December and the Christmas season is one of my favorite times in Boston. Everything is decorated, it’s starting to feel like winter, and there’s SO much to do in and around the city! With that said, these are my top 5 favorite December date ideas for you and your significant other- enjoy!
#1: Explore the Christmas Markets & Grab Food
In and around the city, there’s a good variety of Christmas markets that will make for the perfect daytime or nighttime date. They’re great for walking around with a hot chocolate and browsing while still getting to chat and spend one-on-one time. They also have great outdoor spaces with mulled wine, hot cider, and other treats to enjoy! It’s definitely something different than the regular Boston date, and can only be done until the first week of January, so take advantage of them while you can!
These are my top 3 markets to check out:
- Snowport Holiday Market in the Seaport
- SOWA in the South End
- Fanueil Hall / Quincy Market
- Bow Market, Somerville
All of these spots are great because they’re super close to restaurants where you can warm up after some time exploring the markets in the cold!
#2: Go Ice Skating
Ice skating can be found all around the city and it’s a great romatic, fun, and affordable date! It does get quite cold when the sun goes down, so be sure to dress warm & don’t forget a hat and gloves. All of these spots in and around the city are pretty cheap, ranging from $10-$20 a person, including skate rentals.
Here are some of my favorite spots to go outdoor ice skating:
- The Frog Pond, Boston Common
- 401 Park, Time Out Market/Fenway
- Patriot Place, Foxboro
- Lynnfield Market Place
- Kendall Square
All of these ice rinks are in pretty popular locations, so it’s easy to grab food or a drink before or after skating!
#3: Go to a Christmas Play or Concert!
During Christmas, there are so many popular plays and shows in & around Boston. Some of my favorite holiday memories are going to Christmas shows at the Wang Theater downtown. Shows such as The Grinch, A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story are all popular and are sure to be playing somewhere arounf the city. Other great options are the Rockettes (if they do shows away from New York this year) and the Boston Pops. It’s a great excuse to get dressed up and get in the Christmas spirit!
#4: Walk around the North End, Grab Dinner, and Go to an Improv Comedy Show!
The North End is extremely gorgeous at night, especially during Christmas time. The streets (especially Hanover street) are buzzing with people and covered in holiday lights. This is my absolute favorite neighborhood in the city, because it feels so small and home-y even in the midst of a big city like Boston. The restaurants are always busy on a winter weekend, and yes- there will still be a line for Mike’s Pastry. It’s a great place to go for a before or after dinner stroll!
At the start of Hanover Street, there’s a small basement improv comedy club called Improv Asylum. They offer one or two shows per night Thursday-Sunday and tickets are extremely cheap. With its affordable shows, small audiance, and hilarious actors, stopping here in a no-brainer!
Boston & Beyond 