Christmas Vacation in Boston – Mommy Poppins

Christmas vacation in Boston is almost here! When school takes a pause between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s nice to kick back and relax from the usual routines. Here are 20 enriching activities, from cooking workshops to STEM crafts and nature classes, that are sure to nip “I’m bored” in the bud.

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 18-29, 2023

Sign up for a single-day workshop (9 am-12 pm, with optional add-on hours until 4pm) 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 26 – 31, 2023

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, 2023

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 18-22 and December 26-29, 2023

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.

5. ZooLights at the Stone Zoo—Stoneham

Daily through January 7, 2024

For those who had trouble getting tickets before Christmas, ZooLights will stay aglow through January 7. 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. Kids Winter Break Farm Days—Northborough

December 26 – 29, 2023

Kids will have the opportunity to explore Bracken Hill Farm, learn to care for the animals and hike with the goats. The farm is offering single day experiences or a 3-day package deal.

7. Harlem Globetrotters—Boston

December 26, 2023

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 6, 2024

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 December 31, 2023

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 31, 2023

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.

 

There are some family-friendly New Year celebrations in Boston over holiday break. Rockin’ New Years Eve event photo courtesy of the Museum.

11. Bessie’s Rockin’ New Years Eve—Acton

December 31, 2023

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. 

12. First Night—Boston

December 31, 2023

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 2024.

Engineering can be a sweet experiment! Candy Engineering Workshop photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum.

13. Candy Engineering Workshop—Boston

December 27-28, 2023

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

Now through December 28, 2023

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 26-29, 2023

At this free magic show for kids, magician Peter O’Malley, mesmerizes kids with his playful and unique style of magic.

16. 28th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature—Concord

Now through January 4, 2024

The Concord Museum honors children’s literacy with 36 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths. The event supports the museum’s educational initiatives.

Christmas Vacation in Boston – Ideas for Family Fun

17. Neighborhood Light Tours—Various locations

If your kiddies are really digging the sparkly lights, take a family drive to see some of the most elaborate holiday lights on houses in Boston area neighborhoods.

18. Outdoor Ice Skating—Various locations

Enjoy several Boston-area outdoor ice skating rinks, including a reopened Boston Common Frog Pond, for a fresh-air spin.

19. Winter Day Trips—Various locations

See our ideas for spots that offer fun kids’ winter activities, from Canton to Carlisle.

20. Snow Tubing—Various locations

It might be hard to fly away for a vacation, but tubing parks within 1 to 3 hours of Boston are open (and making snow) for downhill thrills.

Updated 2022, 2023