Your guide to life around Boston
11 picks for the weekend, each with the reason it made the list. Below them, everything else we have with a confirmed date through Nov 20. Picks are chosen by hand from events with a confirmed date on the organizer's own page.
Fri, Nov 13 · through Nov 27 · 3 pm to 4:30 pm
Friday drop-in art making inspired by Isamu Noguchi; recommended for ages 10 and up.
Why go: Friday drop-in art making at PEM, included with admission, for ages 10 and up.
Photo: John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0Fri, Nov 13 · 8 pm
Guitarist Dweezil Zappa plays his father Frank Zappa's music.
Why go: Dweezil Zappa plays his father's music at the Chevalier, Friday at 8 pm.
Fri, Nov 13 · 8 pm
Tribute concert to ABBA at the Larcom.
Why go: An ABBA tribute at the Larcom on Friday night, $31 to $36.
Photo: Adavyd / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0Fri, Nov 13 · 7:30 pm
A National Geographic Live talk on the Galápagos Islands and their wildlife.
Why go: National Geographic Live on the Galápagos, Friday 7:30 pm at Shalin Liu, $29 to $36.
Fri, Nov 13 · through Nov 14 · Both nights: 6:30 pm and 9 pm
Four stand-up shows over two nights at Off Cabot.
Why go: Four stand-up shows over two nights at Off Cabot, $44 per show.
Fri, Nov 13 · 7:14 pm
Home game at the Tsongas Center, Sustainability Night.
Why go: UMass Lowell men's hockey home game at the Tsongas Center, Friday 7:14 pm (Sustainability Night).
Photo: Irisx3 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Sat, Nov 14 · Doors 6:00 pm
A fundraiser for The Food Drive at Melrose Memorial Hall on the evening of Saturday, November 14 (doors open at 6 pm); tickets through thefooddrive.org.
Why go: The Food Drive's fundraiser at Melrose Memorial Hall on Saturday, doors 6 pm.
Sat, Nov 14 · through Dec 12 · 3:30 pm
A Pokemon card trading and battling meetup for kids in the Children's Department; no registration.
Why go: Free Saturday card meetup for kids in the library's Children's Department; no registration.
Sat, Nov 14 · 7 pm
Comedians James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman bring their true-crime comedy podcast on tour.
Why go: A live true-crime comedy podcast at the Chevalier in Medford, Saturday 7 pm.
Sat, Nov 14 · 11 am
A free family screening at Shalin Liu; reservations encouraged.
Why go: A free Saturday 11 am family movie at Shalin Liu; reservations encouraged.
Opens Sun, Nov 15 · Nov 15
Screening of A Christmas Story followed by a moderated conversation and audience Q&A with Peter Billingsley (Ralphie).
Why go: A Christmas Story screening with a Q&A with Peter Billingsley, Sunday at The Cabot.
Photo: Quintin Soloviev / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0Tue, Nov 10 · Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
The former Queensryche singer performs the 1988 concept album Operation: Mindcrime from start to finish.
Tue, Nov 10 · Doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm
Hosted open mic night with Brian Donnelly in the Off Cabot room.
Wed, Nov 11 · 11:00 am
The city's Veterans Day ceremony with a dedication of the new veterans sign, followed by lunch.
Thu, Nov 12 · 4:00 pm
A craft workshop for kindergarten to grade 2 where kids make pipe cleaner fall corn; registration is required for each child.
Photo: ajay_suresh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0Opens Fri, Nov 13 · Nov 13 - Dec 31
Lyric Stage's holiday-season comedy of theatrical mayhem.
Sat, Nov 14 · 4:05 pm
Home game at the Tsongas Center. Military Appreciation Day and a family game, with a hockey card set giveaway for the first 1,000 fans.
Mon, Nov 16 · through Dec 21 · 3:30 pm
A monthly story time celebrating Arabic language and culture for ages 3-6; all levels of Arabic welcome and no registration.
Mon, Nov 16 · through Dec 14 · 1:30 pm
A 25-minute Monday story time of songs and stories for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their caregivers; registration is required.
Mon, Nov 16 · 6:00 pm
A hands-on family craft evening making button art, with all supplies provided; registration is required.
Wed, Nov 18 · Doors 6:30 pm, show 7 pm
A free evening event at The Cabot. Free tickets are booked on the event page.
Wed, Nov 18 · 6:00 pm
A free evening workshop with local heat pump coaches covering heat pump basics, rebates and installers; pre-registration is requested.
Wed, Nov 18 · 7:00 pm
Local historian Jim Bennett surveys Melrose history and how the community has understood its Massachusett Indigenous past.
Wed, Nov 18 · 6 pm to 8:15 pm
A free evening screening of a film based on the life and memoir of John Davidson, with free snacks. Times are approximate.
Wed, Nov 18 · through Dec 16 · 10:00 am
A toddler story time with songs and dancing followed by a craft, open to children of all abilities; no registration.
Wed, Nov 18 · through Dec 16 · 10:30 am
A 25-minute story time of songs and movement for toddlers and their caregivers; registration is required.
Thu, Nov 19 · Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
The Toronto band marks four decades with a night at The Cabot.
Thu, Nov 19 · 6:30 pm
A free one-actress stage adaptation of Little Women by Fran Baron, performed by Lynne Moulton; sign-up is encouraged but not required.
Thu, Nov 19 · through Dec 17 · 3:30 pm
A drop-in Lego building session on the floor for kids ages 5 and up; no registration needed.
Thu, Nov 19 · 3 pm to 5 pm
Free newly released film for young adults in grades 5 through 12.
Photo: Dale E. Martin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0Opens Fri, Nov 20 · Nov 20 - Jan 3
Castle decked out with candlelit greenery, fairy lights, a gingerbread castle replica and two menorahs; about 60 minutes.
Fri, Nov 20 · through Nov 21 · Shows 6:30 pm and 8 pm
Stand-up comedy at Off Cabot, shows at 6:30 pm and 8 pm over two nights (see the page for each night).
Fri, Nov 20 · Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Reggae band John Brown's Body with the Soul Rebel Project.
Fri, Nov 20 · 7:30 pm
Vintage cabaret trio with swing and blues in the Upstairs on Main series.
Photo: Sowaboston / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Fri, Nov 20 · Nov 20 - Dec 27
Indoor holiday market with 100+ local makers, artists and food vendors, plus separately scheduled tastings and workshops.
Fri, Nov 20 · 7:14 pm
Home game at the Tsongas Center.
Opens Fri, Nov 20 · Nov 20 - Jan 3
Nightly walk-through light displays across the zoo grounds, with a carousel, jungle fun and Santa visits on select dates.
Photo: Rhavasy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0On now · Nov 6 - Dec 27
Outdoor winter village with a 130+ vendor holiday market, food and drink, iceless curling, a Christmas tree market and photo spots.
Nearby events starting after Nov 20, in date order.
Opens Sat, Nov 21 · Nov 21 - Jan 3
Large free walk-through light display across the shrine grounds, with the International Creche Museum, carousel, hayride, Santa photos and food.
Photo: Das Nili / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0Opens Sat, Nov 21 · Nov 21
Marketplace's big holiday tree lighting with an afternoon stage program.
Photo: Quintin Soloviev / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0Sat, Nov 21 · 2 pm and 7:30 pm
The Tony-winning musical on tour, with 2 pm and 7:30 pm shows.
Opens Sat, Nov 21 · Nov 21 - Jan 3
Illuminated garden trails and conservatory displays after dark at the botanic garden formerly known as Tower Hill.
Sat, Nov 21 · through Dec 12 · 10:00 am
A Saturday-morning story time with stories, songs and rhymes for ages 3-5; registration opens a week ahead.
Sat, Nov 21 · 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Wakefield Farmers Market moves indoors for a Thanksgiving market with local food, makers and artisans.
Sat, Nov 21 · 6:05 pm
Home game at the Tsongas Center.
Opens Sun, Nov 22 · Nov 22
A one-day holiday edition of the Medford Farmers Market outside City Hall. The city listing has only a poster and no vendor list.
Sun, Nov 22 · 7 pm
Classic-rock hitmakers Three Dog Night, with support from Chris Trapper.
Opens Mon, Nov 23 · Nov 23
24th annual lighting of the park's 260-foot trellis with music, Santa and Rudolph, hot chocolate, eggnog and chowder.
Photo: Briancua / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Tue, Nov 24 · Nov 24
The Nova Scotia gift tree arrives at Boston Common by police escort ahead of the Dec 3 tree lighting.
Tue, Nov 24 · 11:00 am
A sing-along music show for kids and families of all ages with Matt Heaton; no registration needed.
Opens Wed, Nov 25 · Nov 25 - Dec 28
A walk-through of decorated trees and holiday displays at the Mass Horticultural Society's Elm Bank gardens.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 31
Boston Ballet's full-length holiday production, about two hours with one intermission. Includes a sensory-friendly show and a premium add-on experience.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27
Circus artistry and aerial acts set to holiday music, an all-new production this year.
Photo: NearEMPTiness / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 27
Weekend evenings of light displays, unlimited Holiday Express train rides, skating, carriage and pony rides and Santa photos; a pricier First-Class Pajama Express adds a reserved seat and cocoa.
Fri, Nov 27 · 2:30 pm
Librarian-written trivia for teams of up to 6 players ages 5 and up, with prizes from local eateries; registration required.
Photo: MyCatIsAChonk / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Nov 29
H+H's annual Messiah with conductor Harry Christophers.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 20
Greater Boston Stage Company's holiday show, staged as a vintage radio play.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 30
Drive-through light show, priced per vehicle, with one-hour time slots.
Photo: Antony-22 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 31
Downtown holiday season with a window contest across 30+ businesses, Small Business Saturday and Wassail Weekend.
Photo: Fletcher6 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27
Salem lights its holiday tree and welcomes Santa to open the Holiday Happenings season.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 30
Drive-through light show on over a mile of roadway with a 90-foot tree, music on FM radio.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Jan 2
Evening illuminated walk through the estate grounds by The Trustees.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28 - Nov 29
Family holiday pops concerts by the Cape Ann Symphony and Chorus.
Photo: Rizka / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28 - Dec 6
Special holiday tours of the historic House of the Seven Gables waterfront site.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28
Fifth annual lighting of the playground ship, fencing and bridge with 1,500 feet of blue and white lights; Santa arrives by police harbor boat.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28
Full-length Nutcracker from Portsmouth, NH's Safe Haven Ballet.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28 - Dec 19
Visit Santa in a Back Bay 'living room' set and leave with a souvenir photo. Four Saturdays only.
Sat, Nov 28 · Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
A North Shore celebration of The Band's farewell concert, The Last Waltz.
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons, CC0Opens Sun, Nov 29 · Nov 29
Music, caroling, holiday characters and kids' crafts, ending with the lighting of the Common's holiday tree.
Sun, Nov 29 · 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Sea shanties, ballads and traditional songs from Salem and Gloucester, played in the atrium.
Photo: Gregg Squeglia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Mon, Nov 30 · Nov 30
Tree lighting plus a guided tour of the renovated park, crafts, Santa and Rudolph, and choir performances; cookies and Santa photos after at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
Mon, Nov 30 · 7:00 pm
Historian Peggy Bendroth discusses her new book Ordinary Days and Tender Places in conversation with Ellen Holtzman, with light refreshments; registration is open.
Photo: Quintin Soloviev / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0Opens Mon, Nov 30 · Nov 30 - Dec 25
Month-long downtown holiday celebration from the Greater Newburyport Chamber, opening with the Market Square Christmas tree lighting, with weekend programming along State, Inn and Pleasant Streets.
Tue, Dec 1 · Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Singer-songwriter Trevor Hall in concert.
Opens Wed, Dec 2 · Dec 2
A city-listed winter event on the city calendar; details to come.
Opens Thu, Dec 3 · Dec 3 - Dec 23
Musical ghost-story adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol with traditional carols; about 2 hours 20 minutes with intermission.
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:00 pm
A beginner class teaching the basics of American Mahjong for adults 18 and over; registration required and limited to 8 people.
Photo: Ethan Long / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0Opens Thu, Dec 3 · Dec 3
City's signature tree lighting with the Nova Scotia tree, hosted by Mayor Wu and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston; the Commonwealth Ave Mall lights follow.
Opens Thu, Dec 3 · Dec 3 - Dec 28
The Boston Pops holiday concerts with a Santa visit; includes kids' matinees and a sensory-friendly show.
Opens Thu, Dec 3 · Dec 3
The Back Bay mall trees are lit right after the Common ceremony, with a long strip of lights along Comm Ave.
Opens Fri, Dec 4 · Dec 4
Stage version of the Peanuts special with a sing-along of carols at the end.
Opens Fri, Dec 4 · Dec 4
Light Up Seaport, the tree lighting on Seaport Common during Snowport. A menorah lighting follows Dec 10.
Opens Fri, Dec 4 · Dec 4
Downtown shops open late with treats, a shopping rewards passport and a kids' Mysteries by the Sea scavenger hunt.
Fri, Dec 4 · 2:00 pm
A free all-ages screening of the PG animated film The Wild Robot; doors open 1:50 pm and no registration is needed.
Opens Fri, Dec 4 · Dec 4
Evening of holiday shopping through Dock Square with an after-party and raffle at Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant.
Fri, Dec 4 · 8 pm
Tribute show focused on the early Beatles years.
Opens Sat, Dec 5 · Dec 5 - Dec 13
A staged reading of Dickens's A Christmas Carol, presented by The Christmas Carol Collective in the Inn's chapel.
Opens Sat, Dec 5 · Dec 5
Santa arrives by boat at T-Wharf at 1 pm, then the Dock Square tree is lit at 4 pm.
Sat, Dec 5 · 10 am, 11 am and 12 pm sessions
A walkable, playable Nintendo museum with consoles from the NES to the Switch for ages 8+ and nostalgic adults; three sessions, register for one.
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:30 am to 4 pm
Opening day for the Origami Unfolded exhibition with activities and workshops; some need same-day sign‑up.
Opens Sat, Dec 5 · Dec 5
One-day indoor holiday market at Plymouth Memorial Hall.
Opens Sat, Dec 5 · Dec 5 - Dec 13
Reagle's annual community holiday revue, a long-running Waltham tradition.
Opens Sat, Dec 5 · Dec 5
Santa comes in by boat at Masconomo Park, with a Jingle Bell Walk, photos, crafts and a visit with Mrs. Claus.
Sat, Dec 5 · 6:05 pm
Home game at the Tsongas Center.
Opens Sun, Dec 6 · Dec 6 - Dec 12
Daytime horse-drawn carriage rides along Bearskin Neck during the Christmas in Rockport season.
Opens Sun, Dec 6 · Dec 6
Manchester-Essex Regional music students perform on the Town Green, then the Friendship Tree is lit.
Opens Sun, Dec 6 · Dec 6
Newbury Street goes car-free for a day of holiday shopping and storefront activities, with shops invited to run family-friendly pop‑ups.
Opens Sun, Dec 6 · Dec 6
Public menorah lighting hosted by Chabad of Cape Ann as part of Christmas in Rockport.
Opens Sun, Dec 6 · Dec 6
Holiday handbell concert by the Bell Ringers of the Memorial Congregational Church, presented at the historic inn.
Photo: 4300streetcar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0Sun, Dec 6 · 12 pm to 5 pm
A Sunday of local shopping and experience gift ideas in Union Square (storm date Dec. 13).
Photo: 4300streetcar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0Opens Sun, Dec 6 · Dec 6
One-day holiday market in Worcester's restored Union Station grand hall.
Wed, Dec 9 · 6:30 pm
Monthly adult board game night with the library's game collection or your own, plus snacks; no registration.
Opens Wed, Dec 9 · Dec 9
Special Holiday Pops fundraising concert headlined by Sutton Foster.
Opens Fri, Dec 11 · Dec 11
The city's annual downtown tree lighting, listed by the city as a save‑the‑date.
Opens Fri, Dec 11 · Dec 11 - Dec 28
Revels' long-running winter-solstice stage show, this year with 19th-century Great Plains songs and stories and music from Polish, Irish, German, Indigenous, Chinese and Black traditions.
Fri, Dec 11 · 7:05 pm
Home game at the Tsongas Center.
Opens Sat, Dec 12 · Dec 12 - Dec 20
Boston's jazz-and-hip-hop-flavored retelling of the Nutcracker, about two hours with a 20-minute intermission.
Sat, Dec 12 · Doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
World Wise and Big 'Ol Dirty Bucket at Off Cabot.
Mon, Dec 14 · 3:30 pm
Wildlife ecologist and author Brad Timm leads kids ages 7-12 through hands-on wildlife challenges; registration is required.
Opens Thu, Dec 17 · Dec 17 - Dec 23
Hanover Theatre's annual Christmas Carol production (19th year).
Opens Sat, Dec 19 · Dec 19
Nine Irish traditional musicians led by Keith Murphy play carols, dance tunes and slow airs by candlelight.
Opens Sat, Dec 19 · Dec 19
Torch-lit procession from Dock Square up Main Street to the Congregational Church for a nativity re‑enactment.
Opens Sun, Dec 20 · Dec 20
One-day indoor holiday craft and gift market in historic Old Town Hall.
Events 40 or more miles from Boston or outside Massachusetts: Newport, the Cape and islands, New Hampshire and Maine, Worcester and beyond.
Photo: EgorovaSvetlana / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Next Sat, Nov 14 · Nov 7 - Dec 20
Holiday theme park days with rides, Santa and seasonal shows in the White Mountains.
Photo: CopperDoodle / Wikimedia Commons, CC0Opens Sat, Nov 21 · Nov 21 - Jan 3
Gilded Age mansions decorated for the holidays; Chateau-sur-Mer is open weekends only.
Opens Sat, Nov 21 · Nov 21 - Dec 27
Evening visit to The Breakers with the mansion and grounds lit up for the holidays.
Opens Wed, Nov 25 · Nov 25 - Jan 3
Drive-through display of illuminated sculptures and lit scenes through the park; tickets are per car.
Opens Wed, Nov 25 · Nov 25
Thanksgiving Eve gathering where the community throws the switch to light the Pilgrim Monument for the season.
Opens Thu, Nov 26 · Nov 26 - Jan 3
2.5-mile drive-through light show around the speedway.
Photo: Wgmleslie at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 27
Evening visit to the 1830s village with candlelit houses, caroling, and decorated period homes.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 27
Timed-entry evening walk through the gardens lit with light installations; Santa VIP slots and an adult Avant Glow night on Dec 26‑27.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Jan 3
Nightly light show across the zoo grounds in Roger Williams Park, with millions of lights.
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 6
Over 150 trees lit on Main Street, then a Stroll weekend with Santa arriving by nautical sleigh, carolers and a marketplace.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27
Decorated, lit-up boats cruise Newport Harbor; viewable from the waterfront.
Opens Fri, Nov 27 · Nov 27 - Dec 23
60-minute train ride with a Santa visit and seat tiers from coach to premier couch seating.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28
A tree built from lobster traps is lit at the foot of MacMillan Pier.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28
Downtown holiday kickoff: Santa procession, 25-foot tree lighting at 5:30 pm, entertainment, photos with Santa and a closed Main Street.
Opens Sat, Nov 28 · Nov 28
Santa visit and tree lighting on the Newport waterfront.
Opens Tue, Dec 1 · Dec 1
Month-long festival with events on nearly every day of December, running since 1971.
Photo: Messerjdx / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Thu, Dec 3 · Dec 3 - Dec 13
Eleven days of tree lighting, hat and pooch parades, Santa arriving by lobster boat and fire engine, caroling and a Friday family street festival with fireworks.
Opens Thu, Dec 3 · Dec 3 - Dec 6
Village-wide holiday weekend with tree lighting, shopping and events around the harbor village.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons, Public domainOpens Fri, Dec 4 · Dec 4 - Dec 20
Evening stroll through the candlelit historic neighborhood with costumed interpreters, carriage rides and a vintage-Christmas trolley on weekends.
Opens Fri, Dec 4 · Dec 4 - Dec 13
Rides in heated trolleys decked with greens, Santa visits, hot chocolate and a fire pit.
Opens Fri, Dec 4 · Dec 4 - Dec 6
Three-day Cape Cod holiday weekend: Nobska Lighthouse open house, Seafaring Santa by boat, a village stroll, Village Green lighting and the 63rd Christmas Parade.
Opens Sat, Dec 5 · Dec 5
Afternoon of Santa visits and local choruses, with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by boat in Bowen's Basin; tree lit at 6 pm.
Photo: Domenico Convertini / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0Opens Sat, Dec 5 · Dec 5
Tree lighting ceremony in Market Square followed by a parade of lit-up floats and groups from Islington Street into downtown.
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Opens Fri, Dec 11 · Dec 11
Bonfires burn on the river through downtown Providence with a holiday theme, plus onshore programming.
Nothing confirmed matches that filter right now.
Looking for lights? Holiday Lights Around Boston, 2026 lists drive-throughs, garden walks and tree lightings with dates, hours and prices.
Dates and prices come from each event's official page and were last checked November 9, 2026. Confirm before you go; schedules change.
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