New Boston Winter Festival Opens in Charlestown’s Hood Park
A magical winter wonderland opened on Friday, Dec. 6, at Hood Park in Charlestown, just outside downtown Boston. The 2-acre holiday display features twinkling lights, holiday activities, an artisan gift marketplace, and a life-size ice castle. Winter Fest is open most days in December and weekends in January through Jan. 25, 2025.
Boston’s newest holiday festival will offer visitors ice skating around a giant Christmas tree, an après-ski lounge experience, and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus in December.
“We set out to create an experience that feels like you’re stepping into a storybook, where every corner brings a new moment of magic,” said Winter Fest’s creative director Carl Rugato in an interview with Boston 25 News.
What You Need to Know
- Parking: Parking is free for three hours at the Hood Park Garage.
- Fees: Ice skating is $20 per hour for adults and $15 per hour for children younger than 10. Ice skate rentals are $10 per person. The Santa workshop experience in the life-size gingerbread house is $15 per child and includes a photo of Santa and a gingerbread cookie to decorate. Santa is available for photos on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 7 p.m. Please bring your camera or phone for photos.
- Food and Drink: Winter-themed food and beverage stations will offer treats such as hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies. Select beers and wines will be available for purchase.
Get more information about Winter Fest on the event’s website.