10 Things to Do in Boston in Winter

Boston's parks are often covered in snow in winter, which makes them look splendid. Some, such as Boston Common, have ice skating rinks inside, one of the most popular winter activities in this city.

Of course, there are also activities that don't require you to show off your athletic skills, such as visiting Faneuil Hall Marketplace and marveling at its Christmas tree. Below, I offer more details about activities you can add to your list of things to see and do in Boston during the winter.

There's no doubt that ice skating is one of the most fun activities you can do in Boston during the winter. And that passion carries over to the professional sport of ice hockey.

This sport is very dear to the people of Boston, so it may be a good idea to buy tickets for the Boston Bruins, Boston's star team, and experience the excitement in the stands.

This team has more than 90 years of history and is so beloved that tickets for their games sell out six months in advance, especially in winter. The season starts in October and ends in March or April, with tickets costing from €100.

Boston is a city with many chocolate shops. These shops sell all kinds of products made with this delicious ingredient, but in winter there is one product that is a bestseller and that you can't miss: Boston-style hot chocolate.

It is so popular that many locals and tourists claim it is the best in the country. To drink your first cup, we recommend going to L.A. Burdick, a chocolate brand with several shops in different cities across the United States.

At the Boston shop, you can accompany your cup of hot chocolate with a delicious slice of cake or some chocolate cookies.
They also prepare special products for the Christmas and New Year season. If you want to savor more of the city, I recommend booking a food tour of Boston to discover the best places to eat.

The Boston branch of Legoland offers a considerable number of special activities during the winter. But first, to begin this experience, you need to purchase your park ticket in advance.

If you're going with children, there are three options you shouldn't miss: taking photos with iconic Lego characters, immersing yourself in the world of bricks at MINILAND, and watching the best movies in the 4D movie theaters.

On the other hand, I remind you that Legoland Boston offers adult nights, an event created and developed exclusively for Lego enthusiasts. It will be the perfect time to remember your childhood and participate in building contests and the Kingdom Quest challenge with fabulous prizes.

Practical information

• Where it is: the park is located in Assembly Row, in Somerville.
• How to get there: to get there by public transport from downtown Boston, the best option is the orange line with a stop in Somerville
• Price: around €25 with significant discounts on tickets for children.
• Hours: between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Additional facilities: it also includes dining areas and a store with a wide range of Lego products.

Snow tubing is a recreational activity that involves sliding downhill while sitting on an inner tube or tire. Naturally, you pick up a lot of speed and it's a lot of fun.

In Boston and the surrounding area, there are areas specially designed for this activity. Some of them are:

• Beastly Snow Tubing Park
• Bousquets (recommended for families)
• Butternut Ski & Snow Tubing (also recommended for families)
• Ski Ward

Practical information

• Age: children must be over 5 years old to participate in this activity.
• Price: varies depending on the day of the week, but starts at €27 for two hours.
• Recommendation: the number of tickets sold each day is limited, so you must purchase them in advance on each company's website.

If you've never had the opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year, then when you visit Boston in winter, you have to join in the big celebrations that take place in different parts of the city.

Boston has its own Chinatown, so the Chinese community has a significant presence in the city. The celebrations usually last several days, and many families wear traditional costumes to continue their traditions.

The celebrations begin on the first day of the lunar month (which can be between January 21 and February 18). There are lions, dragons, and other characters in the streets. In addition, there are markets with kiosks offering traditional foods and gifts for this celebration, as well as dance groups putting on colorful performances.

The Envoy Hotel offers several outstanding services, but there is one in particular that piques the curiosity of many people. On the top floor of the hotel, called Lookout Rooftop, there is a bar with a wonderful view of the city.

During the winter, small igloos are set up there, serving as private spaces that can be reserved by groups to chat, enjoy sophisticated drinks, and savor appetizers.

This service is only available in winter (during the summer, tables and chairs from the bar are set up) and reservations must be made in advance through the hotel's website, as the igloos are in high demand.

Practical information

• Where: 70 Sleeper Street, overlooking Boston Harbor.
• Price: Prices for reserving an igloo start at €100 (not per person).
• Hours: between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., although there may be some changes depending on the day of the week.

The Blue Hills nature reserve (covering 2,400 hectares) is not exactly within the city of Boston, but it is located very close to it. So, if you visit Boston in winter and enjoy skiing, this ski resort is ready to welcome you.

The ski resort offers group ski lessons (from €55) and private lessons (from €110), ski camp for children, and ski equipment rental.

These are basic prices, but for more details, check the Blue Hills Reservation website.

Practical information

There are several transportation options for traveling from Boston to Blue Hills. Some of them are:

• Train: go to South Station, where there are train lines that will take you to Route 128, where you will need to take a taxi. The ticket price starts at €14.
• Rent a car: from €100 per day.
• Taxi: starting at €50.

Boston in winter wouldn't be the same without ice skating. This fun activity is so important that there are numerous places with rinks where you can enjoy it.

• Frog Pond: This is number one on my list. Located in Boston Common Park, it is the most famous rink in the city. It has an excellent location (in the city center) and is easily accessible from different parts of Boston. I recommend going early, as it is a very popular activity in the middle of winter.
• Charles Hotel: perfect if you prefer a more private rink. Despite being located within a hotel, it is open to the general public and is very large.
• Kendall Square: with comprehensive facilities and services such as a dining area, skate rental, and parking.

If you don't know how to skate, don't worry. Just start slowly and let yourself be carried away by the fun. In addition, some skating rinks offer group or individual lessons.

The official start of the Christmas season is marked by the lighting of Christmas trees in different parts of the city shortly after Thanksgiving.

One of the most important is the one at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. This is one of the largest and tallest trees in the Northeast, and its lighting is accompanied by a sparkling light show (Blink) that is repeated next to the Faneuil Hall Christmas market.

Another lighting worth seeing is that of the tree in Boston Common Park. This tradition began in 1941 and has continued ever since. The park looks very beautiful in winter, particularly when it is snowy.

Visiting Boston's best Christmas markets is the perfect opportunity to buy Christmas gifts for family and friends, as well as decorations for this time of year.

• Boston Hall City Plaza: this is the largest market and is characterized by its adorable white stalls that look like little houses. You'll find all kinds of items and can raise a toast with a mug full of the typical mulled wine prepared for these celebrations.
• Sommerville Flea: This is a very picturesque market with numerous stalls selling used items in very good condition. You can also sample the best snacks, listen to live bands, and enjoy a delicious cup of tea or coffee during your stroll.
• Craft Boston Holiday Show: You'll find a huge Christmas market full of crafts created by the most renowned artists not only in the United States but also around the world.

Despite Boston's very cold winter weather, visiting this city during the winter season offers several advantages. For example, sports and recreational activities that can only be enjoyed when there is snow.

On the other hand, cups of hot chocolate, a city specialty, are best enjoyed when the temperature is very low. In addition, there are very attractive celebrations that take place during the winter months, so you can take advantage of your visit to participate in one of them.

It is essential that you pack your suitcase with very warm clothes. Of course, it is important to check the weather forecast for the days you will be in the city, but keep in mind that it is always very cold in Boston in winter.

On the other hand, if you want to do any of the snow activities, even if you rent specialized equipment, it is essential that you bring warm accessories such as socks, hats, and gloves to protect you from the cold and humidity.

The best way to dress is in layers, so you can take them off when necessary (in a museum, restaurant, pub, or other enclosed space), as they usually have good heating systems indoors.