Guide To Visiting Boston For The Holidays

In spite of the cold, Boston comes alive during the holidays and is a great place to visit for many reasons. There is often at least a dusting of snow for atmosphere, the city has a traditional look at its core, Boston decorates to the nines and there are plenty of warm places to hide from the cold. While merriment is to be had around every corner, visitors who have little time can take advantage of the best sites, sounds, food and lodging available around the holidays. They will be happy they did.

XV Beacon
15 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 670-1500
www.xvbeacon.com

XV Beacon is one of the most posh modern hotels in the city and the price tag reflects it. However, those who can fit it in the budget will love staying here over the holidays. Several of the rooms have great views of Boston Common in all of its Christmas time glory. Moreover, the hotel has a couple of luxury cars that guests can call for rides into town to see the holiday sights. Ask for the Winter Wishes package to make the most out of the cold season.

Related: How To Find The Best Deal This Holiday Shopping Season

Blink! A Light & Sound Extravaganza
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
1 Faneuil Hall Square
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 635-3105
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Blink! is a holiday display that lights up Faneuil Hall starting November 22, 2014 and running nightly until January 4, 2015. It features a 90-foot tree and hundreds of thousands of LED lights blinking to the tunes of the Boston Pops. There is also a tree lighting ceremony on the opening day of the light shows. Over the course of the season, families will get to see Santa at the market, ice sculptures and more. It is a great excuse to listen to some music, see some beautiful lights and get some Christmas shopping done all at once.

Boston Common
Boylston St. and Charles St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 635-4505
www.cityofboston.gov

Boston Common is one of the most traditionally decorated places in the city during the holiday season. A beautiful tree gifted to the city by Nova Scotia lights up the nights. A manger offers religious revelers a spot of their own to enjoy. The Frog Pond is open all day and into the evening, so everyone can have a chance to ice skate surrounded by the tall buildings of the city and the oldest park in the country.

Atlantic Fish Company
761 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-4000
www.atlanticfishco.com

Baby, it's cold outside and the best way to beat it is with a hot bowl of authentic New England clam chowder. Atlantic Fish Company does one better and puts its steaming soup in a rich bread bowl. This filling meal for less than $10 is a great way to warm up with some comfort food. Those who cannot have or do not like clam chowder can opt for one of the restaurant's many other dishes.

Related: Boston's Best Holiday Volunteer Opportunities For The Family

"Urban Nutcracker"
Back Bay Events Center
180 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1199
www.urbannutcracker.com

The Tony Williams Dance Center is responsible for this diversified version of "The Nutcracker." It includes jazz, contemporary and classical influences that make up an interesting and varied performance that critics have loved for more than a decade. Famed dancers have joined the cast across the years that this show has been active. Keep a look out for big names and talented youth at the Back Bay Events Center performances throughout December. This show will run from December 12-28, 2014.