Boston gets a bit of a bad reputation in the winter, but I’m here to clear the air. In fact, I love Boston in the winter season. Sure, the weather isn’t quite as perfect as it is in the summer and fall seasons. And yes, it does get pretty cold and windy. But it’s also one of the coziest city escapes to take in the colder months, offering perfect opportunity to take in the city’s incredible museums, restaurants, and indoor activities.
I’ve spent plenty of time in Boston during the winter — from quick weekend getaways to longer stays in the city while visiting doctors (don’t worry, I’m totally fine!). Over the years, I’ve done the research, tried the seasonal activities, and explored the city from every cozy corner, all so I can share exactly what Boston is like in the winter, the most fun things to do, and how to plan the perfect cold-weather getaway.
With that, let’s get started!
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Is Boston Worth Visiting In The Winter?
I absolutely think it’s worth visiting in the winter. That said, it’s also not for everyone, and it will depend on what your expectations are. I love winter in Boston because it’s such a walkable city, which makes it very cozy, and filled with so many indoor activities to check out. Rates at hotels are usually the lowest they’ll be all season, which means you can usually book a nice hotel stay for a lot less money, and you’ll also find winter lights in the parks, ice skating, igloo dining, and so much more to embrace New England winters.
The reason Boston may not be for everyone is simply because of the weather. I’ll go into more detail below, but in general, it ranges from mild and sunny, to very cold and blustery. It’s often pretty slushy on the roads, and, well … cold. But, all the more reason to book a nice hotel stay and enjoy all the city’s indoor activities, right?
What Is Boston Winter Weather Actually Like?
It really does vary. There was a time I was staying in Boston in early February for about 4-5 days, and I experienced both a snowfall of 3-4 inches, and bright and sunny weather that melted all the snow. You can see it in the photos above, which were taken in the same spot less than 24 hours apart.
Generally, expect it to be cold and windy at minimum, as Boston is one of the windiest cities in the U.S. because of it’s coastal location along the Atlantic. At best, you’ll have mild, sunny weather which makes being outdoors pleasant. At worse, you could experience frigid temperatures with high winds, which makes walking around outside a challenge. Sometimes, you also get freezing rain, which I think is the worst weather, honestly.
Global warming has also affected New England’s winters quite a bit in recent years, which has made more dramatic shifts in temperatures more common throughout the cold months. Basically, this means there’s a lot of inconsistency in winter weather in the last several years, with more variations between sunny and mild, and cold and snowy.
How Much Snow Does Boston Get In The Winter?
Since 2020, Boston’s snowfall has averaged about 30 inches of snow each winter season, with an average of 10-13 days of significant snowfall (more than 1 inch). So, you can see that Boston doesn’t get as much snow as you may think.
Personally, I love it when it snows in Boston because the cobblestone streets and such look so beautiful covered in snow – especially if it’s a light and fluffy snowfall. But it doesn’t happen all winter long.
Fun Things To Do In Boston In The Winter
For the purposes of this article, I’ll be focusing on winter activities starting in January, since that’s what I think most of your are searching for when looking up Boston in the winter. So, you won’t find any holiday-specific things here.
1. Cozy Up With Afternoon Tea
I’m not a coffee person, but tea is definitely my jam. And there are some amazing places to book a cozy afternoon tea experience in the city, which is the perfect way to warm up indoors mid-day.
One of my favorites is Afternoon Tea at the Boston Public Library’s courtyard tea room. It’s definitely a little pricey, but worth it for a little winter “treat yourself” excursion. I especially love their Cozy Copley tea, which is Earl Grey blended with milk and vanilla. It’s not a super wintery tea, but gosh, it’s so good that I can’t help but order it every time I go now.
Other places around the city that do a lovely afternoon tea are Silver Dove, Beacon Hill Books & Café, The Langham Hotel, Raffles Hotel, and the Boston Harbor Hotel.
2. Find Your Favorite Hot Chocolates Around The City
As much as I love tea in the winter, I do love the occasional hot chocolate on an especially cold afternoon, and there’s no shortage of options all over the city. Most coffee shops will serve up a nice hot cocoa, but one place that makes a really good, artisanal one is Cacao in the South End.
They have a few different hot chocolate drinks to choose from, and the inside is beautiful space to hang out while you sip on your drink. You can even grab a counter seat to watch the busy streets outside.
Another great option is the hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick in Back Bay. This quaint little shop will pop up again later in this post, but their hot chocolate is truly wonderful. The inside is also very cozy.
3. Ice Skating At Frog Pond Is A Winter Must
One of the most popular things to do in the city during the colder months is ice skating at Frog Pond, which is always a lot of fun. Located in Boston Common, the outdoor rink is aglow with twinkle lights at nighttime, but also open during the day, making it fun to visit at any time.
While ice skating, you’ll enjoy park views backdropped by the city’s classic architecture along Beacon Street, making it a quintessential experience.
At the rink, you’ll have access to skate rentals if you don’t have your own, as well as food at the Frog Pond Café, which has a basic menu of sandwiches, burgers, fries, and ice cream.
Pro Tip: There is a fee to skate on Frog Pond, even if you have your own skates, so plan accordingly.
4. Winter Fest At Hood Park
Come January, most of the holiday events in Boston are over, but Winter Fest at Hood Park typically runs on weekends until late January. Located in the Charlestown neighborhood, Winter Fest is free to enter, and has some really cool things to check out.
Inside, you’ll find festive light displays, an ice castle, ice skating, beer and wine gardens, a little village market, and food. Plus, you’ll find plenty of festive decorations that feel wintery, making it a nice pick-me-up if you get those post-holiday blues.
While it probably doesn’t feel exactly like a European Christmas market, it’s still a great option when visiting the city in December and January to really embrace all the winter vibes.
Click here for the Winter Fest calendar to confirm hours before your visit.
5. Go Curling At Snowport
Snowport is another big holiday destination in the city that mostly closes down once Christmas comes and goes. However, they do keep their curling lanes open through the end of February, and these are a cool way to get outdoors in the winter season.
Snowport is located in the Seaport neighborhood, and the iceless curling lanes are a fun way to get acquainted with the sport. The best part? It’s completely free, and you can even book a lesson during your visit to get some expert tips.
Pro Tip: While curling is free, keep in mind that reservations are recommended. The easiest way to make reservations is by downloading the Seaport Insider App (and if you happen to be visiting in December, you’ll want this app anyway to help you navigate all of Snowport’s attractions).
6. Enjoy A Show: Boston Ballet, Concerts, Stand-Up & Broadway
One of my favorite things to do during winter visits to the city is take in a show, and there are so many options to choose from. Whether it’s a comedy show at the Wang Theater, the Boston Ballet at the Opera House, or a unique performance at the Paramount Theater, I’m sure you can find something you’ll love during your visit.
One in particular that’s especially perfect for the winter season is the Concerts By Candlelight series, which is in cities all over the U.S., including Boston. The stage is filled with the glow of candlelight, and each performance has a theme, ranging from Taylor Swift music to Hans Zimmer tributes.
Most of the Candlelight performances are strings, but they also sometimes feature piano or vocalists – it really just depends on which performance you choose.
Click here for the Boston Concerts by Candlelight schedule.
7. Tour The City’s Awesome Museums
The winter season is the perfect time to dive into Boston’s incredible museums, and much like live performances, you have quite a few of these to choose from.
My personal favorite museum in the city is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which feels more like an immersive art experience than an actual museum. Housed in a Venetian-style palazzo, the museum showcases over 7,500 works spanning centuries and continents, and is also a fusion of art, architecture, and horticulture, as the museum is centered around a seasonal courtyard garden.
This museum was also the home to the largest art heist in the world, which was such a sad day for the city of Boston. There’s a documentary you can stream at night in your hotel during your winter visit all about the heist, which is a great watch (I actually watched it myself during a winter trip to Boston!).
Some more fantastic museums to check out in the city are:
Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum (see the next suggestion below on why this one is extra cool!)
Harvard Museum of Natural History – Technically in Cambridge, but very worth it!
8. Warm Up With Tea At Abigail’s Tea Room
Named after Abigail Adams, John Adams’ wife, this lovely spot is located at the Tea Party & Ships Museum, but you don’t have to visit the museum to go to the tea room.
The tea room is a cozy little spot tucked away along the waterfront, and they offer a very inexpensive tasting of all five teas that were famously thrown over during the tea party. Refills are also unlimited, and you can sit at a table overlooking the water while you enjoy. It’s all very casual, and you’ll pay at the counter before entering the room, and the rest is all self-serve.
There’s also some food and snacks at the counter, so you could fuel up for the rest of your day here, too.
The tea room is also steps from where the famous tea party was, so it almost feels like an immersive experience while there, and a great spot to warm up, and reflect on history. Or, just simply enjoy the tea! I find myself going here a lot more in the winter when I need a break from the cold weather.
9. Take In Sweeping Views Of The City From The Prudential Center
View Boston is the observation deck at the top of the Prudential Center, and offers really beautiful views of the city from above. The entire floor is indoors, which means you can enjoy it while staying warm, too. However, if the weather isn’t too bad, there’s an outdoor deck just one floor below.
→ Click here to get your View Boston tickets
To maximize your time at View Boston, you can also book a table at one of the on-site restaurants for a drink or a meal. I haven’t done this yet, so I can’t speak to how the drinks and food are, but you definitely won’t be able to beat that view!
Before leaving, be sure to check out the giant model of the city, which is set to a cool light show. You can’t miss it as you exit, but it’s worth lingering for a little while to enjoy the show. It surprised me how fun this was on my first-ever visit.
10. Embrace Valentine’s Day At Lovestruck Books
Lovestruck is a bookstore dedicated to the romance genre, and leading up to February, this is such a cool spot to visit if you love reading the romance genre. I mean, honestly, it’s a fun spot year-round, but February is extra special here for obvious reasons.
Not only do they have an expertly-curated selection of books, but inside, you’ll also find a coffee and wine bar, which features a romance-inspired wine list. They also serve small bites and dessert, which is such a perfect way to devour your latest book purchase.
11. Get The Famous Mice & Penguin Chocolates From L.A. Burdick
I mentioned their hot chocolate earlier in the post, but one of my favorite things to get here is their cute little chocolate mice and penguins. The penguins are especially cute for the winter season, and with Valentine’s Day being a big part of winter, these also make great gifts.
While the mice aren’t exactly winter-specific, I always think of The Nutcracker when I see them – which is in the winter season – so, you get it, right?
Anyway, not only are these adorable, they’re also delicious. L.A. Burdick’s founder studied confectionery in Switzerland, and then began making and selling his own hand-crafted, luxurious creations in 1970s. So, definitely add this one to your list. They sell all kinds of things here, too, so if the mice and penguins aren’t your thing, you’re guaranteed to find something that it (hint: I also love their chocolate cake!).
12. Enjoy A Unique Winter Dining Experience: Igloos, Aprés Ski
There are some fun places around the city that do covered, outdoor dining throughout the winter. The most popular spot are the igloos and iceboxes at the Envoy hotel’s rooftop, which not only brings all the cozy winter vibes, but also the views.
The Yotel in Boston also transforms their rooftop in the winter season to an Aprés Ski theme, complete with heating systems to stay warm, chili flights, and amazing views of the city skyline.
13. Stand Inside A Globe At The Mapparium
Located inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the Mapparium is a unique experience to have in Boston, and perfect to visit in the winter months when it’s cold outside.
The Mapparium is a unique, three-story stained-glass globe that offers an immersive, walk-through experience – making it feel like you’re actually inside a globe. It was designed to represent the world as it appeared at the time it was constructed, which was the 1930’s, and it also creates interesting acoustic effects, like whispers traveling across the globe.
There are no photos allowed inside the Mapparium, so keep that in mind when you visit.
14. Warm Up Inside The New England Aquarium
From Mapparium to Aquarium – the New England Aquarium is a fun place to visit year-round, but is an especially fun indoor winter activity to escape the cold. Inside, you’ll find a large penguin exhibit, jellyfish, seals, a giant Pacific octopus, and a lot more.
The Aquarium sits along the waterfront, too, so if it’s nice outside, you can easily walk along the harbor before or after your visit.
15. It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere – Enjoy Winter Cocktails!
Winter is such a great season to appreciate a well-done mixed drink because you can sit and linger inside where it’s nice and cozy, and take your time. There are some fantastic places for seasonal craft cocktails around the city, and quite a few of them have awesome speakeasy vibes for a pre or post-dinner drink.
Here are some cocktail bars to check out in the winter:
Liberty Bar at the Liberty Hotel: The hotel is a former jail, and maintains little glimpses of its history while still being effortlessly cool. Their bar is a great spot with amazing cocktails. In the winter, their Gingerbread Man cocktail is perfect.
Extra Dirty Cocktail Club: Great seasonal cocktail menu with the best speakeasy vibes.
Yvonne’s: A classic dinner recommendation in the city for a more upscale night out, but their bar is absolutely gorgeous, and their cocktails are just as good.
16. Book A Table At One Of Boston’s Iconic Restaurants
During summer and fall, getting reservations at top dining spots in Boston can be tricky, but in the winter, it’s much easier since it’s not a high tourist season. This is a great time to hit up all the classics in the city that are otherwise hard to get into. While you’ll still want to make reservations when applicable, especially on weekends, getting your preferred date and time won’t be as big of a challenge.
Some iconic restaurants to check out in Boston are:
Union Oyster House: One of the most popular, classic seafood spots in the city that’s worth at least one visit in your life. It’s got an old-world feel to it, and the food is great. Reservations are still recommended, especially during peak times, but they do reserve some tables for walk-ins.
Neptune Oyster: This is another very popular seafood place in the city that gets lines around the block in the summer and fall. It’s still popular in the winter, but the lines are not as long. They don’t take reservations, which means you do still have to wait for a table.
Parker House Restaurant: Located in the Omni Parker House Hotel, this place is famous for inventing the Boston cream pie and Parker House dinner rolls. The Boston cream pie is still on their menu, and they sell their dinner rolls to-go.
Yvonne’s: I know I already mentioned this one in the cocktails section, but it deserves a spot here, too. This restaurant has become famous in Boston for being one of the most beautiful dining experiences where the food and drinks live up to the expectations set when you’re seated at your table.
Carmelina’s: Located in the North End, which is famous for having the best Italian restaurants in the city, Carmelina’s is one you don’t want to skip. It’s a quintessential Boston experience with incredible food and a homey atmosphere.
17. Take In Winter Views Of The Public Gardens
The Public Gardens are always tops on my list when I visit the city, despite the fact that I’ve seen them countless times in my many visits.
And they’re especially beautiful after a dusting of snow (if you’re lucky enough to experience that during your trip!). They also keep the holiday lights on near the lagoon footbridge, so going at blue hour or nighttime feels extra special.
Since the Public Gardens are a central location in downtown Boston, chances are you’ll walk through them at some point on your trip, especially if you’re heading to the Beacon Hill neighborhood, or shopping on Newbury Street.
18. Enjoy A Trolley Tour Around The City
Stay warm inside a trolley while learning all about the city! The hop-on, hop-off trolleys are a great way for first-timers to get to know the city, without having to walk in the cold.
It makes 13 notable stops, including the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Beacon Hill, and the Cheers bar, so you’ll definitely get to see the best of the city on your tour. And since it’s hop-on, hop-off, you can go at your own pace.
→ Click here to check out the Boston trolley
Outdoor Things To Do If The Weather Is Nice
If you happen to have mild weather during your winter getaway, here are some great things to check out in Boston, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
19. Tour The Freedom Trail
The top attraction in the city is definitely the Freedom Trail, and even if you’re not a history buff, it’s really such a great experience because it winds through most of the city.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that stops at 16 historically significant places along the way, starting at the Boston Common, and ending in the Charlestown neighborhood. Some of the top places to see along the way include the Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, and the Paul Revere House.
A great way to do the Freedom Trail is with a guided tour, and I recommend this small group tour. Led by a local expert, it’s the easiest way to do the Freedom Trail, allowing someone else to guide you along the way, and share all the best pieces of information and stories at each stop.
→ Click here to check out this small-group Freedom Trail walking tour
However, if you’d prefer to fly solo, this audio tour is a great option, and includes GPS – so it’s like having a guide without the group aspect of it.
→ Click here to check out the GPS audio tour of the Freedom Trail
20. Walk The Charles River Esplanade
This is another one of my personal favorites year-round. This path follows the Charles River, and is about 3 miles long, offering beautiful views of the water and city. On a mild winter day, I love to head out for a walk here just to get my body moving.
Before heading out in the winter, you’ll want to check the wind forecast for the day, as it’ll be a little more windy along the path because if its coastal location. The cold wind could make the walk not as enjoyable if gusts are expected to be pretty strong. But on a mild day – it’s such a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
21. Enjoy City Skyline Views From Fan Pier Park In Seaport
The Harbor Walk is another one of my favorite places for a stroll in the city – even in the winter. And Fan Pier Park is a great spot to enjoy when the weather is cooperating.
Located in Seaport, this spot offers the perfect backdrop of the city’s skyline without going across the river to Cambridge, and it’s also easy to get to when doing the Harbor Walk.
22. Stroll Around Beacon Hill – The City’s Most Charming Neighborhood
No stop to Boston is complete without a stroll through Beacon Hill. This is where you’ll find the famous Acorn Street (which is one of the most photographed streets in the U.S.), charming shops along Charles Street, and generally very idyllic scenery.
Whenever it snows in the city, I love to walk through the Public Gardens over to Beacon Hill to see the cobblestone streets and brownstone staircases covered in snow. This neighborhood is just beautiful year-round – including winter.
Where To Stay For A Winter Visit To Boston
Since winter is the off-season in Boston, you can usually find the best rates at hotels this time of the year – meaning it’s a great season to splurge on a nicer hotel because it’ll probably have the cheapest rates it’ll have all year. However, here are some of my recommendations in various budgets:
Fairmont Copley Plaza: One of the more expensive hotels in the city can often be found at discounted rates in the winter. It’s also a great location, and walkable to shopping and dining, the Public Gardens, Prudential Center, and Beacon Hill.
Boston Harbor Hotel: Also one of the most expensive places to stay in the city, with discounted rates in the winter. They also have facilities like dining and a spa on-site, and the location along the waterfront allows you to walk to the North End and the Aquarium.
The Godfrey: This is one of my go-to hotels in the city that’s always reasonably-priced, especially in the winter. Located in the theater district, it’s perfect if you want to attend a show during your stay, and you’re only a couple blocks from the Boston Common, and walkable to the Public Gardens, shopping and dining, and Beacon Hill.
Winter In Boston: Answering Your Questions
Is Boston Walkable In The Winter?
Very! In fact, Boston is often rated as one of the top 3 most walkable major cities in the U.S. It’s a very compact city, and the top attractions and such are usually within 1.5 at most of each other.Even when the weather sucks, you’ll find many locals walking to most destinations around the city.
Best Way To Get Around Boston
Besides walking, the T, which is their subway/train system, is pretty easy to navigate. They do sell visitor passes, called CharlieTickets, in 1 and 7 day increments. Click here for more information on these.
What To Wear In Boston In The Winter?
My biggest tip in terms of packing for the winter in Boston is to check the forecast a few days before your trip to get a better idea of what the weather will be like. If it’s sunny and mild, you’ll want to leave a giant winter parka and snow boots at home. However, if it’s planned to be very cold, those two things will be necessary.
The next most important thing is outerwear and footwear, which will be determined by the weather. I mostly wear these Sorel Out-N-About ankle boots during my Boston winter trips, which keep my feet dry and warm, without being super bulky. I usually also pack flat, chunky Chelsea-type boots for going out to dinner, like these.
Additionally, I rely completely on merino wool socks for any New England trip in the winter, as these can really make or break how comfortable you are, even in the warmest winter boots. It took me a while to jump on the merino wool train, but now that I have, I wish I had come aboard sooner. Merino wool socks really do keep your feel so comfortable and dry, which is important in the winter to keep your feet from overheating and getting sweaty (which can actually make them colder).
I really like the Darn Tough merino wool socks because they’re made right in New England (in Vermont!), and are incredible quality – and you can find them right on Amazon for fast delivery before your trip.
For outerwear, you’ll definitely want at least one coat that is waterproof, as rain and snow are likely in Boston this time of the year. So whether you need a big parka to stay warm, or just a regular rain jacket you can wear over sweaters and such, it will depend on the exact weather you’re expecting. In general, you’re very likely to need a heavy winter coat that’s waterproof.
I also recommend hats, gloves, and scarves, especially because it’s very windy this time of the year, which feels even colder by the water.
Lastly, Boston is pretty casual, and you don’t often see people super dressed up. Unless you’re planning a more upscale evening out with dinner and show, you won’t need fancy clothes. I mostly wear jeans and sweaters when I visit in the winter.
That’s A Wrap On Visiting Boston In The Winter!
And there you have it! All my top suggestions and tips for visiting Boston in the winter! I really do think it’s such an underrated time to visit, as long as you don’t have a problem embracing the weather. And it’s such a great destination for a cozy escape with lots of great food, charming scenery, and tons of options for museums and shows. Happy planning!
