Dancing with the Stars Live and Japanese New Year Celebrations Today

A Vibrant Sunday in the City

Welcome to your Sunday guide for January 25, 2026. Despite the winter chill, Boston is bustling today with high-energy performances, cultural festivals, and interactive art installations. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly afternoon or a sophisticated evening of music and wine, there is something for everyone in the neighborhood today.

Main Stage Highlights

The spotlight is on the Theatre District today with several major touring productions taking their final bows or continuing their limited engagements. Here is what is happening on the big stages:

• Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Head to the Boch Center Wang Theatre for a 7:00 PM performance. This brand-new production features professional dancers from the hit television show along with special guests, bringing ballroom glamour directly to the Boston stage.
• Boston Symphony Orchestra: John Williams Program – Today marks the final opportunity to catch the BSO’s tribute to cinema's most iconic composer. Andris Nelsons conducts the orchestra through a sweeping program of John Williams’ works at Symphony Hall, with a matinee performance scheduled for 2:00 PM.
• Drum Tao – For a more percussive experience, the Berklee Performance Center hosts the mesmerizing Japanese taiko drumming and dance ensemble, Drum Tao, starting at 5:00 PM.
• James Acaster – The acclaimed comedian continues his run at the Chevalier Theatre tonight at 7:00 PM, offering his signature self-deprecating wit to a local audience.

Cultural Festivals and Public Art

Boston’s cultural institutions are offering unique ways to celebrate the season and explore the arts today:

• Oshogatsu 2026: Japanese New Year – The Boston Children’s Museum is hosting its annual celebration of the Japanese New Year. Families can enjoy traditional taiko drumming, Shishimai lion dances, and interactive activities throughout the day.
• Winteractive Art Exhibition – Take a self-guided stroll through Downtown Boston to experience the third annual Winteractive exhibition. This walkable, free art experience features 18 interactive displays and sculptures inspired by the winter festivals of Québec.
• ICA Boston: Contemporary Perspectives – The Institute of Contemporary Art is currently showcasing two major exhibitions: "An Indigenous Present," surveying abstraction across fifteen different artists, and the multi-sensory "To My Best Friend."

Culinary and Community Gatherings

Warm up with some of the city’s finest food and drink experiences happening today:

• Boston Wine & Food Festival – The 37th annual festival continues at the Boston Harbor Hotel. While the event runs through March, today offers a chance to explore the hotel’s luxurious settings and specialized culinary programming.
• How Bazaar: Dead of Winter – The Charles River Speedway hosts this seasonal market featuring local makers, vintage finds, and food pop-ups, providing a perfect community-focused afternoon.
• Jeff Jam at Boston Public Market – For those with young children, the Boston Public Market offers a free musical session with local favorite Jeff Jam, making for a lively morning of community fun.