Get Cozy, Get Chocolatey: The Ultimate Winter Weekend Guide ☃️🍫
Boston's in full holiday mode! From the magical Winter Fest at Hood Park to indulging in chocolate at Taza Factory, we've got the best winter spots and events covered for you this week. (Dec 2–8, 2024)
WHAT'S POPPIN'
Get Festive at Winter Fest – Boston’s New Holiday Destination 🎉🎅🏻
🎄 What Is It? - Winter Fest is bringing all the cozy, winter magic you could want to Charlestown’s Hood Park. Opening this Friday, this FREE dazzling winter wonderland features ice skating, twinkling lights, live performances, and a ton of festive food and drink options. Whether you’re snapping pics in front of a life-size ice castle, checking out the artisan marketplace, or indulging in a hot chocolate, it’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. Don’t forget about the Après Ski Veuve Clicquot Gondola Lounge – it transports guests to Aspen and is the perfect photo-worthy spot to make a champagne toast!
🎅 Holiday Fun For Everyone - The festival is packed with activities for everyone on your list. You can swing by the toy workshop, meet Santa (weekends only), or take in some holiday tunes from local performers. And, of course, there’s the iconic lighting of a 32-foot Christmas tree to mark the start of all the festivities. It’s a totally immersive, storybook-like experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie.
🍹 What’s On The Menu? - Aside from the holiday cheer, there will be plenty of seasonal snacks and drinks to keep you warm, including festive hot chocolate and a selection of beers and wines.
🚶♂️ Getting There - Hood Park is offering free parking for up to 3 hours at 100 Hood Park Dr Garage. It's also accessible via public transit – you can hop on the Orange Line to Sullivan Square.
Winter Fest at Hood Park ❄️🎄
December 5th to January 25th | Time Varies (See Calendar)
Where: 100 Hood Park, Charlestown, MA
HIDDEN GEM
Indulge in Unlimited Chocolate at Taza Factory 💝🍫
🍫 What Is It? - Looking for a sweet winter escape that’s basically a chocolate heaven? Taza Chocolate Factory in Somerville is your new favorite hidden gem. For just $13, you can tour the factory and learn all about how their stone-ground chocolate is made (spoiler: it's way cooler than you think). Plus, you get unlimited chocolate samples while you’re there. Yep, you read that right—unlimited.
😍 Chocolate Overdose - Taza’s not just a factory; it’s a full-on chocolate experience. You’ll get to see the whole process behind their unique bean-to-bar creations and taste a bunch of different chocolate flavors while you’re at it. From spicy cinnamon to rich dark chocolate, you’ll be in flavor overload.
🍬 What’s On The Menu? - You can’t leave without trying their signature hot chocolate (it’s literally a winter must). It’s thick, rich, and the perfect thing to sip on while you browse their indoor factory gift shop for more chocolatey goodness.
🚶♂️ Getting There - Take the Green Line D Train to Union Square, or the E Train to East Somerville. If you’re driving, there’s parking available. The Taza Factory is open for tours every day.
☕ Taza Chocolate Factory
THIS WEEKEND
Assembly Row Ice Sculpture Stroll 🧊
Explore eye-catching ice sculptures, enjoy holiday-themed giveaways, and snap the perfect photo op!
When: Thursday, December 5th, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Assembly Row, 355 Artisan Way, Somerville
Harvard Art Museums at Night 🖼️
Gather with friends inside the Italian-inspired courtyard while taking in the smooth sounds from DJ C-Zone. Browse the museum shop and chat over a snack or drink for purchase from local vendors. Wander over 50 galleries.
When: Thursday, December 5th, 5pm to 9pm
Where: Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge
Open Newbury Winter Stroll ❄️😍
Newbury St becomes car-less and vendors set up shops on the street for your holiday shopping joy!
When: Every Sunday, December 1st to 8th, 10am to 6pm
Where: Newbury Street
Back Bay Holiday Lights ✨
Join the Back Bay community as the most famous Boston holiday lights turn on. Free refreshments will be provided including cookies and hot chocolate.
Boston Commons Lighting:
When: Thursday, December 5, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Boston Common, near the Visitors Information Center, Tremont St
Public Garden & Commonwealth Avenue Mall Lighting:
When: Thursday, December 5, 8pm
Where: Public Garden and Commonwealth Ave
Snowport 🧤
The Holiday Market at Snowport features 120+ local makers, more food than ever before, custom cocktail bars, festive decor, live music, and more.
When: Everyday till December 29th, 11am to 9pm
Where: Seaport Common, 100 Seaport Boulevard
