When winter rolls around, some U.S. cities make perfect weekend getaways. Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is definitely one of them! Here are the best things to do in Boston in winter.
If you ask people what is the most iconic Christmas city in the USA, they’ll probably answer New York City. But do they know that only a 4-hour drive away lies Boston, a city just as charming as the big Apple?
Boston is located on the east coast of the USA, Massachusetts. A lot of people visit it on a New York to Maine road trip all-year around! In winter, the City on a Hill really comes alive.
⭐ Here are the 21 best things to do in Boston in winter. ⭐
21 best things to do in Boston in winter
Every city on the east coast of the USA has its own speciality. Georgetown DC is the student city, NYC is the city of a thousand possibilities, and Boston is the most historic city in the country.
Most Boston guides recommend exploring the historical sites first, to better understand how the city works. It is indeed important, but keep in mind Boston is not just about history! It is home to vibrant neighborhoods, parks and waterfront areas for walks, and delicious coastal restaurants.
Try Boston winter activities
1. Ice Skating at Boston Common Park
Price: Free
Best time of the day to visit: at night
Boston common park is America’s oldest public park. Even when it comes to parks, there is a fun history fact in Boston! Strolling there is one of the best things to do in Boston in winter.
At this time of the year, you can even go ice skating in the park, surrounded by trees decorated with Christmas lights! It is usually open every day, from 10 AM to 9 or 10 PM depending on the day, except for Monday when it closes mid-afternoon.
2. Holiday Market at Snowport
Price: Free
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 3 PM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM
Located in Seaport Boulevard, this Christmas market is open from November 8th, through December 29th 2024. You can find endless food options and beverages that will satisfy the whole family!
Aside from the food, this market is the best place for some Christmas shopping. There are plenty of stalls selling handcrafted gifts, as well as curling rinks for some winter fun.
Note there are no ice rinks at the Snowport Holiday Market.
3. Hop on a winter cruise
Price: depends on the boat tour, but adult tickets usually cost from Adult $54 to $68 USD Opening hours: most sunset tours start at 6PM but there are other kinds of tours at different hours of the day
Hop on a harbor cruise to see Boston from the water, with scenic views of the city sparkling lights at night. It’ll get you in the holiday spirit in an eye blink!
From the comfort of the warm interior of the boat, you can admire the view over the city, sometimes even at sunset, while sipping hot chocolate.
Some boats even have live bands playing Christmas songs.
4. Enjoy the Holiday Lights at Blink!
Price: free Opening hours: light performances start at 4:30 PM and run every half hour until 9 PM from Monday to Saturday or 7 PM on Sundays
Discover the incredible light show at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which runs throughout the festive season. It’s also home to one of the biggest Christmas trees you’ll ever see.
A great opportunity to bring kids Christmas shopping at Quincy Market, right next door, after the lights show.
5. Attend a Boston Celtics Game
Price: $26 to $3,000 USD Game starting times: 5 PM, 6 PM or 7:30 PM
Watch the local basketball team in action at the TD Garden during their home games. It’s the best place if you want to meet locals during your visit to Boston.
6. Warm Up with hot chocolate at Tatte Bakery
Price: depends on your order Opening hours: 7 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, 8 AM to 7 PM on Sundays
Last but one least, one cool winter activity in Boston is definitely a stop at Tatte Bakery. First, you can find one everywhere in Boston so head to the nearest one. Than, their pastries are delicious, just like their hot chocolates.
Discover the historic Boston at Boston National Historical Park
Boston has been an important city during the American Revolution. You can learn more of its history at the Boston National Historical Park, five historical sites completely free of charge!
7. The Bunker Hill Monument
Price: Free
Winter opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM
The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot granite obelisk that commemorates an important fight between British soldiers and colonial forces back in the 18th century. This battle had a profound effect on the American Revolution, and the monument is an important symbol of the soldiers’ bravery at the time.
Today, visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of Boston and its surrounding areas.
8. Bunker Hill Museum
Price: Free Winter opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 1 PM to 4:30 PM
At the base of the monument, you’ll find the Bunker Hill Museum, which provides a deeper look at the battle and its impact on the war through artifacts, maps and exhibits. It’s a must-see stop for anyone interested in the rich military history of the United States.
9. USS Constitution Warship
Price: Free Winter opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM
It is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. And by that, we mean it was launched two centuries ago, in 1797. At the time, and especially during the War of 1812 against Brittany, this ship was very important for the American military.
Visitors can tour the ship and explore its decks, just like if they were sailors two hundreds years ago. It’s a really fun and immersive experience, for any age!
10. Faneuil Hall
Price: Free Winter opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM
We know there are so many things to do in Boston in winter, but you just cannot say you’ve properly visited the city if you haven’t been to this iconic hall!
Faneuil Hall became an important marketplace and meeting hall for political and colonial leaders in the 18th century. Many of the political decisions leading to the American Revolution were made within these great walls.
You can walk through this area and learn more about American history. Then, head to the marketplace area, for some shopping or dining.
11. Dorchester Heights
🚨The site is under restoration work and will reopen in March 2026. When it will reopen, it will stay free to visit.
Last but not least, Dorchester Heights is a park with a tower monument on it. While walking in the park, you can read signs explaining the impact of this place and how it changed the course of the American Revolution.
It’s also located on a hill so it offers a nice view of the city of Boston!
Enjoy fun Boston indoor activities
12. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
Price: $27 per adult, $10 per children from 7 to 17, free under 6 years old Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM to 10 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, and closed on Tuesdays
Spend time exploring one of the largest art museums in the country, featuring works from all over the world. The Museum of Fine Arts exhibits several hundred thousand works of art, so whatever your artistic preference, you’re sure to be won over!
13. Explore the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Price: $22 per adult, free for children, special discounts for students and seniors Opening hours: 11 AM to 5 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 11 AM to 9 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, closed on Tuesdays
Another museum yes, but not any museum! The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is unique. Why, you must ask… Well, because of the incredible building housing the collection!
This Venetian-style palace looks as stunning in real life than it looks in pictures. Founded in 1903, it has been completely rebuilt around a splendid indoor garden. Its collection of American and European art is equally impressive.
14. Old State House
Price: adults = $15 / children = $8
Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
The Old State House was built in 1713, and is located on the Freedom Trail of Boston. It is one of the most important public buildings of the city that still remains.
It served as the headquarters of the colonial government, but was also the place where the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time.
It’s now a museum and you can tour it to learn more about Boston and American history.
15. Take a Tour of the Harvard University Campus
Price: free Opening hours: anytime
You’ve always heard of the iconic Harvard University in TV shows and dreamt of visiting it? Well, it’s your time to stroll around Harvard Square and the iconic campus in nearby Cambridge.
It is especially peaceful in the winter, so you’ll feel very immersed in the campus. You can even go on a free student-led public walking tour through the famous university and find out more about its history.
There are also Viator tours if you want to book a spot in advance.
16. Boston Public Library
Price: Free
Opening hours: 9 AM to 8 PM
The Boston Public Library is the first large free municipal library in the United States. We strongly recommend heading there, just to have a look at its stunning architecture inside.
People study under high ceilings with large arches. The whole building is a work of art.
Explore Boston’s neighborhoods, buildings and parks
17. Theater District
Price: walking in the neighborhood is free, shows are not
Best time of the day to visit: at night
The Theater District is a very animated district with more than a dozen theaters and all kinds of shows, from Broadway productions, to musicals, plays and concerts.
Among them, we can name the renowned Wang Theatre, also known as the Boch Center, whose famous shows include the Lion King, Hamilton and Les Misérables. Then, for kids shows or emotional musicals, we recommend the Boston Opera House, where you can witness Frozen, Aladdin or Dear Evan Hansen.
18. Walk along the Harborwalk
Price: Free
Best time of the day to visit: at sunset
One of Boston’s finest assets is undoubtedly its waterfront. You can stroll for hours along the Boston Harborwalk, which covers most of Boston’s coastline! This walk offers scenic views of the skyline and ocean.
19. City Hall Plaza
Price: Free Best time of the day to visit: anytime of the day
The architecture of this place is very unique and stands out. Through the years, it held very different events such as rallies or incredible music events. Yes, we’re talking about the festival Boston Calling!
Right next to it, there is a beautiful indoor market: Quincy market. In this market you can find all types of food (smoothies, seafood, pizza…).
20. Hanover Street
Price: Free
Best time of the day to visit: at daylight
Hanover Street is a perfect representation of Boston… It’s both cool and historical. Cool, because it has plenty of restaurants, cafes and cool buildings to see. Historical, because its function, name and population have changed many times.
It may be a tourist hotspot today, but Hanover Street is also one of Boston’s oldest streets. Originally used as a Native American access route to the harbour, it was renamed Orange Tree Lane, the House of Hanover and, with the arrival of Italian immigrants, became ‘Little Italy’, with its many restaurants.
21. Historic Freedom Trail
Price: Free Best time of the day to visit: at daylight
This 2,5 miles trail will take you through 16 significant historical sites around Boston. Most of them had a big impact on the American Revolution. It’s therefore a good walk to immerse yourself in America’s History, with a big H.
Some of the highlights of this trail include Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church. The trail is marked with a red line, making it easy for visitors to follow.
Things to do in Boston in winter: FAQ
Where to stay in Boston?
While Boston is not as famous for its high-floor rooms, unlike the hotels of New York City, its accommodation offer has nothing to envy the Big Apple. Here are the best hotels for a Boston winter gateaway.
The Boston Yacht Haven is simply a dream. It’s centrally located and right on the ocean, which you can see from your bed! Everything about this place is spacious, from the terrace to the exposed beams in the bedroom.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9,7/10 based on these reviews
The Godfrey Hotel Boston is a classic when visiting the city. Located in the theater district, it offers perfect rooms, an onsite restaurant and even a fitness room.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,9/10 based on these reviews
Why should I go to Boston in winter?
Visiting Boston in winter is the perfect city gateway, without the overwhelming big city feeling. There’s just as much to do there as in summer, but without the big crowds!
What is the weather like in Boston in winter?
Winter temperatures in Boston average 26° to 50°F (-3° to 11°C) between November and February. Winters in Beantown can be snowy, rainy and even icy at times, but there’s nothing to stop visitors exploring inside when it’s too cold outside.
What is the coldest month in Boston?
January is the coldest month in Boston with an average temperature of 26° to °40F (-3°C to 4°C) outside. Dress warmly and let’s get on with the day!
Does Boston get a lot of snow?
Since Boston’s temperature gets below freezing quite often in winter, it does get quite a lot of snow. Boston’s annual average snowfall total is 140cm (56 inches).
How to get to Boston?
Depending on where you come from, you can either get to Boston by air, land or boat. Boston Logan International Airport is especially well located. It’s only 10 minutes away from downtown Boston, which is very rare for an airport.
If you are visiting from New York City, it’s a 4-hour drive. On your way from one big city to another, we recommend visiting all the hidden gems of Upstate New York.
And if you’re on holiday in Cape Cod, you can reach Boston by high-speed ferry!
What food should I try while in Boston?
There are two foods you should try while visiting Boston in winter to keep you warm. First, it’s the clam chowder, a cream soup of clams! Then, you have to eat local lobster rolls, a delicious lobster sandwich with mayonnaise.
Things to do in Boston in Winter: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Boston offers an exceptional winter experience for travelers seeking history, culture, and seasonal activities. The winter months provide a quieter atmosphere, ideal to explore this iconic American city.
After visiting Boston, you should definitely head to New York City for a once-in-lifetime trip! Some of the highlights are the highest towers of NYC, and the fascinating DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View.
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