United States, North America

Boston in December

Holiday lights on the Common and skating on the Frog Pond. Cold but festive.

TradeoffsCold, highs near 42F (6C), first snow

Boston skyline, United States — BostonPhoto: Christian David, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Boston. Holiday lights on the Common and skating on the Frog Pond. Cold but festive.

Weather: Cold, highs near 42F (6C), first snow
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Boston

December is cold but festive. Highs sit near 42F (6C), days are at their shortest, and the first snow often falls this month. Holiday lights go up on Boston Common, skaters fill the Frog Pond, and shop windows glow. Crowds and prices are moderate, rising around the holiday weeks. Everything stays open except on the holidays themselves.

This month suits couples, holiday lovers, and families who want a cozy city break with lights and skating. It is not ideal for anyone who hates the cold or wants long days of walking tours. For comfortable sightseeing, June or September are much better picks.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Boston this month.

Lights on the Common

Holiday lights fill Boston Common and the Public Garden, and an evening walk is a free, cheerful outing.

Skating on the Frog Pond

The Frog Pond on the Common is a classic spot for a winter skate, with the city lit up around it.

Cozy museum days

Short, cold days are perfect for the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gardner, and the Museum of Science.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Waterproof boots for snow and slush
A hat, gloves, and scarf
Warm socks for skating

Our timing tip

Visit in the first half of December for festive lights at lower rates, and skate at the Frog Pond on a weekday afternoon when lines are short.

Book Boston for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Boston
Opens a hotel search for Boston in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Boston
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Boston
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Boston for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Boston

Full guide

The Freedom Trail

Start early at Boston Common and follow the red line. Ranger and costumed guide tours run in season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Fenway Park

A Red Sox game from April through September, or a ballpark tour year-round.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Museum of Fine Arts

One of the largest art museums in the US. Plan a half day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A Venetian palace courtyard filled with art, and the site of a famous unsolved art heist.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Boston National Historical Park

Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church area, Bunker Hill, and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

USS Constitution Museum

Old Ironsides and the museum in Charlestown. Great for kids.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check college graduation and move-in dates before booking. Those weekends can double hotel rates.
Walk the Freedom Trail before 10am in summer and fall.
Stay in Cambridge or Brookline near the T for lower rates than the Back Bay.
For foliage, go midweek. Weekend traffic to New Hampshire and Vermont is heavy in October.

Know before you go

Boston Harbor Islands ferries run seasonally, roughly May through October.
Nor'easters can cancel flights and slow the T for a day or two in winter.
Patriots' Day closes streets along the Marathon route and some businesses keep holiday hours.