Resources and Events Celebrating the 2026 holiday season

As the 2026 holiday season approaches, we at the EAP are sharing this resource list in November so you have time to plan ahead to the end of the year. Many assistance programs, including food assistance, utility and heating support, seasonal charity drives, and holiday gift and meal programs, require applications, documentation, or waiting periods. Starting early gives you the best chance of getting the support you need without added stress during an already demanding time of year. Whether you are looking for help with food, housing, heating costs, or gifts for your family, or want to find ways to give back to your community, we’ve gathered the Boston area’s largest charities, benefit programs, and support services in one place. We encourage you to review the list now, reach out to the programs that fit your needs, and contact the EAP if you’d like help finding the right resource

BOSTON AREA FOOD RESOURCES

• The Greater Boston Food Bank continues to be a longstanding vital community resource. We encourage you to consider a donation this holiday season, or to contact them today if you or your family are struggling this year.
• Find Your Food Pantry: This Office of Food Justice page helps city residents locate city food pantries, as well as other resources to help with food stability.
• Fair Foods: A Boston area community food service specializing in providing prepared boxes of produce at two dollars for families in need.  Provides a different site every day.
• Neighborhood Food Action Collaborative Food Resource Guide:  This regional guide from the nonprofit VitalCNXS provides regularly updated food pantry and other resource listings, split by Massachusetts region.  

LOCAL ASSITANCE, RESOURCES AND CHARITIES

• Massachusetts HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Programs): The state of Massachusetts has introduced four different programs to help offset the surge in pricing of home heating this year, including newly announced support for families at the median state income.  Applications for support can also be made for insulation, home and system repairs or replacements.   
• Globe Santa is a Massachusetts local charity that helps provide gifts every year for children in need.  
• The US Postal service supports children through Operation Santa, which is now open for donations and applications. 
• The Salvation Army continues to run its red pot charity drive to help provide food, shelter, and utility assistance to those in need over the winter.
• NeedHelpPayingBills.com shows off a list of potential financial aid sources for bills, Christmas gifts and more in Middlesex and Suffolk counties for those that qualify.
• We always encourage direct donations to Boston area homeless shelters such as Rosie’s Place, the Pine Street Inn, and Father Bill’s.  
• The Red Cross also offers this list of ways to donate and give to those in need.
• Toys for Tots is a nationally recognized charity for gifts to struggling families and their kids.
• DisabilityInfo.org Assistance is regularly updated with resources and charities for financial assistance.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

• Boston Central Events List is updated regularly, including both November and December holiday events and activities in the area. They share paid and regional events and are an excellent source of family friendly activities.  Be sure to save their December 2026 Holiday Guide as well.
• Meet Boston shares a Thanksgiving Weekend list of events that include popular community activities like the Sowa Christmas Market.
• Boston Events Discovery Guide:  This lists many Boston area events with a full year calendar. Their 2026 December holiday season guide is listed here.
• VisitMA Things To Do Winter Holidays Guide:  This list provides individual links to each holiday themed event.
• Boston Parent Paper maintains a constant calendar of family oriented free and paid events including crafts, education, music and more.
• Mommy Poppins shares a guide for 2026 for community activities directed towards kids.

As always, please reach out to us at the EAP if you have any questions, need services, or want us to highlight an event or resource.  Have a warm and safe November!