Popular and Unique Christmas Events in Massachusetts for 2025

Massachusetts is the place to be during Christmas. From historic town centers glowing with lights to seaside markets and citywide celebrations, the Bay State offers a mix of classic traditions and creative holiday experiences you won’t find anywhere else. 

To save you the time and effort of searching through endless websites, we pulled together the top events for 2025 that people are talking about and planning for now.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's popular or worth your attention.

1. Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony

Boston kicks off the season with its biggest holiday tradition: the lighting of the Boston Common tree. The ceremony features live entertainment, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere that continues all season as the Common glows with lights.

• Dates: December 5, 2025 (tree lighting); lights nightly through early January
  
• Address: Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors/leashed)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: bostoncentral.com/boston-holiday-lights

2. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield)

This massive drive-through holiday light show is one of New England’s most popular. With themed sections like Seuss Land, Jurassic World, and North Pole Village, families can enjoy the display from the comfort of their car.

• Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026
  
• Address: 295 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (in vehicles)
  
• Free: No (admission per vehicle)
  
• Website: brightnights.org

3. Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights (Carver)

Generations of families return each year to Edaville, where the theme park transforms into a holiday wonderland. Ride the steam trains, see millions of lights, and meet Santa while exploring rides and local vendors.

• Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025
  
• Address: 5 Pine St, Carver, MA 02330
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: edaville.com

4. German Christmas Market (Walpole)

Hosted at the Boylston Schul-Verein German-American Club, this market brings an authentic European-style holiday experience. Shoppers will find artisan crafts, traditional food and drink, live music, and even a visit from Santa.

• Dates: December 6, 2025 (Noon–6 pm; rain date Dec 7)
  
• Address: 8 County St, Walpole, MA 02081
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: germanclub.org/weihnachtsmarkt

5. La Salette Festival of Lights (Attleboro)

This long-running festival at the La Salette Shrine features over 400,000 lights, religious displays, a Creche museum, and family-friendly activities like carousel rides and photos with Santa. Admission is free, with donations welcome.

• Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (5–9 pm nightly)
  
• Address: 947 Park St, Attleboro, MA 02703
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors/leashed)
  
• Free: Yes (donations welcome)
  
• Website: lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/christmas-festival

6. Snowport – Boston Seaport Holiday Wonderland

Boston’s waterfront turns into a festive destination with an outdoor European-style market, curling lanes, food pop-ups, tree lighting, and plenty of family activities. Ice skating and games make it a fun stop for all ages.

• Dates: November 15 – December 31, 2025
  
• Address: 85 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (market/outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes (activities may have fees)
  
• Website: bostonseaport.xyz/snowport

7. Winter Lights at Naumkeag & Stevens-Coolidge House

These historic Trustees properties, Naumkeag in Stockbridge and Stevens-Coolidge in North Andover, come alive at night with thousands of custom light displays. Guests walk through gardens filled with lights, music, and seasonal treats.

• Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (select nights)
  
• Address: Naumkeag: 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262; Stevens-Coolidge: 153 Chickering Rd, North Andover, MA 01845
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: thetrustees.org

8. Enchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture (Avon)

This recreated vintage holiday village is a nostalgic favorite in Massachusetts. Visitors can explore animatronic holiday scenes, go ice skating, and enjoy photos with Santa—all indoors.

• Dates: November 29 – December 30, 2025 (Fridays–Sundays, plus Dec 23 & 30)
  
• Address: 100 Stockwell Dr, Avon, MA 02322
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (indoors, leashed)
  
• Free: Yes (admission; skating/photos may have fees)
  
• Website: jordans.com

9. First Night Boston

Boston’s New Year’s Eve tradition is one of the country’s largest free outdoor celebrations. Ice sculptures, live performances, family activities, and fireworks make it a memorable way to ring in the new year.

• Dates: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026
  
• Address: Downtown Boston, main events near Copley Square, Boston, MA 02116
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: firstnightboston.org

10. Plymouth Holiday Market

Set in historic downtown Plymouth, this one-day market features 100+ local vendors offering handmade gifts, art, collectibles, food trucks, and live music. It’s a great way to shop local and soak in the holiday spirit.

• Dates: December 6, 2025 (11 am–5 pm)
  
• Address: Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (indoors/outdoors, leashed)
  
• Free: No (fees for shopping)
  
• Website: newenglandopenmarkets.com

Classic Christmas Events to Satisfy Every Person in Your Party

It’s never too late to start a new tradition. Whether you want a small-town market, a big-city festival, or a family outing rich with history, Massachusetts has it all.

Let us save you even more time! Join our email list and we’ll send you the best Christmas events, tips, and traditions straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for even more holiday inspiration. 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.