Boston Events for January 2025

Top Boston Events for January 2025 include New Year's Day festivities, and lots more fun things to do all month in the city - indoors and outside.  Kick off the New Year by watching Boston's famous L Street Brownies make their annual Polar Plunge.

Treat yourself to a New Year's Day Brunch and then work off those extra holiday pounds later at the Frog Pond Ice Rink on Boston Common.

The huge New England Boat Show, normally held in February, has been moved up to January this year, so don't miss this chance to come and dream about having a new boat this spring.

Join commemorations of renowned civil rights leader (and former Boston University student) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., savor wine and food pairings at the renowned Boston Wine Festival, head to the Garden to cheer the Celtics and Bruins, and don't miss the fantastic lineup of shows in Boston's Theatre District.

Many Boston hotels give you their cheapest discount rates of the year during January.  With so much going on in the city, January is the perfect time to enjoy world-class music, museums, sports, restaurants, and more.

January weather can feel cold - in fact, it's our coldest month of the year - but you'll find plenty of indoor warmth in our welcoming Irish pubs, historic taverns, and superb restaurants, you'll find a city filled with excitement, fun, good food, and cheer.

January 2025 official holidays in Boston: 

• New Year Day - January 1
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 20

More things to do and see in Boston in January

Top photo:  Crossing the bridge over the lagoon in Boston's Public Garden on a snowy January day, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

Boston Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

---

More Things to Do in Boston in January

---

---

---

New England Boat Show - 2025

When:  January 8 - 12
Where:  Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, South Boston Waterfront
Closest T station: Silver Line from Red Line/South Station
Stay: South Boston Waterfront Hotels
Tickets & more information: Boat Show website

New England's biggest boating event has something for everyone, and is bigger than ever this year. 

Check out the informative exhibits, attend free casting demos, try stand-up paddle boarding, test your docking, turning, and stopping skills with a hands-on simulator, and find out everything you need to know about owning and enjoying a boat. 

Perhaps best of all:  You can buy a boat!

---

---

---

Super Bowl Playoffs 2025

Will the New England Patriots qualify for the Play-Offs for Super Bowl 2025? 

Well, no, and enough said.  But you can get tickets to the remaining home games at Gillette Stadium and away games.

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Where: Home games at Gillette Stadium
Where to stay:  Hotels near Gillette Stadium
Tickets: Check for great prices, great seats, and sometimes discounts

---

Boston Wine & Food Festival 2025

Boston Harbor Hotel's epic Boston Wine Festival kicks off on Friday, January 12 with a special opening night event featuring wines from around the globe paired with fantastic food prepared by the hotel's celebrated chefs and live musicin the hotel's renowned Wharf Room. 

This year's 12-week program features exceptional wines and sensational food experiences. 

Begun 30+ years ago by the hotel's long-time Executive Chef Daniel Bruce, the event attracts wine and enthusiasts from all over the world and in addition to dinners includes luncheons, tastings, seminars, and visiting chefs.  A

ttendees have the opportunity to take advantage of a special room rate including complimentary self-parking, based upon availability.  Tickets and more information are available on the Festival website.

The Boston Wine Festival continues through March, and is the country's longest-running wine and food pairing festival.

Check reviews and rates for the Boston Harbor Hotel

Love wine?  Visit Boston's best wine bars

---

---

Featured New Hotel for January:  Revolution Hotel in Boston's South End

40 Berkeley Street, Boston's South End

A trendy vibe, "micro" guest rooms, and - dare we say it, cheap rates position the new Revolution Hotel as one of Boston's most attractive affordable hotels, especially considering its close distance (5-10 minute walk, depending on where you're going) to Downtown Boston. 

Free high-speed wifi is a nice bonus.

• Find & book lowest rates
• See more of Boston's newest hotels

---

---

---

MFA:  Free Open House 2025

When:  Monday, January 20 - Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day

Where:  Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Fenway, Boston; 617-267-9300; www.mfa.org

MFA will celebrate Dr King's legacy with special exhibitions, performances, and free admission on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day.  

Look for family-friendly activities and special exhibits throughout the museum celebrating Dr King, who lived in Boston while studying at Harvard and BU.

Can't come on MLK Day?  You can still get free admission if you have a GoBoston Card.

---

---

Boston Celtic Music Festival 2025

Boston's Celtic Music Festival on January 16-19 takes place at Club Passim, The Burren, the Crystal Ballroom of Somerville, and The Rockwell, also in Somerville, with a mix of local session musicians as well as professional touring acts.

Concerts spotlight the greater Boston's deep tradition of music from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois, and other Celtic communities in traditional music as well as contemporary sounds. 

Closest T station: Red Line/Harvard Square
Tickets
More information: Club Passim website

---

---

2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, Admissions

Best way to save in Boston.  Save up to 50% when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more.   Compare to find out which one is best for you.

---

What to See in Boston's Museums & Aquarium - January 2025

Museum of Science Exhibits

Special Exhibits

• All Aboard!  Trains at Science Park - This seasonal exhibit for all ages returns, expanded and enhanced, ready to immerse you in a winter wonderland
• Sustainable Farm - See a first-of-its-kind hydroponic indoor farm
• Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology- Fly a virtual drone and become an Arctic explorer
• Exploring AI Making the Invisible Visible: Discover how AI is already part of your life, and examine your choices about how and when you use it

With fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn.  Here are just a few of the most popular: Engineering Design Workshop, Colossal Fossil - Triceratops Cliff, The Light House, Dinosaurs, Hall of Human Life, Animal Sculptures, Live Animal Care Center, a Rock Garden, Mathematica, New England Habitats, Garden Walk & Insect Zoo, Electricity.

Where:   Boston's Museum of Science
When:   Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission:  $31 general museum admission ($26 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $27).  Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card. 

New England Aquarium

Harbor seals and seal lions, a giant 4-story ocean tank with hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, an Amazon rain forest, sharks, Myrtle the green sea turtle, and frisky penguins are just a few of the thousands of aquatic animals you'll experience here. 

Get your tickets in advance, or find out more about the Aquarium.  Admission also available through the Go Boston Pass, Explorer Pass, and Boston CityPASS discount cards.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Watch the famous tea party event come alive with live actors, immersive exhibits, and a visit to the full-scale replica 18th century sailing ships at this unique living history museum.  Get advance tickets.

---

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations in Boston - 2025 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national holiday celebrated on the 3rd Monday in January - January 15th this year- to commemorate Dr. King's role in ensuring civil rights, peace, and equality in America. 

Dr. King lived in Boston for several years while he studied at Harvard and Boston University, where he received his Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1955.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations & Events in Boston & Cambridge, 2025

Many dates and times below are still to be confirmed.  Look for updates in late December/early January.

• Born on the Water:   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert by the Boston Children's Chorus - Boston Symphony Hall on January 20 at 4pm.  Find ticket information on BCC's website.
• Becoming King:  Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert - Boston Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, January 15 - Ticket information on BSO's website  (to be confirmed)
• Commemoration of MLK Day: Words Beyond the Dream (another of the city's biggest MLK Day events) at 2pm on January 20 in BU's George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom (775 Commonwealth Ave).  The event includes performances, music, and readings by special guests and students who reflect on the power of words to empower social justice and civil rights, and features Aretha Franklin's music.  More info: 617-353-4126 (Dean of Student's office).   (to be confirmed)
• Visit the Free at Last sculpture (shown in the above photo) honoring Dr. King in front of Marsh Chapel at Boston University, where he studied from 1951-1955. 
• "Hear Her Sing for Freedom," a musical concert written by Coretta Scott King and adapted by Najee Brown, will be performed from January 17 - 19 at the Multicultural Arts Center in East Cambridge (41 Second Street).  Scott King helped fund the Civil Rights Music by presenting Freedom Concerts such as this one.  Tickets are on a "pay what you can" basis (you'll see $35 as the suggested price, but you can enter whatever amount you can pay).  More information
• A Celebration of Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr - The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, Museum of African American History, and distinguished Boston leaders will evoke the power and promise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a performance and concert at Faneuil Hall - 1pm on Jan 15.  Tickets are free, but you must reserve one in advance here.     (to be confirmed)
• Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service - Honor Dr. King's memory by participating in this event to make a better America by volunteering to help others in our community.  January 17 - 20.  Find more details about Boston Cares at bostoncares.org
• Cambridge MLK Day of Service - January 20, 2pm-5pm. This event starts with a Welcome Gathering at Central Square Church before volunteers head out to their service locations.  The event is free, but don't come empty-handed - please bring a can of food, gently used winter clothing, or a children's book to donate.   More information 
• MLK Memorial Breakfast, January 20, 9am - Limited tickets available for the in-person breakfast - the event will also be livestreamed for free.  Join Boston's movers and shakers at this annual event, normally attended by about 1,500 people at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (415 Summer Street).  This is the nation's longest running event in honor of Dr. King's legacy.  The Keynote Speaker this year is professor, author, and long-time activist, Angela Davis.  Registration is required, and donations are requested - more information and tickets here. 
• Enjoy free admission on MLK Day at the Museum of Fine Arts, plus films, performances, and art activities to celebrate Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day - 10am - 5pm. ICA Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also offer free admission on MLK Day.  Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in Stoneham also offer free admission on MLK Day.

More about the Free at Last sculpture on BDG's War Memorials page

Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?

This neighborhood map should help you get oriented. You can find a list of top attractions in each neighborhood here.

Need a more details?  Here are our favorite free and low-cost Boston maps.

---

College Nights at Frog Pond 2025

Head over to Frog Pond every Tuesday Night (except for major holidays, and school breaks / vacations) from 6pm - 9pm for College Nights.  Show your current college ID and get half-price admission (does not apply to skate rentals or other services). 

On certain Tuesdays, students at featured colleges get free admission (check the schedule).  Bring your own skates or rent them for $15 at the rink.  And don't forget to check out the hot chocolate, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, and waffles at the onsite Cafe.  It's the best Cheap Date in Boston!  

When:  Through early March, depending on the weather
Where: Frog Pond,
Closest T station: Red & Green Line/Park St

Find 18 more ice skating rinks in Boston

---

Looking Ahead to Future Events in Boston

• February Events - Happening soon!
• Winter Break in Boston
• Where to celebrate Super Bowl in Boston
• Valentine's Day in Boston

---

Check Out More Top Boston Events Each Month

January   |   February   |     March   |  April   |    May    |    June   |   July   |    August   |    September  |  October   |    November   |    December  |  Year at a Glance 

---

Find a Hotel or Apartment for Your Boston Visit

Enter your dates to see available hotels, apartments, and rates:

Booking.com

More about how to save on Boston hotels