Holiday Kingdom (Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA)

Date Of Visit: December 6, 2024

Location: Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking garages in the area

Hours: They are visible 24 hours a day until Jan. 2

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Twelve 16 foot nutcrackers with animal characteristics have been

Website: Holiday Kingdom

The nutcrackers have taken over Boston!

Just in time for the holiday season, 12 sixteen foot nutcrackers have been placed throughout in Boston’s Downtown Crossing area. But, these are not any regular nutcrackers.

The nutcrackers, which are fashioned with similar attire one would find on an actual nutcracker, have one significant difference…they have animal heads!

The animals for the designs of the nutcrackers were selected by children during a visit with Downtown Boston Alliance President Michael J. Nichols at a local Boston day care center. Some of the animals they suggested using for that statues include an elephant, a bear, an eagle, a duck (specifically a mallard) and a dog among other animals.

Most of the nutcrackers, 7 to be exact, are located on Washington St. For a point of reference, I am showing the statues from the area of Washington St near the Paramount and going up Washington St. I’m including a photo of the Paramount just because, even though it’s arguably one of the most over photographed spot in Boston (I see you Acorn St and Fan Pier).

The first statue is a polar bear. It is located by the Suffolk University Modern Theater (and the Paramount Theater).

This cute little cat is located near the WINDR Museum on Washington St. I don’t like that smile. It looks like he or she got into some cat nip!

This mallard is located near Snipes (467 Washington St). Sometimes it was difficult to get a straight on photo of these statues because cars were parked in front of them. I actually just walked around and waited for the vehicles to move. But, taking a photo from an angle was a better option for this statue because the bill of the duck looks better from an angle.

I found this unicorn on Winter St after I took the next left after the mallard.

Then, I walked back towards Washington St and crossed over to Winter St where I found these 4 statues of a rhino, a horse, an elephant and an eagle near Macy’s (450 Washington St).

Then, I continued back onto Washington St to photograph the remaining statues. I found this deer near the Gap and DSW stores.

Just as an fyi, the attached map is not accurate. The map shows the dog as being at this location.

These 2 statues of a dog and another duck are located at the popular stairs between the TJ Maxx and Old Navy. I liked how the buildings looked in the background.

The last statue I found was of this beer near the Jewelers Building (333 Washington St)

All of the statues are easy to find and accessible to all. And I love the little accessories like the hats and the epaulets on their shoulders! I also appreciate how some of the animals seem to be talking or making faces in some cases. The best part, though, is the lights, of course. While you can view them day or night, the best time to view them is at night when the colors stand out more. However, the features may be easier to see during the daylight hours. But, don’t wait too long to see them. The statues will only be there until Jan. 2, 2025.

Of course, Boston was decked out with Christmas decor during my visit! So, as a bonus, I am adding this photo of one of the stars installed near one of the main streets in the city.