Boston Events for January 2024

Top Boston Events for January 2024 include New Year's Day festivities, and lots more fun things to do all month in the city - indoors and outside.  Kick off the New Year by watching Boston's famous L Street Brownies make their annual Polar Plunge.

Treat yourself to a New Year's Day Brunch and then work off those extra holiday pounds later at the Frog Pond Ice Rink on Boston Common.

The huge New England Boat Show, normally held in February, has been moved up to January this year, so don't miss this chance to come and dream about having a new boat this spring.

Join commemorations of renowned civil rights leader (and former Boston University student) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., savor wine and food pairings at the renowned Boston Wine Festival, head to the Garden to cheer the Celtics and Bruins, and don't miss the fantastic lineup of shows in Boston's Theatre District.

Many Boston hotels give you their cheapest discount rates of the year during January.  With so much going on in the city, January is the perfect time to enjoy world-class music, museums, sports, restaurants, and more.

January weather can feel cold - in fact, it's our coldest month of the year - but you'll find plenty of indoor warmth in our welcoming Irish pubs, historic taverns, and superb restaurants, you'll find a city filled with excitement, fun, good food, and cheer.

January 2024 official holidays in Boston: 

• New Year Day - January 1
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 15

More things to do and see in Boston in January

Top photo:  Crossing the bridge over the lagoon in Boston's Public Garden on a snowy January day, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

Boston Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

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More Things to Do in Boston in January

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Boston Concerts & Shows - January 2024

Top January Concerts in Boston 

Top Boston concerts in January 2025 include Boyz II Men, Blind Pilot, and more to be announced soon:

• All You Need is Love: Beatles Tribute Concert - Wilbur Theatre- Jan 14
• Boyz II Men - MGM Music Hall - Jan 17
• The Elovators - MGM Music Hall - Jan 18
• Blind Pilot - Paradise Rock Club - Jan 31
• Candlelight Concerts - Multiple dates in January at various locations 

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Schedules & Tickets

More Concerts & Shows for January

Boston Concerts throughout the Year 

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New England Boat Show - 2024

When:  January 10 - 14
Where:  Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, South Boston Waterfront
Closest T station: Silver Line from Red Line/South Station
Stay: South Boston Waterfront Hotels
More information: Boat Show website

New England's biggest boating event has something for everyone, and is bigger than ever this year.  Check out the informative exhibits, attend free casting demos, try stand-up paddle boarding, test your docking, turning, and stopping skills with a hands-on simulator, and find out everything you need to know about owning and enjoying a boat. 

Stay in nearby hotels, and enjoy Boston Harbor views from the top floors: 

• Westin Boston Waterfront - Closest to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, connected to it by a skywalk.
• Seaport Hotel - Just a block or two away from the BCEC.
• Renaissance Boston Hotel - Also a block or two away from BCEC.

Get a head start on the season - check out best places for sailing lessons in Boston

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Boston Theater & Shows for January 2024

Top January Shows in Boston - Schedule & Tickets

Check out the Boston theater schedule for January with an exciting lineup of touring Broadway shows, musicals, kids shows, plays, and comedy:

• Crumbs from the Table of Joy - Lyric Stage - January 10 - Feb 2
• Peter Pan: Theatrical Production - Boston Opera House - January 21 - Feb 2
• Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical - Colonial Theatre - January 25-26
• Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Multiple shows all month

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find All Shows for January

Where to stay in Boston's Theatre District

Top Hotels near Boston's Theatre District

Enjoy your Boston performance or show experience to the fullest when you stay in one of the nearby Theatre District hotels, such as the hip and glamorous W Hotel:

More top Theatre District hotels:

• Hotel AKA Boston Common
• Hyatt Regency
• Revere Boston Hotel

Check out more hotels in Boston's Theatre District

Boston Comedy Shows in January

Looking for Boston shows that doesn't (usually) cost too much money?  Head over to one of Boston's comedy clubs.  You're sure to leave smiling!

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find more comedy club shows & tickets

More about Boston's comedy clubs

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Bruins Home Games @ TD Garden - January

Get your Boston Bruins tickets for January home games, and head over to TD Garden for some fast action on the ice.

The Garden's convenient location next to North Station and close to Faneuil Marketplace makes it super-easy to get to.

Don't miss the chance to see Boston's home town hockey team, winner of 6 Stanley Cup championships!

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find Bruins schedule & tickets for all January home games at the Garden

Find Bruins schedule & tickets for all home games for this season

Park: Garages near TD Garden
Celebrate: Best sports bars and clubs near TD Garden
More:  TD Garden schedule, directions, best ticket prices

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Super Bowl Playoffs

Will the New England Patriots qualify for the Play-Offs for Super Bowl 2024?  Well, no, not this year- but you can get your tickets to home games at Gillette Stadium and away games now!  

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Where: Home games at Gillette Stadium
Where to stay:  Hotels near Gillette Stadium
Tickets: Check for great prices, great seats, and sometimes discounts

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Boston Wine & Food Festival 2024

Boston Harbor Hotel's epic Boston Wine Festival kicks off on Friday, January 12 with a special opening night event featuring wines from around the globe paired with fantastic food prepared by the hotel's new Executive Chef David Daniels, live music, and an art show by photographer Andy Katz. 

This year's 12-program features exceptional wines and sensational food experiences.  Begun 30+ years ago by the hotel's long-time Executive Chef Daniel Bruce, the event attracts wine and enthusiasts from all over the world and in addition to dinners includes luncheons, tastings, seminars, and visiting chefs.  Attendees have the opportunity to take advantage of a special room rate including complimentary self-parking, based upon availability.  Tickets and more information are available on the Festival website.

The Boston Wine Festival continues through March, and is the country's longest-running wine and food pairing festival.

Check reviews and rates for the Boston Harbor Hotel

Love wine?  Visit Boston's best wine bars

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Special January Tours of Boston

January can be cold, but don't let that stop you from seeing the city!  These fun tours and indoor destinations will let you enjoy the best of the city while staying warm and comfortable!

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Featured New Hotel for January:  Revolution Hotel in Boston's South End

40 Berkeley Street, Boston's South End

A trendy vibe, "micro" guest rooms, and - dare we say it, cheap rates position the new Revolution Hotel as one of Boston's most attractive affordable hotels, especially considering its close distance (5-10 minute walk, depending on where you're going) to Downtown Boston.  Free high-speed wifi is a nice bonus.

• Find & book lowest rates
• See more of Boston's newest hotels

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Celtics Basketball at TD Garden - January 2024

Get your Boston Celtics tickets for January home games, and head over to TD Garden for some fast action on the court from our champion basketball team.

The Garden's convenient location next to North Station makes it super-easy to get to.

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find schedule & tickets for all Celtics games

Where: TD Garden
Nearest public transportation:  Green Line/Orange Line or Commuter Rail to North Station, next to the Garden
Where to stay:  Hotels near TD Garden

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More Fun Things to Do during January

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MFA:  Free Open House

When:  Monday, January 15 - Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day

Where:  Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Fenway, Boston; 617-267-9300; www.mfa.org

MFA will celebrate Dr King's legacy with special exhibitions, performances, and free admission on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day.  

Look for family-friendly activities and special exhibits throughout the museum celebrating Dr King, who lived in Boston while studying at Harvard and BU.

Can't come on MLK Day?  You can still get free admission if you have a GoBoston Card.

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Boston Celtic Music Festival 2024

Boston's Celtic Music Festival on January 11-14 takes place at Club Passim, The Burren, the Crystal Ballroom of Somerville, and The Rockwell, also in Somerville, with a mix of local session musicians as well as professional touring acts.

Concerts spotlight the greater Boston's deep tradition of music from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois, and other Celtic communities in traditional music as well as contemporary sounds. 

Closest T station: Red Line/Harvard Square
Cost:   Ticket donations between $15 - $25 are suggested and appreciated
Tickets
More information: Club Passim website

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2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, Admissions

Best way to save in Boston.  Save up to 50% when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more.   Compare to find out which one is best for you.

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What to See in Boston's Museums & Aquarium - January 2024

Museum of Science Exhibits

Special Exhibits

• Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey - Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites in this new immersive exhibit about adapting to climate change
• Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology- Fly a virtual drone and become an Arctic explorer
• Exploring AI Making the Invisible Visible: Discover how AI is already part of your life, and examine your choices about how and when you use it

With fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn.  Here are just a few of the most popular: Engineering Design Workshop, Colossal Fossil - Triceratops Cliff, The Light House, Dinosaurs, Hall of Human Life, Animal Sculptures, Live Animal Care Center, a Rock Garden, Mathematica, New England Habitats, Garden Walk & Insect Zoo, Electricity.

Where:   Boston's Museum of Science
When:   Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission:  $29 general museum admission ($24 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $25).  Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card. 

New England Aquarium

Harbor seals and seal lions, a giant 4-story ocean tank with hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, an Amazon rain forest, sharks, Myrtle the green sea turtle, and frisky penguins are just a few of the thousands of aquatic animals you'll experience here. 

Get your tickets in advance, or find out more about the Aquarium.  Admission also available through the Go Boston Pass, Explorer Pass, and Boston CityPASS discount cards.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Watch the famous tea party event come alive with live actors, immersive exhibits, and a visit to the full-scale replica 18th century sailing ships at this unique living history museum.  Get advance tickets.

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations in Boston - 2024 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national holiday celebrated on the 3rd Monday in January - January 15th this year- to commemorate Dr. King's role in ensuring civil rights, peace, and equality in America.  Dr. King lived in Boston for several years while he studied at Harvard and Boston University, where he received his Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1955.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations & Events

All dates and times below are still to be confirmed.  Look for updates in late December.

• Born on the Water:   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert by the Boston Children's Chorus - Boston Symphony Hall at 4pm.  Find ticket information on BCC's website.
• Becoming King:  Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert - Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, January 15 - Ticket information on BSO's website
• Commemoration of MLK Day: Words Beyond the Dream (another of the city's biggest MLK Day events) at 2pm on January 15 in BU's George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom (775 Commonwealth Ave).  The event includes performances, music, and readings by special guests and students who reflect on the power of words to empower social justice and civil rights, and features Aretha Franklin's music.  More info: 617-353-4126 (Dean of Student's office). - To be confirmed
• Visit the Free at Last sculpture (shown in the above photo) honoring Dr. King in front of Marsh Chapel at Boston University, where he studied from 1951-1955. 
• "Hear Her Sing for Freedom," a musical concert written by Coretta Scott King and adapted by Najee Brown, will be performed from January 12 - 15 at the Multicultural Arts Center in East Cambridge (41 Second Street).  Scott King helped fund the Civil Rights Music by presenting Freedom Concerts such as this one.  Tickets are on a "pay what you can" basis (you'll see $35 as the suggested price, but you can enter whatever amount you can pay).  More information
• A Celebration of Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr - The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, Museum of African American History, and distinguished Boston leaders will evoke the power and promise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a performance and concert at Faneuil Hall - 1pm on Jan 15.  Tickets are free, but you must reserve one in advance here.
• Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service - Honor Dr. King's memory by participating in this event to make a better America by volunteering to help others in our community.  Despite the pandemic, volunteers are needed and the event may be virtual - find details here:  https://www.bostoncares.org/mlkday.  Find more details about Boston Cares at bostoncares.org
• Cambridge MLK Day of Service - January 15 - This event starts with a walk celebrating Cambridge's Black and Brown history, followed by volunteer activities making fleece scarves and blankets for homeless children, sorting food and books, and doing other things to help people in need.  The event is free, but don't come empty-handed - please bring a can of food, gently used winter clothing, or a children's book to donate.   More information
• MLK Memorial Breakfast, January 15, 9am - Limited tickets available for the in-person breakfast - the event will also be livestreamed for free.  Join Boston's movers and shakers at this annual event, normally attended by about 1,500 people at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (415 Summer Street).  This is the nation's longest running event in honor of Dr. King's legacy.  The Keynote Speaker this year is Jelani Cobb, writer for The New Yorker and dean of the Columbia School of Journalism.  Registration is required, and donations are requested - more information and tickets here. 
• Enjoy free admission on MLK Day at the Museum of Fine Arts, plus films, performances, and art activities to celebrate Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day - 10am - 5pm. ICA Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also offer free admission on MLK Day.  Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in Stoneham also offer free admission on MLK Day.

More about the Free at Last sculpture on BDG's War Memorials page

Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?

This neighborhood map should help you get oriented. You can find a list of top attractions in each neighborhood here.

Need a more details?  Here are our favorite free and low-cost Boston maps.

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College Nights at Frog Pond 

Head over to Frog Pond every Tuesday Night (except for major holidays, and school breaks / vacations) from 6pm - 9pm for College Nights.  Show your current college ID and get half-price admission.  On certain Tuesdays, students at featured colleges get free admission (check the schedule).  Bring your own skates or rent them for $12 at the rink.  And don't forget to check out the hot chocolate, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, and waffles at the onsite Cafe.  It's the best Cheap Date in Boston!  

When:  Through mid-March, depending on the weather
Where: Frog Pond,
Closest T station: Red & Green Line/Park St

Find 18 more ice skating rinks in Boston

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New Year's Eve & New Year's Day Cruises 2024

Welcome the New Year aboard the elegant yacht Northern Lights on these special New Year's Eve and New Year's Day cruises around Boston Harbor.  These cruises always sell out early - so don't wait to make your reservations!

• New Year's Eve Cruise - Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 on this elegant Boston Harbor cruise with fireworks, live music, and gourmet appetizers; purchase the beverage of your choice onboard - or pre-order a bottle of Moet & Chandon when you book - Book now
• New Year's Day Brunch Cruise - Welcome the New Year with a tasty hot 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing tour around Boston Harbor - perfect start to the New Year! - Book now
• Gift Card - Give the perfect holiday gift!  Shop now

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L Street Brownies Take Their Annual Plunge 2024

Are they crazy . . . or just incredibly fit and brave? 

Ever since 1904, the L Street Brownies celebrate the New Year by plunging into the icy waters of Dorchester Bay and raising money for local charities.  If you're visiting Boston and want to have a true "insider" experience of our real culture - head to Carson Beach/L Street Beach for this famous Boston event on January 1.

Up to about 500 swimmers typically participate in the New Year event.  Irish bagpipers usually play until they also jump in the water.  A large crowd of friends and onlookers cheer the swimmers on while passing around towels, vitamin C, and flasks.

Many of the L Street Brownies, a polar bear swim club formed in 1902 and named after the L Street Bathhouse in South Boston, swim here daily throughout the year.  As with many things in Boston, this is the oldest Polar Bear club in the nation.  Although most members appear to be 50-something or younger, a number are in their 80s and 90s and attribute their strong immune systems to the daily exercise and icy water.  Each year, the plunge is dedicated to the memory of past and recently departed Brownies.

Do the Brownies ever cancel their plunge due to cold weather?  They didn't in 1918, when the record low was 3 degrees below zero (not counting wind chill).  The temperature this year is supposed to be 5 degrees above zero at the time of the swim - balmy by comparison.

When:  Saturday, January 1 at 9am    (to be confirmed).  Registration for those making the plunge starts at 8:15am, and doors close at 9:30am.  No need to register in advance - you'll fill out a short form once you get there.  In case you're wondering, the plunge begins at a different time each year, because it's determined by the tide, which varies from year to year.
Where: L Street Bathhouse at Curley Community Center (617-635-5104), 1663 Columbia Road, Carson Beach, South Boston
Closest T station: Red Line/JFK-UMass Station; walk half a mile to the Curley Community Center.  Alternately, take the T Red Line to Broadway Station and transfer to the #9 or #11 City Point bus.  The locker and shower rooms won't be available at all this year, so if you're swimming, come dressed for the swim and bring some dry (and warm) clothing.  In case you're not familiar with this beach, you should know that it features lots of rocks and shells, so swim shoes are a good idea.
More to know:   You must be 16+ to participate. Lifeguards will be on duty.  No pets or alcohol allowed.  Creative costumes are encouraged. 
Strong recommendation:  Leave kids under 12 at home, as no inside areas are available where they can keep warm during the swim.  This is especially important this year due to the FRIGID weather!
Note:  MBTA subway and buses run on a holiday schedule on New Year's Day; expect more of a wait than usual
Parking:  Available along Day Blvd
Cost:  Free

More about Carson Beach and L Street Beach

Photo credit:  Logan Ingalls via Creative Commons license

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Marx Brothers Marathon on New Year's Day 

Want to spend New Year's Day binge-watching something other than Netflix?  Head over to the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge for their January 1st New Year's Day Marx Brothers Marathon!  Laugh your way through the day with Groucho, Chico, and Harpo at A Night at the Opera, Animal Crackers, Horse Feathers, and Duck Soup.  Check their website for times and tickets.

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Boston Baroque First Day Concert

Boston Baroque welcomes the New Year with a thrilling performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 and Telemann's Concerto in e Minor for Recorder and Flute.  Celebrate with complimentary champagne and chocolates during intermission. 

When:  January 1, 3pm 
Where:   Sanders Theatre, Harvard University
Parking:  Nearby garage, free
Tickets and more information:  website

More Boston Concerts

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New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium - January 2024 

Only one New England Patriots home game takes place at Gillette Stadium during January, on the day after New Year's Day - so what better way to welcome the New Year?

Get your tickets now, and get ready to join in the fun at Gillette!

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Where: Gillette Stadium
Getting there: The Patriot Train - plus more ways to get to Gillette from Boston
Where to stay:  Hotels near Gillette Stadium
Tickets: Check for great prices, great seats, and sometimes discounts

MFA Boston - Current & Future Shows

• Dress Up - A look at how we dress expresses our politics, moods, and personal identities - Through September 2
• Dalí: Disruption & Devotion - How Dalí's Surrealist works took inspiration from the past: 30 of his paintings and prints paired with masterpieces by El Greco, Velazquez, and others - July 6 - December 1
• Thinking Small: Dutch Art to Scale - 17th-century Netherlands paintings, prints, books, and other creations designed to elicit slow looking and contemplation. - Through November 3
• Georgia O'Keefe and Henry Moore - Juxtapositions between the work of these two 20th century icons - October 13 - January 20, 2025; timed-entry tickets required.  Reserve online
• Deep Waters: Four Artists & the Sea - Compare the visions of four disparate artists with unique perspectives - Nov 9, 2024 - Nov 9, 2025

Museum of Fine Arts Boston admission: $27; some special exhibits require a timed-entry reservation and/or additional fee; free entrance when you have a GoBoston Discount card or Boston CityPASS).  Free admission to 1) U.S. active duty military and veterans, 2) Boston Public Schools students and up to 3 family members ever first and second Sunday each month, plus $7 for some special exhibitions 3) Massachusetts residents on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and 4) thanks to UNIQLO, everyone on September 14, 2024.  MFA is open every day except for Tuesday.

Museum of African American History - Current Show

• The Emancipation Proclamation: A Pragmatic Compromise - A close look at this important American document that changed the course of the Civil War, freed enslaved people in the Confederacy, and allowed men of African descent to join the fight for freedom

Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows

• Wu Tsang: Of Whales - An immersive installation inspired by Melvilles Moby Dick - Through Aug 24
• Igshaan Adams - A new monumental commissioned work by this South African artist - Through Feb 15, 2025
• Firelei Baez - Massive works -Through September 2
• Wordplay - This show focuses on how contemporary artists have played with words to animate and expand their art - Through Jan 5, 2025
• Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon - Retrospective featuring Whitney's small paintings and other works - Through Sept 1, 2025
• Gun Violence Memorial Project - A living memorial to the 700 lives typically lost each week by gun violence in the US - Aug 29 - January 20, 2025
• Tau Lewis - Sculptures, quilts, masks, and more made from found materials; her first solo show in the US - Aug 29 - January 26, 2025
• Charles Atlas - An immersive multimedia exhibit - Oct 10 - March 16, 2025

Admission: $20 adults, 18 and under free; free entrance with GoBostoncard and Boston CityPASS, and on Thursday evenings (tickets available at 10am on the day of your visit; recommended due to limited space).  Closed on Mondays.  Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and every Thursday from 5-9pm.  

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New England International Auto Show

This popular event takes place in 2024 during April - you can check details here.

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Looking Ahead to Future Events in Boston

• February Events - Happening soon!
• Winter Break in Boston
• Where to celebrate Super Bowl in Boston
• Valentine's Day in Boston

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Check Out More Top Boston Events Each Month

January   |   February   |     March   |  April   |    May    |    June   |   July   |    August   |    September  |  October   |    November   |    December  |  Year at a Glance 

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