The second to last weekend before Christmas is chock-full full of fun, holiday events for the entire family! Grab some unique gifts while strolling through the South Boston Holiday Market for at this annual holiday tradition or maybe take the family north to check out Brewery Lights 2018 at the Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack, NH or how about having breakfast or brunch with Santa, or taking part in the annual Candyland Tournament at Faneuil Hall’s Kid Day event happening Saturday? Whatever you decide, we’ve got you covered with plenty of great ideas for the entire family.
Friday, Dec. 14
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 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.
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Guided tours take place daily at Harpoon Brewery, giving visitors an up close and personal view of the brewing process. As part of the tour, visitors 21 and over will enjoy a range of freshly-brewed Harpoon and UFO beers. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets are $5 and only available the day of the tour and can only be purchased in person. Noon to 6 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. 7:30 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.
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. 7:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.
Saturday, Dec. 15
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.
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at this annual tradition at the Royal Sonesta where children of all ages can make their holiday wishes while enjoying a seasonal brunch, holiday cookie crafts, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Santa himself. Children also get a chance to meet Santa, along with his holiday helpers and take home a special gift. 9:30 a.m., Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin H Land Blvd., Cambridge.
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.
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.
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. 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI.
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.
Enjoy a brunch with Santa in Harvard Square at Beat Brew Hall. Have brunch while enjoying photos with Santa and holiday music. Reservations recommended. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Beat Brew Hall, 13 Brattle St., Cambridge.
The annual Teddy Bear Tea at Taj Boston is an event not to be missed. Enjoy storytelling with Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa, cookie decorating and more. Tickets are $66.12 for adults and $36.74 per child. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Taj Boston, 15 Arlington St., Boston.
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.
Find more than 120 of the regions top artists, artisans, designers and food makers under one roof with all their unique goods at the South Boston Holiday Market. It’s yoru one-stop-shop for unique holiday gifts. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Innovation and Design Building, 21 Dry Dock Ave., First Floor, Boston.
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.
Guided tours take place daily at Harpoon Brewery, giving visitors an up close and personal view of the brewing process. As part of the tour, visitors 21 and over will enjoy a range of freshly-brewed Harpoon and UFO beers. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets are $5 and only available the day of the tour and can only be purchased in person. 11:20 a.m. to 6 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.
Kids Day at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Enjoy tons of activities for children of all ages including the annual Candyland Tournament benefiting Pitching in for Kids and a concert by teen groups. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S. Market St., Boston.
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.
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.
Grab your ugliest holiday sweater for the 9th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl in Davis Square. All the fun starts at PJ Ryan’s. 3-11 p.m., Davis Square, Somerville.
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.
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.
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. 16
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.
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.
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. 10 a.m., 1 p.m. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI.
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at this annual tradition at the Royal Sonesta where children of all ages can make their holiday wishes while enjoying a seasonal brunch, holiday cookie crafts, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Santa himself. Children also get a chance to meet Santa, along with his holiday helpers and take home a special gift. 10:30 a.m., Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin H Land Blvd., Cambridge.
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 annual Teddy Bear Tea at Taj Boston is an event not to be missed. Enjoy storytelling with Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa, cookie decorating and more. Tickets are $66.12 for adults and $36.74 per child. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Taj Boston, 15 Arlington St., Boston.
Find more than 120 of the regions top artists, artisans, designers and food makers under one roof with all their unique goods at the South Boston Holiday Market. It’s yoru one-stop-shop for unique holiday gifts. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Innovation and Design Building, 21 Dry Dock Ave., First Floor, Boston.
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.
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.
Guided tours take place daily at Harpoon Brewery, giving visitors an up close and personal view of the brewing process. As part of the tour, visitors 21 and over will enjoy a range of freshly-brewed Harpoon and UFO beers. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets are $5 and only available the day of the tour and can only be purchased in person. 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.
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 6 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.
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. and 5 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.
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.
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.
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.
