The holiday break in Boston is just around the corner for Christmas vacation! With schools on pause between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s the perfect time to unwind and step away from the daily grind. And after a few days at home, the kids will be ready to get out for some fun over Christmas break. From interactive workshops to nature adventures, these 20 creative activities are guaranteed to keep boredom at bay.
For more things to do in Boston with kids over winter break, consult our Winter Fun Guide and our holiday guide. Plan to have a great time with your kids during the upcoming and much-needed school break. And have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!
Christmas Vacation in Boston – Fun Family Activities
1. Winter Workshops at The Painting Place—Wellesley
Weekdays December 23 – January 6, 2025
Sign up for a single-day workshop or multiple days and do a variety of painting projects, crafts, and games. There will also be outside play opportunities during snack and game time, weather permitting. Sign up for workshops on the website.
Explore the city’s history over Christmas vacation in Boston. Photo by Michael Blanchard for the USS Constitution Museum
2. USS Constitution School Vacation Week—Charlestown
December 21 – 31 2024
Visit the USS Constitution for daily activities including a Life at Sea program, Java Victory Day, and holiday snow globe and lantern making.
3. Festival of Trees—Wellesley
Daily through December 29, 2024
Kids and families will see decorated trees, enjoy a walk through the snow village and don’t forget the fire pit and s’mores!
4. Puddlestompers Nature Vacation Programs—Newton and Wellesley
December 23, 24, 67, 27, 30, and 31, 2024
Kids ages 4 to 7 will explore wintry nature habitats and play outside together during this drop-off program. Sign up kids for a session that begins at 9am and ends at 1pm, or sign up for multiple days, depending on availability.
Get in some fun over Christmas vacation at the Stone Zoo! ZooLights at the Stone Zoo, photo by Kelley Heyworth
5. ZooLights at the Stone Zoo—Stoneham
Daily through January 5, 2025
For those who had trouble getting tickets before Christmas, ZooLights will stay aglow through January 5. Take the whole family for this magical tour of lights on a winding illuminated path full of enchanting lights and exotic animals. Reserve tickets online.
6. Winter Potions—Boylston
December 27, 2024
Experiment, concoct, and cash spells at this magical, hands-on winter potion workshop.
7. Harlem Globetrotters in Boston—West End
December 26, 2024
The Harlem Globetrotters are back for their 2024 World Tour. Expect wild tricks and unique shots in a game against the Washington Generals.
8. Winter Lights—Canton, North Andover, or Stockbridge
Wednesdays to Sundays through January 5, 2025
The gardens at the Bradley Estate, the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens, and Naumkeag are made even more magnificent at sundown with sparkly lights.
9. Night Lights Outside Walking Tour—Boylston
Daily through January 5, 2025
Walk over 15 acres of magical gardens illuminated by thousands of lights at Tower Hill Botanical Garden. Then warm up by the fire roasting marshmallows and sipping on a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
10. Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland—Mendon
Wednesdays to Sundays through December 29, 2024
Drive through the Winter Wonderland and have a meet and greet with Santa. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or delicious s’mores to warm up.
11. Bessie’s Rockin’ New Years Eve—Acton
December 31, 2024
Ring in the New Year at this afternoon party. Kids will make party hats, noise makers and rock out in their PJ’s for a NYE afternoon ball drop.
Boston is going to be filling up with fun activities over the holidays! First Night Boston photo by at 617 Images
12. First Night Boston 2025—Boston
December 31, 2024
An annual celebration since 1975, families can ring in the New Year in downtown Boston. As is tradition, the day will bring a variety of performances and experiences, ending in a fireworks show to welcome 2025.
13. Candy Engineering—Boston
December 26-27, 2024
Kids (ages 4 and up are recommended) will design a candy maze and experiment with different spice drop structures at the Waterworks Museum. The museum recommends a $5 donation to attend.
14. The Boston Ballet Nutcracker—Boston
Through December 29, 2024
This treasured classic is back on the big stage to make this holiday season bright. Join Clara, Uncle Drosselmeyer, the Mouse King, and all of the cast at the Boston Ballet.
15. Tricks Are For Kids! Magic Show—Boston
December 14, 21, 28, and 30, 2024
At this free magic show for kids, magician Peter O’Malley, mesmerizes kids with his playful and unique style of magic.
16. 29th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature—Concord
Now through January 1, 2025
The Concord Museum honors children’s literacy with 36 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths. The event supports the museum’s educational initiatives.
Hit the ice over Christmas break in Boston! Boston Frog Pond photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Christmas Vacation in Boston – Ideas for Family Fun
17. Neighborhood Light Tours—Various locations
If your little ones are captivated by twinkling lights, take a festive family drive to explore some of the most dazzling holiday displays on homes throughout Boston-area neighborhoods.
18. Outdoor Ice Skating—Various locations
Glide into the season at one of Boston’s outdoor ice skating rinks, like the newly reopened Boston Common Frog Pond, for a crisp and scenic spin.
19. Winter Day Trips—Various locations
Discover exciting winter activities for kids with our top picks, from snowy adventures in Canton to cozy getaways in Carlisle.
20. Snow Tubing—Various locations
No need to jet off for thrills—snow tubing parks within 1 to 3 hours of Boston are ready to deliver downhill fun with freshly made snow.
Updated 2022, 2023, 2024
