Boston: home of historical Fenway Park, the infamous Boston Tea Party, and everyone’s favorite northeastern accent! So what are the Best Things to do in Boston in the Winter? Keep reading for all the top events, activities, and places you won’t want to miss!
Best Things to do in Boston During the Winter
This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Shop & Eat at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
This is one of the best things to do in Boston when it’s cold—what better way to stay warm than to meander between the shops and restaurants of this historic shopping center? Comprising three historic market buildings and a lovely promenade, you can’t miss Faneuil Hall in winter in Boston.
Located in Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market is the place to be for a delicious bite to eat. Built in the 1820’s, this historic food hall includes local favorites like Boston Chowda Co and Anthem Kitchen & Bar.
Explore the New England Aquarium - Family-Friendly Boston Winter Activity
The New England Aquarium in Boston is great for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Expect to spend about two hours exploring all the exhibits and touch tanks. You can even sign up for a whale watching tour towards the end of the winter season, which lasts 3-4 hours, or check out an IMAX film if it’s still chilly outside.
NOTE: The New England Aquarium is currently closed due to COVID-19; check their website for reopening, which is currently slated for mid-January.
Take in Some of Boston's History
It’s no secret that this northeastern city is rich with history—founded all the way back in 1630, Boston is where Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams were educated and was an important location in the Civil War. If you’re looking for what to do in Boston during the winter, turn your attention to historical hotspots where you can spend some time indoors and learn about the city’s past:
Chillout in an Igloo at the Envoy Hotel
Hands down one of the coolest things to do in Boston when it’s cold, you won’t want to miss reserving an igloo at the Envoy Hotel. This hip rooftop bar is covered in cozy igloos that fit up to six guests each and are perfect for soaking in city views while staying nice and warm.
Have a Lobster Roll at Legal Sea Foods - A Boston Must
I can’t visit Boston and not have at least one Lobster Roll from Legal Sea Foods (let’s be honest, it’s usually multiple -the airport location gets me every time)! Legal Sea Foods uses every part of the lobster in their rolls—the tail, claws, and knuckles—so you get the full flavor profile of this Northeastern seafood treat. For a great view while you eat, head to their location on the wharf just next to the aquarium.
Stroll Along Boston Harborwalk
This gorgeous city walkway is a whopping 47 miles long and reaches all the way from East Boston to the Neponset River, making it an ideal activity for the warmer days of winter in Boston, no matter where in the city you’re staying. Stroll along the Boston Harborwalk for gorgeous views of the city, as well as the historic piers, wharves, and beaches of Boston.
You Might Also Like: Everything You Need to Pack for a Winter Snow Trip
Take a Brewery Tour
As the birthplace of Samuel Adams beer and many different craft varieties, taking a brewery tour is one of the best things to do in Boston, MA in the winter, especially for couples and craft beer fans. Here are the top options for a brewery tour in Boston:
- Tour the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
- Explore more local beer options with City Brew Tours
- Get spooked on a haunted ghost tour pub crawl
Explore Boston Public Garden
Strolling through Boston Public Garden is one of the best things to do in Boston no matter the season, and winter is no different. Adjacent to Boston Common and the Frog Pond, the Public Garden is free to visit and absolutely lovely when covered in snow. Don’t miss the famous statue of George Washington on horseback along the western edge of the park!
Go Ice Skating at Boston Common Frog Pond
This summer spray pool in Boston Common public park transforms into a gorgeous city ice skating destination every winter. Voted the best outdoor skate rink in the US, you won’t want to miss skating on Frog Pond in winter in Boston. You can purchase either a day pass or a season pass to take full advantage of public skate hours.
NOTE: The Frog Pond is currently closed due to COVID-19; check their website for reopening information.
Don’t Miss Frog Pond Cafe After for Hot Chocolate
After you tear it up on the ice, be sure to head to Frog Pond Cafe for something tasty to eat and warm to drink. A crowd favorite is their hot cocoa, but you can also dig into classic comfort food favorites like buffalo wings, grilled cheese, and onion rings.
Visit a Boston Museum
Once you’ve explored some of the big historical sites, it’s time to check out the best museums Boston has to offer. There’s something for everyone, from families with small children to history buffs and science enthusiasts. Here are my top recommendations for museums to check out next time you’re in Boston:
Head to the Zoo New England
Zoo New England encompasses both Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA. Check out Franklin Park Zoo for all sorts of exotic animals, from African lions to Amazonian tree frogs. Looking for things to do in Boston in December? Head to Stone Zoo for their incredible zoo lights at Christmas display—the perfect holiday activity!
Go to a Boston Bruins Game
If you’re an NHL fan or traveling with one, you won’t want to miss a Boston Bruins game. This is one of the best things to do in Boston when it’s cold—embrace the icy weather and stay warm and cozy by cheering on your new favorite NHL team!
Visit a Holiday Market
Looking for things to do in Boston in December? You’ll want to visit a holiday market in that case, just in time for the holidays. Boston is home to many fantastic holiday markets, including:
- SoWa Winter Festival, the largest holiday market in Boston
- Winter Revelry in Seaport, put on by the Boston Design Center
- The Christmas Craft Fair at historic Old South Church
I hope you enjoy your trip to Boston and can add some of these activities to your list! What do you think are the best things to do in Boston, MA in the winter? Leave a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram!
xo Chels
You Might Also Like:
3 thoughts on “Best Things To Do in Boston in the Winter”