7 Things to do in Boston this Winter

By: Jessica Xing

Go ice skating

Whether you’re a pro skater or a complete beginner, ice skating is a great way to have fun outside during the winter while warming your body up. Luckily for Northeastern students, Matthews Arena hosts multiple open skating sessions a week! All you need is a valid Husky ID card and your own ice skates. The full schedule can be found here. For those that would rather explore outside of campus or rent ice skates, another popular open is skating at the Frog Pond in Boston Common. The Frog Pond is open everyday starting at 10 am, with the full schedule found here. General admission is $8 and rental skates are $15. 

Visit a museum

Boston is also home to a number of exciting museums. Some of the most notable include the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts. All Northeastern students are able to gain free admission to the MFA, which is conveniently located right near campus! Just show your Husky ID to the person at the ticketing desk and proceed to admire the beautiful works of art on display. For a less art-related approach, consider visiting the Museum of Science or the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Explore the Boston Public Library

Located in Copley Square, the Central Boston Public Library is made up of two buildings: the elegant and historic McKim Building and the more modern Boylston Street Building. The McKim Building is best known for the Bates Reading Room. With stunning architecture and iconic green lamps, this is a great spot for studying and getting work done. The library also hosts a variety of events that can be found on their website. Best of all, signing up for a library card is completely free, just be sure to bring a valid picture ID and proof of residency in Massachusetts!

See a show in the Theatre District

Featuring both Broadway and off-Broadway productions, the Theatre District in Boston is a great way to find entertainment indoors during the harsh winter months. From stand-up comedy to musicals and concerts, the Theatre District has something for everyone. Upcoming shows can be found at this link.

Catch a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert

Another great indoor activity for the winter months, this is a must for music-enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys classical music. Located very close to campus, Symphony Hall hosts a variety of concerts featuring extremely talented artists. Additionally, the venue itself is beautiful inside and has world-renowned acoustics.

Try a new restaurant

With plenty of diverse cuisines, Boston is definitely a great place to try out new restaurants! Some suggestions include Italian in the North End, Asian in Chinatown, and classic New England seafood in the Government Center area. For some other delicious, more casual venues check out Time Out Market, Quincy Market, and the Boston Public Market!

Stay inside and have a movie night

If you really don’t feel like going out (which is completely understandable) it’s always nice to have a chill movie night! With the right amount of cozy blankets, hot chocolate, popcorn and other snacks, having a movie night alone or with friends is a great way to pass the time in winter. Besides using a laptop, monitor, or TV, there are also mini projectors you can buy to upgrade your movie experience.

While the chilly Boston winter may seem discouraging, hopefully this list has sparked some ideas and inspired you to try some fun new activities!