December is a busy and stressful time of year for many. With finals and big holidays taking up a lot of mental energy, it can be very beneficial to get out and have fun. Whether it be engaging with the arts or treating yourself to some shopping, there are many fun winter activities in Boston to enjoy.
“One of my favorite things to do in Boston around this time of year is going ice skating at the Frog Pond at Boston Common,” said senior Kace Pharris. “Getting back onto the ice after a year is exhilarating; I always have a great time flexing the muscle of a skill that isn’t used often.”
Boston dwellers wait all year for the reemergence of Snowport, a large market in the Seaport area. The neighborhood is transformed into a holiday-themed wonderland each winter — guests can learn to curl, search for Snowport’s yeti mascot, or stroll through an ice sculpture display.
The main attraction is the winter market, which runs until Dec. 29. Starting Dec. 9, the market will be open daily at 11 a.m. The area is decked out with festive decor and over 100 vendors to shop from. Guests can peruse homemade jewelry, apparel, art, stationary, gourmet sweets and more. There is also a map available online that displays which business are owned by Black, Asian, Latinx, Indigenous, female and queer vendors.
The food is also a great reason to go. The cheese wheel pasta makes for a great Instagram video — guests are served a rich and delicious bowl of linguine pasta that’s been tossed inside a cheese wheel, served fresh and steaming hot. Other vendors offer soup, hot apple cider, dumplings, s’mores and much more.
For those looking for good food outside of Snowport, graduate student Tom Carroll has recommendations for local warm comfort food. “Two of my favorites this time of year are Pho Pasteur in Chinatown — because who doesn’t like hot soup on a cold day? — and South Street Diner, which is a short walk from South Station. It’s open all night and has lots of comfort food that I enjoy in the colder months,” he said.
If the New England winter is too cold for you, Boston also offers some indoor winter activities. Since 2012, the Boston Ballet has offered a yearly performance of “The Nutcracker,” a classic story that has seen many adaptations through the years. With over 350 costumes and intricately-designed set pieces, the performance is the largest that the company has to offer. Tchaikovsky’s music is performed alongside the dancing by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, led by Mischa Santora.
“The Nutcracker” runs until Dec. 29 at Citizens Bank Opera House. Most days have both an afternoon and evening performance. The company also offers a shortened, sensory-friendly experience with the ability to exit and re-enter, less intense lighting and sound, audio-description listening and ASL interpreters. Tickets to all performances are available on the Boston Ballet website.
Boston has no shortage of winter events for any audience and interest. “There’s always something festive going on,” Carroll said. “The entire city is a huge party. You’ll be in good company.”
