Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 10 AM–6 PM | Newbury Street, Boston
Hand drawn illustration of Open Newbury Holiday Stroll
Boston's beloved Newbury Street is getting dressed up for the holidays, and this year, visitors can enjoy one of the city's most famous shopping destinations without the traffic.
Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the return of Open Newbury: Holiday Stroll on Sunday, December 6, 2026, transforming the heart of Boston's Back Bay into a pedestrian-friendly holiday shopping destination.
For eight hours, Newbury Street will close to vehicles from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue, giving shoppers, families, and visitors the freedom to wander the historic street, explore its boutiques and galleries, enjoy local restaurants, and celebrate the holiday season.
And with Newbury Street's beautiful brownstones, charming storefronts, and festive decorations, it's an especially lovely way to spend a December afternoon in Boston.
A Boston Holiday Tradition Worth Exploring
Newbury Street has long been one of Boston's most distinctive shopping destinations. Its eight blocks offer an inviting mix of independent boutiques, international retailers, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and historic architecture.
The Open Newbury program, first introduced in 2016, has grown into one of the city's popular pedestrian-focused events.
According to the City of Boston, the 2026 season welcomed nearly 100,000 participants across nine events, with more than 100 businesses taking part.
The holiday edition, introduced in 2024, extends that experience into December, giving visitors another reason to enjoy the Back Bay during the Christmas season.
This year's Holiday Stroll marks the event's third year.
What to Expect at the 2026 Open Newbury Holiday Stroll
The holiday stroll offers a different way to experience Newbury Street. Without vehicles occupying the roadway, visitors have more room to explore, enjoy the neighborhood, and discover shops and restaurants they might otherwise pass by.
The city is encouraging Newbury Street businesses to bring some of the celebration outdoors with family-friendly activities, pop-up parklets, and special programming.
Individual business activities have not yet been fully announced, so visitors should check for updates as December approaches.
Even without a packed schedule of organized entertainment, the experience of walking Newbury Street during the holidays is an attraction in itself.
Browse the boutiques for Christmas gifts, stop for coffee or lunch, admire the architecture, and take your time enjoying one of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods.
Make a Day of It in Boston's Back Bay
One of the best things about Open Newbury is its location. The Back Bay offers plenty to explore within a short walk, making the Holiday Stroll an easy addition to a weekend Christmas visit.
Start with the shops along Newbury Street, then consider extending your afternoon to nearby Copley Square, where you'll find the historic Trinity Church and the beautiful Boston Public Library.
The Prudential Center and Copley Place offer additional shopping and dining opportunities, especially welcome if the December weather turns chilly.
Commonwealth Avenue's tree-lined mall and the surrounding Back Bay streets also provide some of Boston's loveliest historic architecture.
For visitors planning a longer holiday getaway, combine the Holiday Stroll with other seasonal attractions featured in our Christmas in Boston 2026 guide.
Open Newbury Holiday Stroll 2026: Dates, Hours, and Location
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Location: Newbury Street, Boston's Back Bay
Pedestrian-only route: Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue
Rain or severe-weather date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Admission: Free to stroll and explore. Purchases, dining, and any separately priced activities are additional.
Getting There
Public transportation is a convenient way to reach the event.
The MBTA Green Line serves the Back Bay through Arlington, Copley, and Hynes Convention Center stations, all within walking distance of Newbury Street.
Visitors driving into Boston should plan ahead. Parking restrictions on Newbury Street and certain cross streets will begin at 6 AM on December 6.
The intersections of Fairfield, Gloucester, and Hereford streets will also be closed to vehicles, while other intersections will remain open for traffic and public safety access.
Check posted signs carefully and consider taking the T to avoid holiday traffic and parking challenges.
Celebrate the Holidays, Support Boston Businesses
Beyond the shopping and festive atmosphere, Open Newbury provides an opportunity to support the local businesses that help make the Back Bay such a distinctive Boston neighborhood.
From independent shops and art galleries to restaurants and cafés, Newbury Street offers something for almost everyone.
Whether you're searching for a special Christmas gift, planning a holiday outing with friends, or visiting Boston for the first time, the Open Newbury Holiday Stroll is a wonderful opportunity to experience the city at its most inviting.
Mark your calendar for December 6, bundle up, and enjoy a little Boston holiday magic on Newbury Street.
For official event information and updates, visit the City of Boston's Open Newbury Street page.
Discover More of Greater Boston
Explore more seasonal events, neighborhood attractions, and local activities in our What's Happening in Boston coverage and Christmas in Boston 2026 guide.
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