![Fanueil Hall 2008](https://upptester.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/faneuil_hall_christmas_tree_2008.jpg?w=700)
This week’s unseasonably warm weather may have you convinced otherwise, but believe it or not, Hanukkah begins in just three weeks, and Christmas is in less than four! Towns around New England are preparing by draping everything in white lights, placing menorahs in windows, and hauling large fir trees into city plazas. Area stores are inundated with frenzied shoppers, and mall Santas’ laps are sore from the weight of the hundreds of children ticking off lists of their most desired presents. Amid all this craziness, it’s easy to forget that the holidays are a time for family. That’s why Union Park Press pulled together the following list of top family-friendly Holiday events in Boston and around New England!
- As every Bostonian knows, nothing marks the beginning of the Holiday season quite like the return of the Boston Pops Holiday Tour. From December 7th to the 24th, conductor Keith Lockhart and the Pops will perform seasonal favorites every night at Symphony Hall. For showtimes and tickets, check out the Orchestra’s website.
- Another Boston holiday classic is the Boston Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker.” The Ballet will perform the timeless dance several times a week from November 25th through December 31st. This is also the last year to catch this particular version, which has been running for 17 years. You can find shoW times and ticket prices here.
![The Nutcracker](https://upptester.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/the-nutcracker.jpg?w=700)
- Feel the need to stretch your legs to relieve the inevitable holiday stress? Take the Historic Holiday Stroll along the Freedom Trail. A tour guide donning 19th century clothing tells tales of how Boston’s holiday traditions have changed over the years. Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children under 18. Tours are offered Thursday through Sunday from now until January 20th. For more information, visit the Freedom Trail’s website.
- If you have young children, consider journeying to Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire. The park, which is open on weekends in December, offers rides such as a Christmas Carousel and The Great Humbug Adventure. Kids can visit Santa’s house and feed and pet real reindeer. Tickets are free for children under 3, $26 for those ages 4 to 61, and $24 for seniors over 62.
- A selection of the Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island remain open throughout the winter and are beautifully decorated for the holiday season. From now until January 2nd, visit the Breakers, Marble House, and the Elms to see the properties decked out with poinsettias, wreaths, and lights. Tickets are $28 in advance and $35 at the door. Kids ages 6 to 17 are $10 each. Don’t forget to bring your copy of New England’s Historic Homes & Gardens!
![polar-express-courtesy-festiva-resorts2](https://upptester.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/polar-express-courtesy-festivaresorts2.jpg?w=700)
- After reading Chris Van Allsburg’s timeless story, The Polar Express, who hasn’t wanted to hop aboard a train to the North Pole? The Polar Express Event of New England in Lincoln and North Conway, New Hampshire takes you on a scenic two-hour journey through the White Mountains. Hear a reading of Allsburg’s tale and meet Santa and his elves! Tickets are extremely limited for this event and start at $45 each. Children under 2 ride for free. Though tickets are a bit pricey, proceeds benefit various literacy programs.
This is just a sampling of the great holiday events going on this time of year. For a more thorough list, be sure to visit the Travel New England website of UPP author (and resident New England expert) Kim Knox Beckius. Happy holidays!