Venue Guide: 23 Places to Host an Unforgettable Holiday Party in Boston
‘Tis the season for party planning! Whether you’re heading into a holiday season of small gatherings and nights out or fundraisers and company‑wide events, September is the time to book a gorgeous venue for your next occasion. Our annual list has dozens of locations, modern and classic, intimate and expansive, to host the perfect party.
Boston Athenæum
Founded in 1807, Boston Athenaeum offers five floors of distinguished event space; book lovers, artisans, and those seeking an immersive event experience opt for this hidden gem. From lively strolling receptions to corporate dinners and milestone tributes, the recent renovation adds a modern twist to an old-world landmark— recently awarded Boston magazines’ 2023 Best Place to Throw a Party. Photography by Dani Fine Photography.
101/2 Beacon Street, Boston | 781-982-9333
thecateredaffair.com/our-venues/boston-athenaeum/
@thecateredaffair
East Meets West Catering
East Meets West is one of Boston’s most distinguished caterers, drawing on over 30 years of culinary and event management experience to deliver the most memorable affairs. It began as a fusion of two coastal cuisines, blending trend with tradition and new with old. We continue those traditions today, catering to all of life’s occasions, inspired by you.
212 Northern Avenue, Boston | 617-269-2662 | eastmeetswestcatering.com
@eastmeetswestcatering
The Exchange
Located in the heart of the Seaport district on Boston’s historic waterfront is The Exchange. Showcasing dramatic architecture, a three-story atrium and panoramic views of Boston Harbor, The Exchange is the perfect setting for any holiday event. The main hall can accommodate 150 guests for a seated dinner and dancing and up to 200 guests for a cocktail reception. The Exchange is also proud to have East Meets West as their in-house caterer, and event planners will help create a custom menu for any customer and their guests. The Exchange also provides full liquor service, bartenders, culinary staff, and waitstaff.
212 Northern Avenue, Boston | 617-790-1900
exchangeconferencecenter.com
@exchangecenterboston
The Harvard Arts Museums
At the Harvard Arts Museums, mingle with Masters such as Claude Monet and Jackson Pollack while browsing world-class collections.
Designed in the style of an Italian piazza, Calderwood Courtyard boasts stunning architecture. When paired with The Catered Affairs’ culinary artistry, it’s an unforgettable masterpiece to experience. Winner of Boston magazine’s Best Museum Wedding Venue 2019, the magical setting is a coveted cultural destination for celebrations.
32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA | 781-982-9333
thecateredaffair.com/our-venues/harvard-art-museums/
@thecateredaffair
Legal Sea Foods
Make a splash when you celebrate a special occasion with
Legal Sea Foods! With venues throughout Massachusetts, Legal Sea Foods offers private dining rooms, semi-private spaces (inside and outside), and full venue buyout possibilities. Legal Sea Foods’ flexible packages allow them to accommodate as many kinds of functions as there are fish in the sea! When you entertain at Legal Sea Foods, you’re guaranteed great food and wine, hospitality and easy planning.
(Harborside) 270 Northern Avenue, Boston | 617-530-9470
legalseafoods.com/private-events-lp/
@legalseafoods
Mooo Beacon Hill
Located in the heart of Beacon Hill, steps from the State House and downtown Boston, Mooo… exudes modern elegance while maintaining traditional sophistication. Your private event experience is completed with our outstanding menu and renowned wine list.
15 Beacon Street, Boston | 617-670-2515 | mooorestaurant.com
@mooobeaconhill
Mooo Burlington
Mooo Burlington prides itself on providing perfectly executed private dining experiences for all sized groups in a classic and sophisticated setting. Offering three elegantly appointed spaces ideal for corporate functions, milestone celebrations and holiday events. The restaurant is bathed in pallets of grey and a sleek wood-floored dining room. The dynamic design accented with modern lighting, features a visually stunning wine room to anchor the space.
86 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA | 781-270-0100 | mooorestaurant.com
@moooburlington
Mooo Seaport
Mooo…. Seaport, located in the Fort Point neighborhood, is Boston’s premier venue for your intimate private dining experience. Our three stunning private dining rooms, The Hearth, The Study, and The Library, are perfect for all corporate and social occasions. Our unique property offers guests flexibility for smaller groups of 10 to larger groups of up to 110 people. Full buyouts can accommodate up to 250 guests with exclusive use of the entire restaurant.
49 Melcher Street, Boston | 617-556-8000 |mooorestaurant.com
@moooseaport
The Red Lion Inn
Rustic charm meets coastal ease at The Red Lion Inn. Built in 1704, the historic inn features a grand Barn venue with gorgeous chandeliers, scenic gardens, and multiple bars with enough space to host up to 250 guests. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding, a sophisticated corporate event or a festive family gathering this holiday season, every celebration at The Red Lion Inn will be infused with gracious hospitality and New England elegance. Photo by Silver Arrow Creative.
71 South Main Street, Cohasset, MA | 781-383-1704 | redlioninn1704.com
@redlioninncohasset
Roadrunner
Winning Best of Boston’s Best Large Music Venue two years in a row, you don’t want to miss a show here! Thinking of where to host your next holiday party, mixer, or corporate event? Check us out for a unique backdrop to your next event!
89 Guest Street, Boston | 617-952-1305 | roadrunnerboston.com
@roadrunnerboston
The Sinclair
Nestled in the city’s most recognized campuses, the Sinclair has been bringing music and events to students and the local community for the last 10 years! Be sure to check us out and ask us about hosting your next event with us! We can host events of up to 500 attendees!
52 Church Street, Cambridge, MA | sinclaircambridge.com | 617-952-1305
@thesinclair
Smith & Wollensky
Whether an important dinner meeting or a social celebration,
Smith & Wollensky has you covered for any occasion. Expect the exceptional with their multitude of beautiful indoor and outdoor event spaces, distinctive dining rooms, flexible package options, and warm S&W hospitality. Their dedicated event professionals are your go-to resource for planning your next event at one of Smith & Wollensky’s iconic all-American steakhouse locations in Greater Boston (Boston, Wellesley and Burlington), across America or across the globe.
294 Congress Avenue, Boston | 617-778-2200
smithandwollensky.com/locations/boston/
@smithwollenksy
The SoWa Power Station
The SoWa Power Station is located in the SoWa Boston Art + Design District and is a testament to architectural splendor. Its soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls, and industrial details serve as a blank canvas with endless possibilities for event customization. The Catered Affair will redefine large-scale events, combining celebration and innovation in a captivating architectural setting.
550 Harrison Avenue, Boston | 781-982-9333
thecateredaffair.com/our-venues/sowa-power-station
@thecateredaffair
The Stage @ Suffolk Downs
One of the newest venues in the Bowery Presents portfolio is the Stage @ Suffolk Downs. With an 8,000 person capacity, this outdoor space can be transformed in to anything you can think of!
525 William F McClellan Highway, Boston | 617-952-1305
stageatsuffolkdowns.com
@thestageatsd
Strega Italiano
With locations in Boston’s Seaport and Back Bay, the professional staff at Strega Italiano are courteous, attentive, and gracious. We work with you to ensure that every detail, from the food to the ambiance, is perfect. It’s the personal touches that make an event special, and our Private Event Staff will make sure you have an unforgettable experience at Strega Italiano.
One Marina Park Drive, Boston | 617-345-3992
stregaitaliano.com/locations/seaport/
@strega.italiano
W Boston
No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday, events at W Boston are anything but expected. Newly reimagined after a complete renovation, discover one of eight architecturally forward venues with state-of-the-art technology designed to turns events into exceptional experiences. Make it a moment this holiday season and turn your event into an experience—for more information, please contact BOSWHSalesMarketing@marriott.com.
100 Stuart Street, Boston | 617-261-8700
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/boswh-w-boston/overview
@wboston
The Westin Copley Place, Boston
Host an unforgettable holiday soiree in one of Boston’s most sought-after venues. From our Staffordshire Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Copley Square, to the 16,000-square-foot Americas Ballroom with seating for up to 1,000 people, The Westin Copley Place, Boston offers a limitless degree of flexibility and customization for a handcrafted event unlike any other. Discover the difference of a hosted event at The Westin Copley Place, Boston and contact us at BOSWISalesMarketing@marriott.com.
10 Huntington Avenue, Boston | 617-262-9600
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/boswi-the-westin-copley-place-boston/overview
@westincopleyplaceboston
The Westin Copley Place, Boston’s Private Dining Experiences
Discover unique spaces for every occasion and transform your holiday gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Enjoy the privacy and exclusivity that comes with each of The Westin Copley Place, Boston’s seven private dining venues that set the scene for intimate corporate celebrations to curated seated dinners to elevated holiday receptions up to 100 guests. Let us take the planning off your plate this holiday and contact us at BOSWISalesMarketing@marriott.com.
10 Huntington Avenue, Boston | 617-262-9600
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/boswi-the-westin-copley-place-boston/overview
@westincopleyplaceboston
Wychmere Beach Club: Dune
A world away from ordinary, this breathtaking indoor and outdoor venue blends modern sophistication with formal elegance. Every space is exquisitely arranged to accentuate the joy of your occasion. Dance the night away on stunning driftwood floors and take in the glowing sunset on our expansive rooftop terrace.
23 Snow Inn Road, Harwich Port, MA | wychmere.com
Wychmere Beach Club: Harbor Room
Classic Cape design combined with a modern twist complements a timeliness white-washed color palette. Wrap-around sliding glass walls offer an extraordinary vantage point of Wychmere Harbor. The Harbor Room is an unsurpassed venue for your coastal event.
23 Snow Inn Road, Harwich Port, MA | wychmere.com
Wychmere Beach Club: Ocean Room
Enjoy stunning vistas as far as the eye can see from the Ocean Room and ocean rooftop deck. This space boasts magnificent vaulted ceilings with contemporary chandeliers set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Unparalleled views of both the Harbor and Nantucket Sound await. The Ocean Room offers an indoor and outdoor setting with an expansive rooftop deck that overlooks a picturesque Wychmere Harbor.
23 Snow Inn Road, Harwich Port, MA | wychmere.com
Party Rental Ltd.
With more than 400,000 square feet of combined warehouse space and the largest selection of linens, tables, flatware, china, and catering equipment in the country, Party Rental Ltd. is fully capable of meeting the needs of any first-rate event. If you are planning a dinner for 500, a picnic for 10,000 or even cocktails for 20,000, they pride themselves on not only being able to deliver anywhere in the country, but with accuracy time and again. They guarantee you will be delighted with their industry-leading offerings and exquisite service.
186 South Street, Boston | partyrentalltd.com
View Boston
With 360-degree views, 33 miles of visibility in every direction and floor-to-ceiling windows, View Boston is the perfect blank canvas for bringing your next event to life. Turnkey event planning, luxurious culinary experiences, sleek contemporary architecture and cutting-edge audio-visual elements will take your event to new heights. Our team of skilled professionals are ready to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave your guests buzzing with excitement. 11,700 square feet of event space, awe-inspiring skyline views, and an infusion of energy into every detail allow events at View Boston to be unlike any other.
800 Boylston Street, Boston | viewboston.com
view_boston
