Light up the night! Holiday sparkle all over Boston

Every family has their own traditions for the holidays, whether it’s before, during, or after Christmas or Hanukkah. My Hanukkah-observing family, for instance, would spend our Christmas Eve driving through the nearby suburbs to see what kinds of gorgeous, lavish Christmas displays other families had created. My sister and I couldn’t get enough of it – it would get late and we’d beg to keep going until we fell asleep in the back of the car!

So that may be why, when I found myself gathering up activities to recommend for the whole family for our local readers, I wound up favoring the events that feature zillions of colored lights. Because the holiday traditions you create with your family create precious memories that you and your kids will reminisce fondly about for many years to come!

Stone Zoolights, now through January 4
What’s better than twinkling Christmas lights? How about Christmas lights AND animal pals? Visit with reindeer, eagles, porcupines, arctic foxes, and more – and there are even three baby bobcats in the exhibit! And don’t forget to take a picture with the reindeer.

Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights, now through December 31
This festive display includes a magical train ride! Plus vintage amusement rides, a visit with Santa, refreshments, and more.

Winter Lights on the Greenway, now through December 31
If Edaville is too far away, kids can still enjoy a fun ride along with light displays – on a stroll through the lit-up Greenway, you can visit the Carousel, which operates all weekend for $3 a ride!

Faneuil Hall Blink, now through January 4
These Christmas lights dance to the music of the Boston Holiday Pops, in two different locations at the beloved Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It’s a 7-minute light-and-sound extravaganza, featuring over 350,000 LED bulbs, and it’s so cool you’ll want to watch the whole thing a few times! Then, you can head into Quincy Market and get some hot cocoa.

Christmas Lights Everywhere, now through January
The lights I enjoyed most as a kid were on the houses around us, and I think your kids will love them too! This article lists some neighborhoods known for their awesome exhibits. Enjoy!

Frozen Hanukkah: Let it Glow!, December 21 at 2pm
Finally, I couldn’t leave this holiday extravaganza out, although there’s so much more than just a menorah lighting going on here: it’s a Frozen-themed Hanukkah party! Along with ice-skating, there will be a figure-skating performance, face-painting with Elsa (oh boy!), arts and crafts, and plenty of yummy goodies. I wouldn’t wait on RSVP’ing for this one – get to the website now, now, now!

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