Winter In Boston - Fun Activities & Places To Go

Once you have planned your winter time visit to Boston, here is a list of the more popular things to do, fun activities for grown up and kids, as well as interesting places to visit here in Boston MA:

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting At Faneuil Hall

Kickoff the winter season with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Faneuil Hall, which features the tallest decorated tree in New England. This one is always a show stopper, the moment the tree is lit is just one of those magical moments you won't want to miss. 

Ice Skating On Boston Common

The Frog Pond in Boston Common (the oldest public park in the USA) offers ice skate rentals. This outdoor rink is open from late November through early March. Skating on it is one of the oldest outdoor winter activities enjoyed by Bostonians in the last few centuries. Take a trip back in time as you twirl around the ice.

Sledding

If you have the kids in tow and if there is adequate snow accumulation, Flagstaff Hill in the Common is the most popular sledding destination in the city.

Snowshoeing

Gore Place, while located just outside of Boston is a scenic 50 acre rural New England style farm with a historic Carriage House built in 1793. Children and adults can rent snowshoes and traverse the fluffy snow while exploring the scenic grounds.  

Curling 

Snowport at the Boston Seaport offers iceless curling, ice skating on a 3,000-square-foot ice rink and a concession stand that serves hot waffles to keep you warm.

Cape Cod in Winter

If you have the time to rent a car, a ride to Cape Cod is less than an hour’s ride. The ride is worth it if you want to see quaint villages, beautiful beaches (yes even in winter) and fishing ports you'll experience authentic New England landscapes and seascapes.

Coffee Anyone?

1369 Coffee House, located in both Inman Square and Central Square offers the best hot chocolate you’ll find in the city as well as hot cider and a variety of brewed homemade coffees.

The Taza Chocolate Factory

A tour of the Taza Chocolate Factory one of the top attractions for the whole family to experience. You’ll get to see how their famous stone-ground chocolate is made while you all get to nibble on free samples! Weekend mornings include a Chocolate Story Time for kids. 

Boston Opera House 

Boston's main theater district consists of several venues set in the downtown area. Attending the Boston Opera House In winter time, you can take in a Christmas-themed performance, dance or Broadway show. The Nutcracker ballet runs in November and December as well.

Winter Sailing on Boston Harbor

The Boston Sailing Center is located at Lewis Wharf. You can take a lesson if you are a newbie or rent your own boat if you are a hardened winter sailor. If you want to stay on shore and keep warm you can watch their Frostbite Sailing Races from the dock on Boston Harbor. 

The South Boston Holiday Market 

Held at the Ben Franklin Institute of Technology every year in December, this holiday shop fest features a variety of unique and delicious food, handmade jewelry, and stylish winter clothing 

Old Town Trolley Tour

See the sights of Boston close up when you ride on the Old Town Trolley. Prepare to spend about an hour and a half listening to the tour guide who provides and entertaining and informative narration through Boston’s more notable locations and stops.     

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

This floating piece of history retells the story of what it was like to witness the rebellious 1773 Tea Party. If you are visiting during the month of December you can witness the annual tea party reenactment. The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is another must see tourist attraction. You’ll see masterpieces from every era of history, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts and statues to contemporary art.  If you bring the kids, spending the day at the  Boston Children's Museum will surely keep them occupied and happy. The museum features a Science Playground, an Art Lab  Fantastic Forts and more.

Walk the Freedom Trail

This 2.5-mile-long walk is one of the best places to see Boston’s waterfront and historic buildings up close. Historic sites you will see on the Freedom Trail include the Massachusetts State House, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, and the site of the Boston Massacre. Arguably the most frequented stop on the trail, Faneuil Hall, home of the famous colonial style marketplace is also on the path, located next door to Quincy Market.

Planning your winter trip to Boston now? Book a room at the Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront, as our building is located right on the Freedom Trail!