Boston's holiday entertainment brings world-class performances to the Christmas season. Enjoy the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Shubert Theatre, holiday concerts by the Boston Symphony, and festive shows across the city's renowned performing arts venues. Find the perfect holiday show for your family this season.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Location: Boston
Dates: November 29, 2025
Cost: $35
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet showcases an international all-star cast that combines ballet, puppetry, and acrobatics for an engaging holiday performance. The show features Tchaikovsky's timeless score, bringing to life a spectacular blend of artistry and festive cheer, set against lavish costumes and intricate set designs that transport audiences into a magical Christmas world.
Highlights:
- A magical Christmas tradition perfect for the whole family, creating lasting holiday memories.
- An international all-star cast delivering a spectacular performance of pure holiday magic.
- Experience the timeless Tchaikovsky score brought to life by an international cast.
A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre
Location: Beverly
Dates: December 4 - December 21, 2025
Cost: $40 - $100
The 35th anniversary production of A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre brings Charles Dickens' classic novella to life in a new musical adaptation. This performance features traditional holiday songs and dazzling special effects as it follows Ebenezer Scrooge on his magical journey through time, portrayed by a talented cast of actors in an engaging theatrical experience.
Venue: North Shore Music Theatre
Address: 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: 978.232.7200
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- New England's brightest holiday tradition returns for its 35th anniversary.
- An original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novella.
- Experience Ebenezer Scrooge's magical journey through time.
Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker
Location: Boston
Dates: December 13 - 21, 2025
Cost: $29+
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker offers a modern, Boston-centric twist on the classic Nutcracker ballet. The performance features a diverse cast that blends classical ballet with contemporary dance styles like tap, hip hop, flamenco, and jazz, enhancing the holiday spirit through innovative choreography and local cultural influences.
Highlights:
- Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this modern, Boston-centric holiday classic.
- See a diverse cast of dancers bring a fresh perspective to a beloved holiday tradition.
- Experience a vibrant fusion of classical ballet with contemporary dance styles like tap, hip hop, flamenco, and jazz.
The Nutcracker
Location: Boston
Dates: November 28–December 28, 2025
Cost: $$$
Mikko Nissinen's acclaimed production of The Nutcracker at Citizens Opera House features over 350 intricately designed costumes and a live performance by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, playing Tchaikovsky's memorable score. This holiday tradition has captivated audiences for over five decades, showcasing Clara's journey and the thrilling battle between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King, highlighted by dazzling choreography and stunning set designs.
Venue: Citizens Opera House
Address: 539 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617.695.6955
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy Mikko Nissinen's acclaimed choreography, considered the 'gold standard' by The Boston Globe.
- Be captivated by the live performance of Tchaikovsky's memorable score by the Boston Ballet Orchestra.
- Immerse yourself in a holiday tradition that has delighted audiences for over five decades.
Andrea Bocelli Concert
Location: Boston
Dates: December 11, 2025
Cost: $$$
World-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform live at TD Garden, featuring a repertoire of holiday classics and beloved arias, including selections from his recent #1 album, 'A Family Christmas'. This concert promises an unforgettable evening of music delivered by one of the most celebrated voices in the world.
Venue: TD Garden
Address: 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-624-1000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the iconic tenor Andrea Bocelli live in concert.
- Enjoy a repertoire featuring holiday classics and beloved arias.
- Hear selections from his recent #1 album, 'A Family Christmas'.
Media:
Black Nativity Boston
Location: Boston
Dates: Upcoming Shows: 0
Cost: $$
Black Nativity Boston delivers a deeply moving and spiritual interpretation of the Nativity story, enriched with gospel music and spoken word. This powerful theatrical performance celebrates the Christmas story through dramatic storytelling and uplifting music, creating an impactful experience for audiences.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a deeply moving and spiritual interpretation of the Christmas story, rich with gospel music and spoken word.
- Experience a powerful theatrical performance that celebrates the Nativity story through music and drama.
- Witness a visually stunning production with captivating stage design and costumes.
A Christmas Carol Trolley Tour
Location: Salem
Dates: November 29 - December 23, 2025
Cost: $$$
The A Christmas Carol Trolley Tour provides an interactive experience that brings to life Dickens' beloved tale through a live performance as you ride the trolley. This whimsical journey through the story of redemption and holiday spirit unfolds around you, making it a unique holiday outing.
Venue: Timeless Life Treasures
Address: 68 Wharf Street, Salem, MA 01970
Phone: (978) 744-5469
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- An immersive trolley tour featuring a live, humorous, and whimsical performance of 'A Christmas Carol'.
- A unique theatrical experience that reanimates Dickens' beloved seasonal holiday classic.
- Experience Charles Dickens' classic tale brought to life in an interactive trolley performance.
Boston Pops Holiday Pops 2025
Location: Lowell
Dates: December 14, 2025
Cost: $$
The Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert at Lowell Memorial Auditorium is a cherished New England tradition featuring classic holiday tunes and new arrangements. This festive program includes a special appearance by Santa Claus and a traditional sing-along, inviting audiences to join in the holiday cheer.
Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Address: 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (800) 657-8774
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The iconic Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert, a cherished New England tradition.
- A festive program featuring classic holiday tunes and new arrangements.
- A special appearance by Santa Claus and a traditional holiday sing-along.
Media:
Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring The Nutcracker & More
Location: Boston
Dates: Select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Cost: $$
Candlelight: Christmas Special features a unique concert experience with live performances of holiday music, including Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker suite, presented by the Listeso String Quartet. This intimate concert setting is enhanced by candlelight, creating a captivating atmosphere for holiday music lovers.
Highlights:
- A unique Candlelight concert experience featuring holiday music and "The Nutcracker".
- Live performance by the Listeso String Quartet in an intimate setting.
- Experience a captivating musical performance by the Listeso String Quartet.
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Boston.