The One Thing to Do in Massachusetts Before the End of the Year

The end of the year is just as much about reflection as it is about creating upcoming resolutions. As the calendar dwindles to its final page, I can’t help but think back on all of the year’s travels, experiences, and adventures. One of my favorite new pastimes is actually a revitalization of my love of musical theater, something I haven’t had much time to enjoy until recently. This past year, I have been fortunate enough to attend several wonderful shows in Boston’s Theater District, and many of my favorites have taken place at the Boch Center - Wang Theater. 

The history of theater in Beantown actually dates back over two hundred years. In 1794, renowned local architect Charles Bulfinch (designer of the Massachusetts State House and the Old North Church) designed Boston’s very first playhouse, the Federal Street Theatre. Up until this point, plays had been banned by the Puritan population. Bostonians quickly fell in love with performance art, and more theaters soon sprouted up, eventually rising to 50 venues during the 1940s.

Today, there are several fantastic places to catch a show in Boston, but the Washington Street Theatre District is really the place to go. The historic district is home to 13 theaters, including the incredible Boch Center - Wang Theater. The historic playhouse, perhaps better known as “The Wang” (its previous name), was built in 1925 and was originally called the Metropolitan Theater or “The Met.” This lavish building quickly became an important Boston landmark and has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Entering the theater is an experience in itself, as the interior is a gorgeous sight to behold. The Grand Lobby, which was modeled after the Palace of Versailles, is reminiscent of a fine arts museum. I get chills every time I take in the lavish grand staircase, intricate chandeliers, ornate columns, and breathtaking one-hundred-foot domed, hand-painted ceiling. And once you enter the theater space and take a seat in one of the 3,500-plus seats, the massive stage (one of the largest in the nation) in front of you is equally as mesmerizing.

Every year, the Boch Center - Wang Theater hosts a variety of musicals, ballets, plays, and events. But the one that I look forward to the most is their annual holiday show. This year's performance is “‘TWAS the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil. This unique spin on Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” is pure holiday magic. The story about a skeptical girl who rediscovers the joy of Christmas features a cast of 26 international acrobats performing to a soundtrack of magical holiday carols. 27 festive shows will take place from November 26 - December 16, 2025. All performances are family-friendly and lots of fun for all ages.

Where is your favorite place to attend a show or musical in Boston? For more information on upcoming events at the Boch Center - Wang Theater, please visit the Boch Center - Wang Theater website and the Boch Center Facebook page. If you are planning to stay overnight in the city, these unforgettable hotels are wonderful places to rest your head. And don't forget to use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out your customized trip to Boston. 

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the creator of this content was invited to this location by the Boch Center - Wang Theater, and expenses were covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.