Boston December Weather post Christmas 26-31
 

Is Boston too cold in December to tourist around the city and get to know it?I was planning on going on December 26th to the 31st but IDK if its going to be way too cold to walk around the city.

What weather are you used to?

You can expect quite cold temps with a good possibility of sleet, ice and snow. Doable if you like cold.

It can be anywhere from 20-45 F., with the possibility of snow. There is no way to predict. Dress warmly and wear boots, hats, and gloves. Only you can decide what's too cold for you to be outside.

Those os us who live here actually walk around in that weather. If you dress warmly, wear waterproof foot coverings and complain a lot, you will fit right in.

It might be moderately cold or it might be very cold. Hotel prices are rock bottom though, and that's significant because Boston hotel prices can get very high.

Cannot reco too strongly that you need hat, gloves and scarf if you are not used to cold (if you are you'll know this already). Also boots should be practical, with non-skid soles and lift your feet above the freezing pavement - nothing fashionable unless you are cabbing everywhere.

Even if you take a cab everywhere, Boston has old streets with bad drainage - you are bound to step in a slushy puddle. If you have been to NYC in the winter, dress differently. We are very practical minded - think LL Bean-type style.

But if you are dressed properly, it can be beautiful - Christmas lights will still be up. Snow would make it a bonus. There is skating on the Frog Pond on Boston Common (with skate rentals available). Faneuil Hall marketplace usually has beautiful decorations.

I live here and personally despise the cold - and would never consider visiting a northern city in winter. But many do and have a great time.

Layers.

Stores are uniformly overheated, and once the chill is off, you will want to peel off a layer or two if you want to be inside for long. The Big Museum and the Little Museum (MFA and Gardner) both have safe coat checks where you can divest yourself.

If you get a T pass for the days you are there, you can pop in and out of public transportation if walking is too chilly.

Boston can be magic at this time of year. Students are gone, few lines. Google Childe Hassam's iconic painting of Boston Common at twilight to see a lovely view of a cold day. Be sure to wander around Beacon Hill. It will be decorated for Christmas, of course in a tasteful way :-)