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Looking for things to do with kids in Boston this holiday season? Read on! In this 2022 Boston Kids Christmas Guide, we share all kinds of family-friendly holiday activities in the Boston area. From ice skating to train rides to lights displays and more, there are lots of kid-friendly holiday events in the Boston area this holiday season.
The Polar Express 4D Experience at Boston’s Museum of Science
THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D Experience is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Featured in digital 3-D and brought to life with 4-D multi sensory effects, this Boston kids Christmas show is an immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy.
To keep this trip to the North Pole healthy and safe for all, they’ve modified special effects and adopted stringent disinfecting procedures. Please do your part by keeping your mask on fully covering your mouth and nose at all times; choosing seats from designated areas only ensuring four vacant seats between your group and other guests, and noting that food and drink are not permitted.
The details:
Sat Nov 19, 2022 – Wed Dec 7, 2022
Various times
Length: Approximately 15 minutes
Age: 2 and up
General admission tickets – adult: $29, child (3-11): $24, child (under 3): free, senior (60+): $25, members, all: free
ZooLights at the Stone Zoo
Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights spanning Stone Zoo’s 26 acres. Take a sparkling stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes. This year, several illuminated large-scale animal lantern displays will light up your winter’s night!
The details:
November 18 – January 8 (Closed 11/24 & 12/25)
Dixon Square, Downtown Westerly, RI
4:00 to 9:30 p.m.
$15.95 General Admission / Children under 2 Free
Ice Skating at Frog Pond
Visit Frog Pond at the Boston Common for a lively day of ice skating with the whole family! Skate rentals and “Bobby the Skating Seal” skating aid for children available on a first come, first served basis. This Boston kids Christmas activity is sure to be a wonderful day for all.
The details:
Open seasonally as weather permits
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:45 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
38 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02108
The admission price is based on the skater’s height.
58-Inches and Over: $8.00
Under 58-Inches: Free
Illuminations Tour at Somerville
Take a stroll through Somerville for a fantastic lights display. On Thursday December 6th beginning at 6pm, residents and visitors are invited to walk around the town to view this year’s best holiday lights displays. Visit the website for a map of the best and brightest holiday displays. Also note that Caroling will take place on December 15th from 6-8pm, and a Bike Tour will take place on the 17th at 6pm. This Boston kids Christmas tour is a simple, free way to bring a little extra magic into the season.
The details:
Thursday, December 6, 2022
6:00pm
Somerville, MA
Free
City-wide caroling: Dec. 15th 6-8pm (rain date Dec 16th)
Illuminations Bike Tour: Dec 17th (rain date Dec 18th), meeting at Somerville City Hall at 5:45 pm, departing at 6 pm.
The Polar Express Train Ride from Cape Cod
Adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by our merry-making cast. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a 1 to 1 ½ hour trip to meet Santa.
Onboard, the conductor will punch golden tickets for each child. Dancing chefs and waiters will perform while Christmas carols play, and you’ll enjoy listening to a reading of the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
Santa and his elves board the train at the North Pole to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. Please be sure to have your camera ready to capture this moment. During the trip, characters on each car lead fantastic onboard entertainment – just like in the film. Each child will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Delicious hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies, which are individually wrapped in sealed packages, are provided for each passenger. Wear your Christmas jammies for even more fun.
The details:
Fri Nov 25, 2022 – Fri Dec 23, 2022
Various times
$44+ (2 and under free)
Cape Cod Central Railroad Depot
70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA
Magic of Lights at Foxborough
Pack up the car and head to Gillette Stadium for a holiday lights drive-thru. Visitors will experience the thrill of spectacular light displays featuring familiar holiday favorites and accompanied by a festive soundtrack. Enjoy brand-new displays including Prehistoric Christmas, Big Foot Monster Trucks and the Snow Flurry Tunnel, as well as Magic of Lights favorites including the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland and the Enchanting Tunnel of Lights.
The details:
Fri Nov 18, 2022 – Sat Dec 31, 2022
Various times
All Ages
Price: $23-40 per car, $100 per limo/party bus
Location:
Gillette Stadium
1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA
Festival of Trees and Snow Village at Elm Bank in Wellesley
Visit the Festival of Trees and Snow Village at Elm Bank in Wellesley! Along with trees decorated by Massachusetts Horticultural Society expert gardeners, there is an indoor Snow Village, a model railroad, outdoor lighting displays, and a fire pit with s’mores. Purchase tickets in advance.
Timed tickets are required – click here to purchase.
The details:
Fri Nov 25, 2022 – Sat Dec 31, 2022
Various times
All ages
$5-$27
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
617-933-4973
900 Washington Street, The Gardens at Elm Bank, Wellesley, MA 02482
Christmas by Candlelight at Sturbridge
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an enchanting evening filled with New England holiday traditions, Colonial music, sleigh rides, a roaring bonfire, and a nightly tree lighting.
The details:
Fri Nov 25, 2022 – Fri Dec 30, 2022
2-8pm
All ages
Price: $32 Adults; $16 Child; Free for children under 3
Old Sturbridge Village
