The Boston area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from ZooLights at Stone Zoo in Stoneham on November 20 to Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) in Revere, on December 24. 11 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Massachusetts, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Boston for 2026, in Boston, Wellesley, Revere, Lynn, Medford, Stoneham, Wayland and Weston
- First: ZooLights at Stone Zoo, Stoneham, November 20. Runs latest: ZooLights at Stone Zoo, Stoneham, through January 3
- Free: Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker, Family Holiday Concert, Urban Nutcracker, Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating, Gingerbread Storytime, Gingerbread House Decorating, The Nutcracker: A Preview, The Great Grinch Gathering, Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses, Family Gingerbread Cookie Decorating and Holiday Storytime (0 - 5)
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Massachusetts Christmas train rides page.
Boston Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Boston, Wellesley, Revere, Lynn, Medford, Stoneham, Wayland and Weston
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 11
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday crafts, holiday lights and tree lighting
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Boston Christmas event for kids happens
The first is ZooLights at Stone Zoo in Stoneham on November 20; the last runs to December 24. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- ZooLights at Stone ZooStoneham · Nov 20 to Jan 3
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree LightingBoston · Nov 21
- Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty NutcrackerWellesley · Nov 28
- Family Holiday ConcertWayland · Dec 6
- Urban NutcrackerBoston · Dec 6
- Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie DecoratingLynn · Dec 10
- Gingerbread StorytimeWellesley · Dec 10
- Gingerbread House DecoratingWellesley · Dec 12
- The Nutcracker: A PreviewWeston · Dec 12
- The Great Grinch GatheringRevere · Dec 15
- Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread HousesBoston · Dec 16
- Family Gingerbread Cookie DecoratingMedford · Dec 21
- Holiday Storytime (0 - 5)Revere · Dec 24
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Boston? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Boston
3 confirmed events for kids in Boston, soonest first.
Boston: Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Tree lightingFaneuil Hall Marketplace · Boston
- Host
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2 to 6 pm
- Cost
- No ticket or price listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Faneuil Hall Marketplace holds its annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Quincy Market, one of Boston's best known holiday traditions. The afternoon features live performances and holiday decor around the marketplace, and at 6 pm sharp the tree is lit with help from Make-A-Wish and Santa himself. Families can pair the lighting with a stroll along the Freedom Trail or early holiday shopping.
The event is Saturday, November 21, 2026, with festivities from 2 to 6 pm. It takes place outdoors at Quincy Market, a short walk from the State, Haymarket and Government Center MBTA stations. No ticket or price is listed on the event page, and the marketplace's restaurants and shops are open around it. The marketplace's holiday market also opens for the season soon after, on November 27.
Parent tip: Take the T, since the marketplace is a short walk from State, Haymarket and Government Center. Arrive well before 6 pm to find a spot where little ones can see the tree.
See dates and details from Faneuil Hall Marketplace (opens in a new tab)Boston: Urban Nutcracker
Holiday story timeFreeBoston Public Library · Boston
- Host
- Boston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Boston Public Library, Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 8
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
City Ballet of Boston brings excerpts of The Urban Nutcracker, its modern, Boston themed take on the holiday classic, to the Central Library in Copley Square. After the performance, children listen to a reading of the Nutcracker story and then learn a few new dance moves from a City Ballet teaching artist.
The program is geared toward young movers ages 3 to 8 and is free, and it takes place on a Sunday afternoon when the Central Library is open. It pairs well with a walk through Copley Square and a look at the children's library afterward. The library asks that requests for disability accommodations or language services be made at least two weeks ahead through ask@bpl.org or 617-536-5400.
Parent tip: Dress kids in clothes they can move in for the dance portion. Other Boston branches host the same program on different December weekdays.
See dates and details from Boston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Boston: Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses
Holiday craftsFreeBoston Public Library · Boston
- Host
- Boston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Boston Public Library, Jamaica Plain Branch, 30 South St, Boston, MA 02130
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Jamaica Plain branch of the Boston Public Library invites families to an after-school gingerbread house workshop. Kids build their own houses out of graham crackers, and the library provides all of the materials. Everything children make is theirs to keep and carry home. The program is listed for children from toddlers through age 12 along with their families.
The workshop is Wednesday, December 16, 2026 from 4 to 5:30 pm at the Jamaica Plain branch on South Street. It is free and no registration is listed, so families can come by during the ninety minutes. The library asks anyone who needs a disability accommodation or language services to contact the branch at least two weeks ahead so staff can arrange it.
Parent tip: Bring a box or bag to carry the finished house home, and request any accommodations at least two weeks in advance.
See dates and details from Boston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wellesley
3 confirmed events for kids in Wellesley, soonest first.
Wellesley: Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker
Holiday story timeFreeWellesley Free Library · Wellesley
- Host
- Wellesley Free Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wellesley Free Library, Main Library, Wakelin Room, 530 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482 (near Boston)
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Fun for all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Local author David Ira Rottenberg visits the Wellesley Free Library to read his picture book, Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker. While he reads, ballet students from the Community Dance Academy at Walnut Hill perform a stage version of the story, so children get a mini ballet and a read-aloud in one short program. Afterward kids can meet both the author and the dancers.
The program is Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 10:30 to 11 am in the Wakelin Room at the Main Library on Washington Street in Wellesley. It is free and billed as fun for all ages, and kids are encouraged to wear their tutus. At thirty minutes, it is a good fit for younger children with short attention spans, and it makes a gentle start to the holiday season on Thanksgiving weekend.
Parent tip: Kids are invited to wear tutus. The Wakelin Room has a capacity limit, so arrive a little early for a good seat.
See dates and details from Wellesley Free Library (opens in a new tab)Wellesley: Gingerbread Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeWellesley Free Library · Wellesley
- Host
- Wellesley Free Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wellesley Free Library, Main Library, Wakelin Room, 530 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482 (near Boston)
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am
- Cost
- Free, drop in
- Ages
- Ages 1 to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Wellesley Free Library's children's staff host a special Gingerbread Storytime for little ones. The program starts with a fun gingerbread story, then moves to a snack and interactive, hands-on gingerbread activities and crafts. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
Storytime is Thursday, December 10, 2026 from 10:30 to 11:15 am in the Wakelin Room at the Main Library. It is designed for ages 1 to 5 and is free, with no registration required, so families can simply drop in. Food will be served, and the library asks families to let staff know if a child needs any accommodations. Questions can go to the children's librarians by email through the library. It is a sweet first library outing for very young children.
Parent tip: Food is served, so tell the children's staff ahead of time about allergies or other needs. It is a weekday morning program, best for toddlers and preschoolers not yet in school.
See dates and details from Wellesley Free Library (opens in a new tab)Wellesley: Gingerbread House Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeWellesley Free Library · Wellesley
- Host
- Wellesley Free Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wellesley Free Library, Main Library, Wakelin Room, 530 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482 (near Boston)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 3:45 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Best for children age 4 to 14
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Children can build and decorate their own festive gingerbread house at the Wellesley Free Library. Using graham crackers and royal icing, each child decorates an individual house to their heart's content and takes it home. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries and OUT Metrowest.
There are four 45-minute sessions on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 11 am, noon, 2 pm and 3 pm, held at the Main Library. The program is free and best for children ages 4 to 14. Space is limited, so only children who will make a house should register, not adults, and families are asked to sign up for just one session. Registration begins December 5, so mark the date if you want a spot.
Parent tip: Register as soon as sign-ups open on December 5, and bring a flat box or tray to carry the finished house home.
See dates and details from Wellesley Free Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Revere
2 confirmed events for kids in Revere, soonest first.
Revere: The Great Grinch Gathering
Holiday craftsFreeRevere Public Library · Revere
- Host
- Revere Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Revere Public Library, 179 Beach St, Revere, MA 02151 (near Boston)
- When
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Revere Public Library throws a Great Grinch Gathering for families. Kids can settle in to watch the Grinch movie and then move on to themed crafts and other activities spread across the Children's Room, the Main Library and the Green Room. It is an easy way to share a holiday favorite with friends and neighbors.
The gathering is Tuesday, December 15, 2026 from 4 to 6 pm at the library on Beach Street. It is free, open to all ages, and no registration is required. With a two-hour window after school, families can come for the movie, the crafts or both. Grown-ups are welcome to stay and craft alongside their kids, and the library's spaces make it easy for families with children of different ages to find something to enjoy.
Parent tip: No sign-up needed, so you can drop in after school. Plan to arrive near 4 pm if your kids want to see the whole movie.
See dates and details from Revere Public Library (opens in a new tab)Revere: Holiday Storytime (0 - 5)
Holiday story timeFreeRevere Public Library · Revere
- Host
- Revere Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Revere Public Library, Children's Room, 179 Beach St, Revere, MA 02151 (near Boston)
- When
- Thursday, December 24, 2026, 11 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Revere Public Library's Children's Room hosts a Holiday Storytime for the youngest readers on Christmas Eve morning. Miss Lisa reads a holiday-themed story aloud and then leads children in a themed craft to match, giving families a calm, cozy activity on one of the busiest days of the season.
Storytime is Thursday, December 24, 2026 from 11 am to noon. It is designed for ages 0 to 5, it is free, and no registration is required, so families can simply come by. The same weekly storytime runs on other December Thursdays with arctic animal and winter themes if you want to make it a regular outing. Little ones can take their finished craft home, and the short hour fits nicely into a Christmas Eve morning before the rest of the day's plans.
Parent tip: The library may keep shortened hours around the holiday, so plan to arrive on time and head out right after the craft.
See dates and details from Revere Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Lynn
1 confirmed event for kids in Lynn, soonest first.
Lynn: Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeLynn Public Library · Lynn
- Host
- Lynn Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lynn Public Library, Children's Department, 5 North Common St, Lynn, MA 01902 (near Boston)
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Children up to 12 years of age
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Lynn Public Library's Children's Department brings back its gingerbread man cookie decorating craft for the holidays. Each child who attends gets one gingerbread man cookie to decorate, and kids are encouraged to come with their best design idea. The program is open to children of all abilities.
The craft is Thursday, December 10, 2026 from 3 to 4 pm in the Children's Department on North Common Street. It is free and for children up to age 12. The number of cookies is limited, so sign-up is needed, and registration opens Monday, November 23 at 9 am. Families who need accommodations can contact the library's children's staff before the program. Children can take their decorated cookie home or enjoy it right after the program, making this a fun after-school stop during the busy weeks before the holidays.
Parent tip: Register soon after sign-ups open on November 23, since cookies are limited. Each child present gets one cookie.
See dates and details from Lynn Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Medford
1 confirmed event for kids in Medford, soonest first.
Medford: Family Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeMedford Public Library · Medford
- Host
- Medford Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Medford Public Library, Bonsignore Hall, 111 High St, Medford, MA 02155 (near Boston)
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages welcome
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Medford Public Library invites families to slow down during the busy holiday season and decorate gingerbread cookies together. The library supplies the cookies, the icing and plenty of candy toppings, and everyone just brings their imagination. The library also invites families to share any information that will help staff support a child's needs.
There are two 45-minute sessions on Monday, December 21, 2026, at 6 pm and 7 pm, in Bonsignore Hall at the library on High Street. The program is free and all ages are welcome, but pre-registration is required for anyone who plans to decorate a cookie, with up to eight children per registration. Families are asked to register for only one session, and those who cannot attend should cancel at least 24 hours ahead.
Parent tip: Register early, since the 6 pm session was nearly full when checked. Arriving 10 or more minutes late can mean losing your spot.
See dates and details from Medford Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Stoneham
1 confirmed event for kids in Stoneham, soonest first.
Stoneham: ZooLights at Stone Zoo
Holiday lightsZoo New England · Stoneham
- Host
- Zoo New England (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180 (near Boston)
- When
- Fri November 20 (4 to 9:30 pm), Fri November 27 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat November 28 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun November 29 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 4 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat December 5 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun December 6 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 11 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat December 12 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun December 13 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 18 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat December 19 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun December 20 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Tue December 22 (4:30 to 8:30 pm) and Wed December 23 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Timed tickets required, prices vary by date; Santa visit $5 per guest age 2 and up
- Ages
- All ages; children under 2 free
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
ZooLights turns Stone Zoo in Stoneham into a winter wonderland with tree-lined paths aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. This year Yukon Creek becomes a candy-themed display, complete with a festive model train set. On select nights, Santa meets families inside the Animal Discovery Center for short visits, and parents can take their own photos.
ZooLights runs nightly from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from 4 to 9:30 pm with last entry at 8:30 pm, and is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Tickets are required for everyone age 2 and up, with plan-ahead pricing online and higher prices at the gate. Santa visits run 4:30 to 8:30 pm on Fridays through Sundays from November 27 to December 20, plus December 22 and 23, for $5 per guest age 2 and up, paid on site by card only.
Parent tip: Buy ZooLights tickets online ahead of time since evenings can sell out. Santa visits are first come, first served, take card or Apple Pay only, and include no professional photos.
See dates and details from Zoo New England (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wayland
1 confirmed event for kids in Wayland, soonest first.
Wayland: Family Holiday Concert
Holiday showFreeWayland Free Public Library · Wayland
- Host
- Wayland Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wayland Free Public Library, Round Room, 5 Concord Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 (near Boston)
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 6 and their grown-ups
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Wayland Free Public Library hosts a Family Holiday Concert with Parody Playhouse, founded by award-winning songwriter and performer Erica Leigh. The show invites families to sing, dance and play together through music, movement and playful twists on familiar favorites. It is designed for little ones from birth to age 6 and the grown-ups who love them, and the Friends of the Wayland Library provide refreshments.
The concert is Sunday, December 6, 2026 from 3 to 4 pm in the library's Round Room on Concord Road. It is free and no registration is required. The concert is part of Wayland Center's Holiday Open House, so families can make an afternoon of it in the town center. Little ones are encouraged to join in rather than sit still.
Parent tip: Come ready to move, since this is a high-energy, interactive show. Combine it with Wayland Center's Holiday Open House the same day.
See dates and details from Wayland Free Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Weston
1 confirmed event for kids in Weston, soonest first.
Weston: The Nutcracker: A Preview
Holiday story timeFreeWeston Public Library · Weston
- Host
- Weston Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Weston Public Library, Community Room, 87 School St, Weston, MA 02493 (near Boston)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- For all ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Weston Public Library hosts a reading of The Nutcracker geared to young children. As the story is read, dancers from the Commonwealth Ballet Company act out some of the parts, giving kids a close-up taste of the ballet in a library setting. After the reading, children get to meet the dancers.
The program is Saturday, December 12, 2026 in the library's Community Room on School Street, and the library says the exact time is still to be announced, so check back before you go. It is free and for all ages. No registration is required, but families can sign up to receive a reminder email, and the room holds about sixty people. It is a good way to introduce children to the ballet before seeing a full performance.
Parent tip: Check the event page for the final start time closer to the date, and sign up for the reminder email so you hear about it.
See dates and details from Weston Public Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Massachusetts Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonBoston Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Boston in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Boston for 2026 on each host’s own page: ZooLights at Stone Zoo in Stoneham (November 20), Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Boston (November 21), Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker in Wellesley (November 28), Family Holiday Concert in Wayland (December 6), Urban Nutcracker in Boston (December 6), Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating in Lynn (December 10), Gingerbread Storytime in Wellesley (December 10), Gingerbread House Decorating in Wellesley (December 12), The Nutcracker: A Preview in Weston (December 12), The Great Grinch Gathering in Revere (December 15), Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses in Boston (December 16), Family Gingerbread Cookie Decorating in Medford (December 21) and Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) in Revere (December 24). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Boston, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Boston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 21, 2 to 6 pm, tree lit at 6 pm, no ticket or price listed); Urban Nutcracker (Sun, Dec 6, 1 to 2 pm, free); Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses (Wed, Dec 16, 4 to 5:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Boston section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Wellesley, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Wellesley, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker (Sat, Nov 28, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Gingerbread Storytime (Thu, Dec 10, 10:30 to 11:15 am, free, drop in); Gingerbread House Decorating (Sat, Dec 12, sessions at 11 am, noon, 2 pm and 3 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wellesley section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Revere, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Revere, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: The Great Grinch Gathering (Tue, Dec 15, 4 to 6 pm, free); Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) (Thu, Dec 24, 11 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Revere section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Lynn, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Lynn, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating (Thu, Dec 10, 3 to 4 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lynn section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Medford, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Medford, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Gingerbread Cookie Decorating (Mon, Dec 21, 6 pm or 7 pm sessions, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Medford section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Stoneham, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Stoneham, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: ZooLights at Stone Zoo (Nightly, Nov 20 to Jan 3, 4 to 9:30 pm; Santa on select nights, timed tickets required, prices vary by date; santa visit $5 per guest age 2 and up). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Stoneham section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Wayland, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Wayland, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Holiday Concert (Sun, Dec 6, 3 to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wayland section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Weston, Massachusetts?
For families in and around Weston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: The Nutcracker: A Preview (Sat, Dec 12, time to be announced, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Weston section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Boston?
Yes. 11 of the 13 events here are free: Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker in Wellesley, Family Holiday Concert in Wayland, Urban Nutcracker in Boston, Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating in Lynn, Gingerbread Storytime in Wellesley, Gingerbread House Decorating in Wellesley, The Nutcracker: A Preview in Weston, The Great Grinch Gathering in Revere, Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses in Boston, Family Gingerbread Cookie Decorating in Medford and Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) in Revere. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Boston this December?
Santa appears at ZooLights at Stone Zoo in Stoneham (November 20) and Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Boston (November 21). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Boston?
Holiday story times on this page: Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker in Wellesley, Urban Nutcracker in Boston, Gingerbread Storytime in Wellesley, The Nutcracker: A Preview in Weston and Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) in Revere. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Boston Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Family Holiday Concert in Wayland (Ages 0 to 6 and their grown-ups), Gingerbread Storytime in Wellesley (Ages 1 to 5) and Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) in Revere (Ages 0 to 5).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Boston on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: ZooLights at Stone Zoo in Stoneham (through January 3) and Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) in Revere (through December 24).
How much is ZooLights at Stone Zoo in Stoneham?
Timed tickets required, prices vary by date; Santa visit $5 per guest age 2 and up. ZooLights at Stone Zoo is on Fri November 20 (4 to 9:30 pm), Fri November 27 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat November 28 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun November 29 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 4 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat December 5 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun December 6 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 11 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat December 12 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun December 13 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 18 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sat December 19 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Sun December 20 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), Tue December 22 (4:30 to 8:30 pm) and Wed December 23 (4:30 to 8:30 pm), 2026 at Stone Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Boston?
No ticket or price listed. Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2 to 6 pm at Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker in Wellesley?
Free. Scenes from Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Wellesley Free Library, Main Library, Wakelin Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Holiday Concert in Wayland?
Free. Family Holiday Concert is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Wayland Free Public Library, Round Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Urban Nutcracker in Boston?
Free. Urban Nutcracker is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Boston Public Library, Central Library in Copley Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating in Lynn?
Free, registration required. Children's Afternoon Craft: Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Lynn Public Library, Children's Department. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread Storytime in Wellesley?
Free, drop in. Gingerbread Storytime is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am at Wellesley Free Library, Main Library, Wakelin Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread House Decorating in Wellesley?
Free, registration required. Gingerbread House Decorating is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 3:45 pm at Wellesley Free Library, Main Library, Wakelin Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Nutcracker: A Preview in Weston?
Free. The Nutcracker: A Preview is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Weston Public Library, Community Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Great Grinch Gathering in Revere?
Free. The Great Grinch Gathering is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Revere Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses in Boston?
Free. Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5:30 pm at Boston Public Library, Jamaica Plain Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Gingerbread Cookie Decorating in Medford?
Free, registration required. Family Gingerbread Cookie Decorating is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm at Medford Public Library, Bonsignore Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) in Revere?
Free. Holiday Storytime (0 - 5) is on Thursday, December 24, 2026, 11 am to noon at Revere Public Library, Children's Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Boston?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Boston Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
