Where to See Holiday Lights and Performances This Season
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than elaborate displays of glimmering holiday lights, so let’s get jolly over festive decor! We found gorgeous lights displays, tastefully decorated trees and more all around Boston and beyond. Get ready to drink in lights in town, or take a day trip to celebrate the sparkliest season! Here are some of the best spots to visit with friends or family that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit:
ZooLights at Stone Zoo
Photo: https://www.timeout.com/boston/things-to-do/where-to-see-christmas-lights-in-boston
Bundle up and head to ZooLights, where twinkling lights decorate the paths and areas around Stone Zoo’s animal enclosures. Wander the festooned Yukon Creek Pavillon among bald eagles, porcupines, lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes.
Seaport Holiday Tree (a.k.a. Snowport)
Photo: Boston Seaport via https://www.timeout.com/boston/things-to-do/where-to-see-christmas-lights-in-boston
For the fourth holiday season, the Boston Seaport transforms into Snowport, a magical winter wonderland. Stroll the Winter Wonder Walk, check out the brightly-lit Christmas tree and enjoy outdoor play for all ages all December long.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Photo Credit: https://www.timeout.com/boston/things-to-do/where-to-see-christmas-lights-in-boston
If you’re shopping on Newbury Street during the holiday season, remember to scurry over to Comm Ave. A stroll along the beautifully lit, tree-lined pedestrian strip always provides a cheery holiday pick-me-up.
Boston Common Tree
Photo: https://www.timeout.com/boston/things-to-do/where-to-see-christmas-lights-in-boston
The famous Boston Common tree (which is donated to Boston from Nova Scotia each year) is up and ready to be viewed in awe this holiday season
The Liberty Hotel’s Inverted Christmas Trees
Photo: https://www.timeout.com/boston/things-to-do/where-to-see-christmas-lights-in-boston
For something a little different, take a stroll through the lobby of the former Charles Street Jail—and the current-day Liberty Hotel—where seven inverted Christmas trees hang from the ceiling. Decorated by Boston florist and event designer Cityscapes, these holiday trees are suspended from the hotel lobby’s stunning 90-foot rotunda.
Somerville Illuminations Tour
Photo: https://www.timeout.com/boston/things-to-do/where-to-see-christmas-lights-in-boston
Somerville residents and businesses display their creativity each holiday season by decking out their buildings with glowing lights. The Illuminations Tour is self-guided, and you can drive the route using a digital map showing where to find all of the brightly decorated sites. The map will also feature user-submitted “don’t miss” locations, as well as businesses offering Illuminations specials.
The Nutcracker – Boston
Performances of The Nutcracker abound this holiday season with local favorites like Jose Mateo, New England’s longest running interpretation of The Nutcracker ballet, Boston Ballet and Commonwealth Ballet‘s Nutcracker show, renowned for its intimacy, humor, musicality and exciting dancing..
Boston’s Enchanted Trolley Tour
The annual Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour is a festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The includes visits with Santa, holiday performances, tree lightings and more.