9 Things to Do in Boston for the Holidays
Last updated: December 2024
This holiday season, elevate your gift-giving beyond exchanging presents. Let quality time spent with loved ones and unique experiences be your Christmas call to action. With more things to do in Boston in December popping up each year, exploring the city with loved ones in pursuit of special moments might be the perfect recipe for a joyful holiday gathering. Whether celebrating at Encore Boston Harbor or beyond, enjoy these nine things you must do day and night to make it all merry and bright.
Take Up Ice Skating
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.
Visit Christmas Markets
Boston’s version of the iconic Christmas market comes alive at Seaport, AKA Snowport, for the winter. Featuring over 120 vendors, the Holiday Market includes food and beverage options alongside festive Christmas decorations. Curling lane visits from Betty, the Yeti, make the market time extra memorable, along with the stunning Christmas tree and a menorah lighting on Sunday, Dec. 29. Additional Christmas markets include the Newbury Boston Christmas Market and the SoWa Christmas Market.
Tackle Holiday Shopping
Boston’s shopping centers make the holiday gift-buying rush a bit easier. Iconic centers like Prudential Center contain luxury outposts and over 75 stores for present sourcing, such as 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.
Enjoy an Encore Spa Treatment
Take some time to relax in the middle of the holiday madness. Encore Boston Harbor’s spa treatments are a luxurious escape. To truly relax, opt for a Detox treatment with a targeted massage and infused sea buckthorn, sea fennel, lemon, and juniper essential oils. 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.
Indulge in a Christmas Seafood Feast
Encore Boston Harbor’s dining, available seven nights a week, features cuisines ranging from seafood to Italian fare. On Christmas night, a sushi extravaganza awaits at Mystique with $49 all-you-can-eat sushi selections. In the days before and after Christmas, Seamark Seafood & Cocktails joins the seafood extravaganza with artfully prepared seafood and shellfish options. Red 8’s dim sum and wok classics add an Asian flair for flavors to suit every palate.
Attend Church Services Of Choice
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., and the Christmas Day mass begins at 10 a.m. with the Arch Street Band performing. The Central Reform Temple offers online Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremonies starting at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. Additional centers like the Islamic Society of Boston offer weekly prayer events and classes.
Stay in Spacious Accommodations at Encore Boston Harbor
Visiting for the holidays means taking time to enjoy the gift of hospitality. Encore Boston Harbor’s rooms and suites are bliss from corner to corner, with soothing neutrals and plush furniture adorning living and sleeping areas. Choose between Premium Double or King rooms, with a harbor view or overlooking the city. Larger suites welcome multiple guests through sprawling two-bedroom residences with waterfront views. Bookings can also incur offers such as bed and breakfast for two and a $100 dining credit for Rare Steakhouse. Make reservations in advance.
See the Tree at Boston Common
Nothing is more magical than seeing a gigantic Christmas tree all lit up for the holiday season. At Boston Common, see the tree and beautiful displays and take a romantic stroll down Commonwealth Avenue Mall afterward for even more light splendor.
Rule the Boston Ski and Sports Club
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.