When it comes time to plan your winter vacation, a lot of people think about heading south to the beaches of Florida or hitting the coast of California. But, what better way to experience winter than in a place like Boston?

Not only does Boston sparkle with all the white holiday lights and a little dusting of snow, but there are actually a ton of fun (and inexpensive) things to do in the city during the winter.

Let’s check some out!

Skate Frog Pond

Though decidedly lacking in frogs, this little pond is a staple in Boston Common. During the winter, the Frog Pond freezes over and offers public skating on a daily basis, including skate and locker rentals. Going at dusk provides an incredible experience while soaking in the holiday music.

Walk the Freedom Trail 

Even when it’s covered in snow, The Freedom Trail is still one of the most popular things to do in Boston. So, don’t sit this one out. It’s a nearly 2-hour walk that passes by a number of the city’s well-known historical sites including the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, and Paul Revere’s House. It gets around 4 million visitors annually.  

Sip Hot Cocoa

To take a break from the chill, one of the best things to do in Boston is to slip inside a café and enjoy some hot cocoa. A little pick me up, a little people watching and after a relaxing break, you will be ready to head back outside. For some of the best in Boston, try Flour Bakery’s spicy hot cocoa, Caffe Vittoria’s Cioccolatto Caldo, Jaho Coffee & Tea’s Red Velvet Hot Chocolate, or Diesel Cafe’s Tuck’s Turtle. 

Explore a Museum

If you’re looking for another indoors escape, how about checking out one of Boston’s many museums? Like the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, or Boston’s Children Museum, to name a few. (For a list of free museums, try this link here.) 

Catch Some Hockey

One thing that Bostonians love is hockey. And it’s no surprise that Boston has some of the best professional and college hockey teams in the country. If you are in Boston during the winter and looking for an inexpensive night out, catch a game at Boston College, Northeastern, or Boston University.

Embrace the Winter

Once you spend a few hours wandering around a brightly lit up Boston during a brisk winter night, you will fall in love with Boston!

Have you been to Boston in winter? Do you have any recommendations for enjoying the season? Let us know in the comments.