Boston Pops Gifts Free Holiday Concert to Massachusetts Military

Members of the Massachusetts military community and their families will get to experience the annual Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert at the historic Boston Symphony Hall free of charge this Christmas season. It is thanks to generous sponsors, including the lead sponsor, Highland Street Foundation.

This year's event, "Come Home to Holiday Pops," is the third annual Holiday Pops preview for the military community and helps mark Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart's 30th anniversary leading the orchestra.

"With the support of Highland Street Foundation and other sponsors, 2,000 members of the military community and their families will attend a free Holiday Pops preview event at Symphony Hall," according to a Pops press release.

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A New Holiday Tradition for Massachusetts Military Families

This special event, being called a "new holiday tradition," will be on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

The Pops identified "almost 20 organizations that work in the military community to be offered complimentary tickets" to the Christmas concert.

"While most attendees are within an easy drive, we welcome people from all over the state, and as far out as Rhode Island and New Hampshire," Boston Pops publicist Rena Cohen said.

How to Get Free Tickets to the Holiday Pops

"Our community partner organizations take care of the (ticket) distribution," Cohen said. These organizations include the Massachusetts National Guard and Bank of America. Those interested should start by contacting their local Veterans Affairs office to inquire about ticket availability.

"The orchestra and I love this new tradition!" Lockhart said in a statement. "It's incredibly gratifying to spend one night sharing the joy of the holiday season with veterans, service members, and their families – and humbling to think of the gift of service that they give us every day of the year."

Tickets and Where Else to See the Holiday Pops This Season

Tickets for the 44 "Come Home to Holiday Pops" performances at Symphony Hall are available for purchase on the Boston Symphony Orchestra website. The Holiday Pops concert will also be presented in Providence, Worcester, Lowell and Manchester, New Hampshire.