Best Winter Activities in Boston

December in Boston means shorter days and colder temperatures, but with every passing day grows more and more holiday cheer in the city. There’s plenty of fun to have during the winter in Boston!

Especially this year, with everyone itching to get outside and active whenever they can. Before you give-in to the cold and hibernate for the season, grab a friend and head downtown to try out some fun winter activities to do in Boston. 

Go ice skating in Boston Common Frog Pond

A classic winter activity, ice skating is a popular event at Frog Pond in Boston Common each year. All skill levels are welcome at this rink, where you can bring your own skates or rent a pair. 

Quincy Square Winter Market

For gifts this year, shop local at Quincy’s outdoor festive holiday market. Browse crafts and goods by local artisans and specialty shops on November 27th – Dec 20th!

Prudential Center Shopping

Though it isn’t as glamorous as New York City, the Prudential Center puts on a beautiful holiday display with look-alike giant red ornaments! This enormous mall is full of high-end retail brands and fine dining, you can easily spend an entire day escaping the cold in here!

Igloo Bar at Envoy hotel

Sip cocktails in a personal, heated igloo overlooking Boston harbor’s skyline at the Envoy Hotel. The igloos are on a first come, first serve basis – and cannot be reserved – so come early as these 6 igloos are incredibly hard to snag!

Hit the Slopes

While Boston isn’t known for mountainous terrain, there are many Ski & Snow Resorts within a two hour drive! There’s Blue Hill for miles of cross-country skiing. Nashoba Valley and Wachusett Mountain are the most popular resorts in Massachusetts. Pat’s Peak, Gunstock, and Mount Sunapee are all New Hampshire mountains within a two hour drive! Grab a friend and spend a day on freshly groomed trails, terrain parks, or back-country tree skiing! 

Go Snowshoeing at Gore Place

In Waltham, head to Gore Place to rent a pair of snow shoes to explore the estate’s 50 acres of land. It’s a fantastic workout and a great way to get outside in the fresh air. 

Watch one of Boston’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Just because things look a little different this year, doesn’t mean they’re canceled! Grab your computer and tune into one of Boston’s tree-lighting ceremonies featuring appearances by Santa, fun activities for the kids, and even some holiday caroling. These virtual tours will give you an up-close view the night sky lit up by thousands of twinkling lights! 

Have a Friendly Snowball Fight

When there’s snow on the ground, Boston Common is sure to have people of all ages making snowmen. This park is the perfect location for a friendly snowball fight amongst friends. Make sure you don’t hit any strangers, as Bostonians aren’t famous for their amicable nature. 

Visit a Light Show

ZooLights at Stone Zoo creates a Winter Wonderland for visitors each year. Walk through a 26-acre twinkling forest and see animals such as arctic foxes and reindeer! Tickets offered November 27th – Jan 3rd from 4p.m. – 9:30p.m.

Night Lights at the Botanic Garden

Each year, the Tower Hill Botanic Garden puts on a nature themed light show and fundraiser for nearly 40,000 of spectators. Usually, you can walk through the gardens sipping hot chocolate (spiked to your preference) and nibbling on apple cider donuts. This year, viewers can tune in virtually for a short video of the holiday display. 

Warm up with Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Once you’re inside and ready to warm up, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate from some of Boston’s best restaurants. Undecided on what flavor to get? Try a flight of hot chocolate at Met Back Bay, tasting four delicious versions of the classic beverage. What’s more, upgrade to the “adult” version and try them spiked!

For more Boston activities, check out the best free things to do in Boston, or the top sights to visit in the city! If you have any follow up questions about Boston, please email me at hello@alostblonde.com

♡ Abigail Reagan

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