The best things to do in Boston this weekend

Through Jan 10, all train lovers should head to the Museum of Science for this fun-for-all-ages temporary exhibit featuring classic winter landscapes and nostalgia. Miniature trains, snow-covered peaks, engaging activities, and even a few surprises await.

From Dec 10-Jan 21, stream your way into the holiday spirit as Keith Lockhart leads the Boston Pops Orchestra in holiday classics old and new. Portions of this Holiday Pops program were filmed at Fenway Park, where team mascot Wally participated in the recording festivities.

Head to the MFA to check out a pair of particularly timely exhibits. “Women Take the Floor” challenges the dominant history of 20th century American art by focusing on the overlooked and underrepresented work and stories of women artists, while “Black Histories, Black Futures,” which was curated by young scholars as part of the MFA’s new partnership with local youth empowerment organizations, focuses on works by 20th century artists of color.

As the city's premier artistic hub, the 450 Harrison building is a veritable hive of artistic activity in the back of the South End. Stop by Sundays from 11am-4pm for the city's coolest vintage market, featuring a rotating roster of vendors specializing in curated collections of fashion, jewelry, art, furnishings and more.

If you're jonesing for some brisk, fresh air, check out one of these top local hiking spots. Serious local hikers may head farther afield to the White Mountains or the Appalachian Trail, but when you just need a little bit of nature, there are plenty of quality hikes near Boston that are easy to get to.

ZooLights, presented by National Grid, offers a winter wonderland in which visitors take a socially distanced, one-way stroll along tree-lined paths lit by twinkling lights. Spanning the Zoo's 26 acres, walk through the beautifully lit Yukon Creek and see black bears, a bald eagle, Canada lynx, arctic foxes and reindeer. (Through Jan 17; 4pm-9:30pm)

Whenever you want to get in the mood for the holidays, displays of Christmas lights are bound to do the trick. Whether a simple decorated tree or an elaborate trail of lights, seeing Christmas lights is one of the essential things to do in Boston during the holiday season.

One of the many delights of living in Boston is how easy it is to enjoy a day out on the slopes, with numerous ski areas within a two-hour drive. While the region’s most in-demand slopes are farther out from the city—in other words, more in line with the best winter day trips from Boston—these ski spots offer well-groomed trails for all skill levels, plus terrain parks, lessons, and good base camp facilities.

It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like winter. And now, more than ever, you'll be looking to get outside and really enjoy the best of the city and its surroundings.

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in the Hub. The best things to do in Boston run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational.