Tickets go fast for these festive train rides, local Nutcracker performances, and live holiday musicals!
We also list local events like tree lightings, holiday strolls and Santa visits. And we’re working hard on our map of neighborhoods around the MetroWest with the best light displays and maps of the best sledding hills. Don’t miss a thing; subscribe for our helpful newsletter today!
Christmas Train Rides
Blackstone Valley Polar Express, Woonsocket RI
2023: Weekends Nov 10- Dec 17
SOLD OUT FOR 2023 as of late October.
90 minute train ride with stories, songs, cookies, and hot chocolate in a Polar Express cup. While waiting for your ride, there are photo ops beside Polar Express backdrops, letter-writing to Santa, and gift shop. Photo with Santa after the ride. $60 to $110.
Polar Express: Cape Cod Central Railroad, Buzzards Bay
2023: Nov 24- Dec 23 (Every Weekend & some December weekdays)
Characters entertain onboard during a trip to the North Pole, where Santa and his elves will board the train and give each guest the first gift of Christmas. Hot chocolate and cookies served on board. $49 to $109.
Edaville: Santa’s Express, Carver
2023: Nov 11 – Dec 23
Dazzling light display at this amusement park. Choose from a wide variety of train ride experiences, ranging from train rides only for $30 (no amusement rides or Santa visit), up to a full experience for $70-$75 per person.
Journey to the North Pole, North Conway, NH
2023: Thurs-Sun Nov 24 – Dec 23
2-hour train ride experience. Hot chocolate and treats while you ride to the North Pole, then leave Santa letters at the Post Office. Visit with elves and hear dramatic “Night Before Christmas” poem at the North Pole Theater. Visit with Santa and receive a special gift. $58 – $78. Proceeds help fund a literacy charity.
Santa’s Holiday Express, Conway, NH
2023: Sat-Sun Nov 25 – Dec 23
“Take in the wintery scenes as our train meanders down the Conway Branch, where Santa himself will make a guest appearance to thrill young travelers. Guests can also enjoy complimentary milk and cookies and kids receive a goody bag” $25-$50.
Santa Express Trains, Lincoln, NH
2023: Sat-Sun Nov 24 – Dec 23
“Everyone on the train will meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, all young children will receive a letter to complete for Santa and every young child will receive a gift from Santa on the train! Everyone will receive a small bottle of chocolate milk and each family will receive a box of Christmas cookies.” $26-$36
Drama Performances
“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical”, Shubert Theatre, Boston
2023: Nov 25-26
“Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life…” $43+
“A Christmas Carol”, Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket RI
2023: Dec 8 – 17
“Celebrate the holiday season with the redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter man who is visited by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Future.” $29 to $41.
“A Christmas Carol”, Hanover Theatre, Worcester
2023: Dec 16 – 23
“Celebrate the holiday season with New England’s largest production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. You know the story and love the message, but you’ll never see another Christmas Carol like this! ” $32 to $62.
Nutcracker Performances
Boston Opera House, Nov 24 – Dec 31, 2023
by Boston Ballet, with full orchestra
$50 – $215
Hanover Theatre, Worcester, Nov 24 – 26, 2023
Features live music by Hanover Theatre Nutcracker Orchestra
$39 – $59
Regis College, Weston, Nov 24-26 & Dec 15-17, 2023
by Commonwealth Ballet
$29 – $55
Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket RI, Nov 25-26, 2023
by Heritage Ballet
$20-$45
Urban Nutcracker, Shubert Theatre, Boston, Dec 16-23, 2023
Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker
$30 – $125
Wang Theatre, Boston, Dec 7, 2023
Magical Christmas Ballet
$34 – $134
Franklin High School, Dec 2-3, 2023
by FPAC Holiday Productions
$42-$46
Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Natick, Dec 9-10, 2023
by Community Dance Academy
“Gwendolyn’s Nutty Nutcracker”
Tickets go on sale November 1st
$12-$15
Lincoln-Sudbury HS, Dec 3, 2023
by Dance Prism
$38 – $45
Millis High School, Dec 1-3, 2023
by Terpsichore: Millis School Dance Club
A simple performance by Millis schoolchildren, many of whom have never danced before; a low-key first Nutcracker experience for young viewers
Adults $10, Students/Seniors $7
Pay at the door, no advance tickets sold
Maynard HS, Dec 2-3, 2023
by Miss Tricia Dance Studio
~$25 (Tickets on sale Nov 2nd)
Regis College, Casey Theatre, Weston, Dec 9, 2023
by Greater Boston School of Dance
$20-$25
Wayland HS, Dec 9, 2023
by Studios Fitness and Dance
Contact for pricing
Bellingham HS, Dec 2-3, 2023
by Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center
$25
Ashland High School, Dec 16, 2023
by Metrowest Dance Academy
$20-$35
Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Dec 10, 2023
by Dance Prism
$38 – $50
Norwood Theatre, Dec 15-17, 2023
by Dancing Arts Center
$38 – $43
Framingham State University, Dec 16-17, 2023
by Mass Ballet
~$20-$30
Bellingham HS, Dec 16-17, 2023
by Greater Milford Ballet Company
Approx. $25 – $30
Hopkinton Middle School, Dec 22-23, 2023
by Hopkinton Center for the Arts
TBA
Santa Visits, Light Displays, and More
Community Kangaroo is a team of 15 moms scattered across the Greater Boston area. We track down all the best events year-round to help you find everything within a short drive of your house!
We’ll be adding every local tree lighting, pancakes with Santa, etc on our jam-packed daily event calendar, and will post our maps of sledding hills and holiday light displays (including the very best neighborhoods to check out). There’s much more to come, but you can stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter for the very best updates!
