Boston is a city steeped in tradition so it’s no surprise that celebrating the Christmas in Boston is quite the experience! All the lights, the holiday cheer, and brownstone stoops dressed their best. This city shows off, and they do it well.

I spent a weekend at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, with its own splendid history, and I spent three days walking my beloved city. Three days taking photos, watching people, and listening to stories from visitors and locals. And here is a breakdown on the best Boston has to offer during the holiday season.

Christmas in Boston:

Best Hotel:

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is magical anytime of the year but its exceptional during the holidays!  Its grand lobby holds a wintery scene behind check-in.  A gingerbread replica of the hotel, and giant Christmas tree.  Not to the mention the sled full of presents.  The ballroom doors are flanked with elegant white poinsettias on golden pedestals.  Their restaurant, Oak Long Bar & Kitchen,f with its natural wood tones complimented by soft blush and neutral fabrics, is adorned with wreaths to bright the holiday spirit.  It is truly a special hotel for your stay to explore Boston!

Best Neighborhood:

When it comes to dressing your doorways, Beacon Hill has it covered.  Fresh greenery, bright red ribbons, and fir wreaths at every glance, this neighborhood does Christmas right.  Take a day to wander each street, and peruse the antique shops and cafes along the way.

Best Hot Chocolate:

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates, just around the corner from the Fairmont Copley Plaza, was recently named Best Hot Chocolate in the United States.  This is definitely worth a stop on a chilly day of sight seeing!

Best Holiday Lights:

The Boston Public Garden transforms into an elgant array of lights during the holidays.  The bridge is lit up with blue lights, and the George Washington Monument is also flanked by rows of shrubs lit up with holiday flare.  The Boston Common can’t be forgotten.  The skating rink in the middle of the common is surrounded by trees decked out in Christmas lights.  In the North End, you can see the holiday trellis lit up in a brilliant blue, for the 15th year!

Best Holiday Tree:

All of the trees in Boston are a sight to see, however the tree in the Boston Common is a special story.  Every year we receive our tree from Halifax, Nova Scotia.  in 1917 Halifax had an explosion that killed over 2,000 and injured over 8,000 more.  Upon hearing the news Boston immediately sent a train full of doctors, nurses, and medical supplies to help Halifax.  Now, even 100 years later, Nova Scotia gifts a hand picked tree as a token of gratitude.

Best Holiday Walk:

The best walk is definitely down Commonwealth Avenue Mall in Back Bay.  Lined by brownstones with holiday cheer on both sides, its a beautiful sight at night as the trees are all lit up.  It’s like walking down a sparkly golden corridor.

I hope you get a chance to experience Christmas in Boston.  If you have experienced the Christmas in Boston what was your favorite?

Boston Looks