Fun Winter Activities in the Boston Area

With the holiday season in full swing and winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about fun ways to enjoy the season with your friends and family.  Here’s a roundup of some activities in the Boston area – a few are even holiday-themed!

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, these activities may be right up your alley:

The Jimmy Fund Snow Challenge – Westford, MA

Are winter sports your thing? Are you and your friends a little competitive? Well, grab your skis or snowboard and race to Nashoba Valley Ski Area for the 22nd Annual Jimmy Fund Snow Challenge! Participants in this fundraiser enjoy a day of fun with friends and family, while contributing to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s lifesaving mission to conquer cancer.

City Hall Plaza’s Boston Winter – Boston, MA

This reminds me of the Christmas Markets in Germany where you can eat and shop your way through an outdoor market – they even have a Bavarian Village where you can purchase treats such as bratwurst and pretzels, and a skating path which weaves skaters around the main performance stage.

First Night – Boston, MA

First Night offers a variety of free activities throughout Boston, primarily at City Hall Plaza and the Boston Common. This event is very family friendly with activities and displays ranging from ice sculptures to musical performances and fireworks to start off the new year with a bang.

If you’d rather spend your winter indoors, here are some fun and warmer activities:

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) – Boston, MA

I often forget how much I love visiting art museums until I am actually in one. Boston is rich in culture, and we are lucky to have access to so many great museums. The MFA offers many free (with admission) tours and activities, such as Drawing in the Galleries and MFA Playdates.

Christmas Tour at the House of Seven Gables – Salem, MA

On this tour, visitors will learn about the history of Christmas in colonial Massachusetts as well as the history of the mansion. Tours are free with admission and run through December 31, 2016.

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND – Somerville, MA

This may be my favorite! Each weekend in December, you can experience a LEGO winter wonderland! Visitors can make their own creation to add to the winter wonderland landscape, as well as help decorate the gingerbread house. You can even participate in a holiday village scavenger hunt! Sounds like a fun activity for people of all ages!

Now it’s your turn.  What fun winter activities do you recommend?