Happy Winter and Happy Holidays! Here are some of the best free winter activities going on in Boston.
The first four events you can do anytime, all winter long, and the last few events are happening on certain days and times (there is a calendar of these events at the end of the article).
1. Faneuil Hall Tree
Visit Faneuil Hall to see the biggest Christmas tree in the Northeast! A Light and Sound Show (Blink!) happens every night from November 20 to January 1 at 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM. But this isn't the only tree that is beautifully decorated... the smaller trees throughout the marketplace also dance and glow throughout the night. Visit the Christmas in Boston store for some more holiday happiness and cheer (my personal favorite)!
2. Museum of Fine Arts
Get inside and warm up! The Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful museum that has almost 500,000 works of art, creating a very comprehensive collection. Best yet? The museum is free for college students!
Here are the MFA's hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 10 AM- 5 PM
Wednesday - Friday: 10 AM - 10 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM- 5 PM
3. Boston Public Market
This is an indoor market located in the North End. Get your holiday meals, flower arrangements, or my personal favorite, apple cider donuts-- or just look around! It is a beautiful place with a wonderful atmosphere.
Here are the hours:
Monday - Saturday: 8 AM- 8 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 8PM
4. Arnold Arboretum
I wrote an article about the Arnold Arboretum last week, but it is absolutely worth mentioning again. It is a 281 acre- wide arboretum full of trees, plants, and nature. I visited again last weekend, so here are some more pictures of this beautiful place. I can't get enough of this arboretum! Also, if you are a dog lover, the arboretum is a very popular place for dog walkers that, for the most part, don't mind you playing with their pups!
5. Haymarket Farmer's Market
This farmer's market is an outdoor market, very close to the Boston Public Market. You can walk around and just take in the exciting atmosphere, full of vendors trying to publicize the best price and the freshest food. Or, buy some fresh fruits, veggies, fish, or flowers. I highly recommend visiting this wonderful place! The market is opened every Friday and Saturday from dawn to dusk.
I really loved the flowers :)
6. Boston Common Tree Lighting
The Christmas tree from Nova Scotia will be beautifully lit on Thursday, December 1. Sponsors from Dunkin’ Donuts, DAVIDsTEA, Polar Beverages, H.P. Hood LLC, among others, will be providing free refreshments.
Ice Show at Frog Pond: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Lighting Festivities: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
See it Live on Chronicle from 7pm-8pm
Here is the Facebook link to the event for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/events/208826186211748/
7. SoWa Winter Festival
This festival will feature over 100 artisans and food vendors to create a huge winter shopping event. Admission is free! The festival will be from December 2 - December 4.
The event is at 460 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118. Here is the link to the Facebook event for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/events/111430522667418/
8. mfaNOW Overnight: Last Call
On Saturday, December 10, from 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM, there will be food trucks, live music and DJs, lectures, artist demonstrations, performance art, and more. You can come anytime, and stay as long as you would like! Again, this event is free! Bring money for food, though :) I attended an mfaNOW Overnight event a few weeks ago and it was such a fun a night. I would definitely recommend stopping by for a few hours, or for the night!
Here is a link to more information:
http://www.mfa.org/programs/special-event/mfanow-overnight-december
And here is your calendar of events for the scheduled activities:
Happy adventuring!
