Top Destinations To Celebrate the Holidays in Boston

Explore Boston’s culinary and festive offerings this holiday season with luxurious meals, special events, and unique experiences at these standout venues.

Photo Credit: The Newbury Boston

The Newbury Boston

On December 21 through December 23, immerse yourself in a cherished tradition at The Newbury Boston’s exclusive Holiday Tea. Delight in an elegant afternoon featuring meticulously prepared tea sandwiches, warm, freshly baked scones, and a decadent tier of holiday-inspired sweets. Each indulgence is perfectly paired with J’enwey Tea, renowned for its exquisite flavors and exceptional quality.

For a more elevated experience, savor expertly crafted cocktails infused with J’enwey Tea or explore a curated selection of fine wines available by the glass or bottle. In the spirit of the season, a portion of proceeds from each tea service will benefit the Highgate Charitable Foundation, supporting children’s health and welfare initiatives through Save the Children and the Aga Khan Foundation.

1 Newbury St 02116

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Mandarin Oriental, Boston
This holiday season, cozy up in the Boston Common Holiday Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston located on the top floor with stunning Back Bay views. The 1,715-square-foot suite blends New England and Oriental design with elegant holiday decor in serene blues, metallics, and greens. Suite guests can enjoy a 12-seat dining table with a bespoke holiday tablescape and a cozy lounge featuring plush fur and velvet accents; a grand four-poster bed adorned with rose-gold accents; and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub decorated in gold and silver ornaments. Plus! Overnight guests can enjoy champagne concierge featuring Louis Roederer along with spa sleep kits and Mandarin Oriental robes for a night fit for a king and queen.

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Overnight stays are available through January 12, 2025 and the suite also accommodates private events for up to 12 guests for seated dinners or 35 for cocktail receptions, with customizable menus and curated cocktails. Suite guests can also savor champagne, caviar, light bites, and live jazz from Berklee College of Music at the Holiday Champagne Bar in the lobby on select December evenings and New Year’s Eve.

776 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston
The hotel’s lobby has transformed into a festive scene featuring a chocolate bar centerpiece with chocolate creations, bonbons, cookies, and a hot chocolate bar. Sip on holiday-inspired cocktails like a table-side elevated espresso martini, inspired by “The Nutcracker.” Celebrate with Trifecta’s contemporary holiday tea, featuring coconut profiteroles, eggnog parfait, and liqueur pairings. Reservations are encouraged via the Four Seasons App or online.  On Christmas and New Year’s Day, indulge in a luxury brunch buffet with seasonal specialties and winter-themed desserts at One + One.

1 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Christmas Eve

Matria Boston
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a traditional Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes at Matria Boston, inspired by Northern Italian cuisine. Highlights include a Seafood Tower featuring Maine lobster, Wellfleet oysters, shrimp, and stone crab claws with dipping sauces like lemon aioli and mignonette. Other offerings include Ricciola Crudo and “Liguria” Cloppino, a flavorful stew with lobster, branzino, salmon, mussels, clams, shrimp, and focaccia.

510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02210

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Davio’s celebrates the Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve at all Massachusetts locations. Highlights include Oysters Rockefeller, Nantucket Bay Scallops, East Coast Halibut, Lobster, Osetra Caviar, Crab, and more. The tradition honors the pre-holiday fast with no meat and showcases family favorites from Chef Steve DiFillippo. The seven fishes symbolize Catholic sacraments, pilgrimage churches, and spiritual gifts.

Bar Enza
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Bar Enza, open this year from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, where guests can enjoy Italian-inspired dishes and festive cheer. As part of the evening, the restaurant will feature its Feast of the Seven Fishes prix fixe menu. The special menu includes dishes such as salt cod croquettes with lemon caper tonnato; seared scallop with Taggiasca olive purée, orange segments, and frisée; squid ink chitarra with lobster, garlic, and Calabrese pepper; broiled dorado with white bean butter sauce, broccolini, marjoram, and lemon; and chocolate and chestnut Christmas fritters.

1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02139  

Geppetto
Chef Will Gilson and the Geppetto team invite you to celebrate Christmas Eve with an authentic Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. On Tuesday, December 24, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, enjoy a five-course, seafood-focused prix fixe menu with dessert for $110 per person. Guests can also opt for an optional wine pairing to enhance their meal.

100 North First Street, Cambridge, MA 

Abe & Louie’s
Boston’s iconic Back Bay steakhouse will serve a selection of festive specials on Christmas Eve. Start with roasted East Coast oysters in lemon-butter sauce or brie en croûte with red currant compote. For the main course, enjoy a 14-ounce prime rib with twice-baked potato, horseradish cream, and au jus or pan-roasted branzino with melted leeks, escarole, and Meyer lemon beurre blanc. For dessert, savor a gingerbread yule log with Chantilly whipped cream. Reservations available from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  The same delightful specials will also be served from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.

93 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Atlantic Fish Co.
Serving Boston the freshest seafood since 1978, Atlantic Fish Co. will offer its full menu of classics along with holiday specials on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Enjoy Clams casino with smoked bacon, bell pepper, and breadcrumbs or cauliflower soup with herbed croutons; Bouillabaisse with lobster, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, cod, and saffron rouille in a tomato-fennel broth or Nantucket Bay scallops with Japanese sweet potato, roasted mushrooms, and champagne beurre blanc; and a Gingerbread yule log with Chantilly whipped cream for dessert. Reservations available from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy the same festive menu on Christmas Day with reservations available from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

761 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 

Christmas Day

Contessa Boston at The Newbury Boston
Situated on the rooftop of The Newbury Boston, Contessa Boston, from Major Food Group, brings the elegance of Northern Italy to the city. Celebrate Christmas with their exclusive family-style menu. Start with antipasti options such as Burrata with Caviar, Carciofi Salad, or Chianina Beef Carpaccio. Primi offerings include Spicy Lobster Rigatoni or Fettuccine Bolognese, while Secondi choices feature Prime Rib Grilled or Mediterranean Branzino. Sides include Grilled Mushrooms and Whipped Potatoes, and dessert wraps up the meal with Nutella Fudge Cake Panettone.

3 Newbury St 02116

Boston Harbor Hotel 
Celebrate Christmas in style with a lavish brunch at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The spread features a decadent raw bar with oysters, clams, crab, shrimp cocktail, sushi, sashimi, and cockles in brine. The buffet also includes a gourmet cheese selection paired with Marcona almonds and fresh bread, along with entrées like a smoked fish tower, whole smoked turkey, lobster risotto, and prime rib. The festive feast is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen at The Fairmont Copley Plaza
Located inside the historic Fairmont Hotel, Oak Long Bar + Kitchen will offer special Christmas menu items on December 25 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Indulge in their spiced Vermont maple-glazed ham, served with a rich duck fat biscuit, lyonnaise potatoes, citrus-herbed crème fraîche, and cranberry and walnut-roasted Brussels sprouts. The restaurant’s regular menus will also be available. For a festive touch, try their charitable cocktail, ‘The Wishmaker’ made with Beefeater gin, homemade cranberry syrup, lemon juice, and ginger beer with $1 per drink donated to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

138 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116

La Padrona at Raffles Boston
Celebrate La Padrona’s first holiday season with à la carte dining and exclusive Christmas Day specials on December 25th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., this elegant restaurant located in Raffles Boston is ready to make your holiday memorable.

New Year’s Eve

Photo Credit: The Liberty Hotel

The Liberty Hotel
On December 31, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., The Liberty Hotel invites you to ring in 2025 with an unforgettable night of entertainment. Dance to the beats of Boston’s top DJs while live aerialist and cirque performances by the Boston Circus Guild light up the venue. Ethereal dance routines by Onyxx Group and a photo booth to capture the magic add to the festivities. Guests can also enjoy a pre-event dinner at CLINK before the celebration begins.

215 Charles Street, Boston, MA

Bar Enza
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a luxurious four-course prix fixe menu at Bar Enza, crafted by Chef Tony Susi. Start with options like wagyu carpaccio with black truffle-artichoke vinaigrette or grilled Spanish octopus with sweet baby peppers. Move on to pastas such as chestnut and porcini agnolotti with brown butter and black truffles or spaghetti with spicy squid and lemon. For the main course, choose from dishes like broiled branzino with delicata squash or a 14oz NY strip with potato panzerotti. Finish the night with assorted biscotti and chocolate truffles.

1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

The Banks Seafood & Steak
Welcome 2025 at The Banks Seafood & Steak with a festive prix fixe menu available alongside the à la carte menu. The evening will feature live music, dancing, and surprises to keep the celebration lively. No tickets are required, making it an easy and enjoyable experience. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended. Cocktail attire is encouraged but not mandatory.

406 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116

Grill 23
Ring in the New Year with an extraordinary dining experience at Grill 23. Dinner service begins at 5:00 p.m., featuring the restaurant’s full à la carte menu. Whether you’re indulging in a perfectly cooked steak or fresh seafood, it’s the ideal way to close out the year in style.

161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116

Harvest
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Harvest with a special prix fixe dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. The menu includes luxurious offerings such as East Coast oysters, truffle-black pepper chips with Kaluga caviar, and shrimp cocktail with horseradish sauce. Entrée choices include duck à l’orange, beef Wellington, lobster Thermidor, or mushroom Marsala. End the evening with decadent desserts like palet d’or or citrus crème caramel. À la carte lunch service will also be available earlier in the day from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA

Bistro du Midi
Bistro du Midi offers a sophisticated way to celebrate the New Year with special dining options for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. On New Year’s Eve, enjoy à la carte lunch service from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or indulge in a luxurious prix fixe dinner. The dinner menu features elevated dishes like lobster cappuccino with butter-poached lobster, chestnut soup with Marcona almonds, and Hopkins Farm Southdown braised lamb with black truffle polenta. On New Year’s Day, Bistro du Midi continues the celebration with an à la carte festive brunch, offering dishes like lobster Benedict, steak & eggs with frites, and ricotta pancakes with almonds and maple syrup. Whether you prefer an elegant dinner or a relaxed brunch, Bistro du Midi provides a perfect start to 2025.

272 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

Seamark Seafood & Cocktails
Celebrate the New Year with an elevated dining experience at Seamark Seafood & Cocktails. On New Year’s Eve from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., enjoy an indulgent menu featuring premium cocktails, late-night bites (available until 1:00 a.m.), and a bar open until 2:00 a.m. Highlights include white sturgeon caviar, lobster bisque made with Maine lobster, and filet mignon “Oscar” topped with crab, asparagus, truffle hollandaise, and potato. Champagne enthusiasts can choose from Mumm Brut Rosé, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve, or Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label,” while VIP Vodka Martinis are prepared tableside. On New Year’s Day, Seamark will open for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering its regular menu.

1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149

Rebels Guild
Ring in the New Year at Rebels Guild with ‘Velvet & Vice: A Drag Soirée.’ Dinner seating begins between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., featuring a special New Year’s Eve menu. At 10:30 p.m., the stage comes alive with performances by JP for a night of unforgettable entertainment. Tickets require a $50 minimum food and beverage purchase per person. This exclusive 21+ event promises an evening of indulgence and excitement.

200 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116  

Blue Ribbon Brasserie
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a delicious four-course chef’s menu at Blue Ribbon Brasserie, available from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Begin with starters like an oyster tasting, steak tartare, or crispy Brussels sprouts, followed by an iceberg salad, French onion gratinée, or beef marrow with oxtail marmalade. Entrée options include braised short rib with red wine jus, bouillabaisse filled with seafood, or Blue Ribbon fried chicken with collard greens and wildflower honey. End your meal with desserts such as chocolate chip bread pudding, crème brûlée, or raspberry sorbet.

528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215  

The Lexington
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at The Lexington with a night of disco and 80s hits. From 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., enjoy live performances by Inspector Disco and DJ GMGN while sipping on creative cocktails featuring Beam Suntory and Topo Chico. Executive Chef Vladi Maldonado will take the party up a notch with a legendary French fry bar and elegant snacks. The evening includes drink tickets, passed and stationary appetizers, a midnight toast, and nonstop disco vibes.

100 N First Street, FL2, Cambridge, MA  

Geppetto
Ring in the New Year at Geppetto with a luxurious four-course dinner crafted by the culinary team. Enjoy a menu featuring dishes such as tuna carpaccio with caviar, fried squash blossoms stuffed with crab, potato agnolotti with lobster, bass piccata in brown butter, and pistachio tiramisu. Celebrate on December 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with exceptional food and festive cheer.

Cambridge Crossing, 100 North First Street, Cambridge, MA  

Puritan & Co.
Join Puritan & Co. for an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Chef Alexis Babineau has created a festive four-course menu featuring standout dishes such as tuna crudo with caviar, kale Caesar with black garlic, and wild mushroom tart with black truffle. Entrée options include roasted salmon with lentils and lemon brown-butter vinaigrette or wagyu strip steak with truffle potato and bordelaise. End the evening with desserts like devil’s food cake with cherry and cocoa nibs or coconut cream puff with passion fruit. Stay late for a celebratory midnight toast to welcome 2025.

1166 Cambridge Street, Inman Square, Cambridge, MA