The Globe has put together a comprehensive guide to all things festive, from special seasonal recipes and unique stocking stuffer ideas, to tips on holiday travel, must-watch television specials, and so much more. Here’s everything you need for a magical holiday season.
In the bustling homestretch of the holiday season, it’s easy to lose track of things and let the fun slip through the cracks. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
HOLIDAY PLANNING
• Will New England see a white Christmas this year? — Many New Englanders might be wondering if they will wake up to a blanket of fresh snow on Dec. 25 this year. Will temperatures be cold enough to bring snow? And will Greater Boston see any of it? Here’s what the Globe’s lead meteorologist, Ken Mahan, predicts for this holiday season.
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• The best and worst times to travel around Christmas — A record 119 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday season. Close to 90 percent of them will be driving, so to avoid traffic congestion, here’s a guide on the best times to travel.
• What’s open and closed on Christmas? — Need to do some last-minute shopping? Here’s our list on what is open and closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Kim Fournier from West Springfield at Celtic Revival’s Irish Spirit Shop at Snowport in Boston. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
• How to be a smart shopper this holiday season — Consumer savings specialists Andrea Woroch and Trae Bodge have tips on how to save money this holiday season.
• Gift ideas for foodies — Do you know someone who would prefer an assortment of gourmet chocolates over a new iPhone for Christmas? A charcuterie basket or extravagant fruit arrangement? Here are some gift ideas for your foodie friend.
• 20 books to add to your holiday shopping — Books can make the perfect gift — after all, what is easier to wrap? Here’s a list of 20 reads that are sure to please.
• 12 items made in Massachusetts to add to your holiday shopping — When doing your holiday shopping this month, how much of your list could you check off with products made in Massachusetts? Here’s a list of a dozen gifts manufactured in the Commonwealth.
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A variety of holiday cookies. JULIA GARTLAND/NYT
HOLIDAY COOKING
• The Boston Globe’s five best cookie recipes — Few things are more comforting than a warm batch of cookies during the holidays. Little ones can enjoy a chocolate chip with a glass of milk while adults can pair a deep butterscotch with some cognac. Here’s a list of the Globe’s favorite cookie recipes.
• Six festive cocktails for holiday parties — Speaking of drinks, some may be on the search for a festive concoction or two to celebrate. Here are six cocktail recipes, including an alcohol-free option, that are easy to mix while serving up that special holiday feel.
• Some sweet treats you can bake for Hanukkah — Hanukkah baking is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and a little indulgence, but it doesn’t have to be predictable. Here’s a few recipes that give Jewish deli classics a fresh, contemporary twist.
• Where to buy sufganiyot this holiday season — Hanukkah begins on Dec. 25 this year, so it’s almost time to celebrate by indulging in sufganiyot, a fried, pillowy doughnut traditionally filled with jam or jelly. Here’s a list of where to find sufganiyot in the Boston area.
This image released by NBCUniversal shows a scene from the 1964 stop motion classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Uncredited/Associated Press
HOLIDAY BINGING
• Holiday specials to binge over break — Time was, one of the most beloved holiday rituals was purchasing a TV Guide to scan when favorite holiday specials were airing. Now, from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” they can be streamed wherever, whenever. Here’s a guide on how to watch them.
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• Some of the buzziest Christmas romances debuting this season — The holidays aren’t truly the holidays without some light and cheesy rom-coms. Here’s a list of some of the biggest, buzziest, and just plain weirdest Christmas romances debuting this season.
• 10 holiday movies, special episodes and events to air this season — Getting in the spirit of the season can take many forms. Why not settle in on your couch with a mug of cocoa and watch some seasonal holiday programming? Here’s a list of 10 holiday shows and special episodes to capture the spirit.
“Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol'” from Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Nile Scott Studios
HOLIDAY EVENTS
• Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ — Coming up with a new take on Charles Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ is no easy feat. Presented by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, the show runs through Dec. 22 at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre. Here’s the Globe’s review.
• The Holiday Market at Snowport returns — The annual holiday attraction is back for its sixth season, with its ever-popular market open until Dec. 29. Here’s a look into what new vendors and festivities the market is offering this year.
• 54 family-friendly events this holiday season — The Boston area is going all out with holiday festivities, and here’s a list of 54 events to see this season, including concerts, shows and dance performances, festivals, markets, lightings and more.
Revelers gather at the start of the 1-mile Jingle Bell Run down Commercial Street. Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff
HOLIDAY NEWS
• Provincetown’s 2024 annual Holly Folly Jingle Bell Run — Holly Folly is Provincetown’s annual LGBTQ+ holiday-themed festival. Started in 1997, it features the famous “Jingle Bell Run and Champagne Brunch” (a Santa run in bathing suits). Sad you missed it? Here’s a photo column of the event.
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• Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus visit Shriners Children’s Hospital — With help from Boston firefighters, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus greeted young burn patients at Shriners Children’s Hospital with holiday festivities including food, arts and crafts, presents, and pictures with Santa. Here’s a look at the two-decade tradition.
• Christmas tree lighting on Boston Common from Nova Scotia — The city’s 83rd annual tree lighting was held Dec. 5 on the Common, featuring a white spruce from Nova Scotia. Here’s a look back at that night.
• The elves who make Globe Santa possible — At the heart of Globe Santa is a team of letter-readers working out of an office in Randolph. For 69 years, Globe Santa has provided gifts to thousands of families in need at holiday time. Here’s how you can help.
The Grinch rode with three Santas on the lift during Santa at Sunday River. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Sabrina Lam can be reached at sabrina.lam@globe.com.