10 Things You Must Do in Boston This Christmas

If a winter wonderland is what you’re after, few places in the U.S. can match the charm and beauty of Boston during the Christmas season. The snowy landscape and Victorian architecture have a way of blending together to create a wintertime atmosphere that looks like it was plucked straight from a Charles Dickens novel. We take a look at some of the best things to do in Boston before the snow melts.

View All Trips

Visit the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

One of the best photo opportunities in the city, this gorgeous park situated on the Boston waterfront is lit up by 50,000 blue lights every year from late November. If the cold weather starts to get to you, then make sure to stop in at one of the many bars or restaurants located along the waterfront.

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Visit Quincy Market

One of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, Quincy Market hosts a series of special events during the holiday season. Go in the afternoon for the tree lighting, historical tours, and Blink!, a holiday-themed light and sound show.

Take the kids to the Stone Zoo

Located in the suburb of Stoneham, about a 20-minute drive from Boston, the Stone Zoo has winter exhibits featuring snow leopards, wolves, cougars, jaguars, black bears, and more. The zoo closes at 4:00 pm, so try to get an early start.

Go ice skating at City Hall Plaza

Open until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday (9:00 pm on weeknights), this custom-designed skating path is perfect for couples, families or anyone looking to keep their ice-skating skills from going rusty. Check out the nearby holiday market for food, drinks, and shopping.

Check out the tree lighting in the Common

This huge park in downtown Boston is a perfect destination for couples, families, and anyone looking for some good clean holiday fun. After the snowfall, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the city to take a stroll and sip hot cocoa.

The Boston Commons during the festive season

Get lit on the Holiday Lights Trolley

This BYOB trolley ride takes passengers on a tour of the most impressive lighting displays throughout the city. Did we mention it was BYOB? Find out more about schedules and tickets here.

See the Boston Pops

During the holiday season, the legendary Boston Pops Orchestra becomes the Holiday Pops for a performance complete with the standard Christmas classics and visit from Santa Claus. Find out more about schedules and ticketing here.

Take a walk around Back Bay

Hands down the most enviable neighborhood in Boston, Back Bay only gets more picturesque after the snowfall. For a scenic stroll through the city, start in the Boston Common and make your way to Back Bay and the neighboring Beacon Hill.

See The Nutcracker at the Boston Opera House

The Boston Ballet performs this all-ages classic, ultimate Christmas play every year at one of the best venues in the Northeast. In the weeks before and after Christmas, there is a show almost every night, so finding tickets should not be a problem if your schedule is flexible.

See The Slutcracker

Not quite as family-friendly, this adult interpretation of the above classic features dry-humping clowns, a mischievous aunt, and, of course, the Dildo Prince. The show debuted to a sold-out crowd in Somerville 10 years ago, and it continues to sell out year after year. After you lock in a babysitter, find tickets here.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.