Warm Up to Boston This Winter

Here in Boston, we embrace all four seasons. And with so much happening this winter, we bet you'll love Boston's colder months as much as we do! Whether you're warming up at one of the city's indoor experiences or embracing the wonder of the outdoors, there's no better place to winter than Boston.

Here's the ultimate winter bucket list to make the most out of your season and fight those winter blues:

 

Warm Up at One of Boston’s Best Activity Bars and Experiences 

Whether you're looking for a new way to experience Boston's food and drink scene or you just need a way to warm up in the winter, Boston's best activity bars and experiences are the perfect way. Imagine yourself on a sunny golf course at Five Iron Golf, hit a bullseye at Flight Club, grab your favorite draft and catch a feature film at Alamo Drafthouse, or immerse yourself in a virtual world at Key to Amaze. 

The fun isn't limited to Boston! Experience the same energy outside the city as you take the track at K1 Speed in Wilmington, uncover clues and mysteries at The Escape Game at Dedham's Legacy Plaza, or swing into the first-ever TopGolf location in Massachusetts in Canton.  

 

Explore the Best of Boston’s Museum Exhibits 

Boston is filled with a unique array of history and art museums that are home to some of the world's most famous and beautiful exhibits. This winter, these museums will host some of the most talked about pop-up exhibits of the year. 

Check out the Museum of Fine Arts, which is known for having one of the world's most extensive art collections and will be hosting several new and exciting exhibits this winter that are sure to pique everyone's interest. Or, explore the personal collection of arguably one of the most fascinating women in Boston's history at the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum while warming up in the museum's garden oasis. Make sure to check out our event calendar so you don't miss out on late-night parties, lecture series, holiday experiences, and even free admission days.  

For a more interactive experience this winter, discover a world of wonder at Boston's WNDR Museum Downtown or watch sparks and stars fly at the Museum of Science. There is something for everyone's artistic and curious side here in Boston!

 

Enjoy ‘Hands-on’ Experiences 

Winter is the ideal time to stay inside and find or perfect a craft or hobby, and with Boston's wide array of local businesses, there are so many hands-on experiences to choose from. Grab your friends and head to Boston's South End to make your own candles at Sky Candle's Candle Bar, or head to Newbury Street and make your own custom perfume at Olafactory. While you're in the South End neighborhood, join Clay Lounge for a pottery class or head to Cambridge to take a glassblowing and flameworking class at the North Cambridge Glass School.  

If you're looking for a unique date night, we recommend taking a cooking class at Self Up, a wine course at Commonwealth Wine School, or a charcuterie board workshop with Boards by Mo.  

Looking for something to sweeten up your season? Take a cake decorating class with The Sugar Connection, or head to the area's historic Taza Chocolate Factory for a factory tour, class, or tasting. 

 

Outdoor Adventures in a Winter Wonderland 

There are so many ways to experience our picturesque winter wonderland. Order a hot chocolate from L.A. Burdick's and walk down Newbury Street to the iconic Frog Pond, where you can go ice skating in the heart of downtown Boston. Or, stroll one of the area's parks, like the Charles River Esplanade, Arnold Arboretum, or Mount Auburn Cemetery, for a peaceful, wintery escape from the hustle of urban life. 

With so many outdoor art and light installations popping up in areas like the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Downtown Crossing, Newbury Street, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, a winter stroll is a must.

Looking for the perfect day trip? Drive a bit beyond Boston and visit some of New England's best ski and snowboard mountains, or explore one of the area's best beaches, which are just as beautiful even when it's cold.

 

Find Your Academic Side 

Boston is well known for its academic institutions and history, and this season is the perfect time to immerse yourself in some of Boston's hidden gems and to find your academic side. 

Head to one of Boston's most unique bookstores, such as Brattle Bookshop and Commonwealth Books. Or, visit the Boston Athenaeum, a library, museum, and cultural center that is arguably one of the most unique and awe-inspiring landmarks in Boston and is home to over half a million books, including published works from the 1800s, the latest best-sellers, and approximately 100,000 rare books.

Chances are, you probably already had visiting the Boston Public Library on your winter itinerary, but did you know you could dine there as well? Book a reservation for high tea at the Courtyard Restaurant and enjoy their delightful selection of afternoon teas and a food menu with classics like cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon, tea scones and French macarons. If you consider yourself more of a night owl, head to the Map Room Lounge for a specialty craft cocktail and savory bites and enjoy an unforgettable late-night experience.  

 

Have a Night at the Theater 

The city's inventory of historic and iconic theaters is unmatched, and there is no better time to experience them than winter. Get dressed up, grab your friends or date, and score tickets to a Broadway show, the Boston Ballet, or another theatrical performance.  

 

Warm up with Cozy Dining 

Winter is the perfect time to find a table at one of the city's cozy bars and restaurants. We recommend a build-your-own bloody at Bostonia Public House, a classic Italian dinner at Grotto, jazz brunch at The Beehive, or a cocktail with a view at The Street Bar at The Newbury Hotel.  

It is also the perfect time to explore Boston's Chinatown neighborhood, filled with events, decorations, and festivities for the Lunar New Year. Head to this neighborhood and warm up with Hotpot at Q Restaurant, or Dim Sum at Hei La Moon or Winsor Dim Sum Cafe. Want to learn more about the country's third-largest Chinatown and all the hidden gems within? Then check out Boston Chinatown Tours to explore secret nooks, neighborhood favorites, and, of course, delicious bites. 

 

Enjoy a Concert at Symphony Hall 

There is no better age-old tradition than seeing the Boston Symphony Orchestra performing at Symphony Hall. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is the largest orchestral organization in the world and has delighted and inspired audiences year-round since 1881. With special guests, themed nights, and concerts on most Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday evenings, winter is the perfect time to journey to this historic location and immerse yourself in Boston's cultural scene.  

Looking for classical music with a more modern flare? Then check out the Candlelight Concert series, hosting themed musical performances featuring local performers at unique sites throughout Boston. 

 

View Boston from the Top 

Take in Boston's winter wonder from the 'top' of the Prudential Center. View Boston is a 360-observation deck offering breathtaking views from above the heart of Boston. If the astonishing views weren't enough, visitors also have the chance to find places they want to visit and mark them down to create a personalized itinerary for their time in Boston. Don't forget to stop by Stratus and The Beacon on your way out for an elevated dining and cocktail experience. 

 

Explore Unique Dining Experiences 

Who said dining outdoors was just for the summertime? Enjoy dinner and drinks from a rooftop igloo at the Lookout at Envoy Hotel, or book a yurt for you and your friends at Bowery Bar in Dorchester. 

 

Go Thrift and Vintage Shopping 

Have a New Year's resolution to spend less and shop smarter? Or are you looking to fill your home aesthetic with treasures and unique pieces? Then head to one of Boston's best thrift, vintage, or antique stores!

Stroll down the streets of Boston's Beacon Hill and head to Upstairs Downstairs Home, Blessing Barn, or Elegant Findings to discover something unique. After that, venture to Cambridge for over four floors of hidden treasures at the Cambridge Antique Market or stroll the SoWa Vintage Market in the South End for that perfect gift. 

Head to Allston and check out Vivant Vintage, South Boston for Covet, Jamaica Plain for Boomerangs, or Cambridge's iconic Garment District for a multi-story retail clothing experience. We also recommend heading to Somerville's Bow Market and checking out Blue Bandana Relics for curated vintage menswear, industrial antiques, and Americana vibes. 

 

Heat Up at the TD Garden 

Boston is known as one of the best sports cities in the world, and this winter season is one of our strongest. Head to Boston's West End neighborhood and visit TD Garden to cheer on the Boston Celtics on the court and the Boston Bruins on the ice – and feel the arena heat up.