New England

30+ Great Events Happening This Weekend in and Around Boston

With school officially out until the New Year on Friday and Christmas fast approaching, this is a great weekend to relax, have some fun or do some last minute shopping. Whether you plan to take the family ice skating on Frog Pond or on a historical holiday stroll, or catch a performance of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol,” or even do some shopping at the Holiday CR[EAT]OR Market, we have some great ways to have some fun during the most magical time of the year!

Friday, Dec. 21 

Ice Skating on Frog Pond

The season is open for Ice Skating on Frog Pond right in the heart of the Boston Common. Lockers, skate sharpening and skating aids are also available. Admission is based on skater’s height: 58 inches and over is $6, under 58 inches if free. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Boston Common.

The Enchanted Village

The Enchanted Village opens for another holiday season today. Enjoy ice skating on the enchanted ice, the Polar Express 4-D Experience, Laser LITE Show, photos with Santa and the Enchanted Village. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Drive, Avon.

Winter Skate at Patriot Place

The 10th season of Winter Skate at Patriot Place is underway. Grab the family and enjoy this time-honored tradition of outdoor ice skating to life in the shadow of Gillette Stadium. Price is $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Skate rentals are $5. 5-10 p.m., Patriot Place, 2 Patriot Place, Foxboro.

Trim-A-Tree Holiday Fun

Trim-A-Tree Holiday Fun at Patriot Place this afternoon is a great way to kick off the weekend. Enjoy free face painting, an ornament making station, holiday games and more for the entire family. Noon to 3 p.m., inside Battle Road Brewery Hop Up, Patriot Place.

Historic Holiday Stroll

Enjoy a historic holiday stroll around the city with the Freedom Trail Foundation. Learn how holiday traditions evolved in the city while experiencing highlights of the American Revolution. 3:30 p.m., tour departs from the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall.

Brewery Lights 2018

Head to Budweiser’s Merrimack Brewery each Thursday through Sunday night all month long for some holiday magic at Brewery Lights 2018. This is a free, family friendly event. 4-9 p.m., 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH.

The Holiday Pops 2018

The Holiday Pops 2018 is one of the most popular traditions of the season. Enjoy performances filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional Pops sing-along and a visit from Santa Claus. Tickets start at $33. Two performances today at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.

Blackstone Valley Polar Express Train Ride

Take a ride on America’s longest-running Polar Express train ride. Enjoy a 90-minute real-life train ride, filled with a reading of the classic children’s story, sing-alongs, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa and more. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI.

Blink! Light and Sound Show at Faneuil Hall

The world-famous, light and sound show Blink! Returns to Faneuil Hall through December. Featuring the signature holiday tree at Marketplace Center joined by other trees and lights throughout the property, this year’s show features six holiday favorites. Performances daily from 4:30-10 p.m., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S. Market St., Boston.

Winterlights

See the gardens of The Stevens-Coolidge Place sparkle with thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Winterlights features performances and activities for the entire family. $12 for members, $17 for non members and children under 12 are free. 5-8 p.m., The Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover.

ZooLights

Head to the Stone Zoo and experience ZooLights where you can stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Visit the animals, as well in their decorated areas. 5-9 p.m., Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham.

2018 Christmas Festival of Lights at the La Salette Shrine

The 2018 Christmas Festival of Lights at the La Salette Shrine shine daily through Jan. 6. This magnificent display features 300,000 lights illuminating over 10 acres. Daily, 5- 9 p.m.

“A Christmas Carol”

Don’t miss your chance to catch the North Shore Music Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” This is a tradition you want to share with your friends and family. Various dates throughout December. Tickets start at $64. 7:30 p.m., North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road #1, Beverly.

Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

It isn’t the holiday season without performances of Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” This holiday favorite returns to the Boston Opera House for its sixth season through Dec. 31. Performances today at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.

Saturday, Dec. 22

Jamaica Pond Parkrun

Head over to Jamaica Pond this morning and take part in a free, timed 5K run, jog or walk. This is weekly event. 9-10:30 a.m., Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain.

Ice Skating on Frog Pond

The season is open for Ice Skating on Frog Pond right in the heart of the Boston Common. Lockers, skate sharpening and skating aids are also available. Admission is based on skater’s height: 58 inches and over is $6, under 58 inches if free. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Boston Common.

Holiday CR[EAT]OR Market

Saturdays and Sundays all month long, head to the Boston Public Market to find up to eight pop-up artisans selling specialty foods, jewelry, artwork and home goods all either grown or produced in New England. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston.

The Enchanted Village

The Enchanted Village is open for another holiday season today. Enjoy ice skating on the enchanted ice, the Polar Express 4-D Experience, Laser LITE Show, photos with Santa and the Enchanted Village. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Drive, Avon.

Salem Holiday Market

Just in time for Christmas, the Salem Holiday Market indie craft show returns for its seventh year. This year the market is set to feature more than 90 of the best local and regional designers from around New England. Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23, Noon to 6 p.m., Old Town Hall, Derby Square, Salem.

The Holiday Pops 2018

The Holiday Pops 2018 is one of the most popular traditions of the season. Enjoy performances filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional Pops sing-along and a visit from Santa Claus. Tickets start at $33. Three performances today. Children’s matinee at 11 a.m., then two more shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.

Winter Skate at Patriot Place

The 10th season of Winter Skate at Patriot Place is underway. Grab the family and enjoy this time-honored tradition of outdoor ice skating to life in the shadow of Gillette Stadium. Price is $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Skate rentals are $5. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Patriot Place, 2 Patriot Place, Foxboro.

Selfies with Santa

Take a selfie with Santa as he strolls through Faneuil Hall Marketplace today and visits various merchants. Noon to 4 p.m., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S. Market St., Boston.

Historic Holiday Stroll

Enjoy a historic holiday stroll around the city with the Freedom Trail Foundation. Learn how holiday traditions evolved in the city while experiencing highlights of the American Revolution. 3:30 p.m., tour departs from the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall.

Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

It isn’t the holiday season without performances of Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” This holiday favorite returns to the Boston Opera House for its sixth season through Dec. 31. Two performances today at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.

“A Christmas Carol”

Don’t miss your chance to catch the North Shore Music Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” This is a tradition you want to share with your friends and family. Various dates throughout December. Tickets start at $64. Two performances today at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road #1, Beverly.

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $49. Performances today at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

Brewery Lights 2018

Head to Budweiser’s Merrimack Brewery each Thursday through Sunday night all month long for some holiday magic at Brewery Lights 2018. This is a free, family friendly event. 4-9 p.m., 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH.

Blink! Light and Sound Show at Faneuil Hall

The world-famous, light and sound show Blink! Returns to Faneuil Hall through December. Featuring the signature holiday tree at Marketplace Center joined by other trees and lights throughout the property, this year’s show features six holiday favorites. Performances daily from 4:30-10 p.m., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S. Market St., Boston.

Winterlights

See the gardens of The Stevens-Coolidge Place sparkle with thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Winterlights features performances and activities for the entire family. $12 for members, $17 for non members and children under 12 are free. 5-8 p.m., The Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover.

ZooLights

Head to the Stone Zoo and experience ZooLights where you can stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Visit the animals, as well in their decorated areas. 5-9 p.m., Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham.

Sunday, Dec. 23

Holiday CR[EAT]OR Market

Saturdays and Sundays all month long, head to the Boston Public Market to find up to eight pop-up artisans selling specialty foods, jewelry, artwork and home goods all either grown or produced in New England. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston.

Ice Skating on Frog Pond

The season is open for Ice Skating on Frog Pond right in the heart of the Boston Common. Lockers, skate sharpening and skating aids are also available. Admission is based on skater’s height: 58 inches and over is $6, under 58 inches if free. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Boston Common.

New England Aquarium Touch Tank

The New England Aquarium Touch Tank comes to the Boston Public Market today to help you learn more about seafood and how you can play a part in a healthier ocean. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston.

The Holiday Pops 2018

The Holiday Pops 2018 is one of the most popular traditions of the season. Enjoy performances filled with holiday music favorites, the traditional Pops sing-along and a visit from Santa Claus. Tickets start at $33. Three performances today. Children’s matinee at 11 a.m., then two more shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.

The Enchanted Village

The Enchanted Village opens for another holiday season today. Enjoy ice skating on the enchanted ice, the Polar Express 4-D Experience, Laser LITE Show, photos with Santa and the Enchanted Village. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Drive, Avon.

Winter Skate at Patriot Place

The 10th season of Winter Skate at Patriot Place is underway. Grab the family and enjoy this time-honored tradition of outdoor ice skating to life in the shadow of Gillette Stadium. Price is $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Skate rentals are $5. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Patriot Place, 2 Patriot Place, Foxboro.

Salem Holiday Market

Just in time for Christmas, the Salem Holiday Market indie craft show returns for its seventh year. This year the market is set to feature more than 90 of the best local and regional designers from around New England. Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23, Noon to 6 p.m., Old Town Hall, Derby Square, Salem.

Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

It isn’t the holiday season without performances of Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” This holiday favorite returns to the Boston Opera House for its sixth season through Dec. 31. Two performances today at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.

“A Christmas Carol”

Don’t miss your chance to catch the North Shore Music Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” This is a tradition you want to share with your friends and family. Various dates throughout December. Tickets start at $64. Two performances today at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road #1, Beverly.

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $49. Performances today at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

Skate with Santa

Go ice skating with Santa today at Peabody Skating Rink for their 10th annual skating party complete with balloons, face painting and holiday music. 2:10-3:40 p.m., Peabody Skating Rink, 511 Lowell St., Peabody.

Historic Holiday Stroll

Enjoy a historic holiday stroll around the city with the Freedom Trail Foundation. Learn how holiday traditions evolved in the city while experiencing highlights of the American Revolution. 3:30 p.m., tour departs from the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall.

Brewery Lights 2018

Head to Budweiser’s Merrimack Brewery each Thursday through Sunday night all month long for some holiday magic at Brewery Lights 2018. This is a free, family friendly event. 4-9 p.m., 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH.

Blink! Light and Sound Show at Faneuil Hall

The world-famous, light and sound show Blink! Returns to Faneuil Hall through December. Featuring the signature holiday tree at Marketplace Center joined by other trees and lights throughout the property, this year’s show features six holiday favorites. Performances daily from 4:30-10 p.m.

Winterlights

See the gardens of The Stevens-Coolidge Place sparkle with thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Winterlights features performances and activities for the entire family. $12 for members, $17 for non members and children under 12 are free. 5-8 p.m., The Stevens-Coolidge Place, 137 Andover St., North Andover.

ZooLights

Head to the Stone Zoo and experience ZooLights where you can stroll along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Visit the animals, as well in their decorated areas. 5-9 p.m., Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham.

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