Grab the family and head out this weekend to some of the dozens of great events happening throughout the area. From First Friday events to the annual family event, Swedish Yuletide and everything in between, there’s plenty of fun for all. Check out our weekend picks below:
Friday, Dec. 7
Wellesley’s Festival of Trees and Snow Village
See trees in all their holiday finest and vote for the winning tree at Wellesley's Festival of Trees and Snow Village. While you’re there also enjoy the decorated grounds and buildings on a stroll or a horse-drawn carriage ride. There are also visits from Santa and other childrens’ activities. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Gardens at Elm Bank, 900 Washington St., Wellesley.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Don’t miss the 4th Annual SoWa Winter Festival where over two weekends enjoy some of the biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston. Also enjoy holiday workshops, live music and more 5-9 p.m., 450 and 540 Harrison Ave., 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.
ICA First Friday: How the Grinch Stole First Fridays
Head on over to the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston’s First Friday event. Tonight welcome to Whoville. Don your most festive ugly holiday sweater for a chance to win prizes. Show off your look in their Mount Crumpit photo booth and sip your Lord Hobo beer in a Whoville sleigh. Enjoy music, cocktails, dancing, contemporary art and harbor views. Free for members, $15 for non-members, 5-9 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston.
Museum of Fine Arts First Fridays
Join the folks at the Museum of Fine Arts tonight and kick off the weekend with fine art, music, signature cocktails, tapas and more. Tickets are $25, seniors and students are $23 and free for members. 6-9:30 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.
ChristmasTime 2018 with the Reagle Music Theatre
ChristmasTime 2018 with the Reagle Music Theatre returns for its annual tradition. Enjoy numbers like the Teddy Bears’ Ballet, “Christmas on the Common,” the Parade of the Wooden Soldier (performed with special permission from Radio City Music Hall and a visit from Santa. The production ends with a Living Nativity. Tickets start at $39. 7:30 p.m., Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St., Waltham.
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. 8
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.
The annual family event, Swedish Yuletide attracts thousands each year and is the largest Scandinavian event in New England. All in a festive holiday setting, enjoy Swedish styled food and pastries, and, of course, glögg, the hot spicy beverage of the season. While you’re there grab some holiday gifts from the many vendors also on hand. Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St., Boston.
Wellesley’s Festival of Trees and Snow Village
See trees in all their holiday finest and vote for the winning tree at Wellesley's Festival of Trees and Snow Village. While you’re there also enjoy the decorated grounds and buildings on a stroll or a horse-drawn carriage ride. There are also visits from Santa and other childrens’ activities. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Gardens at Elm Bank, 900 Washington St., Wellesley.
Charlestown Winter Wonderland & Holiday Stroll
Join the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce for a fun day of kids activities and shopping at the Charlestown Winter Wonderland & Holiday Stroll. Santa will arrive at 11 a.m. for photos, the children’s holiday train will run all day long and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Charlestown Training Field, Charlestown.
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., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI.
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. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jordan’s Furniture, 100 Stockwell Drive, Avon.
Don’t miss the 4th Annual SoWa Winter Festival where over two weekends enjoy some of the biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston. Also enjoy holiday workshops, live music and more 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 450 and 540 Harrison 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. 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.
Take a selfie with Santa as he strolls through Faneuil Hall Marketplace today and visits various merchants. 11:30-3:30 p.m., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S. Market St., Boston.
Sip, shop and stroll at 3rd Ave Burlington’s annual Holiday Stroll. Enjoy caroling, photos with santa and more. Saturday, Dec. 8, Noon to 4 p.m., 3rd Ave, Burlington.
ChristmasTime 2018 with the Reagle Music Theatre
ChristmasTime 2018 with the Reagle Music Theatre returns for its annual tradition. Enjoy numbers like the Teddy Bears’ Ballet, “Christmas on the Common,” the Parade of the Wooden Soldier (performed with special permission from Radio City Music Hall and a visit from Santa. The production ends with a Living Nativity. Tickets start at $39. Performances today at Noon and 4 p.m., Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St., Waltham.
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.
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. 9
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.
Wellesley’s Festival of Trees and Snow Village
See trees in all their holiday finest and vote for the winning tree at Wellesley's Festival of Trees and Snow Village. While you’re there also enjoy the decorated grounds and buildings on a stroll or a horse-drawn carriage ride. There are also visits from Santa and other childrens’ activities. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Gardens at Elm Bank, 900 Washington St., Wellesley.
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. and 4 p.m. Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI.
Don’t miss the 4th Annual SoWa Winter Festival where over two weekends enjoy some of the biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston. Also enjoy holiday workshops, live music and more 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 450 and 540 Harrison Ave., Boston.
Brunch in the Harpoon Beer Hall today, featuring their made-to-order brunch pretzels. $10 gets you one brunch pretzel with two dipping sauces. This event is first come, first serve. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., 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.
ChristmasTime 2018 with the Reagle Music Theatre
ChristmasTime 2018 with the Reagle Music Theatre returns for its annual tradition. Enjoy numbers like the Teddy Bears’ Ballet, “Christmas on the Common,” the Parade of the Wooden Soldier (performed with special permission from Radio City Music Hall and a visit from Santa. The production ends with a Living Nativity. Tickets start at $39. Performances today at Noon and 4 p.m., Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St., Waltham.
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.
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.
