Although we may still be reminiscing about warm summer days, the holiday season brings its own kind of magic to Concord and the Greater Boston area. Whether you’re looking for cozy hometown traditions or an excuse to head into the city with friends, here are some of the best things to do as we head into holiday break. I’ve gathered ideas for Concord, Boston, and even a few at-home activities for those days when you want to stay warm and cozy.
Concord Holiday Classics
1. Stroll Through Concord Center
Concord Center is always charming, but the winter decorations of December bring the holiday atmosphere to life. Stop by a local café, like Haute Coffee, for a hot chocolate or other warm beverages, before allowing yourself to wander past the twinkling lights, wreaths, and decorated shop windows. While you’re there, browse the small boutiques such as The Concord Bookshop or Thistle Hill for unique, locally made gifts; it’s a great way to support Concord’s small businesses during the season.
2. Visit the Concord Museum’s Family Trees
This beloved holiday tradition, running through January 2nd, celebrates children’s literature with thirty-four trees and wreaths inspired by beloved children’s books. It’s a charming stop for anyone who loves reading, design, or simply getting into the holiday spirit.
3. Go Sledding at Nashawtuc Hill
If we get snow (fingers crossed), Nashawtuc Hill becomes one of the best local spots for sledding. Bring a friend and get ready for some thrilling rides!
4. Walk at Walden Pond
Walden Pond in winter makes for the perfect setting for a relaxing walk. Head out early, bundle up, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the quiet woods, stunning shore views, and great winter landscape photos.
5. Catch Live Music at The Umbrella Arts Center
Earlier this December, the Firebird Pops Orchestra presented a festive holiday pops concert at the Umbrella’s Theater 144, a family-friendly activity complete with sing-along moments and a cozy community atmosphere. While the holiday concert has already passed, The Umbrella Arts Center continues its programming into the new year. Up next, The Umbrella Concert Series presents Jon Batiste in Concert with Salt Lick Sessions on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The performance is perfect for music lovers looking to start the year on a high note.
Head to Boston: City Holiday Adventures
1. Ice Skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond
A classic for a reason. Skating under the string lights with the city skyline around you feels straight out of a winter movie. If you’re willing to brave the cold, go at night, and the holiday spirit is unbeatable.
2. Visit the Boston Common & Faneuil Hall Holiday Lights
Boston takes its holiday decorating seriously. Both places go all-out with trees, lights, and decorations. The Common lights up with huge trees and sparkling displays, while Faneuil Hall usually has holiday performers, pop-up shops, and huge ornaments.
3. Check Out Seaport’s Snowport (see the Voice’s coverage on the area, here!)
During the winter, Seaport transforms into “Snowport,” a lively holiday market with curling lanes, food stands, and creative light displays. It’s one of the trendiest winter events in Boston.
4. Go to a Holiday Market
The SoWa Winter Festival is one of the biggest in the area, with artisans, small businesses, food trucks, and festive drinks. It’s great whether you’re shopping for gifts, wandering with friends, or simply treating yourself.
5. Watch a Show
You can’t go wrong with classics, whether it’s Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker or the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops. These performances are iconic for a reason, and seeing one in person makes the season feel especially magical.
Cozy At-Home Ideas (Because Sometimes Winter Is… a Lot)
1. Bake gingerbread or sugar cookies with friends
Put on some holiday music, embrace the chaos, and turn your kitchen into a bakery. Half the fun is decorating them… and the other half is seeing how questionable your icing skills actually are.
2. Host a holiday movie night
Pick a few classics like Elf, Home Alone, or The Polar Express. Don’t forget the blankets, popcorn, and maybe the cookies you just baked.
3. Do a small gift exchange
You could do Secret Santa, White Elephant, or just swap tiny gifts with friends. Exchanging something thoughtful (or funny) is an easy way to get into the festive spirit.
4. Make homemade hot chocolate with marshmallows
We’re officially not doing the packet this year. Melt real chocolate, stir with a candy cane, top it with some marshmallows, and suddenly it tastes like something straight out of a holiday café. Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible.
5. Build a gingerbread house
A timeless classic. Bonus points if you turn it into a friendly competition with your friends to see whose design is the most creative, or whose collapses first.
6. Have a board game or card game night
Monopoly, Codenames, Uno, and We’re Not Really Strangers are just a few options; pick your favorite and settle in. Whether you’re yelling “UNO!” or trying to convince everyone you’re not the spy in Codenames, game nights always end up with lots of inside jokes and brag-worthy victories.
As you can see, you don’t need to go far to feel the holiday spirit; New England does the holidays best. Whether you’re walking around Concord Center with a peppermint mocha or heading into Boston for lights and shows, there’s something for everyone. The holiday season only comes once a year, so make the most of it!
