnade Residences
Whether you’re exploring all the winter events in Boston or welcoming the new year at First Night, there is always something magical happening in Boston. From glittering light displays to lively markets and dazzling fireworks, the best of the season is right outside when you call The Colonnade Residences home. Living at our luxury Back Bay Boston apartments puts you in the heart of it all, steps from the city’s best holiday events, fine dining, and cultural experiences that make this season memorable. Celebrate the holidays surrounded by Boston’s timeless charm and the warmth of a community that feels like home.
FAQs About Holiday Events in Boston
- When do holiday events in Boston typically start?
Most events begin in late November and run through early January. - Are there free holiday events in Boston?
Yes! Events like the Boston Common Tree Lighting and First Night Boston are free to attend. - What are the best neighborhoods for holiday lights in Boston?
Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the Seaport District are known for festive displays. - Is Boston easy to get around during the holiday season?
Yes, most attractions are walkable or accessible via the T (subway), especially from Back Bay.
