10 Of The Best Christmas Things To Do In Boston

So, why not consider heading to the capital of Massachusetts itself? Although Boston is often seen as the lesser city compared to its New York neighbour, it’s a fantastic choice for a Christmas holiday.

With fewer crowds, just as much culture, and bags of things to do, what’s not to love?

Here, we’ve found 10 of the best Christmas things to do in Boston on your festive holiday.

Marvel at the lights

Like any other city, Boston really comes alive during the Christmas period, with every corner bedecked in glittering festive lights, brightening the dark winter nights.

Take a stroll through the streets to see some of the best lights and glowing Christmas trees, with the Columbus Park Trellis and Boston Common Tree being stand-out choices to see.

Alternatively, head to Faneuil Marketplace to watch the Blink! Light Show, which runs through to 1st January every hour from 4:30pm to 9:30pm, and is completely free!

This post by the Boston Discovery Guide has a round-up of all the light shows and trees on offer in Boston this Christmas period.

Catch a show

Whilst Boston might not have the same reputation for theatre as its New York neighbour, there are plenty of festive shows to watch during a trip to the New England capital.

Boston Ballet will be performing their annual show of The Nutcracker, whilst Disney on Ice is the perfect choice for those travelling with little ones in tow.

And, for the music lovers, the Boston Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert should not be missed!

Take a holiday cruise

Boston’s harbour is a must-see, and what better way to see it than on a cruise around its waters?

With lots of different operators running daily cruises from the harbour, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss this chance.

With historical sightseeing tours, whale watching tours, festive tours and more, you’re guaranteed to find one to your taste, whatever you’re after!

Go ice-skating

Ice-skating is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and Boston has plenty of rinks on offer for you to try.

The Boston Frog Pond is the biggest and best ice-rink on offer, located at the heart of Boston Common. With public sessions, ice-skating shows, ice-skating lessons, a cafe, and the wide expanse of the common to explore, it’s the perfect way to indulge in some fun this Christmas.

For a less crowded experience, the skating path around City Hall Plaza is a good choice, which can be accompanied by a spot of browsing around the Winter Holiday Market, a Swiss-style chalet market.

Head to the slopes

Whilst this isn’t technically in the city itself, Massachusetts is home to some exceptional skiing and is a must-do for any avid skiers on a trip to the city.

With resorts from as little as 45 minutes away from the centre of Boston, you can be cutting up the slopes in no time, and still be back for dinner!

Indulge in some retail therapy

Boston is home to some great shopping in the heart of the city, whatever you’re looking for!

For a slice of luxury, head to Back Bay for two upmarket shopping malls, and be sure to check out the designers along Newbury Street if you’re looking for some trendy new wares.

For a more local vibe, Faneuil Hall is the place to be and is wonderfully decked out in festive cheer during the Christmas period! It houses national brands, artisan stores, local products, and lots of history to boot, meaning you can get a sense of the real Boston and support some great local businesses too.

For a more detailed guide to shopping in Boston, check out this post.

Satisfy your appetite

After a busy day doing all manner of festive things, you’ll no doubt need to grab a bite to eat to recuperate! And, luckily for you, Boston is home to a huge variety of eateries that specialise in lots of different cuisines.

From a taste of Asia and delicious seafood to American-Canadian cuisine and desserts galore, there’s something for everyone in the city. And, for the culturally-minded, there are lots of historic pubs to visit as well.

But, whatever you do, be sure to grab yourself a slice of Boston Cream Pie!

Visit the Enchanted Village

This attraction is around 30 minutes out of the city, but is well worth the travel if you can! The New England tradition has been around since the 1960s, when a Bavarian toy maker was hired to create 28 Christmas scenes featuring 250 animated figures, which then went on display in Downtown Boston.

Today’s version is smaller and has been restored after a difficult history, but still features 59 mechanical figurines and 18 vignettes, and is a wonderful festive attraction.

For more information, check out this post.

Cheer on the Santas

One of the more unusual Christmas activities, but a fun one none the less, is to cheer on the participants of the Santa Speedo Run!

This is exactly what it says on the tin: hundreds of runners dressed in Santa’s hats and speedos, raising money for charity by darting through the streets of Boston. It’s definitely a unique sight to behold and is one not to miss if you’re in the area!

Do some sightseeing

Finally, Boston is home to some wonderful culture and sightseeing is a must when visiting the city.

From the Freedom Trail to the many museums on offer, you can learn the rich history of one of the oldest cities in the US and its pivotal role in the American Revolution. And, with lots of museums on offer and even an aquarium, there’s plenty to keep you occupied!

This guide by Planet Ware has a round-up of the best tourist attractions in the city.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to Boston this Christmas for a fantastic New England holiday. And, for some great deals, check out our flights to Boston here.