Is Boston worth visiting in December?

Yes, if you like the holidays and dress for the cold. December brings the Boston Common tree lighting, Frog Pond skating, Holiday Pops, The Nutcracker, the Tea Party reenactment on December 16 and First Night on New Year's Eve.

When is the Boston Common tree lighting?

In 2026 it is Thursday, December 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Boston Common near 139 Tremont Street. It is free, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall lights follow at about 8:15 p.m.

Can you go whale watching from Boston in December?

No. The New England Aquarium whale watch from Central Wharf runs from May through November. In December, visit the aquarium itself instead.

Is the Blink! light show still at Faneuil Hall?

It has not been confirmed in recent seasons. Blink! was canceled in 2020 and 2021, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace's recent holiday events center on its tree lighting. Check the marketplace's events page before you plan around it.

Where can you ice skate in Boston in December?

On the Frog Pond on Boston Common, open from mid-November into March for a fee, and at Boston Harbor Now's Winter on the Waterfront rinks, including The Tall Ship and the Steriti Memorial Rink in the North End.

How cold is Boston in December?

At Logan Airport the average December high is 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 29, with about 9 inches of snow in a normal December, based on NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals.

When is the Boston Tea Party reenactment?

Every December 16 at Old South Meeting House, where Revolutionary Spaces restages the meeting that preceded the Tea Party in 1773. Check its website for tickets.

Is First Night Boston free?

Yes. First Night, Boston's New Year's Eve celebration since 1976, is free and open to all, with recent editions running from City Hall Plaza to Boston Common.

What are the best things to do in Boston on the water?

Take the ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands, go whale watching from Central Wharf, kayak on the Charles River, ride a Boston Duck Tour or the Swan Boats, or cross the harbor on the MBTA Charlestown ferry.

What is the cheapest boat ride in Boston?

The MBTA Charlestown ferry between Long Wharf and the Charlestown Navy Yard. It runs year-round and costs $2.40, the same as a subway ride.

When can you go whale watching in Boston?

From May through November. The New England Aquarium whale watch leaves Central Wharf daily in season, and trips last three to four hours.

Where can I kayak in Boston?

Community Boating on the Charles River Esplanade rents kayaks and paddleboards to visitors from April 1 to October 31 for $40 a person for two hours, walk-up only.

When do the Boston Harbor Islands ferries run?

From mid-May to mid-October. In 2026 the last day of the season is October 12. Ferries leave from Long Wharf North.

Can you visit Boston Light?

Not on foot. Little Brewster Island, where Boston Light stands, is closed to the public. The Harbor Islands park runs lighthouse cruises in summer that view it from the water.

Can you rent a sailboat in Boston?

Yes, if you already know how to sail. Community Boating rents four-person keelboats to non-members 18 and over for $99 for two hours, after a short check by the dockmaster.

What is there to do on Boston Harbor in winter?

Ride the year-round Charlestown ferry, walk the Harborwalk, visit the New England Aquarium or have a drink by a fire pit at Rooftop at The Envoy. Whale watches, island ferries and boat rentals are seasonal.

Is June a good time to visit Boston?

Yes. Average highs are about 76°F, boats and ferries are running, and June has free events such as the Pride parade, the Bunker Hill parade and Juneteenth at Franklin Park. Book hotels early for event weekends.

What is the weather like in Boston in June?

NOAA normals for Logan Airport give an average June high of 76.2°F and low of 60.2°F. Evenings on the water can feel cool.

What events are in Boston in June?

In 2026 they included the Boston Pride for the People parade on June 6, the Bunker Hill Day parade in Charlestown on June 14 and the free Juneteenth celebration at Franklin Park on June 20. Dates change each year.

Are the Swan Boats open in June?

Yes. They run daily from mid-April to early September, weather permitting. In 2026 hours were 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until June 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 21, and adult rides cost $4.75.

Do the Celtics play in Boston in June?

Only in a deep playoff run. The NBA regular season ends in April, so June games at TD Garden happen only if the Celtics reach the later playoff rounds.

Can I see a Red Sox game in June?

Usually yes. June is mid-season, with home games at Fenway Park most weeks. Ballpark tours also run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between April and October.

Is whale watching good in June?

June is within the New England Aquarium whale watch season, which runs from May through November from Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank.

Where are outdoor concerts in Boston in June?

Leader Bank Pavilion, a tented waterfront venue at 290 Northern Avenue in the Seaport, books touring acts from May through September.

What are some adventurous things to do in Boston?

Kayak or paddleboard the Charles River, climb at Central Rock Gym or Rock Spot, ride the Codzilla thrill boat from Long Wharf, take the ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands, or bike the Emerald Necklace on a guided tour.

Where can I rent a kayak in Boston?

Community Boating on the Charles River Esplanade rents kayaks and paddleboards for $40 a person for the day, and Paddle Boston rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at 1071 Soldiers Field Road in Allston-Brighton.

Can you kayak on the Charles River in October?

Yes. Community Boating lists 2026 rental hours through October 31, from 1 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends until 30 minutes before sunset.

What can you see kayaking on the Charles River?

From the Esplanade you see Back Bay, Beacon Hill, MIT on the Cambridge bank and the Zakim and Longfellow Bridges. From Allston-Brighton you paddle downstream toward Boston University, MIT and the skyline.

Is there indoor rock climbing in Boston?

Yes. Central Rock Gym has Boston gyms by North Station and in the Fenway, and Rock Spot Climbing is in South Boston. All three sell day passes.

When do the Boston Harbor Islands ferries run?

Public ferries run from May to October. The 2026 season ends October 12, with boats from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island in about 30 minutes and to Georges Island in about 45.

Are there helicopter tours of Boston?

We found no helicopter tour operator flying from inside the City of Boston. For a view from above, View Boston has an open-air deck on the 51st floor of the Prudential Tower.

What events are in Boston in August?

Saint Anthony's Feast in the North End on the last weekend of August, free Shakespeare on Boston Common into early August, free Landmarks Orchestra concerts at the Hatch Shell, Red Sox home games and the Sunday SoWa Open Market.

When is Saint Anthony's Feast in 2027?

The 108th Saint Anthony's Feast is scheduled for August 26 to 29, 2027, in the North End, ending with a 10-hour Grand Procession on the Sunday.

Is Fan Expo Boston in August?

Not anymore. The next Fan Expo Boston is scheduled for December 3 to 5, 2027, at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center.

Is Shakespeare on the Common free?

Yes. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's Free Shakespeare on the Common at the Parkman Bandstand is free. The 2026 production ran from July 22 to August 9.

Can you swim at the Boston Harbor Islands?

Spectacle Island has a swimming beach with an accessible beach mat and a beach wheelchair on request. Ferries from Long Wharf run from May to mid-October.

Are the Boston Harbor Islands ferries running in August?

Yes. August is in the ferry season, which runs from May to mid-October. Spectacle Island is about 30 minutes from Long Wharf and Georges Island about 45.

Is the SoWa Open Market open in August?

Yes. It runs every Sunday from May to mid-November, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 500 Harrison Avenue in the South End, and entry is free.

When is Labor Day weekend in 2027?

Labor Day is Monday, September 6, 2027, so the long weekend runs from Saturday, September 4, to Monday, September 6.

Do the Swan Boats run on Labor Day?

In 2026 they did: the season ran from April 18 to Labor Day, September 7. The boats run from mid-April to early September and stop in rain, high wind or extreme heat.

Are Boston museums open on Labor Day?

Yes. The Museum of Fine Arts does not list Labor Day among its closures and opens 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, and the Gardner Museum opens 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays.

Is the Massachusetts State House open on Labor Day?

No. The State House and its free tours are closed on weekends and holidays, so it is closed for the whole long weekend.

Do the Harbor Islands ferries run after Labor Day?

Yes, on a reduced fall schedule. In 2026 the summer schedule ended on Labor Day and fall ferries ran until October 12.

Is Boston busy on Labor Day weekend?

It can be. Most Boston leases turn over at the start of September, so moving vans and temporary parking restrictions add to holiday traffic. Use the T where you can.

Is SoWa Open Market open on Labor Day weekend?

Yes, on the Sunday. The market runs every Sunday from May to mid-November, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and entry is free.

Is Boston worth visiting in winter?

Yes, if you plan around indoor anchors. Museums, TD Garden games, Fenway Park tours and the Frog Pond rink all run in winter, while harbor cruises, island ferries and the Swan Boats close until spring.

What is there to do in Boston in winter?

Skate the Frog Pond on Boston Common, spend afternoons at the MFA, the Gardner or the Museum of Science, catch a Celtics or Bruins game, tour Fenway Park, and plan around First Night, Dine Out Boston and the Boston Wine and Food Festival.

How cold does Boston get in winter?

January is the coldest month, with an average high of 37 degrees F and low of 23 degrees F at Logan Airport. A normal winter brings about 47 inches of snow from December to March.

When is the Frog Pond open for skating?

From mid-November into March, weather permitting. The Skating Club of Boston runs it and charges for admission and skate rental.

When is Dine Out Boston in 2027?

The winter edition runs February 20 to March 7, 2027, with set-price lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants.

Can you go whale watching in Boston in winter?

No. The New England Aquarium whale watch runs from May through November. In winter, visit the aquarium itself, which is open daily.

Showing 10 - 18 of 28 Results

Boston Blog - Page 2

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 05/08/2025

Things to Do in Boston in December: Tree Lightings, Skating, Shows and Markets

Photo: David Herszenson via Google The best things to do in Boston in December are the city's official tree lighting... View More

Category Seasons and Events

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 04/13/2025

Things to Do in Boston on the Water: Ferries, Whale Watches, Paddling and Sailing

Photo: Anitha Kapu via Google The best things to do in Boston on the water are a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands... View More

Category Boston Questions

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 03/09/2025

Things to Do in Boston in June: Events, Boats and Long Evenings

Photo: Sheraz Choudhary via Google June is one of the easiest months to visit Boston: average highs at Logan Airport... View More

Category Seasons and Events

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 11/13/2024

Boston Adventures: Adventurous Things to Do in the City

Photo: Scott Harrington via Google The most adventurous things to do in Boston happen on the water and on the... View More

Category Boston Questions

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 09/24/2024

Things to Do in Boston in August: Feasts, Free Shows and Island Days

Photo: Laura Michalski via Google August is the month for Boston's outdoor calendar: ferries to the Boston Harbor... View More

Category Seasons and Events

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 08/15/2024

Labor Day Weekend in Boston: What's Open, What's Ending and a 3-Day Plan

Photo: Geoff Duncanson via Google Labor Day weekend is Boston's last weekend of summer, and the best things to... View More

Category Seasons and Events

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 06/21/2024

Things to Do in Boston in Winter: A December-to-March Planner

Photo: Steven Garcia Gonzalez via Google The best things to do in Boston in winter are skating on the Frog Pond... View More

Category Seasons and Events

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 04/11/2024

Things to Do in Boston in October: Regatta, Foliage and Last Boats

Photo: santosh chaudhary via Google The biggest things to do in Boston in October 2026 are the Head of the Charles... View More

Category Seasons and Events

By Michael Gonzales

Posted 03/22/2024

Things to Do in Boston, MA: A First Visit, Neighborhood by Neighborhood

Photo: Robert McKay Jones via Google The essential things to do in Boston, Massachusetts on a first visit are... View More

Category Boston Questions

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