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While the days are shorter and colder weather is setting in, there’s still so much to see and do on your waterfront!

Boston’s harbor and waterfront are an open and accessible resource you can safely enjoy – either in person or virtually from home. Explore miles of Boston’s Harborwalk, warm up at a local business, or tap in to virtual events at home. Take our recommendations for dining, art & light installations, and activities to help you make the most of the Waterfront these next few months, and check the Bundle Up Boston map for ideas on how to enjoy your waterfront now and all winter long. Whatever you choose, go ahead and #BundleUpBoston, and enjoy your waterfront!

Events & Activities

 Veterans Cruise

Enjoy a cruise to Peddocks Island in honor of veterans and active service members. This year, the cruise will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with American Revolution themed music and historical guided tours of Fort Andrews, along with reflections on service, and fun self-guided activities for all ages.

  • Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 11:00 am-3:00 pm | REGISTER

Moakley Park Community Meetings

Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Moakley Park Design team for both virtual and in-person community meetings in November to get an update on the project and provide input on the future of Moakley Park.

  • Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Curley Center | REGISTER
  • Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm| Virtual| ZOOM REGISTRATION RSVP

Merry Moakley

Join us Thursday, December 11th, from 3:30-5:30 pm for this year’s Merry Moakley at Moakley Park. It will be a family-friendly evening of festive fun with pizza, music, hot cocoa, crafts, free books, photos, games, and more.

Ice Sculpture Stroll

The signature Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll will return again in 2025, bringing the magic of the season to life! On New Year’s Eve, explore a sparkling trail of dozens of intricate ice sculptures hosted by businesses and cultural landmarks along Boston’s waterfront. Participate in the Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll Selfie Contest and enter to win a staycation prize package for two!

  • Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 1:00 pm-5:00 pm | LEARN MORE

Winter Wildlife Cruise

Hop aboard and discover how alive the harbor is in the winter months during this curated 3-hour cruise, with guided narration from expert naturalists and representatives from the National Park Service. Grab your camera and binoculars and get ready to observe the birds and other animals who call Boston Harbor their winter home!

  • Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 11:00 am-2:00 pm | REGISTER
  • Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 11:00 am-2:00 pm | REGISTER

Onboard Awards

The Onboard Awards breakfast.

Boston Harbor Now’s signature winter celebration returns on December 17! The Onboard Awards bring together leaders from across transit, development, corporate, and civic life to honor the vision and action transforming Boston’s Harborfront.

This year’s Onboard Award honorees, the MBTA, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, and National Development, exemplify waterfront leadership and excellence that expand access and strengthen coastal resilience. Their work reflects the shared commitment that drives Boston Harbor Now’s mission to make the waterfront vibrant, accessible, and resilient.

Interested in sponsoring the 2025 Onboard Awards? Contact Na’tisha Mills at nmills@bostonharbornow.org today!

Explore Your Waterfront

Boston’s Black Heritage Trail

The Black Heritage Trail® is a 1.6 mile walk through the heart of Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. The trail showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War.

Art & Lights

Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting

Help spread the holiday cheer by joining the City of Boston, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park for the annual trellis lighting at Christopher Columbus Park! Enjoy music, holiday treats, and a special guest appearance from Santa Claus!

  • Monday, November 24 | 5:00pm-6:00pm |  LEARN MORE

Ship Lights at Martin’s Park

Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront is a climate-resilient park built in memory of eight-year-old Martin W. Richard, the youngest victim of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The accessible park provides play opportunities for children, families, and visitors of all abilities. The wooden play ship is the centerpiece of the space that will be lit for the holidays.

ICA Free Thursday Nights

The ICA is free for all visitors every Thursday evening. Tickets for Free Thursday Nights will be available at 10 AM on that Thursday morning.

 

Fitness and Wellness

Winter Harbor Hikes or Runs

Start your year off on the right foot with a self-guided walk along Boston’s Waterfront. Check out one of four recommended routes around the harbor to get outside and get moving!

Boston Parks Virtual Fitness Series

Join the Boston Parks Department for free virtual fitness classes led by certified instructors from January – April. Classes are free but online registration is required. 

  • Sundays at 8:00am – HITT led by Jacqui Bullens
  • Mondays at 6:00pm – HITT led by Ella Froggatt
  • Tuesdays at 5:30pm – Yoga led by Nikita Virani
  • Wednesdays at 6:00pm – Yoga led by Christine Radice
  • Thursdays at 6:00pm – Dance Fit led by Carmen Blyden
  • Fridays at 12:00pm – Chair Yoga led by Karma Longtin
  • Saturdays at 10:00am – Zumba led by Lena Andrade

 

Support our programs!

Boston Harbor Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our programs would not be possible without the support of our generous donors. We hope you will consider joining your neighbors with a gift in support of our community programming.