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2024 Holiday Events: Theater District & The Common

The area around Boston Common and the Theatre District is magical during the holiday season. Here are a few recommendations of nearby things to do, see and check out this year.

Boston Common Events

Boston’s 2024 tree lighting takes place near the Frog Pond on Boston Common on Thursday December 5th. This year’s tree lighting is the 83rd anniversary and for more than 50 years the Canadian province of Nova Scotia has donated a tree for the city’s holiday celebrations. This tradition began in 1917 after Boston came to Nova Scotia’s aid after a munitions ship exploded in Halifax Harbor.

This year’s tree lighting begins at 6:00PM when Mayor Michelle Wu will light the tree and holiday lights throughout the Common and Boston Public Garden. If you have kids, Santa Claus and Rudolph will join her for this magical kick-off to the holiday season.

Also don't forget Ice Skating on the Frog Pond, which normally opens in late November for seasonal skating throughout the winter.

Theater District Holiday Shows

So many holiday shows to choose from:

More Holiday Happenings

While not exclusively within the Theater District, these other nearby holiday events are also worth a look:

  • Hanukkah at MFA — Although Hanukkah doesn’t officially begin until December 25th, you can kick off the holiday a few short T stops down the green line at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts on December 12th where the Jewish Arts Collaborative and Combined Jewish Philanthropies bring you an evening of art, music and performances. The event begins at 5:00PM.

  • Holiday Pops Concerts — Enjoy festive performances by the Boston Pops Orchestra at Symphony Hall throughout December. A highlight of this year's program is a new work by local composer David Coleman, based on Ashley Bryan’s book "Carol of the Brown King". From December 27 to 29, the Pops will also present "Home Alone in Concert," featuring a screening of the beloved film with live orchestral accompaniment of John Williams' score.

  • Northern Lights in Boston Harbor — Savor a hot cocoa as you admire the sun going down and the lights coming up while you listen to holiday hits on the Northern Lights Yacht’s holiday cruise of Boston Harbor.

  • SoWa Winter Festival — Explore over 150 vendors at New England's largest indoor holiday marketplace from November 29 through December 22, 2024. , featuring handmade art, holiday gifts, specialty foods, and cocktails. Held annually at the SoWa Power Station in Boston's South End.

  • Boston’s First Night — From skating on the Common’s Frog Pond to improv shows and concerts all day, Boston’s 48th annual First Night celebration begins at 11:00 AM and culminates at midnight with a fireworks show at the Long Wharf in Boston Harbor. Don’t miss bidding adieu to 2024 and ringing in 2025 at First Night! The First Night schedule will be released soon.

Bring the Holidays Home

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