Holiday-Themed Activities in Boston to Enjoy This Winter

Some say finals period should be a time solely dedicated to studying for exams. But no one can be in the library for 240 hours straight, so why not take advantage of this opportunity to explore the winter wonderland that is Boston while class isn’t in session? From holiday markets to wintry performances and activities, below is a list of some of the best events happening in the city, with all of the information you need to know to plan your most spirited finals period yet.

Snowport

Snowport, Seaport’s annual outdoor holiday market, is running its fifth edition this year through Dec. 28. With over 120 vendors selling everything from hot chocolate to mittens, this is a charming destination to stroll around with friends. However, it can get crowded during peak times on the weekends, so save time by going in the afternoon on a weekday, where it’s open from 3 to 8 p.m. Once you arrive, enjoy perusing the stalls with friends, but be warned — some of the artisanal goods can get fairly expensive, so consider opting to snag a few free samples to avoid spending lots of money. But even if you don’t buy anything at all, the holiday lights, mistletoe arch, and various free activities (including curling!) are enough to make a visit to Snowport worthwhile.

SoWa Winter Festival

If Snowport seems a little too chilly, opt for the SoWa Winter Festival, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the SoWa Power Station until December 28. It boasts over 125 vendors who sell everything from holiday treats to stationery to jewelry. Entrance costs $10. On weekdays, it is open only in the evenings, with longer morning hours on the weekends. It is closed on Mondays. Ideally, you will time your trip with one of their daily live music performances or tasting events for those who are 21+. With twinkling lights strung from the ceiling and holiday spirit in the air, the SoWa Winter Festival is the ideal place to get some holiday gifts for the family or relax before finals season.

Ice Skating at the Boston Common Frog Pond

Maybe you’re feeling tuckered out from all holiday market shopping and want to get some exercise. Look no further than ice skating at Boston Common, the city’s 50-acre public park. It costs $12 to skate and another $18 to rent a pair of skates. Though the price is steep, you can skate for as long as you want after purchasing a ticket. The rink is open from morning till night every day except Monday, where it closes before sunset. Try not to bring a bag on your skating rendezvous, since renting a locker will set you back another $7. If you go at night, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around Boston Common to see the holiday lights adorning over 80 trees around the park. The tree lighting ceremony at the park takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4, and the ice skating rink is open until the pond melts.

Holiday Pops

For a magical musical experience this holiday season, attend the Boston Pops Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert. The musicians play holiday classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Sleigh Ride” at Symphony Hall in Boston. There are a few ways to get discounted tickets. Buy a one-time $35 student pass, which allows you to reserve tickets every Monday for upcoming concerts that week for as little as $5, or check out the discounts on their website. Holiday Pops runs from Dec. 4 to Dec. 24 with 36 total performances across the three weeks.

With Harvard being near such a vibrant city, finals period is the perfect time to explore the culture Boston has to offer, even if the weather outside is frightful. However you spend your last few weeks of the first semester, take time for yourself and bask in some holiday joy.