Here is our list of the best holiday party venues & ideas in Boston, Massachusetts.
Holiday party venues & ideas in Boston are activities and event spaces ideal for celebrating the festive season with your group. For example, you can rent the spaces at New England Aquarium, ski at Blue Hills Ski Area, or watch the Boston Common Tree Lighting. The purpose of these ideas is to reveal exciting ways to enjoy the holiday season in Boston.
These spaces are places for holiday team building events and company Christmas parties. These ideas are similar to event venues in Boston and corporate events in Boston.
This list includes:
- small party venues in Boston
- company holiday party venues in Boston
- holiday party ideas in Boston for adults
- holiday party entertainment ideas in Boston
Here we go!
List of holiday party venues in Boston
Regardless of your group size, you will surely find the right event venue to make your holiday party in Boston unique. From The Lawn On D to House of Blues, here are venues suitable for holiday parties in the city:
1. City Winery
City Winery is one of the best company holiday party venues in Boston. This venue has a state-of-the-art facility with a built-in stage and good quality A/V equipment. The tasting room, with a seating capacity of 30 guests, will be a great choice if you plan to treat attendees to a wine-tasting experience.
City Winery has a wine garden ideal for outdoor parties. You can also enjoy private access to the Art Gallery, Haymarket Lounge, the Main Venue, and the Barrel Room Restaurant & Wine Bar. Furthermore, you can customize your event menu to suit guests’ tastes.
Learn more about City Winery.
2. SoWa Power Station
SoWa Power Station is a glamorous event space built in the 1890s. The venue was the largest power-generating plant in the world. You can use the main floor if you plan to host a big holiday party. For smaller events, you can use the mezzanine capable of seating 125 guests.
These spaces are wheelchair accessible and feature WiFi, an in-house bar, a kitchen, and restrooms. Furthermore, the venue partners with various professional services to give you the best experience. You can use the service of trusted caterers like Max Ultimate Food, Kate’s Table, and The Catered Affair.
Learn more about SoWa Power Station.
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3. New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium is an excellent location for celebrating the holiday season with a small or large group. Your guests will have an opportunity to watch penguins during your gathering at the Main Exhibit Gallery.
On the other hand, The Harbor View Cafe has floor-to-ceiling windows from which you can watch the city lights. You can also use the Harbor Terrace to host an outdoor event. The aquarium offers catering services and will plan your menu to complement the holiday celebration.
Learn more about New England Aquarium.
4. The Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library is home to several event venues, from galleries to The Courtyard Restaurant and the Map Room Café. The 1,470 square feet courtyard can hold over 200 guests.
On the second floor of the McKim Building, you will find the Chavannes Gallery. This space features stunning murals representing historical, philosophical, and poetry ideas. Also, the Abbey Room has dark oak wainscoting and a luxury fireplace that will add a unique touch to your event. This space connects to the outdoor terrace and the Chavennez Gallery. Boston Public Library works with The Catered Affair to handle your event’s catering needs.
Learn more about The Boston Public Library.
5. House of Blues
House of Blues has four rental spaces with varying seating capacities. The outdoor patio serves as one of the small party venues in Boston. For larger events, you can use the Foundation Room or Music Hall.
House of Blues is home to a restaurant and bar also available for event rentals. The venue has a talented staff to help you plan all your event details. You can count on House of Blues’ in-house team capable of hosting small and large-scale holiday parties. The venue can help you arrange entertainers, from headliners to DJs and local bands. Your guests will also enjoy exceptional food and beverage service organized by the House of Blues.
Learn more about House of Blues.
6. Artists For Humanity EpiCenter
Artists For Humanity EpiCenter is a social enterprise that empowers young teens in Boston. You can use the EpiCenter for your next holiday party as a way to support the venue’s mission. The space features photographs and paintings designed by teen artists employed in the center.
The event venue is fairly flexible, with the rental price starting at around $3,750. Therefore, you can arrange the furniture according to your taste. You can host as many as 800 guests for a cocktail reception. If you need more space for your event, then you should consider using the Lewis Gallery.
Learn more about Artists For Humanity EpiCenter.
7. The Lawn On D
The Lawn On D is an outdoor event space in the city. The venue features Rebel Restaurant serving delectable meals. You will find two private event spaces on-site. The Pavilion On D is a large tent space on the main lawn. If you have a larger event, then you can rent this space with Lawns A, B, and C.
Also, the Signature Pavilion offers a more intimate setting and a private lawn space for your party. The venue welcomes outside food and beverages only when the concession stand on-site is not open. The lawn is an excellent site for watching Christmas movies with group members. You are free to come along with a comfy blanket and lawn chair. Furthermore, your guests can access lawn games like bocce, ping-pong, cornhole, and Jenga. The Lawn On D spawns across 2.7 acres and can hold small and large groups.
Learn more about The Lawn On D.
8. Garage B
Once a garage building within Brighton’s Charles River Speedway, Garage B now serves as an elegant event space in Boston. The space can host various events, from social gatherings to holiday parties and receptions. Although Garage B does not have a full-service kitchen, you can use the prep room for your catering setup.
Your reservation fee will cover access to a good sound system and WiFi. Plus, Garage B allows parties to bring up to three food trucks for an event. Depending on your party style, the space can accommodate about 200 guests.
Learn more about Garage B.
9. Longwood
Longwood is one of the best company holiday party venues in Boston. The luxurious venue offers a 270-degree perspective of the city. You can enjoy a view of Boston Harbor and the North End from the Boardroom space. Also, you can use the Cityside space for a dining experience.
The 1st Floor Lounge has a sophisticated setting and a fireplace where you and your guests can mingle. Also, the 3rd Floor Green Room is ideal for intimate holiday parties. Longwood takes pride in providing an impressive culinary service that will amuse your guests.
Learn more about Longwood.
10. Convene
Located around the Financial District neighborhood, Convene is a state-of-the-art meeting and event venue in Boston. The building features six meeting rooms, a private outdoor terrace, and several conference rooms. Plus, you can access a kitchen on-site and enjoy unlimited snacks with your guests. Convene will take care of all your event’s details, including catering and tech.
You will get to work with a team of technical experts to prepare all your technology needs. In addition, Convene partners with several hotels in the neighborhood, like The Envoy Hotel, The Godfrey Hotel, and XV Beacon Hotel.
Learn more about Convene.
11. District Hall Boston
District Hall Boston provides event spaces ideal for almost any gathering. You can use the lounge space for a cocktail reception or even Christmas painting activities. The “All of District Hall” is great for large parties having up to 450 guests. The venue offers high-tech A/V equipment, free WiFi, and writeable walls to get the best out of your event.
District Hall Boston partners with Briar Events to handle guests’ catering needs. Most of the event spaces are flexible. Therefore, you can rearrange the setting to suit your type of gathering, whether a cookie decorating party or a holiday happy hour.
Learn more about District Hall Boston.
List of holiday party ideas in Boston
Boston hardly runs out of fun events during the holiday season. From skating at The Boston Common Frog Pond to watching The Nutcracker at Boston Ballet, here are fun events you can experience during your next holiday party in Boston.
12. Blue Hills Ski Area
Blue Hills Ski Area is one of the best places to go skiing during holidays. The site is usually accessible around December to February. Also, Blue Hills offers lessons lasting an average of 75 minutes. If you are new to snowboarding or skiing, then you will find the “Adult Learn to Ski or Ride” class helpful. Your reservation will cover skiing equipment rental and snow passes.
Blue Hills ensures that skiing remains accessible throughout winter by artificially making snow when none falls naturally. The site also features induction lighting so visitors can enjoy skiing when the sun goes down.
Learn more about Blue Hills Ski Area.
13. Holiday Lights Trolley
Taking a Holiday Lights Trolley ride is one of the most fun holiday party ideas in Boston for adults. The experience runs as a BYOB. Depending on availability, the ride features stops at areas like:
- Seaport Snowport
- Encore Casini Christmas Lights
- Boston Common
- Rose Kennedy Greenway Winter Lights
- Common Avenue Mall Lights
Before the ride, you and your group will check in and enjoy a bowl of clam chowder in a neighborhood bar. The entire experience will run for five hours. After exploring the city’s holiday landmarks and lighting displays, you will return to Back Bay to reminisce about your experience.
Learn more about Holiday Lights Trolley.
14. The Boston Common Frog Pond
The Boston Common Frog Pond offers year-round fun activities, from skating to carousel rides. The entertainment park opens the outdoor ice skating rink during winter. Also, the center provides opportunities you can use to improve your skating skills with private or semi-private skate lessons. The classes take place when the rink is not accessible to the public.
You can reserve the entire rink to host an unforgettable holiday party. The rental price starts from $1,500 for a 90-minute session. Also, you can include skating instructions to your party reservation for an added fee. After an exhilarating session, you can stop for holiday specials at the Frog Pond Café.
Learn more about The Boston Common Frog Pond.
15. Horse & Carriage Tours Along Chatham Street
You can explore the city’s holiday landmarks with a carriage ride along Chatham Street. You will find a carriage stand near Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where you can make a reservation. Within 15 to 60 minutes, you and your group will explore the city’s downtown area. You will ride along the Financial District, passing through the Old Boston Federal Reserve Building and the Custom House Tower.
You can also catch a glimpse of the Boston Common lighting if you navigate through the Charles Street Extension between Boston Common and the Public Garden. The price will vary by vendor, costing an average of $150 per hour.
Learn more about Horse and Carriage Tours Along Chatham Street.
16. Boston Common Tree Lighting
During the festive season, the Public Garden and Boston Common usually showcase a must-see Christmas tree lighting. Experiencing this lighting is one of the fun holiday party ideas in Boston. The event takes place in the Beacon Hill and Leather District neighborhoods.
Boston Common Tree Lighting is a truly unique event. You will experience many fun activities, from live music performances to giveaways. Alongside talented artists and performers, you can also witness the appearance of Santa Clause, Rudolph, and frosty. The event is freely accessible to the public, with an average of 25,000 spectators showing up yearly.
Learn more about Boston Common Tree Lighting.
17. Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace
Abigail’s Tea Room is about one minute walk from the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. The venue serves a variety of teas that will transport you to a historical era. You and your guests will taste about five different teas reminiscing about the historic tea party in the 1770s.
You can also enjoy beers and wines from Dark and Stormy. Besides tea, the venue offers a menu of delectable options for lunch, from salads to sandwiches and seasonal soups. After your meal, you can further explore the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum to relive the holiday season of the past, particularly on December 16, 1773.
Learn more about Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace.
18. The Nutcracker at Boston Ballet
Boston Ballet presents The Nutcracker show to commemorate the festive season. The show features various elements, from impressive choreography to fun characters, to create an immersive viewing experience. You can sit back and follow Clara’s journey to the Nutcracker Prince’s kingdom.
The Nutcracker show will last approximately two hours and include one intermission. The venue does not stipulate any dress code for guests. Whether you watch the show for the first or tenth time, you will enjoy the evening.
Learn more about The Nutcracker at Boston Ballet.
19. Boxaroo
Escaping the puzzle rooms designed by Boxaroo is among the exhilarating holiday party entertainment ideas in Boston. These rooms have fun plots you will enjoy exploring. In the “Mystery of the Magician’s Study,” your task will be to decipher the secrets that the mystical site holds. Also, you can test your detective skills in the “Conundrum Museum” adventure.
To make the experience more fun, you can give your team a Christmas-related name, like Jolly Good Fellows, Snow Babies, Frosty’s Force, SANTAtizers, and Sleigh Ride Rebels. You can also wear costumes matching your selected team name. The escape rooms can hold two to eight players at once. Regardless, Boxaroo will conveniently accommodate your event whether you invite only a few guests or have a group with over 350 members.
Learn more about Boxaroo.
20. Holiday Market at SeaPort
Holiday Market at SeaPort is an annual market featuring local vendors and small businesses in Boston. You can tour the marketplace to explore the holiday offerings and support local businesses. You will find various Christmas items, food, drinks, and body products. Also, the market features vendors like The Te Spa, Christmas in Boston, Cultural Findings, and Unplugged Essentials.
You can also stop by the Tuscan Kitchen to enjoy a bite from the seasonal food menu. Plus, the kitchen’s heated tent is available for holiday party rentals. Holiday Market at Seaport is dog friendly and operates rain or shine. You will also enjoy access to WiFi during your visit.
Learn more about Holiday Market at SeaPort.
21. SantaCon
Celebrating the annual SantaCon is among the exciting holiday party ideas in Boston for adults. You will have a lot of fun in this Santa pub crawl event. You and your group can dress up in your best Christmas costumes and Santa gear to enjoy the city’s festive nightlife. While hopping from different bars, you will also have fun dancing and tasting the best drinks.
The ticket pricing starts at around $10 per attendee. You can follow the scheduled date and ticket sale on the provider’s website to not miss out on this fun event. Discounts are available for large groups.
Learn more about SantaCon.
Conclusion
Boston is a historic destination in Massachusetts with a unique culture and art scene. The city is one of the best destinations to enjoy the festive season. If you plan to throw a holiday party, then you will find many venues to make your event stand out. You can also treat your guests to exciting entertainment in various locations to make the celebration special. From gaming centers to cinemas and art studios, Boston is home to fun destinations you will not regret visiting. Furthermore, the city offers exceptional food to complement your holiday party.
Next, check out Christmas icebreakers and corporate holiday party favors.
