Boston–Cambridge–Newton · MA / NH
Things to do with kids in Boston — December 2026
133 family events in December 2026. Every listing links to the organizer’s own page. Dates are in Eastern Time.
What’s on now in Boston →Events
Nov27FriNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 31
Boston Ballet: Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker
Citizens Opera House
Paid
- STEM & discovery
Fri, Nov 27 · 10:00 AM
Everyday Engineering: Indoor Fort Building at Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum
With admissionAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Through Dec 13
Finding Nemo at Wheelock Family Theatre
Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston University Fenway Campus
From $26
Nov27FriArts & craftsThrough Dec 20
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Greater Boston Stage Company
Greater Boston Stage Company
Paid
- Markets and festivals
Fri, Nov 6 · 11:00 AM
Snowport Holiday Market at Boston Seaport
Snowport Holiday Market (Seaport Common area)
FreeAll ages
Nov20FriMarkets and festivalsFri, Nov 20 · 4:00 PM
SoWa Christmas Market
SoWa Power Station
From $10All ages
Nov20FriOutdoorsThrough Jan 3
ZooLights at Stone Zoo
Stone Zoo
PaidAll ages
Dec2WedCommunityWed, Dec 2 · 4:00 PM
Carolers & Cocoa at Prudential Center
Prudential Center (Boylston Arcade, next to Eataly)
All ages
Dec2WedArts & craftsWed, Dec 2
Disney's Mary Poppins at The Music Hall (Portsmouth, NH)
The Music Hall
PaidAll ages
- Community
Wed, Nov 4 · 4:00 PM
Free First Wednesday at Wenham Museum
Wenham Museum
FreeAll ages
- Dec2WedSanta visits
Wed, Dec 2 · 3:30 PM
Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer at Stone Zoo
Stone Zoo
From $70All ages
Nov27FriLight displaysFri, Nov 27 · 5:00 PM
Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights (Methuen)
Mann Orchards Riverside Farm
From $22.99All ages
- STEM & discovery
Wed, Dec 2 · 2:00 PM
Playful Engineers at East: Paper Cup ROBOTS!
Somerville Public Library, East Branch
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Dec 2 · 3:30 PM
Powisset Pals: Fairy Garden Workshop
Powisset Farm
From $65Ages 6–11
- Nov27FriLight displays
Fri, Nov 27 · 5:00 PM
South Shore Celebration of Lights (Marshfield Fairgrounds)
Marshfield Fairgrounds
From $22.99All ages
Nov27FriOutdoorsFri, Nov 27 · 4:30 PM
Winterlights at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate
From $15
Dec3ThuTree lightingsThu, Dec 3 · 8:00 PM
2026 Lighting of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Free
Nov27FriCommunityFri, Nov 27 · 4:00 PM
A Candlelit Christmas at the Old Manse
The Old Manse
From $10
Dec3ThuNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 23
A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre
North Shore Music Theatre
From $50Ages 4+
- Tree lightings
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:00 PM
Boston Common Tree Lighting
Boston Common (adjacent to the Visitor Information Center)
Free
- Tree lightings
Thu, Dec 3 · 6:00 PM
Boston Common Tree Lighting 2026
Boston Common (next to the Visitor Information Center)
Free
Dec3ThuCookingThu, Dec 3 · 10:00 AM
Farm-to-Table for Toddlers at Drumlin Farm
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
From $20Ages 1–3
Nov12ThuOutdoorsThu, Nov 12 · 11:00 AM
Nature Time Stories for preschoolers at Blue Hills Trailside Museum
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
From $15Ages 2–5
Dec3ThuNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 6
Sole City Dance Presents The Nutcracker (Rochester, NH)
Rochester Opera House
From $26All ages
- Crafts and cookies
Fri, Dec 4 · 4:45 PM
After Hours: Gingerbread Competition (grades 5-12)
Salem Public Library
Dec4FriArts & craftsFri, Dec 4 · 4:00 PM
An Artful Christmas at Castle Hill
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
From $20All ages
- Light displays
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM
Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke Museum
From $16All ages
Nov27FriLight displaysFri, Nov 27 · 4:00 PM
Edaville's Winter Wonderland Train & Lights Festival
Edaville
From $36All ages
Dec4FriSTEM & discoveryFri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM
Family Owl Prowl at Ipswich River
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
From $22Ages 6–17
Dec4FriCrafts and cookiesFri, Dec 4 · 10:00 AM
Gingerbread Baby at Drumlin Farm
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
From $20Ages 2–6
- Community
Fri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Light Up Seaport
Seaport Common
All ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 4
North Central Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker (Townsend)
North Middlesex Regional High School
From $15All ages
Dec4FriOutdoorsFri, Dec 4 · 4:30 PM
Tracking Winter Wildlife at Broadmoor
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 5–12
- Nov27FriSanta visits
Fri, Nov 27 · 4:30 PM
Visit with Santa at ZooLights, Stone Zoo
Stone Zoo (Animal Discovery Center)
With admission
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
2026 Holiday Pops Sensory Friendly Concert (Boston Pops)
Symphony Hall
Paid
- Light displays
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
2026 Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting (Portsmouth, NH)
Market Square and Islington Street, Downtown Portsmouth
Free
- Outdoors
Sat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Boston Birding with Family at Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
From $10All ages
Nov28SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM
Boston Skyline & Winter Wildlife at Chickatawbut Hill
Norman Smith Environmental Education Center (Blue Hills)
From $18Ages 6–17
- Hanukkah
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
Chanukah Through the Senses: An LGBTQ+ Family Celebration
Watertown Free Public Library
Free
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
Commonwealth Ballet Nutcracker Reading & Dance — Maynard Public Library
Maynard Public Library
All ages
Dec5SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
CraneExplorer: Family Winter Wildlife Walk at Crane Beach
Crane Beach on the Crane Estate
From $10Ages 5+
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Drop-In Art Making at the MFA
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
With admissionAll ages
- Parades
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Experience Hampton Christmas Parade 2026 (Hampton, NH)
Route 1, Hampton, NH
Free
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
Greater Salem Ballet Company's The Nutcracker at Lynn Memorial Auditorium
Lynn Memorial Auditorium
PaidAll ages
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker Event — Needham Library
Needham Free Public Library
FreeAges 3–10
Dec5SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Hike & Craft: Winter Tracking at Moose Hill
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
From $15Ages 5–12
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 20
José Mateo Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
The Strand Theatre
Paid
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
Nutcracker Storytime with Commonwealth Ballet — Sherborn Library
Sherborn Library
All ages
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 4:00 PM
Powisset Holiday Pig Wagon Lighting
Powisset Farm
Free
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Sugar Plum Tea Party at Acton School of Ballet
Acton School of Ballet (Studio 3)
From $30Ages 3–9
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:30 AM
The Gingerbread Man by WonderSpark Puppets
Puppet Showplace Theater
From $18.50All ages
Dec5SatSTEM & discoverySat, Dec 5 · 3:30 PM
Winter Wildlife Tales & Meet a Rabbit at Drumlin Farm
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 4–10
- Outdoors
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Winter Wildlife Up Close: Birds, Feeders, and a Guided Walk at Drumlin Farm
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 5–12
Dec6SunNutcracker and showsSun, Dec 6 · 11:00 AM
2026 Holiday Pops Kids' Matinee (Boston Pops)
Symphony Hall
Paid
- Outdoors
Sun, Nov 1 · 9:30 AM
Beginner Friendly Family Bird Walk at Moose Hill
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 8–17
Nov1SunArts & craftsSun, Nov 1 · 10:00 AM
Boston Family Days at the ICA
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
With admission
Dec6SunHanukkahSun, Dec 6 · 10:00 AM
Hanukkah at the MFA
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
With admission
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Dec 6 · 10:30 AM
Nature Journaling in the Wild at Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
From $15All ages
Nov1SunArts & craftsSun, Nov 1 · 10:00 AM
Play Date: Free Family Art Day at the ICA
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
Free
Dec6SunOutdoorsSun, Dec 6 · 3:30 PM
Sensory-Friendly Hour at Winterlights, Bradley Estate
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate
From $15All ages
Dec6SunSports & playSun, Dec 6 · 9:30 AM
TBE Dreidel Dash 5K and Kids Races
Temple Beth Elohim
From $10All ages
- Outdoors
Sun, Dec 6 · 2:00 PM
Winter Wildlife Up Close: Birds, Feeders, and a Guided Walk at Broadmoor
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 5–12
- Cooking
Tue, Dec 8 · 10:00 AM
Tots in the Kitchen: Holiday Helpers at Powisset Farm
Powisset Farm
From $55
Dec9WedPublic skatingWed, Dec 9 · 11:00 AM
DCR Universal Access Adaptive Skating at Porrazzo Skating Rink
Porrazzo Skating Rink
Dec9WedArts & craftsWed, Dec 9 · 3:00 PM
Holiday Card Making (Half Day, Hooray!) — Salem Public Library
Salem Public Library
All ages
- Crafts and cookies
Wed, Dec 9 · 3:30 PM
Powisset Pals: Cardboard Gingerbread House Workshop
Powisset Farm
From $25Ages 6–11
Dec10ThuArts & craftsThu, Dec 10 · 1:30 PM
Early Release: Self Portrait Pillows (Grades K-8)
Danforth Art Museum and Art School at Framingham State University
From $45
- Tree lightings
Thu, Dec 10 · 4:30 PM
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at One Seaport
One Seaport
All ages
Dec10ThuNutcracker and showsThu, Dec 10 · 10:30 AM
The Urban Nutcracker with City Ballet of Boston — Shaw-Roxbury Library
Boston Public Library, Shaw-Roxbury Branch
Ages 3–8
Dec11FriOutdoorsFri, Dec 11 · 10:00 AM
Discover Life Under the Log at Habitat
Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
From $12Ages 3–5
Dec11FriArts & craftsFri, Dec 11 · 7:00 PM
Midwinter Revels 2026: An American Celebration of the Solstice
Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, Harvard University
From $22All ages
Dec11FriOutdoorsFri, Dec 11 · 6:30 PM
New Moon Hike at Stony Brook
Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 5–17
Dec11FriOutdoorsFri, Dec 11 · 4:00 PM
Pre-K Owl Prowl at Ipswich River
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
From $22Ages 2–6
Dec11FriSTEM & discoveryFri, Dec 11 · 6:00 PM
Stargazing with Owls on Chickatawbut Hill
Norman Smith Environmental Education Center (Blue Hills)
From $18Ages 5–17
- Nutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 11 · 4:00 PM
The Troll that Stole Hanukkah by WonderSpark Puppets at Puppet Showplace Theater
Puppet Showplace Theater
PaidAll ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Cardboard Gingerbread House at the Peabody West Branch Library
Peabody Institute Library, West Branch
FreeAges 4+
Dec12SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 12 · 10:30 AM
Commonwealth Ballet Nutcracker Preview — Weston Public Library
Weston Public Library
All ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 3:00 PM
December Holidays Bilingual Spanish Story Time — Medford
Medford Public Library (Bonsignore Hall)
Free
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 5:00 PM
Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind Visitors at Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum
Free
- Sports & play
Sat, Oct 31 · 10:00 AM
Family Dance with The Suite Studio (Halloween edition)
Dover Public Library
All ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM
Gingerbread House Decorating (three sessions)
Wellesley Free Library, Main Library (Wakelin Room)
Ages 4–14
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Happenings: Kiddos Handmade Gifts at Powisset Farm
Powisset Farm
Free
Dec12SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Kids Gather, Make, Give: Children's Natural Gift Making Workshop at Appleton Farms
Appleton Farms
From $20Ages 3–12
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Music at the Blissful: A Concert for Children — West Roxbury Library
Boston Public Library, West Roxbury Branch
Dec12SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 12 · 10:30 AM
Nutcracker Reading with Commonwealth Ballet — Sargent Memorial Library (Boxborough)
Sargent Memorial Library
All ages
Dec12SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 12 · 9:00 AM
Sherborn Holiday Market and Visit with Santa
Sherborn 1858 Town House
All ages
Dec12SatSports & playSat, Dec 12 · 9:00 AM
South Boston Catholic Academy Jingle Bell Run and Youth Races
South Boston Catholic Academy
From $15
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Nov 14 · 1:00 PM
Teen Saturdays Workshops: Experimental Archaeology (ages 13-18)
Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology
From $10Ages 13–18
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Urban Nutcracker 2026 at the Shubert Theatre
Boch Center Shubert Theatre
Paid
Dec12SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Winter Wildlife Tales & Meet and Greet at Broadmoor
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 2–8
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Dec 13 · 1:00 PM
Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East
Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East
FreeAges 5–12
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Nov 8 · 11:00 AM
Family ART-trek at the ICA
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
With admission
Dec13SunCommunitySun, Dec 13 · 9:00 AM
Jingle Bell Extravaganza at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
From $25
- Santa visits
Sun, Dec 13 · 12:00 PM
Jolly Jingle Express Santa Train (Woburn)
Anderson Regional Transportation Center (Anderson Station)
From $49
Dec13SunSanta visitsSun, Dec 13 · 9:45 AM
Santa's Toy Trot and Elves Fun Run (Merrimac)
Sweetsir School
With admissionAll ages
Nov8SunArts & craftsSun, Nov 8 · 11:00 AM
Story Hour at the MFA
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
With admission
- Nov8SunOutdoors
Sun, Nov 8 · 10:00 AM
Urban Naturalist Walks in Franklin Park (Zoo New England)
Franklin Park (meeting point sent on registration)
Free
- STEM & discovery
Sun, Dec 13 · 10:00 AM
Winter Wildlife Tales & Meet a Rabbit at Broadmoor
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 2–8
Dec13SunOutdoorsSun, Dec 13 · 10:00 AM
Wonderful Winter Festival at Moose Hill
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
From $28Ages 5–17
- Arts & crafts
Mon, Nov 9 · 11:30 AM
Family Concert with Matt Heaton
Waltham Public Library
Dec14MonNutcracker and showsMon, Dec 14 · 10:30 AM
The Urban Nutcracker with City Ballet of Boston — Brighton Library
Boston Public Library, Brighton Branch
Ages 3–8
Nov18WedSTEM & discoveryWed, Nov 18 · 4:30 PM
STEM Experiments after-school series (Honan-Allston Branch): Boat Race Challenge, Bottle Rockets, Lava Lamp DIY
Boston Public Library, Honan-Allston Branch
Ages 6–12
Nov11WedOutdoorsWed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AM
Nature Tales for toddlers at Habitat (Belmont)
Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
From $12Ages 1–3
- Crafts and cookies
Thu, Dec 17 · 6:00 PM
Adaptive Gingerbread Cookie Decorating for Teens — Medford Library
Medford Public Library
Ages 11–22
- Community
Thu, Dec 17 · 7:00 PM
Cocoa, Cookies, and Cozy Stories (West Branch)
Peabody Institute Library, West Branch
Free
Dec18FriArts & craftsFri, Dec 18 · 10:00 AM
Baby Coachella with NEMPAC — Charlestown Library
Boston Public Library, Charlestown Branch
- Nov20FriOutdoors
Fri, Nov 20 · 6:00 PM
Blue Hills After Dark: Family Nature Hike
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
From $15Ages 4–17
Nov27FriNutcracker and showsFri, Nov 27 · 1:00 PM
Commonwealth Ballet's The Nutcracker (35th season) at Regis College
Eleanor Welch Casey Theater, Regis College
PaidAll ages
Dec18FriArts & craftsFri, Dec 18 · 6:00 PM
Kids' Night Out: Hanging Fish Stuffies (Grades K-8)
Danforth Art Museum and Art School at Framingham State University
From $45
- Nutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 18 · 4:00 PM
The Holiday Sing-Along! by Sarah Nolen & Phil Berman at Puppet Showplace Theater
Puppet Showplace Theater
From $18.50All ages
Dec18FriLight displaysFri, Dec 18 · 4:30 PM
Winter Solstice Family Lantern Celebration
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
From $28Ages 4–12
Dec18FriOutdoorsFri, Dec 18 · 4:00 PM
Winter Wonders at North River
North River Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 0–17
- Dec19SatOutdoors
Sat, Dec 19 · 1:00 PM
Follow the Clues: Wildlife Tracks and Traces at Moose Hill
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
From $18Ages 8–17
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 19 · 9:30 AM
Gingerbread Man Crafts — Hyde Park Library
Boston Public Library, Hyde Park Branch
Dec19SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 19 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms
Appleton Farms (Carriage Barn)
From $15Up to 6
Dec19SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 19 · 11:00 AM
Inspired by Nature Art Festival at Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
From $15All ages
Dec19SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 19 · 10:00 AM
Mystic Runners Santa Dash Classic (Wakefield)
Lake Quannapowitt (Lakeside Inn)
With admissionUp to 10
Dec19SatSTEM & discoverySat, Dec 19 · 5:00 PM
Solstice Stargazing with Aldrich Astronomical Society at deCordova
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
From $30All ages
- Nov21SatOutdoors
Sat, Nov 21 · 10:00 AM
Tiny Trekkers at Stony Brook
Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
From $10Ages 3–6
Dec20SunOutdoorsSun, Dec 20 · 2:00 PM
Winter Solstice Walk through Whitney and Thayer Woods
Weir River Farm / Whitney and Thayer Woods
From $15All ages
- Dec21MonOutdoors
Mon, Dec 21 · 4:00 PM
Winter Solstice Walk at Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
From $13All ages
Nov29SunArts & craftsSun, Nov 29 · 10:30 AM
Nature-inspired Printmaking Workshop at Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
From $15Ages 4+
Nov14SatPublic skatingSat, Nov 14 · 7:00 PM
Public Skating at The Skating Club of Boston (Norwood)
The Skating Club of Boston, Tenley E. Albright Performance Center
From $14All ages
Dec28MonSports & playMon, Dec 28 · 9:00 AM
Winter Break Basketball Skills Clinic (Grades 6-8)
Leventhal-Sidman JCC (Basketball Gym)
PaidAges 11–14
Dec29TueArts & craftsTue, Dec 29 · 2:00 PM
Kimberly's Pocket Circus (Coolidge Corner)
Public Library of Brookline, Coolidge Corner Branch
- Dec29TueArts & crafts
Tue, Dec 29 · 10:00 AM
Maker Space: Winter Break at deCordova
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
From $10All ages
- Community
Tue, Dec 29 · 2:00 PM
School Vacation Week Movie at Central: Elio — Somerville Library
Somerville Public Library, Central Library
Dec29TueArts & craftsTue, Dec 29 · 10:30 AM
Winter Puppet Art — Hyde Park Library
Boston Public Library, Hyde Park Branch
All ages
Dec30WedSports & playWed, Dec 30 · 10:30 AM
Train Time — Hyde Park Library
Boston Public Library, Hyde Park Branch
- Crafts and cookies
Thu, Dec 31 · 3:30 PM
Crafternoon: New Year's Eve Edition — Chinatown Library
Boston Public Library, Chinatown Branch
Up to 18
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 9:00 AM
Family New Year's Eve Celebration at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
From $15
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 11:30 AM
New Year's Eve Noon Celebration (Hyde Park Branch)
Boston Public Library, Hyde Park Branch
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 11:30 AM
Noon Year's Eve Party
Medford Public Library
All ages