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.
For special holidays and events, check out the lively and sometimes boysterous Saint Patrick's Day parade, the solemn Veterans Day parades, and the colorful and awesome Boston Pride Parade in June.
For only-in-Boston experiences, plan to attend the quirky HONK! Street Musical Fest/Procession in October, the North End's Saints Feasts, Festivals, and Processions throughout the summer and early fall, and the very fuzzy yellow Ducklings Day Parade on Mother's Day.
Some attract participants and spectators from around the world: the Boston Marathon, the Head of the Charles Regatta, and the July 4th Celebration with a free Boston Pops concert on the Esplanade followed by spectacular fireworks over the Charles River.
Other events draw mainly local or Boston-area visitors: Patriots Day celebrations, parades, and reenactments of the beginning events of the American Revolution, and the return of the Swan Boats - and swans - to the lagoon in Boston's Victorian-era Public Garden.
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.
Check out top events each month below, where you'll also find links to more details.
Top photo: Fireworks over the Charles River on July 4th, one of Boston's top annual events, (c) Boston Discovery Guide
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Top Boston Events Each Month
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.
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 concerts, Speedo Santa Run down Newbury Street, Black Nativity, The Nutcracker, and Hanukkah
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's Food Culture'
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
- Honk! 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
- Indigenous Peoples 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
- 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
- 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 Events & Activities
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