The best things to do in Boston in January

Starting Sunday, Jan. 5, Boston families can get into some of the city's top museums for free on Boston Family Days. The new initiative from the City of Boston opens nine institutions—Boston Children’s Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo, Museum of African American History, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum—to local students, plus two guests per child, on the first and second Sunday of each month until the end of 2026. The program is open to K–12 students who live in Boston as well as Boston Pre-K kids. Before inviting the whole fam, check with your destination to see if you should pre-register—popular spots like the Children's Museum and Aquarium recommend it.

Though twinkling lights would probably brighten spirits all winter long, it's customary to take them down in the new year. So this weekend would be a good one to consult our guide to the best light displays locally and go for one final sparkling spin. Winterlights from the Trustees of Reservations ends on Saturday, and ZooLights at the Stone Zoo ends on Sunday. Some light displays extend the season, such as Winter Fest in Charlestown (closed this weekend, but open on weekends through January 20) and Hatchlings on the Greenway (lit all day and nightly until 11pm through February 24).

This weekend is will be brisk, but if you clutch a hot drink with your mittens, it can be charming. One of the best winter activities—which isn't dependent on snow—is hitting an ice rink. Boston and the surrounding area has no shortage of rinks fit for all levels, but none are as iconic as the Boston Common Frog Pond. Situated on the oldest public park in America, the rink hosts a steady, multigenerational throng of newbies and aspiring Kristi Yamaguchis alike. (Those who prefer to stay on non-slippery ground can snuggle up beside the snack bar with a hot chocolate and free Wi-Fi.) Just be sure to bundle up—a wait is inevitable.

It's time to hit the slopes. Winter is here and it is not going anywhere for a while. So, get out there and enjoy the best part of living in New England, getting out on a beautiful mountain, not too far from Boston and get a little exercise and feel the wind in your googles! Skiing has to be the best cure for the winter blues!