Some of the most iconic photographs of Boston feature autumnal scenes, but visitors should also know that winter in Boston is pure magic. From cozy indoor activities to electrifying outdoor adventures, opportunities for exploration and fun abound! Read on for ideas you won’t want to miss on your next winter visit to Boston!
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Tips for a Boston Winter
This is likely no surprise, but winter in Boston can get pretty cold! Come prepared with a heavy winter coat, a good hat and boots, and plenty of layers. Always best to be over-prepared than under!
Winter in Boston
Admire the Winter Cityscape aglow in Lights
One of the most spectacular ways to experience Boston in the winter is to get outdoors. It may be chilly, but step outside to admire the lights all around, and you will be entranced.
Stroll through Downtown and the Back Bay
All through winter, much of downtown Boston is twinkling. Lights adorn trees, lamp posts, and buildings, making evening walks even more inviting. Take a stroll on the Boston Common, where trees are lit up in a host of different colors. Cross over into the Public Garden, where the illuminated bridge and trees are absolutely romantic. Walking along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, adjacent to the Public Garden, you’ll be surrounded by sparkling lights that will inspire a sense of magic and wonder in you.
Ice Skating
In the winter in Boston, is there a better way to spend time outside than ice skate? With numerous public, low-entry fee outdoor ice rinks, there are ample opportunities to admire the city on skates, whether you can nail a double-axel or you’re holding the sides of the rink closely. The Frog Pond on Boston Common offers daily skating with views of the Massachusetts State House and brick-lined Beacon Hill.
Snowport, a winter village featuring an ice rink in the Seaport neighborhood, is a trendy spot to shred some ice. Visitors can even reserve a curling lane! If you’re in Cambridge (directly across the Charles River from Boston), try out the under-the-radar Skate @ Canal District Kendall, where you’ll be gliding across ice in the city’s innovation district. No need to pack skates for your trip – rentals are available at all of these locations.
ZooLights at the Stone Zoo
If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss ZooLights at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, a northern suburb of Boston. An evening trip is doubly delightful! Not only will you get to see the animals that make this space spectacular (some highlights are lions, flamingos, and Arctic foxes), but the lights will put you in festive spirits. If you don’t have access to a car but want to immerse yourself in the world of animals, visit the Franklin Park Zoo, located in Boston.
Keep cozy on a Hot Chocolate Crawl!
It’s no secret that it can get pretty cold during the winter in Boston. Averages temperatures in January through March range from the 20s to the 40s (Fahrenheit), though it can get even colder. So put your puffy coat on and get ready to check out some (or maybe all of) Boston’s best hot chocolate havens!
Thinking Cup (Back Bay, Downtown, North End)
A Boston staple, Thinking Cup serves delectable French hot chocolate. This liquid chocolate is so richland creamy that you’ll want to savor every sip slowly in Thinking Cup’s cozy digs. With three locations – Back Bay, Downtown, and the North End – you have no excuse not to stop by and have sip!
Cacao, Jamaica Plain
This neighborhood favorite is steeped in positivity an d intoxicatingly good scents. Their Dulche de Leche hot chocolate is creamy and dreamy on a chilly day! If, like many Bostonians, you enjoy an icy treat even on the frostiest of days, try the iced mocha at Cacao during your next winter trip to Boston!
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates, Downtown Boston and Harvard Square
This stylish yet down-to-earth spot has carefully crafted specialty hot chocolates across the taste spectrum. Your palette will be pleased with any of the artisanal goods you encounter at L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates!
Gates Commes des Filles, Somerville
This authentic French chocolate shop (it’s name translates to “spoiled like girls”) is located in Somerville’s hip Bow Market. The signature hot chocolate at Gates Commes des Filles is crafted with incomparable homemade whipped cream. With an owner who studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris, you know the drinks will be tres bien!
Brothers & Sisters, Brookline Village
An amazing array of seasonal lattes and other hot beverages (try the mulled cider or honey pumpkin latte!) await you at this local gem! Located immediately west of Boston, Brothers & Sisters Coffeehouse and Cafe is a community-driven small business with endless charm. Other great coffee shops in Boston can be found on this list.
Consume Boston’s Rich History & Culture
From the cozy comfort of a museum or the refreshing briskness of the Freedom Trail, there is tons to see and learn all around Boston at wintertime. Beantown has a rich history that draws visitors year-round, but one more perk of visiting in the winter is that there are far fewer visitors, so you will face smaller crowds and wait times.
Walk the Freedom Trail
Covering 2.5 miles of terrain and marked in inlaid bricks, the Freedom Trail is a walking path connecting 16 sites of historic importance in Boston. Beginning at the Boston Common downtown and winding all the way to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, you’ll enjoy it whether you’re a complete history buff or fun facts are more your thing. Stop in at a visitor center at Boston National Historical Park at Faneuil Hall or the Charlestown Navy Yard for programs on the 17th-19th centuries and information about the area.
Also near the start of the Freedom Trail is the Boston African American National Historic site, where you can learn about the abolitionists of Beacon Hill and the ways people of color shaped Boston.
Old Town Trolley Tours
If you want to see everything without trekking around town, winter bus tours are an excellent option. Old Town Trolley operates 90-minute guided tours most Thursdays through Sundays in the winter months. Visitors will see and learn the significance of Boston’s most famous sites all from the comfort of an enclosed trolley. Gotta stay warm during a Boston winter!
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, situated in the Fenway neighborhood, offers an unparalleled museum experience. The lush courtyard is a popular photo spot that will instantly transport you to the world of the museum’s eponymous founder. Take a tour with a docent or explore on your own and be swept away by the worldly collections and uniquely designed rooms.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
There are always community concerts offered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, so be sure to check out what’s coming up on the BSO calendar during your winter in Boston trip.
Boston Public Library
Book lovers and design aficionados will swoon over the beauty of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. Art and Architecture Tours, led daily, are an excellent break from the chill outside and offer a chance to learn about an institution central to Boston’s past and present. From the enchanting Bates Hall reading room to the iconic lions outside the entrance to the courtyard at its heart (not to mention the thousands upon thousands of books), you will be enchanted by the Boston Public Library.
The Museum of Science
With 130,000 square feet of exhibit and gallery space, the Museum of Science offers hours of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Among its permanent exhibits are real dinosaur fossils, New England habitats, an interactive Hall of Human Life, and Nanotechnology. Plus, new exhibits rotate through several times a year,, so there’s always something exciting happening.
Get a Taste of Boston’s Contemporary Curiosities
Amongst Boston’s modern-day treasures, there’s something for everyone. From shows to shopping, and from chocolate to crafts, make sure you carve out time to partake in the city’s contemporary offerings.
Taza Chocolate Factory, Somerville
Take a tour of the Taza Chocolate Factory – no golden ticket required! You will satiate your sweet tooth and learn something new at this Somerville spot. On a tour, you’ll learn about the chocolate-making process and have the possibility of seeing it get made. And yes, there are samples, complete with chocolate guides who will let you know what you’re tasting. This is a sweet idea for a Boston winter date!
Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
A local favorite, the Coolidge Corner Theatre has been around for nearly 100 years. Today, this nonprofit cinema features everything from cult cinema to big screen classics. Its art deco appearance and community-driven spirit make it a true treasure. It’s the perfect place to go for an evening activity or an extra cold or rainy winter day in Boston.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, Central Square
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese sandwiches are melt-in-your-mouth amazing. These delectable melts contain so much more than cheese and bread. Try “The Allston” for a savory sweet treat or the “Green Muenster Melt” for a smoky bacon-filled dream dinner. Don’t just grab some tasty grub though. Head into the back room and you’ll step into the A4cade, an arcade and bar complete with everything from PacMan to pinball.
The Garment District, Kendall Square
For the funkiest finds around, head to this “alternative department store.” Part costume shop, part thrift shop, and part new clothing store, this place is a whole lot of fun. No matter your style, you can spend hours trying clothes and costumes on at this fun Cambridge shop.
SoWa Open Market
Every Sunday, Bostonians and visitors flock to the South End neighborhood to visit the SoWa Open Market. Here, you’ll encounter an engaging shopping experience, featuring local artists, plus food and beverage vendors. Whether you’re looking for holiday gifts or for a treat for yourself, shopping at SoWa supports local artists and has countless unique treasures, and the SoWa Winter Festival is the perfect winter in Boston activity!
G20 Spa, Exeter St
For the perfect cold weather activity in Boston, head indoors to warm up and pamper yourself (and your date, perhaps?) at G20 Spa, one of the top spas in Boston. There are all the traditional spa treatments plus some interesting extras like an Experience Room for aromatherapy-infused steam sessions, Flotation Pod, Salt Cave, Fireside Lounge, and so much more. A couples day at the spa could be the perfect romantic thing to do on a Boston winter’s day!
Catch views of the Boston skyline in wintry wonder
No matter where you are in Boston, you’ll get amazing views from the vantage point of a rooftop. Restaurants (including vegetarian ones), bars, and other venues offer indoor and outdoor spaces where you can admire the city in its winter finest! While shorter days can sometimes be a bummer, your spirits will be lifted when you catch the sunset and all the angles of “the Hub” from one of these spots.
Lookout Rooftop & Outlook Kitchen at the Envoy Hotel
Views and cocktails from Lookout Rooftop are superb. Pair the panoramic views of Boston Harbor from the indoor lounge or outdoor heated igloos with one of the unique craft cocktails, and the only chill thing will be the vibe!
Dorchester Brewing Company
On an industrial stretch of road in Boston’s biggest neighborhood, Dorchester Brewing Company is unassuming at first. But take a look up and you’ll notice its expansive roof deck and greenhouse-style rooftop beer hall, dubbed the “Hopservatory.” Order a house- or locally-brewed beer, wine, and cider on tap and admire skyline views of Boston from the south. Also featured on the main level of DBC are a game room and a barbecue joint, where you’ll find a menu that meets most dietary needs and desires. This is another great date spot for a fun Boston winter date night!
Daedalus
Situated on the outskirts of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Daedalus will delight your senses all around. Although the rooftop is just one story above ground, the backdrop of Harvard’s stately campus combined with gentle lighting and intentional greenery will lift your spirits into a mellow ambiance. The casual restaurant features interesting New American cuisine plus a bar on each level. It also has heated dining pods bestowed with twinkling lights, so no matter the weather, you’ll be comfortable.
Coit Observatory at Boston University
Okay, so you’ll be looking a *bit* above the skyline when you visit the Coit Observatory – up at the stars, to be specific. This observatory at Boston University hosts Public Open Nights every Wednesday evening from 7:30 – 8:30 in the winter. Depending upon the night and the weather, you’ll have a chance to learn about and view stars, constellations, planets, the moon, and astronomical occurrences, and take a look at them through a telescope. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. This is a dreamy Boston winter date night idea!
Book a Room Somewhere Cozy
The Liberty Hotel
The Liberty Hotel is a unique boutique hotel that makes the perfect spot to stay in Boston during your next winter trip because it’s easily walkable to lots of great Boston things to do. It’s also a site with some pretty neat history, as it was once the historic Charles Street Jail; this is one of the coolest places to stay in Boston in winter and beyond!
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The Verb Hotel
If you’re into funky, retro homage boutique hotel experiences, The Verb Hotel has you covered. This hip place to stay in Boston features rock and roll memorabilia everywhere you turn and is quite literally just steps to Fenway Park!
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The Fairmount Copley
If you’re planning a romantic winter getaway in Boston, consider booking a room at The Fairmount Copley! This gorgeous luxury hotel is the perfect place to shack up with your sweetheart on those cold winter Boston nights.
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Whatever you end up doing and wherever you end up staying during your winter trip to Boston, stay warm and have a good time!
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Mallory grew up in Connecticut, and after some time living in Ireland, Montana, and Virginia, she felt called back home to New England. She lives in Boston and writes about the intersection of urban living, outdoor adventure, and enjoying the simple things at SimpliCity Outside. Her favorite New England adventures involve hiking, finding ice cream shops, and exploring small towns.