We have a family trip planned for Christmas 2012. We are spending 4 days in NYC then taking the train to Boston. We will have two full days there at the end of December. I've been to Boston in the Summer and enjoyed it, however am wondering what to plan for winter. Our adult "kids" are interested in history, general sightseeing. Would appreciate suggestions for our vacation. Also - restaurants - not too expensive/gourmet but good food. Many thanks

Will you be in Boston for New Year's Eve? First Night is a huge celebration with a parade, performances, fireworks, etc.

If not, you can still walk the Freedom Trail, visit the new American wing at the Museum of Fine Arts, and do anything else that you would do in the summer, except for water-related activities.

The Christmas/holiday decorations will be up on the Boston Common (where you can rent skates and skate on the frog pond--weather permitting), at the Prudential Center, Beacon Hill, and all along Commonwealth Avenue. It makes for some pretty evening walks.

There are hundreds of restaurants but general advice is to visit the North End (Italian section) for a dinner and have a good seafood dinner. But it all depends on what kind of food you want to eat or avoid.

With the exception of New Year's eve, restaurants won't be hugely busy so it should be easy to eat most anywhere without reservations--though it's always helpful to have them.

Try to see the Boston Pops Holiday Concert. Not sure of the dates you'll be visiting.

The Nutcracker Ballet is a Boston tradition at Christmas as well.

I agree with staying here on NYE so you can check out First NIght. It's a huge event and tons of locals come out for this. You can take a look at the First NIght website (probably still has info for last yr) to get an idea - with the purchase of a First NIght button, you get free admissions to attractions, free shows etc.

It's really impossible to recommend restaurants just based on "not too expensive/gourmet." Why not do some research on your own first and then ask for our opinion? Also, what type of cuisine, what is not too expensive etc etc etc.

Thank you for the helpful responses. Sounds like I was a bit too "general". We arrive the 28th and depart on the 31st. Will check out the great suggestions. Thank you very much. Pamela

It'd be great if you could change your flight to 1/1 so you can fully enjoy First Night! Or if your flight on 12/31 is late enough, you can still enjoy many of its daytime activities.