{shortcode-4f61cdcee9f2441c71314d1021ed5a067fae9ae5}Winter here is not for the weak. The 25-degree mornings make it even harder to muster up the willpower to get out of bed to study for finals and finish up papers, and half the time, it’s pitch dark by the time you leave the library in the evening. Lucky for you, Boston is absolutely magical in the winter, and a little trip into the city can be the perfect way to take a break from studying, escape the Harvard bubble, and appreciate Boston’s beauty.

See the Boston Common Tree

The biggest tree lighting in Boston takes place on Dec. 1. While there’s no way to see the lighting without a time machine now, you can still see the tree and all the other holiday lights in Boston Common. And grab hot chocolate at the Frog Pond Cafe on your way back! If nothing else, we guarantee it’s a good photo op.

Go Ice Skating

Boston Common’s Frog Pond transforms into an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter months of November to March, and every Tuesday is College Night, when college students, a.k.a. you, can get half-priced admission. If you’re feeling less ~mainstream~, other public rinks in the area include Kendall Square and The Rink at 401 Park by TimeOut Market. Go forth and pretend you’re an Olympic figure skater.

Sled at Boston Common

The powdery snow has finally begun to come in, and we’re only expecting more of it. Once enough snow has collected, head over to Boston Common with your sled (or dhall tray) because you can take to the slopes at Flagstaff Hill, one of the top sledding destinations in Boston (besides Widener steps, obviously).

Visit The SoWa Holiday Market

This year is the seventh annual SoWa winter fair, a wonderful Winter Wonderland where over a hundred small businesses come together to spread the cheer and sell fun trinkets, handmade goods, and flavorful food. It runs from late November to mid-December, and it’s just $10 at the door. Thayer Street is just a three-minute walk away, with a beautiful light display on the way to food trucks, toasty fire pits, and open art studios. What’s not to love?

Visit Snowport

From Dec. 12th (yesterday!) to Dec. 31st, Seaport’s little holiday market has extended hours, open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and until 9:00 p.m. on the weekends! Snowport features over a hundred little popup stores selling holiday crafts and gifts, as well as a variety of food trucks, including a bar truck for post-exam shenanigans 👀.

Enjoy the Nutcracker

The Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is one of New England’s most adored holiday traditions and a captivating Christmas classic that tells the story of a young girl’s adventure to a magical land on a sparkling Christmas Eve. It is a must-see production to relive the magic of the festive season through the mesmerizing snow scene and the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The season runs from after Thanksgiving to the end of December, so grab your tickets early because you cannot miss the most magical ballet of the season!

Stay at a Cozy Cabin

You deserve a weekend away, and Airbnb has your back with quite a few cabins around Boston. You can get some friends together and create memories that last a lifetime. Having great company, curling up by the fire, relishing comfort food, and enjoying the scenic outdoors sounds like the perfect way to wind down.

This winter, you don’t have to hibernate in your dorm. For those of us who still have a few days left on campus, there are so many ways to embrace the season with outdoor adventures to cherish the chilly weather and indoor activities to get cozy and festive.