We’re so excited for the long holiday break this year, but there are only so many ways to keep the family entertained at home. Fortunately, there are dozens of exciting kid-friendly activities and events all over the Boston area, from mid-December through the return to school in early January! Here are some we’re looking forward to!
Looking for holiday-specific shows and performances? We have a list for that, too!
December 21
Rudolph and Olaf at Jam Time Natick
Visit the Natick Mall’s Jam Time location and spend some time with two very special guests. Children will be invited to complete Christmas and Hanukkah crafts during play time.
Mount Auburn Solstice Celebration
This yearly event celebrates Solstice with a light and sound art display. Walk through the grounds to enjoy the atmosphere, then head to the indoor experience — complete with live music by candlelight.
Winter Skate at Patriot Place with Cindy Lou Hou
Patriot Place’s skating rink has a special guest — Cindy Lou Hou! And she’ll skate, too! Reserve your skate time and skates in advance.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Peabody Essex Museum
Make your own beeswax candle, enjoy harp music, and learn more about the longest night of the year that holds great significance in many ways.
December 21-22
A Tree for Boston on Boston Common
Join park rangers with Hike Boston to learn more about how a tragedy started a long-time friendship — and how it started our city’s Christmas tree tradition. This half hour walk is great for all ages.
A Muppet Christmas Carol at Coolidge Corner Theater
Enjoy a family classic on the big screen at Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline. Showtimes for this classic are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will be great fun for the whole family.
December 21-22 and 27-29
Drop-in Crafts at the Peabody Essex Museum
Make scented garland and straw stars, or enjoy some witchy magic shows at the PEM during winter break. The museum has so many great exhibits to check out!
December 21-23
Holiday Sing-Along at Puppet Showplace Theater
The Puppet Showplace in Brookline hosts a holiday sing-along complete with dancing snowmen, jingling bells, and lots of snowy fun. This show is recommended for children 2 and up, and tickets are required.
December 21-24
Boston Pops Holiday Matinee
Check out the Boston Pops show that is specifically for families with younger children! The matinee will feature all the classic Pops songs. Children over age 3 must have purchased a ticket.
December 21-31
Anchored in Tradition at the USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum has quite a few activities taking place during the vacation week — make a holiday craft, or experience what life at sea might have been like! Admission fees for the museum are donation based.
December 23
Bookmaking with BPL
The Boston Public Library has many offerings over the vacation at its various branches. The free bookmaking workshop is a great option for children ages 6-12 who are interested in making their own book!
Story Time with Ms. D at the Purple Couch Bookshop
Enjoy a special story time at the Purple Couch in North Andover. Wear your jammies, complete a craft, and bring your stuffed animal for a sleepover. What will your stuffy get into overnight?
December 23-29
MIT Museum Events
The MIT Museum is open daily from 10-5 and has a small admission fee, with children under 5 free. During the holiday break they are hosting drop-in events, like microscopy, paper circuits, and 3D printing. There are also family workshops offered for an additional fee.
December 26
Menorah Lighting at Patriot Place
Come to this family-friendly outdoor event to light the menorah! There will be treats, games, music, and, of course, the lighting of a candle.
Yo-Yo Guy Show at the Wenhem Museum
The Yo-Yo Guy has performed his comedy yo-yo act all over the world — he even holds four Guinness World Records! Shows are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Wenham Museum.
Harlem Globetrotters at TD Garden
The coolest basketball team is coming to Boston! They will play two games, at 2 and 7 p.m. The Harlem Globetrotters are great for all ages and are sure to entertain everyone!
December 26-27
Candy Engineering at the Metropolitan Water Works Museum
Head to the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill to make some candy engineering masterpieces. Make gumdrop sculptures or mazes of licorice and hone in on your skills while sneaking in a tasty treat.
December 26-January 1
Salem’s Frozen Fire Festival
Salem knows how to throw a party! Enjoy fire installations, cirque performers, curling lanes, and food and drink for purchase.
December 27
Make Potions at New England Botanical Garden
Fairies, wizards, and all other magical beings (ages 6-10) are invited to make their very own potions. Experiment with oil mixtures and fizzing snowflakes for a fun surprise.
World Of Wonder Shadow Puppet Show at JFK Library
This free event will be held at the JFK library, although advance reservation is required. Watch this multicultural theatrical event focused on the beauty of light and dark.
Fred the Magician at the Wenham Museum
Fred the Magician incorporates music, puppets, and, of course, magic! This one is best for children ages 6 and up. Shows are at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Frozen Tea Party at the Green Apple Cafe
The Green Apple Cafe in North Andover is hosting a tea time — fully Frozen themed. Enjoy a story, crafts, and tea or hot cocoa with sandwiches.
December 27-January 1
Vacation Week Palooza
The Puppet Showplace will host a variety of shows during the winter break! Look for Peter Rabbit, the Three Billy Goats Gruff, and The Lion and The Mouse, with showings at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tickets are required.
December 28
Winter Family Chores at Appleton Farms
If you are looking for a whole family activity — and don’t mind getting dirty — check out Appleton Farms in Ipswich. You’ll learn about farm life and what a farm needs in order to thrive!
Maker Space for Little Artists at deCordova Sculpture Park
Use the sculptures on the grounds at deCordova as inspiration as you create your own work of art. Children are encouraged to use various materials to make their own masterpiece.
Winter Wonderland Crowns at New England Botanical Garden
Learn about winter foliage and investigate some favorite winter plants as you create a unique winter crown (best for ages 8-12).
December 29
Make a Snow Buddy at New England Botanical Garden
Explore the science of snow as you create a snow buddy to take home (best for ages 7-12). Be sure to explore the botanical gardens with your new friend.
December 31
Wenham Kids New Years Countdown
Ring in the NOON year at the Wenham Museum. The celebration is complete with a countdown, streamers, and a balloon drop at noon. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a lot of activities to enjoy — and you can be home in time for a nap!
Noon Years Party Chestnut Hill
Bianca Woodfire Kitchen and Bar in Newton is hosting their own “noon year” party. Complete with crafts, games, dancing, and a balloon drop at noon, kids of all ages will have a blast.
Boston Harbor Ice Sculpture Walk
View more than two dozen ice sculptures along Boston Harbor. This is in conjunction with First Night activities, so there is a lot to see and do in Boston for New Year’s!
First Night Boston 2025
Boston’s biggest New Year’s Eve event is back with a ton of family-friendly fun. There are performances, bands, activities, and ice sculptures throughout the city. Be sure to check out the early fireworks for those whose bedtime is before the ball drops!
January 1
Winter Skate at Gillette with Elsa
Patriot Place’s skating rink has a special guest — Elsa! Reserve your skate time and skates in advance.
Vacation-Long Events
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group puts on an amazing and high energy show. Shows take place most days during the break, and tickets range from $49 to $115.
Harvard Museums Mediterranean Marketplace Exhibit
This exhibit at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East shows an interesting comparison to the markets and fairs we enjoy. The museum is free, and there is an audio tour for the exhibit.
Acton Discovery Museum Winter Fun
During this week of winter fun, head to the Play Lab and build with Legos, or check out the Winter Wishes tree to add your wish for the new year.
Museum of Science Train Exhibit
Any train enthusiast will love this exhibit at Science Park! There are so many different model trains to check out. And don’t worry, there are also plenty of train tables to make your own track.
Titanic Exhibit at The Castle at Park Plaza
If water travel or history are interests in your family, the Titanic exhibit is a must see! See artifacts from the shipwreck and explore recreations of the inner ship. Hours vary by day, and admission costs range from $27-50.
