The anticipation and excitement of the holiday season may be over, but that doesn’t mean Northeastern students can’t continue to take advantage of Boston’s winter festivities. There are plenty of activities around the city that can help you beat the gloomy, frigid weather that threatens to keep us indoors until March. From comfort foods to outdoor escapades, get inspired by this list of affordable and unique ways to brighten your winter.
Ice skating at the Boston Common Frog Pond – Cost: $10 entry, $15 skates, Accessibility: 8/10, Time commitment: 1 to 2 hours
The Frog Pond ice rink at Boston Common is open throughout the winter months. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Mondays, the rink is the perfect reason to leave your hibernation and spend time outdoors. Fairly accessible by taking the Green Line to Boylston, enjoy a walk through the snow-dusted Commons on your way to the Frog Pond to begin your skating adventure.
Skiing at Wachusett Mountain – Cost: $54 to $107, Accessibility 4/10, Time commitment: 4 to 8 hours
Itching to ski, but don’t have the time or resources to take a weekend trip? Wachusett Mountain is one of the more accessible mountains from the city, making it the ideal snowy day trip. Located about an hour-long drive away, the mountain is approachable for beginner-level skiers but still thrilling for those who are more experienced. Purchase lift tickets ahead of your visit at varying prices depending on the length of time and the time of day that you want to ski. The cheapest selection is their night skiing offering, priced at $54 for a 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. time slot. Renting skis adds on an additional $49, or opt to bring your own. The easiest method to reach the mountain is to take a car. If you do not have a car available to you, you can take the Fitchburg Line on the Commuter Rail from North Station to Wachusett. However, you would still need to call a ride-hailing app or taxi for the additional 10 minute drive to the mountain.
Hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick Chocolates – Cost: $6 to $10, Accessibility 8/10, Time commitment: 1 hour
L.A. Burdick Chocolates is a cozy gem on Clarendon Street in Back Bay. Coined the best hot chocolate in the city by Time Out, L.A. Burdick’s rich, European-style “drinking chocolate” will leave you feeling satiated and snug. Choose between milk, dark, white or a single-source variety, and purchase a bag of the hot chocolate blend of your choice if you want to experiment with at-home recipes. An outing to the shop is an easy Green Line ride to Copley or a 25-minute walk from campus. A venture in pursuit of this coveted treat is a simple yet effective way to make your day a little sweeter.
Curling at Snowport – Cost: free, Accessibility 5/10, Time commitment: 2 to 3 hours
Have you always been curious about curling but never had the chance to try it? Now’s your chance! Although the Snowport Holiday Market has closed for the season, the iceless curling lanes are open until Feb. 28. Reserve a time slot with a few friends and get your curl on. Make sure to plan in advance, as Seaport is not the most convenient neighborhood to access from campus. You will likely need to switch lines from Green to Red to Silver or bite the bullet and use a ride-hailing app.
PopUp Bagels in Seaport – Cost: $12 to $42, Accessibility 5/10, Time commitment: 1 to 2 hours
Trying out a new food spot can mix up your usual routine and add some spice to an otherwise bland winter. PopUp Bagels is the hottest new spot in the city following its Jan. 10 opening in Seaport. With its ever-changing menu of flavorful schmears and butter and its renowned “grip, rip and dip” bagel-eating philosophy, PopUp Bagels is worth the admittedly difficult commute to Seaport. You can order ahead on their website to minimize wait times, but note that you have to reserve a minimum of a dozen bagels and two schmears for $42.00. If you opt to order in person, you can select a minimum of three bagels and one schmear for $12. Make your way to Pier 4 Boulevard and take that first life-changing bite.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – Cost: free, Accessibility 9/10, Time commitment: 1 to 2 hours
In the dead of winter, there are days when the infamous Boston wind chill is too overpowering to spend time outdoors, but that shouldn’t keep you cooped up inside your residence hall or apartment. Heading to a space as vibrant and ornate as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is the perfect solution when winter has you in a funk. Ride the Green Line two stops to Longwood Medical Area or walk just 15 minutes to reach your destination. The museum offers free tickets to students through its university membership program if you use a valid university ID and input Northeastern’s promo code when reserving your ticket time slot.
These winter excursions are just a few ways to engage in a little self-care and brighten up your winter season. Hopefully you feel inspired to give one of these ideas a try or get creative with your own strategies on beating the winter blues. Above all, prioritize taking care of yourself during these chilly months — and stay warm!
