December 2020 events in Boston

ZooLights, presented by National Grid, offers a winter wonderland in which visitors take a socially distanced, one-way stroll along tree-lined paths lit by twinkling lights. Spanning the Zoo's 26 acres, walk through the beautifully lit Yukon Creek and see black bears, a bald eagle, Canada lynx, arctic foxes and reindeer. (Nov 27-Jan 3; 4pm-9:30pm—closed Dec 25)

This year’s Quincy winter market will be held outdoors at Kilroy Square, located between The Fours and the new Hancock Parking Garage in Quincy Center. Dozens of local artisans and specialty shops will come together for a festive holiday market. (Nov 27-Dec 20)

Head to the MFA to check out a pair of particularly timely exhibits. “Women Take the Floor” challenges the dominant history of 20th century American art by focusing on the overlooked and underrepresented work and stories of women artists, while “Black Histories, Black Futures,” which was curated by young scholars as part of the MFA’s new partnership with local youth empowerment organizations, focuses on works by 20th century artists of color.

As the city's premier artistic hub, the 450 Harrison building is a veritable hive of artistic activity in the back of the South End. Find the perfect gift on Sundays from 11am-4pm, when the city's coolest vintage market features a rotating roster of vendors specializing in curated collections of fashion, jewelry, art, furnishings and more.

ArtsEmerson is partnering with Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) to stage Arts & Healing: Bangsokol Virtual Festival from Dec 11–20. This two-week series of online performances, film screenings, and conversations will bring artists, audiences, and leading cultural organizations from around the world together to revisit the making of the original Bangsokol stage production and to reflect on what that work and this project has meant to them.

From Dec 10-Jan 21, stream your way into the holiday spirit as Keith Lockhart leads the Boston Pops Orchestra in holiday classics old and new. Portions of this Holiday Pops program were filmed at Fenway Park, where team mascot Wally participated in the recording festivities.

If you've never been to the aquarium at night—with the lights adjusted lights dimmed to mirror the sea creatures’ natural nighttime environment—here's your chance. Every Friday night at 8 p.m., come visit for a themed Aquarium After Dark night: Flash Back Friday (Dec 4), Penguin Presentations (Dec 11), Winter Waters (Dec 18).

Through Jan 10, all train lovers must head to the Museum of Science for this fun-for-all-ages temporary exhibit featuring classic winter landscapes and nostalgia. Miniature trains, snow-covered peaks, engaging activities, and even a few surprises await.

Depending on how you look at it, holiday shopping this year could end up being a breeze. No need to brave the crowds and parking to shop for gifts. You can still find unique, locally-made gifts from Boston makers at a handful of virtual holiday markets. There are a few in-person markets too. Whichever you choose, be sure to shop local this holiday season.

On the first Friday of every month (Dec 4), head to the 450 Harrison building in the the South End for a blast of art and culture. Many artists open their doors for open studios events where they greet locals and visitors. In normal times, more than 200 artists, galleries, shops and showrooms welcome everyone from art aficionados to afterwork activity-seekers for an evening of art, wine, cheese and mingling.

When you want to get in the mood for the holidays, displays of Christmas lights are bound to do the trick. Whether a simple decorated tree or an elaborate trail of lights, seeing Christmas lights is one of the essential things to do in Boston during the holiday season.

In normal times, the Hub’s cultural calendar is relentless, with plenty of noteworthy shows and events taking place across the city. Still, there's plenty of cool things to do around the Hub.