More about: 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 sporting skills, such as visiting Faneuil Hall Marketplace and marvelling at its Christmas tree. Below, I offer more details about the activities you can add to your list of things to see and do in Boston during the winter.
1. Attend an ice hockey game
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.
2. Try the famous Boston-style hot chocolate
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 cannot 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 their cakes or some chocolate biscuits.
They also prepare special products for the Christmas and New Year season. If you want to savour more of the city, I recommend booking a food tour of Boston to discover the best places to eat.
3. Be a kid again at Legoland
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 are going with children, there are three options you should not miss: taking photos with the iconic Lego characters, immersing yourself in the world of bricks at MINILAND, and watching the best films in the 4D cinema.
On the other hand, I would like to 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 competitions 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, which stops in Somerville
- Price: around €25 with considerable discounts on tickets for children.
- Opening hours: between 10:00 and 17:00
- Additional facilities: it also includes dining areas and a shop with a wide range of Lego products.
4. Dare to try snow tubing
Snow tubing is a recreational activity that involves sliding downhill while sitting on an inner tube or tyre. Naturally, you pick up a lot of speed and it's great 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.
5. Celebrate the Lunar New Year
If you've never had the opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year, then if 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 21 January and 18 February). There are lions, dragons and other characters in the streets. In addition, there are markets with stalls offering traditional foods and gifts for this celebration, as well as dance groups putting on colourful performances.
6. Share a drink with friends at an Igloo
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 savour appetisers.
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 Harbour.
- Price: prices for booking an igloo start at €100 (not per person).
- Opening hours: between 11:00 and 00:00, although there may be some changes depending on the day of the week.
7. Skiing in Blue Hills
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 transport options for travelling 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. Tickets start at €14.
- Rent a car: from €100 per day.
- Taxi: from €50.
8. Come and try ice skating!
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 centre) 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 hire 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.
9. Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting ceremony
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 ceremony worth seeing is that of the tree in Boston Common Park. This tradition began in 1941 and has continued ever since. The park is very beautiful in winter, particularly when it is snowy.
10. Visit the Christmas markets!
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 characterised 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 second-hand items in very good condition. You can also sample the best snacks, listen to live music and enjoy a delicious cup of tea or coffee during your stroll.
- Craft Boston Holiday Show: you will find a huge Christmas market full of crafts created by the most renowned artists not only in the United States but also in the world.
Advantages of travelling to Boston in winter
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 speciality, are best enjoyed when the temperature is very low. In addition, there are some very attractive celebrations that take place during the winter months, so you can take advantage of your visit to participate in one of them.
What clothes should you wear for your visit to Boston in winter?
It is essential that you pack your suitcase with very warm clothing. Naturally, 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 specialised equipment, it is essential that you bring warm accessories such as socks, hats and gloves to protect you from the cold and damp.
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.