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All aboard for weekend fun and the best things to do in Boston this weekend! Photo courtesy of the Blackstone Valley Polar Express.
All aboard for weekend fun and the best things to do in Boston this weekend! Photo courtesy of the Blackstone Valley Polar Express.
12/6/23 - By N Ferreira

Looking for the best things to do in Boston this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities in the area to add to your list for this weekend.

Ready to hop aboard the Polar Express? We've found options for you on Cape Cod, in Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Kids will love these magical train rides featuring hot chocolate and of course, Santa! After you've told all your Christmas wishes to the man in red, spend a day of kindness with the Grinch and Cindy Lou in Easton. Jingle Jam returns to Grace Chapel in Watertown. This free festival features, games, live music, tasty treats and more. Finally, in Brookline, the "Hanukkats" are going on a Hanukkah adventure to recover missing dreidel letters! 

Be sure to check out all the fun seasonal activities and events this month with the Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for Boston Kids and our guide to the Best Things To Do in Boston December 2023 with Kids.

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Hanukkah gets furry and fun in Brookline this weekend! Hanukkats production photo by Talking Hands Theatre
Hanukkah gets furry and fun in Brookline this weekend! Hanukkats production photo by Talking Hands Theatre

Things To Do in Boston This Weekend with Kids

The Polar Express Train Ride - Blackstone Valley

Woonsocket, RI – Weekends through December 18, 2023
The Magic Returns this holiday season for a three-hour experience at the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. Hop on a 90-minute train ride to view the North Pole that’s filled with singing, games, a reading of the classic children’s story “The Polar Express”, and a visit from Santa. The Conductor will be there to punch your special golden ticket, and you’ll all enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie during your trip. Plus, every child will receive a silver bell – the first gift of Christmas. READ MORE

Polar Express Train Ride on Cape Cod Central Railroad

Hyannis – Weekends through December 23, 2023
Adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a 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 trip to meet Santa. READ MORE

Polar Express Train Ride: Maine

Portland, ME – Weekends through December 23, 2023
The Polar Express™ Train Ride is the largest annual fundraiser for the non-profit Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum. This theatrically-driven holiday train has become an annual tradition for thousands of families. READ MORE

Journey to the North Pole

North Conway, NH – Weekends through December 23, 2023
Go on the family adventure of a lifetime aboard the magical journey. The Journey to the North Pole offers a unique experience that only happens in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Take a magical trip to see Santa, his workshop, and his busy elves at the North Pole. READ MORE

Sudbury Cooperative Preschool Diverse Book Fair

Sudbury – Friday, December 8-9th , 2023
Free
Find carefully curated children’s books for all ages. Plus, there will be snacks, crafts, & activities for kiddos while parents shop! READ MORE

Army-Navy Game Week at the USS Constitution Museum

Charlestown — Daily through December 10, 2023
Free
Join the Museum as they prepare for “America’s Game” in grand fashion!  They will have activities all week leading up to the big game on Saturday. Go Navy, Beat Army! READ MORE

The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays

Boston – Friday, December 8, 2023
This mind-blowing showcase features the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This holiday illusionary presentation is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. READ MORE

The Extraordinary Nutcracker

Cambridge— Friday, December 8-10, 2023<
Come and discover the origin story of the Nutcracker! The untold story of the Extraordinary Nutcracker by artistic director and choreographer Gianni Di Marco is an epic story ballet of love, adventure, and magic. READ MORE

Pastries & Play with Santa

Newton — Saturday, December 9, 2023
The POP is transforming 7,500sqft of play space into themed rooms decorated for Christmas. Festivities include, a visit with Santa, treats, story time, and more. READ MORE

Jingle Jam: Free, Festive Christmas Fun

Watertown — Saturday, December 9, 2023
Free
Get ready for a day of holiday cheer and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. From festive games and activities to live music and delicious treats, there's something for everyone. READ MORE

"Hanukkats" by Talking Hands Theatre

Brookline – Saturday, December and 9-10, 2023
How do you play dreidel and why? Join Ziva the cat as she goes back to the time of the first Hanukkah to recover the missing letters on her dreidel! READ MORE

Cozy Crafts and Cocoa-ology

Harvard – Saturday, December and 9-10, 2023
Stop by Fruitlands for crafts and hot cocoa! Make hot cocoa with lots of fun mix-ins. Then, curl up to do a craft activity or read a book. Throughout December, kids can make beautiful holiday cards out of recycled materials for friends, family, and loved ones. READ MORE

A Day of Kindness with the Grinch and Cindy Lou

Easton – Sunday, December 10, 2023
The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who are off on another journey to Whoville, but the trip this year has stopovers in Hawaii and the North Pole! It’s an all-new adventure with a tropical twist. READ MORE

Family Fun Chanukah Celebration

Boston – Sunday, December 10, 2023
Free
This a free festive celebration that’s fun for the whole family with dreidels, games, and arts and crafts. READ MORE
See the city of Boston lit up for the holidays this weekend! Quincy Market photo by Ron Gilbert, via Flickr.
See the city of Boston lit up for the holidays this weekend! Quincy Market photo by Ron Gilbert, via Flickr.

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