Boston’s most famous holiday tree lights up Boston Common on Thursday, and it’s a merry and bright way to kick off your month. Plus, there will be special presentations from Mayor Wu, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Santa Claus himself. Cap off your night with the eagerly anticipated Frog Pond Skating Spectacular, where professional figure skaters perform for free; or watch lights dazzle on the Comm Ave Mall. If you still haven’t gotten enough of the festivities, you’ll be de-lighted to check out Light Up Seaport on Friday.

Bundle up and take a stroll! It’s weather fit for Frosty the Snowman, but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring the winter wonderland outside. Enjoy the holiday cheer while stretching your legs— check out the Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll, the North End Holiday Stroll, the South End Holiday Stroll, the Holiday Stroll at Boston Landing, and the Medfield Holiday Stroll. If you can’t stroll much further, hop on the Mayor’s Trolley Tour– a true Boston tradition. 

[Photo by @oschapov]

Some of the world’s best holiday markets are only minutes away, so make sure to get into the spirit. Meet food entrepreneurs at the Holiday CrEATor Market, visit women-owned businesses at the Boston Women’s Holiday Market, check out unique vendors at the Sam Adams Winter Market, enjoy the 10th anniversary of the Somerville Holiday Flea, wander through artisan stalls at the Harpoon Holiday Market, see the Canal District Winter Market, jam out to live music at Brothers & Sisters Co. or Arthaus Market, and say “bonjour” to the Marché de Noël.