Winter in a big city can be overwhelming due to the endless amount of things to do, but this guide will give you a starting point and maybe help you find some holiday gifts for yourself and your loved ones!
1. Snowport
Snowport is one of the most well-known holiday markets in Boston. Located in Seaport and running from November 6th to December 27th, Snowport features over 130 independent small businesses, selling everything you need for the perfect gift from jewelry to crafts to decor. They also offer tons of delicious food and drinks such as deluxe hot chocolate, cheese wheel pasta, and Nutella waffles.Â
2. The Boston Common Tree Lighting CeremonyÂ
The 85th annual Boston Common Tree Lighting hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu will be taking place on December 3rd from 6PM-8PM, with a sampling village featuring giveaways and refreshments.Â
3. The Nutcracker
The Boston Ballet performs at the Citizens Bank Opera House from November 27th to December 31st, and Emerson students can typically get discounted tickets! It’s the perfect way to kickoff the winter season and get you in the holiday spirit.
4. The SoWa Christmas Market
Held in Boston’s South End, the SoWa Christmas Market is a massive indoor winter wonderland featuring over 125 local artists and small business vendors selling handcrafted artwork, homegoods, clothing, and more. They also offer an array of food and drinks, such as heart shaped empanadas, chocolate covered strawberries, and nutella filled smores cookies.Â
5. Trident Bookseller’s & Café Friendsgiving
If you’re in Boston for Thanksgiving, Trident’s Friendsgiving is a great event to celebrate at! From 6PM-8PM, you can play board games while watching only the Thanksgiving episodes of Friends, and you can grab a bite to eat from their special holiday menu.
6. The Boston Common Frog Pond Ice Skating RinkÂ
While not open just yet, the Frog Pond ice rink is a delightful activity to keep on your radar once it gets a bit colder out. The offer skate rentals, a warming area, and hot chocolate at their seasonal cafe!
7. Hot chocolate flight
Want to grab a little holiday treat you can share with friends? Head to Stephanie’s On Newbury for a warm and delicious hot chocolate flight, featuring flavors of gingerbread, peppermint, toasted sesame, and, of course, classic!
8. Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting
In the North End on November 23rd, there will be the 25th annual holiday lighting of the trellis at Christoper Columbus Park. There will be musical performances, eggnog, hot chocolate and cookies, and clam chowder!
9. The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show
These drag queen legends will be coming to the Wang Theatre on November 28th for a campy delightful show, featuring thrilling dance numbers, original music, storytelling, and many, many jokes. It’s a show you’re not going to want to miss!
10. Holiday Music in the Courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
On December 2nd, the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will be holding a special performance with George Steel, Abrams Curator of Music leading, and choral performances by Vox Vocal Ensemble, the all-star American Bass Quintet, and special guest Salar Nader on tabla!