Christmas in Boston

There’s a definite energy in Boston around Christmas time. Back Bay streets are bright with holiday lights, the Faneuil Hall tree glitters with hundreds of ornaments, and the city’s world-class dining and shopping takes on characteristics that make the holidays bright. There’s plenty to do, see, and taste.

• Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony
  Nov. 19, 2011, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
  The 27th annual lighting of the largest Christmas tree in New England takes place with a full day of special events.

• Nutcracker
  Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2011, $35-$164
  Boston Ballet begins its annual telling of the holiday classic on Thanksgiving night. Tickets start at $35. All performances take place at the Opera House.
• Zoolights
  Nov. 15-27 and Dec. 2-4, 9-1, nightly Dec. 16-Jan. 1, 2011 (closed Dec. 24-25)
  The Stone Zoo’s annual lightshow features ice carving, Santa, and more than two million holiday lights.
• Downtown Crossing Holiday Market
  Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2011
  This now-annual market is back with an extended run, featuring a rotating roster of local artists and designers selling unique jewelry, food, and other holiday treats. Santa will be at the market every day from Noon-2 p.m.
• Radio City Christmas Spectacular
  Dec. 2-28, 2011, Non-Peak: $25-$130, Peak: $29-$130
  The legendary Rockettes return to the Citi Performing Arts Center for an all-new show. .
• Boston Common Tree Lighting
  Dec. 1, 2011, Free
  Join the fun at this historic, annual tree-lighting with kicks off the holiday season in Boston.
• The Slutcracker
  Dec. 2-24, 2011, $25
  Perhaps not as classic as the show its name derives from, the “Slutcracker,” is a naughty re-telling of the Nutcracker at Somerville Theater. You’ll want to leave the kids at home for this one.
• Holiday Pops
  Dec. 6-26, 2011, $34-$127
  Symphony Hall bursts into the spirit of the season when the Boston Pops presents its annual month-long treat, playing beloved Christmas tunes. Find out which special guests – besides Santa – will be appearing at www.bso.com
• Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fairs
  Weekends and some weekdays through December
  For almost a quarter-century, this Cambridge tradition has showcased many local artists, selling original gifts in an energetic atmosphere.
• Sowa Holiday Market
  Dec. 10, 2011, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m., $5
  Featuring more than 80 local artisans and designers, this holiday version of the popular Sowa Market offers a great opportunity to find that special gift. Located at the Cathedral High School Gym, 74 Union Park St. (on the corner of Washington Street), in Boston's South End.
• Candlelight Carols
  Dec. 17-18, 2011, Suggested donation, $10
  You’ll have to arrive early to snag a good spot, but this event at Trinity Church is sure to leave you humming in the spirit of the season. On Saturday, the earlier event is a fund-raiser for the Candlelight Carols Benefit, and tickets come in tiers of $35, $65, and $100. Childcare for children 4 years old and younger will be available by reservation. Doors open one hour before show time.