We’re halfway through winter, and while spring is far ahead on the horizon, there’s so much to enjoy during this occassionally snowy month! From wintertime classics like sledding and ice skating to Valentine’s specials like romantic concerts and dinners, we have plenty of activities and ideas for you to enjoy this February in Boston.
1. Enjoy the soothing sounds of classical music by candlelight
Whether as a Valentine’s date or just a fun winter adventure, a candlelight concert is a Boston bucket list must! There are so many comforting classics and to pick from this month:
- Valentine’s Day Special ft. “Romeo and Juliet” and More
- A Tribute to Taylor Swift and her greatest hits
- Queen, Mozart and Puccini in one concert at A Tribute to Queen and More
You can also spice things up with a Candlelight gift card and leave the show picking up to your giftee!
2. Indulge yourself in some local chocolates (all month long)
Sure, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to get some delicious chocolates. But why wait? Every day is chocolate day in our books. Pick truffles like Pistachio Praline Encased in creamy white chocolate or Almond Shortbread from some of our favorite chocolate shops!
3. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the city
Explore the most romantic corners of Boston and learn about some of the secret love languages of the city. Afterall, Boston was named the “most romantic state!” Check out our full list of the best things to do this Valentine’s Day in Boston.
4. Get ready to watch the Superbowl at a local hangout
The Superbowl is Sunday, February 12! While the Pats won’t be in the lineup, it’s still a good time to cheer on a team and enjoy some delicious Superbowl eats like wings and nachos- and let’s not forget about the commercials.
Rumor has it Brady and Ben Affleck have commercials in the lineup this year and there is nothing like watching them live in a rambunctious crowd!
5. Enjoy the last guaranteed month of supple snow on the slopes
February is the last month of meteorological winter. As we know, Boston has a barometer of its own, which means we could get snow through April, but we could also transition into a normal spring for once.
Play it safe and make sure to squeeze out every last bit of skiing or snowboarding at these awesome skiing towns like Stowe and North Conway!
6. If you can’t ski…there’s always snow tubing!
Not all native New Englanders know how to ski, and many transplants certainly don’t. But that shouldn’t be a reason you can’t enjoy the thrill of gliding down the slopes at full force. Luckily, Massachusetts is home to one of the best snow tubing destinations in the country so you can cash in on the winter fun!
Find Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center at 380 State Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230
7. Treat yourself to a solo winter-themed date
We don’t take ourselves out enough! We mean out out. Spoil yourself and treat yourself to an indulgent day with some of our winter date ideas– this applies to singles and those in relationships!
8. Send your taste buds dancing with fabulous hot chocolate
It’s Valentine’s Day in a cup! From the super decadent Tatte hot chocolate to the over-the-top creations at Trident, there are so many spots to grab a hot chocolate in Boston this winter.
9. Go on a mystery winter picnic date
Food tours are the perfect way to explore the best offerings of Boston’s food scene. Instead of stressing about what to eat for dinner, go on a guided (or self-guided!) tour around the city to have a totally unique culinary experience. Our favorites in Boston right now include:
- Mystery Picnic Date: Self-Guided Foodie Adventure
- Mystery Picnic with Friends: Self Guided Foodie Adventure
10. Twirl around one of these Boston ice skating rinks
It’s a workout and winter fun in one! Frog Pond was once the best ice-skating rink in America, so make sure to take advantage of this iconic rink! If you prefer to ditch the long lines, check out these 7 other skate rinks we love!
From February 9 -14, The Rink 401 Park welcomes the return of “The Pink Rink”. The entire space will glow pink setting the perfect stage for a romantic skate date that can launch into the neighborhood’s hot spots for an ideal evening.
And, on Saturday, February 10 visitors to The Rink 401 Park will enjoy a free Barbie movie-inspired skating spectacular, “Skate Kenway” from 7-8 PM.
11. Dine inside a dazzling heated yurt
You and up to 7 others can dine inside a winter-themed yurt at the Bowery Bar. The New American restaurant offers classic comfort food with a modern twist.
12. Buff up on haunted history with a Boston Ghost Tour
Ghost tours are a signature Boston event for a reason! if you’ve never been on one before, then be sure to check out the Boston Ghost Tour, running every night throughout the winter. While walking the city streets after dark, you’ll learn the stories of haunted locations and ghosts that provide a different viewpoint on some of the real history hidden behind the city’s past.
Tours start in the Boston Common at 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
13. Check in on that New Year’s resolution to get fit
So you made an oath to hit the gym on the daily. Or to try a new sport. How is it going?
Hopefully good, but if not (or if you’re just looking for a way to shake up your current exercise routine) these 30 gyms and exercises classes are the best in the city, according to Bostonians. And they sound incredibly fun!
14. Try this sultry ‘Dining in the Dark’ experience
But your tastebuds to the test at this mysterious blindfolded dinner. It will heighten your sense of taste and smell during the 3-course meal. Secure your tickets for this one-of-a-kind dinner!
15. Visit Kennebunkport for ‘Paint the Town Red’ Month
A little over an hour and a half away from Boston lies Kennebunkport, a tiny little port town in Maine, where every February is a celebration of all things red and romantic. From February 1st to the 28th, Kennebunkport will “Paint the Town Red” and host a variety of deals, events, and celebrations that earns this town the tile of “Most Romantic Town” in New England.
16. Marvel at a massive ice castle in New Hampshire
Ever dreamed of stepping into Elsa’s ice castle from Frozen? That dream can now be a reality at the new Ice Castles experience in North Woodstock, New Hampshire— just 2 hours north of Boston. You can walk through your very own icy fairytale!
Find the Ice Castles at 24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH 03262
17. Go sledding!
We’re bound to get some more snow this February, and what better way to enjoy some inclement weather than to sled down some freshly snowed-upon hills? Boston’s multitude of public parks means that there are plenty of options for picking the best hill for sledding – check out our favorites here.
18. Buy someone you love (self-included) a fat bouquet of flowers for no reason
Did you know flowers can instantly heighten your “happiness hormones,” dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin? Peony, anthurium or rose-whatever makes you giddy, grab a bouquet. Some of our favorite flower shops in the city are Rouvalis on Beacon Hill, Winston’s in Back Bay, and Rococo Floral in Somerville.
19. Take a winter break at a tranquil New England destination
Not many states get a week-long school break in February, luckily in Massachusetts we do! Grab the family for a getaway at one of these tranquil destinations. They’re also perfect for a weekend excursion or Valentine’s Day date!
20. Enjoy some delicious Italian food in the North End
Italian is perhaps the most romantic of all the cuisines. From splashing flour onto your partner’s face to a Lady and the Tramp pasta moment, February and Valentine’s Day set the perfect ambiance for romantic Italian dinners. Some of our favorite ways to get an Italian fix in February are:
- An Italian cooking class with tiramisu finale
- A pizza tour of the North End
- A classic Italian dinner at one of these North End restaurants
21. Celebrate Black History Month this February and beyond
Boston has many culturally rich Black history museums, festivals, and events celebrating Black communities of the past, present and future. From an accessible opera performance celebrating Black artists to a “Black Dolls Matter” exhibit, there is so much to take in this month and enjoy and learn about the Black history of our city.
22. Check out the Planet Oat pop-up in Downtown
Celebrate the launch of Planet Oat’s latest innovation, Planet Oat Barista Lovers Oatmilk, at the Barista Lovers’ Coffee House! Located at Boston’s Dewey Square, the pop-up experience is open to the public to celebrate the launch of and sample the new Barista Lovers Oatmilk! Warm up with hand-crafted coffees, delicious treats, and more.
The one-day-only experience takes place on Thursday, February 15 from 7:30 AM until 4 PM.
23. Go somewhere new for winter recess
Luckily, Massachusetts has a lovely break from President’s Day, February 19, through the 23, at least if you have grade school-aged children. These are some perfect excursions that are only a short drive or plane ride from the city:
- Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico is only a 3.5-hour flight from the city, and you don’t even need a passport! Sun and sand await!
- AutoCamp Cape Cod is just a 1-hour drive or Peter Pan bus ride from Boston and is one of the coolest hotels near the city. Stay in a cozy AirStream, grill under the stars, partake in ongoing activities like sunrise yoga, and explore the charming seaside town of Falmouth!
- Only have time for a day trip? The New Bedford Whaling Museum is hosting special programming specifically for the upcoming winter recess. Each day offers a host of free learnings and activities for the whole family to enjoy, celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Captain Paul Cuffe.
24. Check out the dazzling ice sculptures in Wellesley
And have the chance to win $725! The first-ever Wellesley Ice Sculpture Stroll takes place on February 9! Find more info about how to win over $700 in gift cards!
25. Ride a snow tubing summit in Seaport
You can now go snow tubing in Seaport! It’s one of the most exhilarating winter activities in the city. Pro tip, ride the lane closest to the stairs if you want a speedy trip down the summit!
26. And while you’re there…try the tableside hot cocoa at Woods Hill Pier 4
The upscale waterfront farm-to-table restaurant has a tableside hot cocoa cart featuring the most extravagant hot cocoa to sip on this season! Pick from four cocoa bomb flavors, two different marshmallow options and your choice of milk and whipped cream! It’s simply divine!
27. Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Boston
Cambridge’s Sumiao Kitchen has a special menu to commemorate the Year of the Dragon. The Hunan kitchen in Kendall Square is known for its bold flavors. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, with a tradition of good fortune – red envelopes filled with surprises will be distrubuted during the February 9 dinner!
On February 18, South Street Diner, Boston’s favorite late-night restaurant is hosting a lively Chinese New Year celebration that you won’t want to miss! South Street Diner welcomes you to celebrate the Year of the Dragon during the Lion Dance festivities on Sunday, February 18th with special menu items including savory Breakfast Ramen, signature Egg Foo Young Style Omelette and more!
28. Explore 100s of exotic orchids on display at Franklin Park Zoo’s Orchid Adventure
Orchid Adventure invites visitors to explore the breathtaking world of orchids amidst the wild wonders of the zoo. This botanical extravaganza, featuring hundreds of orchids, is designed to showcase the diversity and splendor of these exquisite flowers. From rare species to exotic hybrids, Orchid Adventure promises an immersive experience that combines the enchantment of the animal kingdom with the delicate beauty of orchids. Find it from February 2 through March 10 at Franklin Park Zoo!
29. Celebrate the Leap Year!
This only happens once every four years! February 29 is a leap day, so celebrate the 366 days in 2024 with these can’t miss experiences in Boston!