Start prepping that hot chocolate! People are beginning to decorate, the tree in the Boston Common has been lit, and the weather is definitely changing. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Even though this season may look a little different than in the past, there are still plenty of activities to do to get you in the holiday spirit.

Holiday Shopping & Fun

If you’re looking to get outside, socially-distanced styled, of course, we love the Seaport. If you’re looking to get teleported to the North Pole, Snowport is the place for you. The Seaport has once again reinvented itself this winter season. Go ice skating, shop at Winter Revelry or The Current, or people-watch everyone getting into the holiday spirit. (Bonus: If you’re still looking to shop local gifts while staying home, the Harvard Square Holiday Fair will be fully virtual this year!)

Movie Marathon

Nothing says winter more than cuddling up by the fireplace with a blanket watching a holiday movie. The holiday movie marathon lineup I recommend is White Christmas (available for streaming on Netflix), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (watch with a Disney+ subscription), The Holiday, Love Actually, and of course all the traditional cartoon holiday movies everyone loved as a kid. If you want to make your movie marathon even more special, check out the Mendon Christmas Drive-In which will be showing classic holiday movies all season long.

Holiday Lights Tour

My favorite part of this time of year is seeing all the beautiful lights and decorations outside of people’s homes. Instead of driving around aimlessly for hours trying to spot the best houses, I have a better option for you. Take a trip to the Illuminations Tour in Somerville. The tour has some of the best holiday houses conveniently lined up and all mapped out for you. You can walk through the neighborhood or just drive around. Or, buy a ticket to see ZooLights at the Franklin Park Zoo. Take a stroll through the zoo’s stunning light display and you may even spot some familiar park residents along the way!

The holidays are a magical time of year, and no matter what 2020 throws our way, we can still save the holiday spirit. Stay warm and stay safe. Happy Holidays!