Boston’s ice skating offerings combine premium indoor rinks with classic outdoor venues. A popular choice in the outdoor category is the Boston Common Frog Pond, which offers lessons and special events. Indoor rinks bring the same joy to the experience. For a spectator vantage point, the Warrior Ice Arena lets guests watch the Boston Bruins practice when their schedule allows. For even more practice, the Skating Club of Boston offers memberships, parties, and even performances for fans of this winter pastime.

This classic performance captures the hearts of millions each year around the holidays, and several art centers around Boston offer their own annual renditions. The Boston Ballet starts its winter programming for The Nutcracker on November 28, continuing well through Christmas, to showcase New England’s best talent on the stage. Enjoy performances at the Citizens Bank Opera House, straight from the creative talent of artistic director Mikko Nissinen, for a rousing collection of dances through Clara’s journey with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome prince, all set in enchanting scenes to delight viewers of all ages.

Nothing captures the holidays better than a festive forest of trees. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society presents the 17th annual Festival of Trees in Wellesley, MA, for another season of lights and beauty. This display series lives at the gorgeous expanse of The Garden at Elm Bank, one of the epicenters of garden diversity in Boston. Alongside the foliage, check out Snow Village train tracks to witness adorable winter scenes in miniature snowy landscapes. Raffle tickets allow visitors to enter for a chance to win a tree, while families and children can enjoy fire pits with hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting. Tickets for timed entry are on sale now.

The holiday season doesn’t forget about sports action, and Boston’s very own Fenway Park is hosting an event to keep the merriment going into the new year. The Wasabi Fenway Bowl kicks off on December 27, brought to Boston by ESPN, with two collegiate teams from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) going head to head for one of the hallmark games of the 2025 season. This marks the fourth year of the Bowl, sponsored by Wasabi Technologies. Check back for ticket information for the 2:15 p.m. game.

Take a trip outside the city limits to hit fresh powder and make memories on the slopes. Several premium ski and snowboard spots await outside Boston proper with the Boston Ski and Sports Club. Single and multi-day trips to legendary slopes and resorts await winter sports fanatics, and the transportation is superb heading into nature. Packages include weekend excursions to Sugarloaf, Smuggler’s Notch, and others across Maine and Vermont. Make reservations online, and don’t forget to look into ski racing for more extreme sports options.

This is the best time of year to indulge, so take a break from the holiday madness and relax. Encore Boston Harbor’s spa treatments are a luxurious escape, with custom options available to tackle any ailment. To truly relax, opt for a Therapeutic massage for targeted relief, using a blend of frankincense, sweet birch, and helichrysum to soothe muscles and joints. Add-ons such as Himalayan or volcanic hot stones enhance the indulgence. This treatment is available on select holidays. As a bonus, take home an Elemis detox body brush available for massage package buyers and other select products for purchase in The Spa and Salon.

Need to spend time shopping for friends and family this December? Don’t wait until Black Friday to explore deals on those perfect presents. Boston’s shopping centers make the holiday gift-buying rush a bit easier. Iconic centers like Prudential Center feature luxury outposts and over 75 stores for present sourcing, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Canada Goose, Artizia, and others. In that same vein, commercial centers like Copley Place offer extended hours for holiday shopping as the season approaches.

No matter the denomination, Boston’s religious centers are ready to participate in community holiday celebrations. Midnight mass at St. Anthony’s Shrine ends a day of Christmas Eve ceremonies, with vigil masses starting at 4 and 5:30 p.m. as well as midnight, and the Christmas Day mass begins at 10 a.m. with the Arch Street Band performing. The Central Reform Temple offers online Hanukkah candlelighting ceremonies starting at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. Additional centers, such as the Islamic Society of Boston, offer weekly prayer services and classes.

Encore Boston Harbor’s dining features cuisine ranging from seafood to Italian fare. On Christmas day, a gorgeous prime rib dinner awaits at Rare Steakhouse, complete with horseradish-whipped potatoes and roasted carrots, perfect for pairing with a bottle of red wine and holiday cheer. In the days before and after Christmas, Seamark Seafood & Cocktails joins the seafood extravaganza with artfully prepared dishes of seafood and shellfish. Red 8’s dim sum and wok classics add an Asian flair for flavors to suit every palate.