Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to get together with family and loved ones. So many wonderful traditions abound, but keeping kids entertained and occupied in the days after the turkey’s been eaten can be a tall task. Luckily, there are a ton of wonderful Boston-area events and activities during the Thanksgiving break that will take the role of “child entertainer” off of parents!
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Plymouth, MA
Through December 1
Plimoth Patuxet Museums are a great place to learn about the origin of Thanksgiving and about the Indigenous people who lived here before us. In addition to walking around the sites and experiencing some exhibits, visitors can enjoy a New England harvest feast, a “story of Thanksgiving” dinner, or a Thanksgiving day homestyle buffet during Thanksgiving weekend!
Stone Zoo’s ZooLights
Stoneham, MA
November 15-January 5
Stone Zoo’s ZooLights offers tree-lined paths with thousands of twinkling lights. This is wonderful for younger children, and although a few animals will be tucked in for the evening, most animals are still on exhibit — and reindeer sightings happen frequently!
Many other Boston-area holiday light shows begin in mid-November — the perfect way to kick off the holiday season during your Thanksgiving break!
The Blue Man Group
The Charles Playhouse, Boston
November 26-27 and 29-30, December 1 (and more dates beyond)
The Blue Man Group is a great show for families with kids of all ages, although it will be enjoyed most by the 5 and up crowd. Grab aisle seats in the back half of the theater if you have little ones who might need a break from the show. Older, more adventurous kids will love a “splash zone” seat! Shows take place throughout Thanksgiving week.
The Trans Siberian Orchestra
November 29 in Manchester, NH
November 30 in Worcester, MA
If you are looking for a different start to your holiday carols, check out a concert with the Trans Siberian Orchestra! It’s a great way to enjoy some rocking holiday music!
Sleeping Beauty by Tanglewood Marionettes
Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline
November 29-30, December 1
Head to Puppet Showplace and watch a beautiful rendition of a classic fairytale. This show is great for children ages 4-8, but all ages are welcome!
Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker
Citizens Opera House, Boston
November 29-December 29
Start a Thanksgiving weekend tradition and take the kids to “The Nutcracker!” It’s a great introduction to the holiday season — and also a good option for children who are newer theater patrons.
(And if you’re looking ahead to other holiday or Christmas shows to attend in December, check out our roundup of all the shows and performances you could wish for!)
Winterlights
Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA
Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover, MA
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, MA
November 29-January 4 (Wednesday through Sunday evenings)
The Trustees offer three spots to experience their winter lights — each of the locations are beautiful and unique. It takes about an hour to walk through the lights and is a wonderful way to burn off the Thanksgiving energy!
Christmas by Candlelight
Sturbridge, MA
Fridays-Sundays beginning November 29
Step back in time by visiting Sturbridge Village’s Christmas by Candlelight. A visit to historic Sturbridge includes lights, classic Christmas traditions, merry music, cooking demonstrations, and LOTS of gingerbread!
Tuba Christmas
Downtown Crossing
November 30
Enjoy the sounds of hundreds of tuba players playing holiday carols! This once-a-year free concert is great for any music lover and is such a joyful way to get festive.
See a movie
Take the whole family to check out Moana 2 or Wicked, which come out just in time for the holiday weekend!
Visit a bookstore
Looking for some relaxation? Head to a bookstore, grab a book, and cozy up with your little ones. Some shops will be hosting special story times over the Thanksgiving break. While you’re there, you can grab a few holiday gifts and take advantage of Black Friday sales!
