Best 2024 Massachusetts Christmas Markets and Holiday Events

Massachusetts shines during the holiday season, with charming New England towns, festive markets, and enchanting light displays. From Boston’s bustling holiday markets to historic house tours, the Bay State offers a variety of ways to celebrate Christmas. Here’s a list of the top Christmas events and markets happening across Massachusetts in 2024 for a season filled with New England holiday magic!

1. Boston Christmas Festival

The Boston Christmas Festival is a holiday shopping event featuring hundreds of artisans offering handmade gifts, holiday decor, and seasonal treats. From ornaments to gourmet foods, this market is a must-visit for holiday shoppers looking for unique gifts.

• Dates: November 8 – November 10, 2024
• Location: Seaport World Trade Center, Boston
• Website: bostonchristmasfestival.com

2. Blink! at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Blink! is an annual holiday light and sound show that lights up Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The marketplace is filled with holiday cheer, featuring a 65-foot Christmas tree, holiday shopping, live performances, and festive decor.

• Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
• Website: faneuilhallmarketplace.com

3. Yankee Candle Village Christmas Celebration

Visit the Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield for a magical holiday experience, including decorated holiday displays, Santa visits, and festive shopping. The village offers a Christmas wonderland with candles, gifts, and holiday activities for the whole family.

• Dates: November 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield
• Website: yankeecandle.com

4. Boston Common Tree Lighting

The annual Boston Common Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season with a stunning display of lights on the city’s Christmas tree and surrounding park. The event includes live music, performances, and family-friendly holiday activities.

• Date: December 5, 2024
• Location: Boston Common, Boston
• Website: boston.gov

5. Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens

The Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich hosts Gardens Aglow, a breathtaking holiday lights display set within the gardens. Enjoy thousands of lights, festive decor, and holiday-themed activities in a peaceful and scenic setting.

• Dates: November 29, 2024 – December 29, 2024
• Location: Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich
• Website: heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

6. Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

Step back in time and celebrate a 19th-century Christmas at Old Sturbridge Village’s Christmas by Candlelight event. Enjoy holiday crafts, gingerbread house displays, candlelit strolls, and caroling at this unique historical celebration.

• Dates: Select dates, December 6 – December 22, 2024
• Location: Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
• Website: osv.org

7. Nantucket Christmas Stroll

The Nantucket Christmas Stroll is a beloved island tradition, featuring holiday shopping, carolers, and visits from Santa. Nantucket’s historic downtown is beautifully decorated, creating a charming coastal Christmas experience.

• Dates: December 6 – December 8, 2024
• Location: Downtown Nantucket
• Website: nantucketchamber.org

8. Festival of Trees at the Concord Museum

The Concord Museum’s annual Festival of Trees is a festive display featuring beautifully decorated trees and wreaths crafted by local artists and businesses. The event offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the holiday spirit and local creativity.

• Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Concord Museum, Concord
• Website: concordmuseum.org

9. ZooLights at Stone Zoo

ZooLights transforms Stone Zoo into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday lights, animal-themed displays, and visits from Santa. Take a magical stroll through the zoo and enjoy the holiday lights and seasonal cheer.

• Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Location: Stone Zoo, Stoneham
• Website: zoonewengland.org

10. Holiday House Tour in Marblehead

Explore the charm of Marblehead’s historic homes with the annual Holiday House Tour. This unique event gives visitors a glimpse into beautifully decorated private homes in Marblehead’s coastal village, creating a magical holiday experience.

• Date: December 7, 2024
• Location: Marblehead, Massachusetts
• Website: marbleheadmuseum.org