The best things to do in Boston this weekend

We lost an absolute American treasure, Betty White, just before the star was set to turn 100 on Jan. 17. To celebrate our beloved golden girl, Precinct Kitchen + Bar will be offering a menu of specialty cocktails in her honor from January 13—23. Amongst the drinks you can use to toast this TV legend: the Ageless Beauty, a blend of bourbon, pomegranate juice, Chambord, lemon juice and maple syrup; the Betty White Russian, a “take on this classic cocktail for this classic star” made with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, cream, whipped cream and gold star sprinkles; The Golden Girl, featuring citrus vodka, Domaine de Canton, fresh lemon and simple syrup, all topped with prosecco and gold shimmer; and The Hollywood Star Martini, a vodka martini made with Tito’s, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and simple syrup. We’d say pour one out for Betty, but we know our gal wouldn’t want you to waste a perfectly good beverage, so bottoms up!

The long weekend means that instead of working, you can spend this Monday marking Betty White’s birthday with brunch. City Tap is hosting a Betty White Tribute Brunch on Jan. 17, what would have been the star’s 100th birthday. To celebrate the life and work of this beloved actor, the Fort Point joint will be serving up some on-theme specials like Golden Waffles, Golden Glitter Mimosas and a vodka and hotdog combo, which was famously one of Betty’s favorite food and beverage pairings. The Seaport spot will also stream live broadcast tributes to her on its TVs and have Betty swag available.

Grab your coat and make the most out of this chilly weather by heading over to the Liberty Hotel. The luxury West End spot is opening up its outdoor courtyard for curling this winter. Every Saturday and Sunday until January 30, the ritzy hotel will be taking reservations for its curling package, which includes: One hour of rink time; a scoring card with playing instructions; a carafe of Dutch hot cocoa; a snack spread of Wagyu sliders and cookies; and either a bottle of prosecco, a bottle of Alamos Malbec or a pitcher of spiked Mexican hot chocolate to share. Reservations for two to six people should be made in advance online.

SoWa is giving us more Sundays to love. The South End complex and artist guild is building upon its Second Sundays tradition, now opening its doors to the public every single weekend of the month. Just like before, folks will be able to head to the studios at 450 Harrison Ave (most of them, anyway) Sundays from 11am—4pm. Meet local artists, explore their latest works and buy pieces directly from them.

Winters in Boston can be totally brutal, and, as we face another few months of plummeting temperatures and impending blizzards, we could all use a stiff—and hot—drink. We’ve scoured the city for the best spiked libations that will keep everyone toasty and tipsy, making the frightful weather out there at least somewhat bearable. Whether you want to feel festive or need to shake off some shivers, check out these hot drinks that'll beat the bitter cold and let you just chill out this weekend.

We’re not shy about embracing the chill of the season here in Boston and, come winter, locals and tourists alike hit the ice at the array of skating rinks that dot the city. Whether you’re a novice looking for a small, cozy spot to learn or an axel-jumping expert in search of a more professional place, The Hub and its surroundings offer rinks fit for all levels. Lace up your skates and glide your way over to one of these spots this weekend.

Carrie Nation Cocktail Club wants you to drag yourself out of bed and into brunch this Sunday, when the downtown establishment will be hosting its beloved drag brunch. The fabulous festivities will be held between 2—4pm (perfect timing for folks who need a little extra sleep to recover from the night prior), when local favorites Destiny Boston and Dee Dee de Ray will get the crowd rowdy with the help of special guest performers. Pre-game the show with Carrie Nation’s brunch buffet spread, which will be up and running 12—2pm, and be sure to stay hydrated throughout the afternoon with its selection of specialty cocktails and full bar. You must purchase tickets in advance for this 21+ event, in addition to calling, texting or emailing the eatery to ensure your entire group can sit together at a table.

Tap into your inner calm with yoga at Night Shift Brewing’s taproom. Join the Everett brewery for a group class encompassing a series of poses, stretches and breathing, all led by a local instructor (Alyssa Capuano, Sara Bailey and Kat O'Leary all take turns teaching it). Hang around afterwards to grab a beverage—whether it be one of Night Shift’s celebrated beers or cold brews—and refuel for the rest of your Sunday. 

Maybe it’s balancing on skis, as a mountain vista steals your breath—two runs already in and it’s not even noon. Or maybe it’s chilling in the warmth of an aprés-ski cocktail and fire. Regardless of what brings Bostonians to the slopes, they can find perfect winter getaways at nearby ski resorts—a paradox of serene scenery and exciting outdoor adventures. Some spots have great snowboarding and awesome tubing and sledding, too. Whatever your pleasure—to relax or exhilarate—you can do it all or do nothing this weekend.

In New England, we take winter fun seriously—it’s how we thrive during this notoriously gloomy, cold season. If you’re looking to get out of the city for the day—whether it’s to embrace the chilly weather with an outside adventure or simply cozy up indoors to admire the snow from afar—there are plenty of places worth a visit. Explore all that New England has to offer—from quaint, historic towns to buzzing hubs filled with outdoor activities.

After a long winter (and spring) enduring the cold—while occasionally enjoying the Boston’s best winter activities and best indoor activities—it’s time to get outside and soak up the sun. Whether it’s enjoying nature, taking in some historical sites, getting out on the water, attending an outdoor concert or having a picnic, there are plenty of top-notch summer activities in Boston. If you have little ones, check out our lists of the best things to do with kids in Boston and the best beaches in the Boston area. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

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.