{"id":7237,"date":"2016-10-28T05:00:59","date_gmt":"2016-10-28T11:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cloud9living.com\/blog\/?p=7237"},"modified":"2024-10-18T13:10:02","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T19:10:02","slug":"thanksgiving-in-boston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virgingifts.com\/blog\/thanksgiving-in-boston","title":{"rendered":"16 Festive Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Boston"},"content":{"rendered":"

It would be a lie to say it\u2019s not<\/em> time to start thinking about Thanksgiving in Boston. With Halloween only days away, the pumpkin hype is slowly transitioning from jack-o-lantern carving ideas, to daydreams of pie loaded with whipped cream.<\/p>\n

Along with these happy thoughts of Thanksgiving dinner in Boston, this time of year also marks the start of a grand flurry of festive events and enchanting holiday cheer in the New England area. There\u2019s truly something for everyone (and every age) to enjoy, thanks to the city\u2019s unique neighborhoods, fascinating history, vibrant community life, and annual shindigs.<\/p>\n

Locals and visitors alike will delight in what Beantown has to offer over the celebrated fourth Thursday of November and the days that follow. Get wrapped up in the joyful anticipation of the holiday season as everyday activities and traditional events abound \u2014 from recreational to romantic.<\/p>\n

Pencil in these \u201cmust not miss\u201d things to do in Boston for Thanksgiving and beyond, and let the countdown to the cornucopia-inspired feast begin!<\/p>\n

\"thanksgiving<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> See The Nutcracker<\/em> at the Opera House.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Join fellow community members in the timeless tale that takes audiences on a whimsical wander through the magical makings of young Clara\u2019s imagination. The gorgeous stage sets, stunning costumes, and intricate choreography of the Boston Ballet are the perfect way to wrap up Thanksgiving in Boston and kick off the holiday season.<\/p>\n

\"november-december-events<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

2. Start (and finish!) Christmas shopping.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Of the most anticipated things to do in Boston for Thanksgiving weekend are Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping<\/a>. Enjoy the exhilaration of seeking out beloved deals and saving some cash as you shorten your Christmas list. But! Before you rise \u2018n\u2019 shine at the crack of dawn for the shopping frenzies, be sure to spend plenty of quality time with family first.<\/p>\n

\"november<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

3. Strap on a pair of skis.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Round up your squad and head for the hills to embark on an active day of outdoor fun! New England has a number of resorts that offer downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing within an hour\u2019s drive of Beantown. Of course, gliding across endless miles of cross-country ski territory is also a perfect post-Thanksgiving event in Boston for working off a turkey feast \u2014 assuming Old Man Winter has made a snowy move.<\/p>\n

\"november-december<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

4. Don\u2019t cook; eat local for Thanksgiving in Boston.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Believe it or not, some dining establishments (especially local eateries) love the connection they share with their community. As a result, they may want<\/em> to stay open for reasons that aren\u2019t driven by profit. They see their patrons as \u201cfamily\u201d and want <\/em>to provide holiday wining and dining to celebrate the fourth Thursday of November with open doors. So keep your own kitchen and dishes clean \u2014 support a local restaurant that opted to spread some holiday love instead!<\/p>\n

\"thanksgiving<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

5. Marvel at the Boston Common tree lighting ceremony.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This Boston Thanksgiving event is one for the books! Watch in awe as the city\u2019s Christmas season officially commences with dazzling holiday lights, refreshments, and even an ice show on Frog Pond featuring pros, soloists, performers and synchronized skaters. This annual extravaganza is great entertainment for kids, families, teens, couples, and adults. And best of all? It\u2019s free!<\/p>\n

\"december-events-boston\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

6. Sleep in!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This may sound like a goofy suggestion. But Thanksgiving in Boston wouldn\u2019t be complete without it. When was the last time you didn\u2019t<\/em> set an alarm, so that you could truly savor some quality Zs? Fluff those pillows, slip into your most comfortable PJs, and put your phone on silent. Climb into your cozy bed without a care in the world, drifting off to dreamland. (A belly full of turkey, pie and wine should easily help this along.) Wake up only after you feel entirely rested, refreshed, and rarin\u2019 to go.<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

7. Run the Franklin Park Turkey Trot.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Start your turkey day with a real bang \u2014 at the starting line of the Franklin Park Turkey Trot. This annual event starts at 9:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to work off the feast you\u2019re bound to gobble up later! Wear costumes, win prizes, and work up the ultimate appetite. All ages are welcome to join in one of the most festive things to do in Boston for Thanksgiving!<\/p>\n

\"thanksgiving<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

8. Cheer for the \u201cfrost bite sailing\u201d on Boston Harbor.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The weather outside may be getting a wee bit frightful (aka \u201cbrrr<\/em>\u201d), but watching folks brave it is so delightful! Especially if you\u2019re comfortably on land, with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa in hand as you witness this impressive post-Thanksgiving event in Boston. Bundle up to see the frigid-but-friendly competition that graces the New England waters by sailboat. Of course, you could always hop on board for yourself, too \u2014 if you so dare.<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

9. Hum along to a \u2018Holiday Pops\u2019 concert.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The stores may have already begun their annual influx of holly-jolly jingles played over the speaker system. But once turkey has been consumed for Thanksgiving in Boston, it\u2019s officially<\/em> time to give in to Beantown\u2019s merriest music. There\u2019s no better way to do so than to enjoy live performances of holiday classics at Symphony Hall. Special matinee times for kids\u2019 shows are also available. This event series is so spectacular, even Santa himself can\u2019t stay away. (Be sure to grab a photo with him!)<\/p>\n

\"december<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

10. Warm up from the inside-out on a city tour.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Defy chilly temperatures with a lovely \u201cliquid sweater.\u201d Things to do in Boston like beer or wine tours<\/a> are a great way to entertain visitors or learn more about your own city. Go behind the scenes of watering holes ranging from casual to classy, for an insiders\u2019 scoop on local libations. Enjoy tastings, history, meet \u2018n\u2019 greets, Q and A opportunities, and more. (Did we mention tastings? *Wink, wink<\/em>.* Yum!)<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

11. Skate on a \u201csecret\u201d rink.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Surprisingly unbeknownst to many, Steriti Rink offers a plethora of public ice skating hours\u2026 for free<\/em>! Even better still, this North End gem is usually void of crowds. And it also offers incredible views of the waterfront and neighboring Charleston cityscape. Feel like taking in some fresh air? Frog Pond on Boston Common is just one of many fun outdoor alternatives.<\/p>\n

\"thanksgiving<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

12. No cozy fireplace at home? Go find one!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Winter is coming. And Thanksgiving in Boston is only the beginning of the brrr-factor it may bring. So with the conclusion of turkey consumption, make it a mission to scout out some hot spots around Beantown that provide a cozy glow to snuggle up next to. From hotels to restaurants to coffee shops and beyond, find the perfect places to sip some tea or wine. The ambiance will warm your heart and soul in ways that make winter temps totally worth it.<\/p>\n

\"things<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

13. Cheer on the Boston Celtics! <\/strong><\/h2>\n

For Boston Thanksgiving events that will keep you from freezin\u2019 your bum right off, head to TD Garden. With plenty of game dates to choose from, it\u2019s easy to get swept up in the Celtics\u2019 lively atmosphere. Show your team spirit with festive threads and face paint. And enjoy an afternoon or evening of hoops, cheering, cold beer, and tasty arena treats!<\/p>\n

\"november-december<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

14. Mow down grub at a historic pub.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The fourth Thursday of November makes for some pretty big shoes to fill when it comes to how to fill your plate next. Because, heck, even having leftovers for days on end is a dream come true for most of us. But once those Boston Thanksgiving dinner rations run dry, ducking into a local tavern or pub to tuck into the next best thing. The mouthwatering menus boast comfort food that will make your stomach happy. And some of the locations have been around since the American Revolution \u2014 so you\u2019ll enjoy some food for thought as well.<\/p>\n

\"thanksgiving<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

15. Embark on a <\/strong>Boston Harbor lunch or dinner cruise<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no such thing as too many food suggestions after celebrating Thanksgiving in Boston, right? But in all seriousness, this outing entails much more than just eating. Admire holiday sights and twinkling lights lining the shoreline, from the comfort of a beautiful luxury yacht. Sip cocktails in the good company of family, friends or a special someone. Cut a rug on the ship\u2019s dance floor. And much more!<\/p>\n

\"boston<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

16. Stroll along the romantic Beacon Hill streets.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While each of Beantown\u2019s neighborhoods is unique and well worth exploring, Beacon Hill comes with romantically timeless atmosphere, complete with cute things to do in Boston. Step back to the colonial past as you wander down cobblestone sidewalks, guided by the warm glow of gas lamps. Marvel at the antique architecture of local shops and restaurants, perfectly preserved and showcasing impressive iron d\u00e9cor on brick structures. Add gently falling snow and you\u2019re walking in a true winter wonderland as you wrap up this year\u2019s Thanksgiving in Boston.<\/p>\n

\"thanksgiving<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\n