Get ready for New Year's Day hangover brunches, the L Street Brownies' New Year Day "Polar Bear" Swim, non-stop Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots games, city-wide events commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Exciting Boston holidays, celebrations, and other events take place throughout the year, and give you a wonderful way to experience the best of Boston.
Our famous parades, celebrations, and street festivals attract huge crowds: Saint Patrick's Day, Pride, and Columbus Day parades ... solemn Veterans Day parades ... tradition-filled Ducklings Day Parade on Mother's Day ... quirky HONK! Street Musical Fest/Procession in October ... the North End's Saints Feasts, Festivals, and Processions throughout the summer and early fall ... the festive People's Procession on New Year's Eve as part of the First Night celebrations.
Some attract participants and spectators from around the world: the Boston Marathon, the Head of the Charles Regatta, the July 4th Celebration with a Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade followed by spectacular fireworks over the Charles River, Harborfest.
Other events draw mainly local or Boston-area visitors: Patriots Day celebrations, parades, and reenactments of the beginning events of the American Revolution. The return of the Swan Boats - and swans - to the lagoon in Boston's Victorian-era Public Garden.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremonies start in November, and holiday winter markets pop up all over the city in December.
And of course there are plenty of Boston sports, music, theater, and comedy club events taking place throughout the year, as well as lots of fun one-time-only events and free events.
Where can you find out about Boston events? Right here.
We recommend the best events, festivals, celebrations, and fun things to do each month in Boston including a lot of "insider" events you might not find on your own.
We also give you information about schedules and tickets (if needed), directions for getting there, and nearby hotels.
Use the links below to find exactly what you need - and have fun!
Top photo: Fireworks over the Charles River on July 4th, one of Boston's top annual events
Top Boston Events Each Month
February brings the Beanpot hockey championship, Super Bowl Sunday celebrations, Boston Sci-Festival, New England Boat Show.
Boston Massacre Re-Enactment, two of the city's most popular film festivals, and much more.
The holiday season kicks off in November: Thanksgiving dinners, Black Friday shopping, Christmas tree lighting events, and lots more!
December is full of festive events: Holiday Pops and other holiday concerts, the Speedo Santa Run down Newbury Street, Black Nativity, and The Nutcracker.
Want information about Boston neighborhoods and districts where these events take place, including where to eat, stay, and shop? Check out our Boston Neighborhood Guide.
Fun Ways to Explore Boston Today
More about Holidays, Celebrations, Parades, & Special Events
Looking for information about a specific event? Use this guide to find out more.
Parades
- Chinese New Year Parade
- Columbus Day Parade
- Duckling Day Parade
- Veterans Day Parade
- Pride Parade
- People's Procession on New Year's Eve
Top Events
- Boston Marathon
- Garden Tours
- Scooper Bowl
- Boston Flower Show
- Fall Foliage in Boston
- Head of the Charles Regatta
- Run of the Charles
Holidays & Celebrations
- Mother's Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day Events
- Halloween in Boston
- Halloween in Salem
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Events
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Christmas Events
- Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations
- New Year's Eve Events
- First Night/First Day
- Valentine's Day
- St Patrick's Day
Sports & Entertainment
- Boston Red Sox Schedule
- Theater & Shows
- Concert Schedule
- Boston Bruins Schedule
- Boston Celtics Schedule
- New England Patriots Schedule
- Comedy Clubs Schedules
Festivals
- Dragon Boat Festival
- Puerto Rican Festival and Parade
- HONK! Street Music Festival & Parade
- Bastille Day in Boston
- Chinatown Main Street Festival
- Sand Sculpting Festival
Hotel Recommendations for Boston Holidays & Special Events
Nothing beats the convenience of staying near an event you're attending! Here are hotel suggestions for our top holidays and events:
- New Year's Eve - Hotel specials & discount packages
- Valentine's Day - Hotel specials & discount packages
- July 4th - Hotels with views of the fireworks
- Summer events - Hotels with outdoor swimming pools
- St Patrick's Day Parade - Convenient hotels
- Columbus Day Parade - Hotels in Boston's North End
- Veteran's Day Parade - Downtown Boston hotels convenient to Boston Common
- Boston Marathon - Hotels near the route (book early - these hotels fill up fast)
- Boston Shows & Performances - Theatre District Hotels
- Halloween in Salem - Hotels in and near Salem, MA
- Red Sox Games - Hotels near Fenway Park
- Celtics & Bruins Games - Hotels near TD Garden
- New England Patriots Games - Hotels near Gillette Stadium
More Fun Ways to See Boston
More Articles about Top Boston Activities & Attractions
Need a Boston Hotel or Apartment?
Use this handy map from Booking.com to find the perfect place to stay. Just enter your dates to find what's available, see the best rates, and make your reservations.
Booking.comPopular Boston Tours & Cruises
