Christmas in Boston

Boston Common

Boston Common is a famous central park in downtown Boston. It's also the oldest city park in the country, dating back to 1634. The park spans 50 acres and has a botanical garden and a pond where you can enjoy the iconic experience of taking a Swan paddleboat. Visitors can also find a playground and other fun activities for kids. During the winter months, an ice skating rink is set up, and a huge Christmas tree and other decorations adorn the park.

Beacon Hill

The historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill is famous for its Federal-style brick rowhouses and narrow gaslit streets. The brick sidewalks and historical character give the area a lot of charm and the residents maintain beautiful gardens and beautiful home fronts. There are often seasonal holiday decorations throughout, so it's worth wandering through during the holiday season. This one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and it has a number of historic landmarks including the Massachusetts State House and the Boston African American National Historic Site.

Faneuil Hall

Established as a permanent central marketplace in Boston, and gifted by the wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil, this marketplace building was constructed in 1742 and then later expanded over the following decades and centuries. The meeting hall on the upper floor of the building became famous as a place of protest against the British during the era of the Revolutionary War. It has since become a place of protest and democracy throughout American history. Today, visitors can tour the historic building as well as visit the shops and restaurants of the marketplace buildings. Grab a souvenir and a bite to eat in the food court, or join one of the many walking tours of Boston that begin in this part of town.

Paramount Theatre

The Paramount Theatre is a performing arts center that hosts several touring Broadway productions each year. Opened in 1896, the Paramount Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in the country. It hosts many Broadway shows as well as concerts and operas.

Old South Church

Located across from Copley Square, this historical church is gorgeous. Visitors here can see architectural history combined with American history, as the church's history goes back to the early days of European settlement in the 1600's. The current building was completed in 1875, and is a prominent part of Boston's community today.

Old North Church

This historic church is one of the main landmarks in the historic area of Boston's North End. Surrounded by houses and buildings that are hundreds of years old, the church itself dates back to 1723. Not only is it well preserved, but it has a special place in American history as the beginning of Paul Revere's famous ride to let everyone know that the British were indeed coming. Self-guided tours of the church are available, and additionally visitors can go down into the crypt underneath the church as well. Furthermore, the church is open for services on Sundays if you make a reservation.

Wang Theatre

This large theatre seats nearly 3,700 guests and is ornately decorated on the interior emulating the Paris Opera House. And, appropriately, this theatre hosts opera, ballet, concerts, and other premier events.

Emerson Colonial Theatre

This is the oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States. The interior is ornate and gorgeous. Hosting a variety of performances and musicals such as Broadway-style shows as well as locally produced plays, this theatre has seen its share of hits. In fact, it was where several shows debuted before they went on to become Broadway hits such as Oklahoma! and Porgy and Bess.

Boston Opera House

The Boston Opera House is now the home of the Boston Ballet. It also hosts a number of Broadway shows.

Boston Garden (TD Garden)

The iconic Boston Garden indoor stadium (currently named the TD Garden) is home to both the Boston Celtics NBA team and the Boston Bruins NHL team. While it's been around for awhile, this stadium is loved by fans from near and afar for it's close, intimate seating where spectators can see all of the action of their favorite teams. In addition to sporting events, the venue also hosts hit concerts and other shows on occasion such as Disney on Ice and famous comedians.