Boston is a popular destination in summer to take in a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and tourists flock to the area in the fall to visit the foliage. However, New Englanders are not daunted by the onset of winter weather, and in December there is still much to see and do in the city.
World War II-style amphibious vehicles known as ducks take visitors around the main sites of the city on land and then glide along the Charles River. Tours last approximately 80 minutes. The ducks do not operate in January and February, but during December, they run on a limited schedule.
Boston Duck Tours
3 Copley Place, Suite 310
Boston, MA 02116
617-267-DUCK (3825)
bostonducktours.com
Join an eco-friendly bicycle tour and see a side of Boston normally only seen by the locals. Although guided tours do not run in winter, the company provides bike rentals year round so that motivated cyclists can tour the city independently. The company provides the bike, a helmet and water.
Urban Adventours
103 Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA 02110
800-979-3370
urbanadventours.com
The Old Town Trolley tours give visitors a chance to hop on and off of the trolleys all day, and tours include free admission to the Old State House Museum, a guidebook and discount coupons. The trolleys make 17 stops and show visitors more than 100 points of interest. The city tour operates year round.
Old Town Trolley
Historic Tours of America, Inc.
800-868-7482
trolleytours.com/boston
Harvard students offer free walking tours of the legendary campus throughout the year. Learn about the college, its long history, famous alumni and its world renowned faculty. There is always activity in Harvard Square, but be aware that towards the end of December the college starts its winter break. Throughout the month of December, the First Parish Unitarian Church across the street from the campus information center hosts the Harvard Square Holiday Crafts Fair.
Harvard University Events & Information Center
Holyoke Center Arcade (Harvard Square)
1350 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
harvard.edu/visitors
First Parish Unitarian Church
3 Church St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
harvardsquareholidayfair.com
December 31st is one of the liveliest days on Boston's calendar. Thousands of residents and visitors spend the day and night in the city for an arts and community festival. Participants can purchase a button that allows admission to hundreds of events including the Boston HarborWalk Tour, Art & Architecture Tours of the Boston Public Library, Waterfront Trolley Tours and tours of numerous museums.
First Night Boston
36 Bromfield St.
Suite 204
Boston, MA 02108
617-542-1399
firstnight.org
In the 1930s, the Jordan Marsh department store in downtown Boston began a tradition of displaying a New England village made up of mechanically animated and illuminated figures. In 2009, the Enchanted Village found a new home in Jordan's Furniture store in the suburban city of Avon. From November through January, visitors can wander on a mini tour through a city of yesteryear decorated in its holiday finery. Afterwards, visitors can climb aboard the Polar Express for a Motion Odyssey Movie (MOM), a movie experience that is a ride on a moving seat. The store also features the Laser Imagination Theater Experience (LITE), a musical light show featuring holiday favorites.
The Enchanted Village
Jordan's Furniture
100 Stockwell Drive
Avon, MA 02322
508-580-4900
jordans.com
