Beantown Blitzen: Your Guide to a Cracking Christmas in Boston
Thinking of ditching the egg nog and dodging the Florida shuffle this Christmas? Head to Boston, baby! This historic city transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland come December, offering enough festive cheer to fill even Scrooge's shriveled heart with a bit of holiday magic. But fear not, unlike Scrooge, you won't need a visit from three ghosts to have a rip-roaring Christmas in Boston.
Let's Deck the Halls (and Your Schedule):
Dazzling Displays: Boston is practically dripping in Christmas lights. From the towering spruce in Boston Common (a gift from Nova Scotia, those polite Canadians!), to the twinkling streets of Newbury Street, your eyeballs will be having a sugar rush of festive cheer. Pro Tip: Bundle up and take a stroll through the Boston Public Garden at night. The festive lights reflecting on the frozen lagoon are pure magic.
Holiday Happenings: Boston isn't one to shy away from a good celebration. Catch a carol sing-along at Trinity Church, marvel at the elaborate window displays at Macy's, or cheer on the Bruins at a Christmas Day hockey game (because, let's be honest, nothing says Christmas cheer like a good brawl on ice).
Feasting Like a Pilgrim (with Pie!): Okay, maybe ditch the roasted turkey leg, but Boston offers a delicious smorgasbord of holiday treats. Indulge in a warm, gooey pastry from Tatte Bakery, steam up your insides with a hearty bowl of clam chowder at Quincy Market, or treat yourself to a fancy Christmas Eve dinner at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants. Don't forget to leave room for pie – Boston's got some of the best in the country!
Keeping Warm and Merry:
Glide Like a Gazelle (or a Penguin): Boston offers a number of outdoor ice-skating rinks, perfect for channelling your inner Sonja Henie (or reenacting that hilarious penguin shuffle from Mr. Popper's Penguins). The rink at Frog Pond on Boston Common is a classic, or lace up your skates at the newly opened rink at 401 Park for some harborside gliding.
Hit the History Trail (with a Hot Chocolate Chaser): Boston's steeped in history, and even Santa respects a good bit of knowledge. Duck into the Freedom Trail for a Revolutionary War refresher, or explore the opulent rooms of the Boston Public Library (which, let's be honest, looks like it was built specifically for a Dickensian Christmas carol). Warm up afterwards with a steaming mug of hot chocolate at one of the cozy cafes in Beacon Hill.
How to Make Your Boston Christmas Unforgettable:
FAQ:
How to avoid crowds? Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be busiest, so aim for earlier in the week to mingle with slightly fewer festively-clad folks.
How to prepare for the weather? Boston winters can be chilly, so pack layers and waterproof boots. A good hat, scarf, and pair of mittens are your winter warrior essentials.
How to get around? The MBTA (Boston's public transportation system) is a great way to navigate the city. If you're feeling fancy (or the weather's frightful), hail a cab or ride-share app.
How to find Christmas events? Check out websites like
Boston Holiday Season Time Out Boston How to score the best deals? Many hotels offer special Christmas packages, and some stores have pre-Christmas sales. Do your research and book early to snag the best deals!
So, ditch the beach this December and head to Beantown for a Christmas that's both historic and hysterical. With a little planning and a dash of holiday cheer, you're guaranteed to have a Boston Christmas that's merry and bright!
