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Things To Do In Boston On Christmas Day

- By Jill Rosenthal Notkin

Christmas Day is synonymous with visits from family, large meals, gifts, and house-hopping.  But if you are among the population that does not celebrate Christmas, you may find December 25th to be a long day with little to do.  Actually, there is plenty of fun to be had in Boston on December 25th ! So, whether you celebrate the holiday or not; you don't have to sit around the open fire roasting chestnuts.  Here are some ways to spend the day.

Henrietta's Table
(Photo Credit: Henrietta's Table)

You don't need to have something to celebrate to enjoy a fresh, genuine New England meal.  Henrietta's Table, located in the luxurious Charles Hotel, offers diners classic, local fare, without being fussy or fancy.  Typically, their Christmas Day offerings include a buffet complete with all the traditional trimmings.  When you're done, stroll the pretty streets of beautiful Cambridge, including famous Harvard Yard.

Boston Chinatown Gate
(credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Visit Chinatown

65 Beach Street (between Hudson St & Oxford St)
Boston, MA 02111

Famous for its culture, traditions, and food, Boston is home to the third-largest Chinatown in the United States.  And since Christmas Day is like any other day in this part of town, the streets will likely be bustling with people taking in the sights and the smells wafting from the many restaurants.  Enter the area through the Paifang (Chinatown Gate located at the Beach Street entrance) and browse the shops for groceries, spices and medicines from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia.  Without spending a dime, there is plenty to explore including traditional murals, telephone booths in the paifang style, and unique architecture.  Sit down and eat in one of Chinatown's myriad restaurants that include a selection of Asian cuisine ranging from Chinese to Vietnamese and Japanese.

freedomTrail2
credit: www.thefreedomtrail.org

Walk the Freedom Trail

Boston, MA 02228
(617) 357-8300
website

Combine some history with a little physical activity and take a walk on Boston's famous Freedom Trail.  A 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads visitors to 16 nationally significant historic sites, there is no better way to explore Boston than by foot.  Almost like a museum unto itself, the walk will take you by such landmarks as the Boston Common, the State House, historic burial grounds, the Paul Revere house, and more.  Find an open café along the way and stop in to warm up before continuing on your journey.  Truly a wonderful way to spend Christmas Day.

Jill is a mom of two little girls and founder of The Daily Grind. She is also the owner of Alex Casey Baby, an online store specializing in baby and children's items.  Read more of her work at http://workathomemom.typepad.com.

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