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Holiday Events Calendar 2023-24

New England’s lively cities, snug towns, and snow-swept mountains are a perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations and traditions at the end of 2023. Come enjoy classic favorites, like stage performances of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker, or local traditions such as the festive lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine. Lodgings offer plenty of ways to combine a holiday getaway with pastimes like skiing, shopping, or theater-hopping.

Christmas in Stowe - VisitNewEngland Holiday Events Calendar 2023-24

Find the dates you plan to travel or simply search the full events list below.

Arts & Crafts Shows Festivals Food, Wine, Beer Holidays Music Outdoor Activities Performing Arts and Theater Tours
We welcome the events that are open to the public. Click here to Submit your Event for FREE
Join William A. Smith Auctions for its Auction of a Barnard, VT Country Estate! Friday, November 24, 2023 from Noon to 4PM - Click here for more info.
Sunset Cruise & Harbor Views! - See Plymouth, MA!
See You in Plymouth this Summer! Visit our Destination Plymouth page!

Arts & Crafts Shows

Andover Holiday Market – Andover MA

Dec 2, 2023 - Dec 2, 2023 41 Central Street Andover, MA 01810

A European style indoor and outdoor holiday market featuring over 20 juried artisans, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, live music, kid's activities, and more! Proceeds will benefit the Andover Farmers Market.
2-8 p.m.
Free

Plimoth Patuxet Winter Fine Arts & Craft Fair 2023 — Plymouth MA

Dec 2, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023 Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Avenue Plymouth, MA

Shop for hand-crafted gifts from a variety of independent artists and makers, and watch hands-on demonstrations while enjoying historically inspired holiday food and drink. Plimoth Patuxet's Visitor Center courtyard will be turned into a Winter Beer Garden, presented by Mayflower Brewing Company. Whether engaging in 17th century-inspired cheer, listening to a live musical performance, hopping on a merry hay ride or enjoying hot cocoa by the fire, fairgoers of all ages will find this gathering a delightful way to celebrate the season in the quintessential New England way – just in time for the holidays.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$5; children under 12 are free

MFA Boston's Hanukkah Celebration 2023 — Boston MA

Dec 7, 2023 - Dec 7, 2023 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA

Come together for an evening of art, music, and activities in celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. Be among community, watch performances of music and dance from around the world, see a pop-up photography installation exploring Sephardic traditions, dine on Hanukkah treats, and immerse yourself in the diversity of Jewish culture and identity by exploring the MFA’s new gallery for Judaica.
5-10 p.m.
Included with General Admission

Festivals

Snowport 2023 – Boston MA

Nov 10, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023 Snowport Holiday Market, 100 Seaport Blvd. Boston, MA

For the fifth straight year, Boston's Seaport neighborhood will combine shopping, a tree lighting, curling, and so much more holiday fun with Snowport 2023. The event will bring together more than 120 businesses and 17 dining concepts selling their wares at the Snowport Holiday Market. Along with all your gift shopping needs for the holidays, Snowport visitors will be able to enjoy outdoor activities, including iceless curling, a bustling Christmas tree market, and a pair of lighting ceremonies — Snowport’s holiday tree lighting ceremony Light Up Seaport (Dec. 1), and its annual menorah lighting (Dec. 10). (Extended hours Dec. 11-31. The market will be open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. The Holiday Market will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and December 26th.)
3–8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday
Free

Food, Wine, Beer

Gingerbread House Festival 2023 – Marblehead MA

Dec 1, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023 Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington Street Marblehead, MA

Get into the holiday spirit with the Marblehead Museum’s annual Gingerbread Festival! Anyone can decorate a house (entering the contest is free), and judges will award prizes for the most creative creations. Creations must be dropped off on Thursday, Nov. 30 from Noon-6 p.m. at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. See all creations from Dec. 1-3 during Christmas Walk. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Gingerbread houses must be registered with the Marblehead Family Fund. Register your house here: https://mhdrec.wufoo.com/forms/gingerbread-house-festival-entry-form-2023/
3-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday
$5 for individuals, $20 for families

Holidays

Christmas by Candlelight 2023 – Sturbridge MA

Nov 24, 2023 - Dec 30, 2023 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road Sturbridge, MA

Experience the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village. Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, ride the horse-drawn carryall, and more. Tickets purchased before Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) will be available at a discounted price. See website for exact dates.
2-8 p.m.
$14.50-$45 (Member prices differ from non-member)

Holiday Stroll & Gift Card Giveaway — Andover MA

Dec 1, 2023 - Dec 2, 2023 Town of Andover, 20 Main Street Andover, MA 01810

Grab your friends and family to experience holiday magic in quaint Andover, MA. Enjoy festive deals, warm hospitality, and a diverse array of Andover's small businesses and restaurants. It's also the first day of the Gift Card giveaway (Dec. 1-2). Purchases (including gift cards and gift certificates) of $100 or more at any Andover business (including restaurants, local retail stores and personal service establishments — hair/nail, pet groomer, etc.) made from 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, are eligible to receive a $25 Visa® gift card per every $100 spent up to $400. Receipts may be combined to equal increments of $100. For more information on all events, go to downtown-andover.com.
Holiday Stroll, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1; Gift Card Giveaway, 10 a.m. Friday - 5 p.m. Saturday
Free

Holiday Happenings — Andover MA

Dec 8, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023 Town of Andover, 36 Bartlet Street Andover, MA

An evening of festive fun in Downtown Andover, including many festive holiday happenings for the whole family!
  • Robb Center: Pictures with Santa, Food, Entertainment
  • Cormier Youth Center: Food, Winter Wonderland Games/Crafts, Entertainment
  • Andover Town Offices: Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
4-8 p.m.

Music

Handel's "Messiah" 2023 – Boston MA

Dec 2, 2023 - Dec 2, 2023 GBH's Calderwood Studio, 1 Guest Street (Brighton neighborhood) Boston, MA

Boston Baroque marks the holiday season by presenting Handel's Messiah in its entirety, a GRAMMY®-nominated masterpiece. This performance comes 42 years after the inaugural Boston period-instrument rendition of the complete oratorio in 1981. Explore the exquisite joy of this beloved annual musical custom, featuring an exceptional orchestra, chorus, and globally acclaimed soloists.
7:30 p.m.
$50-$175; Livestream tickets available from $9

Handel's "Messiah" 2023 – Boston MA

Dec 3, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023 New England Conservatory of Music's Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough Street Boston, MA

Boston Baroque marks the holiday season by presenting Handel's Messiah in its entirety, a GRAMMY®-nominated masterpiece. This performance comes 42 years after the inaugural Boston period-instrument rendition of the complete oratorio in 1981. Explore the exquisite joy of this beloved annual musical custom, featuring an exceptional orchestra, chorus, and globally acclaimed soloists.
3 p.m.
$50-$175; Livestream tickets available from $9

A Very Darren Crissmas – Boston MA

Dec 7, 2023 - Dec 7, 2023 106 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116

Kicking off the Christmas season, actor and musician Darren Criss – widely known for FOX’s massively successful musical series "Glee" – will perform songs from his recent holiday album, A Very Darren Crissmas. His first ever full-length project includes a wildly eclectic collection of songs, from big band Christmas classics to novelty tunes to modern-day folk-pop ballads. Made with Ron Fair, multi-Grammy nominee and producer of numerous Grammy-winning hits, A Very Darren Crissmas showcases the multi-hyphenate's artistry and a timeless sense of Christmas magic.
8 p.m.
Separate rates apply
888-616-0272

Baroque Christmas 2023 – Boston MA

Dec 14, 2023 - Dec 17, 2023 30 Gainsborough Street Boston, MA 02115

Celebrate the spirit of the season with Boston’s biggest, Baroque-est holiday party. This festive program features a diverse slate of merry masterpieces, sparkling in the December darkness like a starlit sky. Under the direction of H+H principal keyboard Ian Watson, our brilliant orchestra pairs these glad tidings with unparalleled technique and passion. Join us for a Baroque Christmas and give yourself (or someone you love) a holiday gift you’ll treasure.
7:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Range
617- 262-1815

Outdoor Activities

Marblehead Christmas Walk 2023 – Marblehead MA

Nov 30, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023 Locations vary Marblehead, MA

Celebrate this year's Marblehead Christmas Walk & Holiday Stroll! Join the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce for a festive weekend, including Thursday Night Preview Shopping, the Friday Tree Lighting, Saturday's Santa’s Arrival by lobster boat and Parade, the Artisan's Markets, Gingerbread festival, music and so much more!
Event times vary
Free

Performing Arts and Theater

The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays

Dec 8, 2023 - Dec 10, 2023 106 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
Separate rates apply.
888-616-0272

Tours

13th Annual Holiday House Tour – Concord MA

Dec 2, 2023 - Dec 2, 2023 53 Cambridge Turnpike Concord, MA 01742

Join the Guild of Volunteers for the 13th Annual Holiday House Tour. Visit several of Concord’s most beautiful homes, festively decorated for the holiday season. Decorated by professional designers, these spectacular homes will fill you with the spirit of the holidays. Spend the day in Concord and enjoy the charming downtown, cafes and shops during your self-guided tour.  Gather your friends and bundle up to enjoy this one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
10 a.m.
Check website for ticket pricing and sale date.