The 2025 holiday season is finally upon us, bringing Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker and more holiday shows for kids to Boston. The Boston Ballet Company's performance of The Nutcracker is a timeless treat, and the best nutcracker in Boston for a traditional holiday show. Our favorite high-energy adaptation of the classic is Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker, with its diverse, upbeat choreography.
Want to keep things merry and bright for your family all season long? Tchaikovsky's beloved confection is hardly the only holiday-themed stage performance. Holiday shows are delighting kids across Boston and New England, this month and next. At Boston's 2025 holiday shows, families can carol with the BSO's Holiday Pops and delight in Scrooge's journey in A Christmas Carol. Tickets will sell out for these must-see performances faster than cookies go on Christmas Eve! We advise booking sooner than later.
If you are looking for more holiday and Christmas activities, we've also rounded up the Must-do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Boston for Kids 2025. When you've had enough of dashing through the snow, enjoy a night in with 101 Christmas Crafts for Kids, Plus Christmas Games and More At-Home Activities.
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Best Nutcrackers in Boston 2025: Boston Ballet Nutcracker and More
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Slip away into the warm drawing room of the Silberhaus family and watch as Clara’s surroundings transform before your eyes. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this classical ballet—set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky—continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet brings a mix of dancing, acrobatics, and puppetry—as well as lavish sets and costumes—to the Wang Theatre stage. Read More
Saturday, December 13 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker,” a contemporary holiday classic that captures the spirit of Boston, returns to the Boch Center Shubert Theatre December 13-21 for its 25th season! This enchanting production showcases winter scenes set against the backdrop of downtown Boston, blending the vibrant rhythms of Duke Ellington with Tchaikovsky's timeless score. Read More

More Holiday Shows in Boston 2025
Wednesday, November 28 - Sunday, December 14, 2025
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE... is Cirque du Soleil's first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. This festive show brings a flurry of love, Christmas cheer, thrilling acrobatics, and hugely lovable characters that will create a new holiday tradition for families to cherish. Read More
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit with more than 100 local tuba players playing your favorite holiday tunes. The warm and enchanting sound of this tuba-euphonium choir has won the hearts of audiences throughout the world, so do not miss your chance to be part of this holiday tradition. Read More
Thursday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Rejoice as the Boston Pops return for performances filled with holiday music favorites, the jubilant Pops sing-along, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Started in 1973 by Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, these concerts take place in the magical atmosphere of world-famous Symphony Hall, beautifully decorated to evoke all the magic and charm of the season. Read More
Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Produced by the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Black Nativity is the joyous account of an historic event that occurred 2,000 years ago. Read More
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Grand Kyiv Ballet returns with their latest holiday ballet, The Snow Queen, adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale that inspired Disney’s Frozen. Read More

Christmas Shows and Holiday Performances Near Boston
Friday, November 28- Sunday, November 30, 2025
Kick off your holiday season on Thanksgiving weekend with the magic and beauty of The Nutcracker, featuring live music from The Hanover Theatre Nutcracker Orchestra and dazzling new lighting and scenery by Broadway designers! Read More
Thursday, December 4 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
New England’s brightest holiday tradition celebrates its 31st annual production. An original adaptation based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol is a musical ghost story following the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. Read More
Wednesday, December 17 - Sunday, December 28, 2025
"God bless us everyone!" Celebrate the holiday season with New England’s largest production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. You know the story and love the message, but you’ll never see another Christmas Carol like this! Read More
Friday, December 19 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into a perfect gift. Read More
Friday, December 19 - Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Celebrate the season with a family-friendly sing-along featuring dancing snowmen, jingle bells, and lots of snowy fun! Read More