Holiday Season Celebrations in Boston, Massachusetts

There's nothing quite as traditional as a New England Christmas, and perhaps nowhere better to enjoy holiday season celebrations than in Boston, Massachusetts. Each year, a series of traditional celebrations bring friends and families together throughout the holiday season - from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

Some of the must-see holiday season celebrations in Boston include:

Holiday Pops

The Boston Pops have long been considered America's favorite symphony orchestra, and from July Fourth to Christmas, the Pops have seemingly always provided the soundtrack. Conductor Keith Lockhart and the pops perform a special selection of holiday classics throughout December at Symphony Hall. A series of matinee performances for kids include a holiday season celebration complete with sing-alongs, treats and a visit from Santa himself.

Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting

For 70 years, the holiday season display of lights in Boston Common has been a glittering tradition. Trees throughout the historic Boston Common and nearby Public Garden will be lit for the holiday season, beginning with an official lighting celebration shortly after Thanksgiving. Thousands of people will be on hand and the mayor of Boston will illuminate the official city Christmas tree, complete with an elaborate holiday stage show and a massive sing-along. The lighted trees and the fully-decorated Public Garden bridge - stay on all through the holiday season.

Skating at The Frog Pond

Among the holiday season highlights within Boston Common is the skating rink at The Frog Pond. Beneath the sparkling Christmas lights and the towering buildings of downtown Boston, a glide around the Frog pond skating rink is a real family celebration. It's also among the most romantic holiday season activities, as the rink stays open until 9:00 or 10:00pm most nights.

Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker"

The holiday season is the one time of year that everyone becomes a fan of the ballet, especially when it means a stirring performance of "The Nutcracker" by the Boston Ballet at the opera House. What little girl hasn't dreamed of being young Clara or the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy? Who hasn't spent the Christmas season humming the familiar score? The Boston Ballet's holiday season traditional performance, running from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, is a celebration for the whole family and one of the most popular entertainment events of the year in Boston.

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

While Boston Common may have the city's official Christmas tree, Boston's most popular tourist attraction features the largest Christmas tree in New England. Faneuil Hall has been the site of community celebrations in Boston since the 18^th century, and the holiday season is no exception. In addition to the dining and shopping option, the area around Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market - which draws over three million visitors a year - features special holiday season entertainment daily. Street performers, carolers and musicians of all kinds perform for free on the cobblestone plaza.

First Night Boston

The concept of a First Night celebration on New Year's Eve originated in Boston and has since spread to over 200 cities. The holiday season is brought to a close with a celebration of the arts at over 40 locations around the city of Boston. All day and into the night, families can enjoy art, dance, theater, comedy and every kind of musical performance imaginable. Of course the evening - and the year - is capped off with a giant fireworks display.