80+ Fun Things to Do in Boston in January 2023
When:
Monday, Jan 02, 2023 8:00a -
Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023 11:00p
Monday, Jan 02, 2023 8:00a -
Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023 11:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Art, Date Idea, Drinks, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Good for Groups, Meetup, Nightlife, Outside, Seasonal
Event website:
thebostoncalendar.com
Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Just because the holidays are over, there’s still plenty of amazing things to do around the city this month. It might be a bit chilly or a bit gray, but these incredible events are guaranteed to light up your life. Celebrate every day with 80+ things to look forward to this January.
By Kenneal Patterson
When: 1/4, 1/10, 1/19, 1/28
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: $0-30
What: The Life of Pi play brings animals and creatures to life through puppetry. You can learn the behind-the-scenes magic at the Puppetry Workshop this January.
Lesley MFA Winter 2023 Reading Series
When: 1/6-1/14
Where: Porter Square
Cost: FREE
What: Broaden your mind with Lesley University. The institution is inviting several esteemed authors to campus and hosting discussions about writing, reading, and exploring oneself.
Coffee Tasting at Counter Culture Coffee
When: Every Friday in January
Where: Somerville
Cost: FREE
What: You’ve been to several wine tastings, and maybe even sampled a beer or two. But have you ever sampled coffee? Try your favorite dark roast at Counter Culture.
Bottomless Brunch at Burro Bar
When: Every weekend in January
Where: South End
Cost: $25
What: What’s better than brunch? Bottomless brunch. At Burro Bar, you can sip margs and eat tacos to your heart’s content every weekend.
Beer & Cheese Pairing Class: Gouda Vibes
When: 1/9
Where: East Cambridge
Cost: $35
What: We’re not trying to be cheesy when we say that you’ll have a gouda time in this Lamplighter Brewing class. Learn to pair the perfect duo.
NBA Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls
When: 1/9
Where: West End
Cost: Varies
What: If you haven’t seen a Celtics game, are you really living in Boston? Start your New Year right while watching a slam dunk. Check out the game against the Pelicans, too, as well as tons more this season.
Boston University Men's Hockey vs. UMass
When: 1/11
Where: North Brookline
Cost: $27
What: What’s winter without a good hockey game? You can see BU go up against UMass in one of the most anticipated playoffs in the season.
When: 1/11
Where: Downtown
Cost: $99+
What: It’s one of the most beloved dance shows of our time. Now, you can watch it live with your very own eyes.
Film Screening: ‘No Impact Man'
When: 1/12
Where: Back Bay
Cost: FREE
What: A great resolution is to protect the environment this year. Learn how one man limited his global footprint in “No Impact Man.”
When: 1/12
Where: South End
Cost: $55+
What: Fingers turning blue? Knit a new pair of mittens (or socks) at a class with Boston Fibers Company! You can also make a chunky pillow at CambridgeSide.
When: 1/12
Where: Nubian Square
Cost: FREE
What: It’s almost open! Enjoy a very special sneak peak of Nubian Markets– including a tour of the space and delicious food samples.
When: 1/12
Where: Kendall Square
Cost: $10-20
What: Tinker and tweak. At MIT’s Museum, you’ll be immersed into a night of entertainment, science, and surprises! You can expect interactive games, refreshments, and live music.
Tasty Tapas: Adult Cooking Class
When: 1/12
Where: Dover
Cost: $76
What: Por favor! If you’re craving some Spanish tapas, why not lean how to make them yourself? Drive to Dover and come home with veggie frittata, potatoes bravos, and ham croquettes.
When: 1/12
Where: Seaport
Cost: FREE
What: Tired of loud music every time you go out? Enjoy a chill silent reading party with fellow book nerds.
NHL Boston Bruins vs. Seattle Kraken
When: 1/12
Where: West End
Cost: $159+
What: The Boston Bruins are just as goal-oriented as you are in 2023. Watch them shoot and score in the new year! See other games here.
Hubbub Comedy Night at Lamplighter
When: 1/12
Where: East Cambridge
Cost: $15
What: Laugh until you’re in stitches. There’s no better way to beat the seasonal depression than when chuckling and giggling at Lamplighter’s comedy night.
Zahhak: The Legend of the Serpent King
When: 1/12-1/15
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: FREE
What: This beautiful show is inspired by ancient Persian storytelling and the epic poem Shahnameh. It weaves in modern themes and contemporary jazz music for a not-to-be-missed performance.
When: 1/13
Where: Woburn
Cost: FREE
What: Don’t be afraid. Friday the 13th can be tons of fun! Spend your night at a funky party at Lord Hobo Brewing.
When: 1/13
Where: Kendall Square
Cost: $35
What: Origami has been practiced for thousands of years, and today, it’s still one of the most beloved art forms. Make a paper swan at this beginner’s workshop and you’ll soon have hundreds more.
Collab Beer Release and Book Reading
When: 1/13
Where: Everett
Cost: FREE
What: The best way to enjoy a book is with a beer in hand. You’ll love Michael Cloherty’s new book, and it’ll pair nicely with a new brew.
When: 1/13
Where: Porter Square
Cost: $15-25
What: Swing your partner round and round. Twirl and spin at Boston Swing Central’s dance lesson this January.
The Maskssacre Ball on Friday the Thirteenth
When: 1/13
Where: Somerville
Cost: $13
What: Looking for something a bit spooky? Halloween might be over, but this Friday the Thirteenth offers extra eerie events. Check out the Maskssacre Ball and jam out to freaky music.
Belmont World Film's 20th Family Festival
When: 1/14-1/16, 1/21
Where: West Newton
Cost: $8-25
What: See some of the world’s most remarkable films, and learn about the production during fascinating workshops. The movies are catered toward children but explore inspiring and educational topics that everybody should check out.
When: 1/14
Where: Fenway
Cost: $15
What: Stretch it out– and admire the view. At Bower, you can practice your tree position in the Sky Lounge and admire the city skyline while saying “om.”
When: 1/14
Where: Seaport
Cost: $40-190
What: Take a one-stop-flight back to the 90s. At this drag brunch, you’ll be belting along to your favorite Brittany Spears throwback songs.
When: 1/14
Where: Everett
Cost: $25
What: It’s time to manifest your dream 2023. At the Vision Board Workshop, you can visualize the life you want– and grab a beer while you’re at it.
When: 1/14
Where: Seaport
Cost: $90
What: Have you always wanted to learn photography, but never gotten the courage to pick up a camera? Fear not. At these beginner photography workshops, you can join other Bostonians and take professional shots of our beautiful city. Explore by night or by day.
When: 1/14
Where: South Boston
Cost: $55
What: It’s tipsy time. Sip on some delicious cocktail concoctions while simultaneously making your very own vision board college.
When: 1/14
Where: Roslindale
Cost: Varies
What: Have trouble sitting through a 3-hour performance? At Riot X, you can enjoy 2-minute plays that keep you on your toes.
When: 1/14
Where: Frederick Douglass Square
Cost: FREE
What: It’s Community Give Back Day, which means that you can find a one-stop-shop for health screenings, wellness and lifestyle vendors, giveaways, resources for kids and teens, resources for seniors, and so much more.
When: 1/14
Where: Beacon Hill
Cost: $95
What: Keep an eye out for the white rabbit. Four-Handed Illusions will wow you with some of the greatest magic tricks you’ve ever seen.
The Pickle: Boston's Best Improv
When: 1/14
Where: Somerville
Cost: $16
What: Sometimes, life is all about faking it until you make it. At Boston’s Best Improv, you can watch professional comedians make it up as they go– and have a great time doing it. If you’re loving the laughs, catch Riot Improv’s performance too.
When: 1/14-1/16
Where: Davis Square
Cost: $50
What: Breathe and relax. The hectic holiday season is over, so you might be craving a time to relax and reset. This meditation retreat is just what the doctor ordered.
When: 1/15
Where: Fenway
Cost: FREE
What: Lace up your skates. At IceFlow Yoga, you can join other adults for a relaxing time on the ice.
Martin Luther King Jr., Day of Service
When: 1/16
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $13-20
What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a nice break from work— but it’s also an important time to give back. Honor Dr. King’s legacy by creating art, reflecting on justice, learning about equality, and so much more.
Boston Sports Card & Autograph Convention
When: 1/16
Where: Peabody
Cost: $3
What: Ready to start your collection? At the Sports Card & Autograph Convention, you can find the rarest sports memorabilia in New England.
Learn How to Make a New York Times Crossword
When: 1/16
Where: Mid-Cambridge
Cost: $10
What: What’s a three-lettered word that starts with “f” and is synonymous with a good time? You’ll have so much fun at this Lamplighter crossword workshop.
When: 1/18
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: FREE Admission
What: Are you a beer guy or a wine fanatic? At Sam Adam’s Wine-Inspired Wednesdays, you can be both. Try their delicious vinified creations.
The Struggles of Boston's Black Workers in the Civil War Era
When: 1/18
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $10
What: This educational lecture recounts the struggles of Black workers during the Civil War Era, who fought against oppression and unjust employment laws. The discussion will also highlight the triumphs of pioneering Black entrepreneurs that fought against cruelty and inequality.
MLK Jr. Forum on Racial Justice 2023
When: 1/18
Where: Online
Cost: FREE
What: Communities of color struggle disproportionately with mental health issues. It’s important to address and acknowledge this pandemic. Together, we can seek solutions.
Yacht Lobsters Play City Winery
When: 1/19
Where: $15-25
Cost: West End
What: The breezy, easy, sound of the 70s is floating through City Winery this month. Grab a pina colada and listen to the Yacht Lobsters for a jazzy time.
When: 1/19
Where: Everett
Cost: Varies
What: Just thinking about Seabiscuit’s pot pies makes us drool. Devour a stew pie (or sample the veggie curry one) this month at the Seabiscuit pop up.
When: 1/19
Where: South End
Cost: FREE
What: We’re still grateful that the Huntington Theater has reopened. Jenny Loves Me! Is a one-man-show, performed for one night only, so don’t miss out.
When: 1/20
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: $85
What: Oui oui. If you want a sip of champagne or Chardonnay, learn about French wines with a CCAE class and you’ll be hearing “merci” in no time.
A (Sort of) Creepy Tour in honor of Edgar Allan Poe
When: 1/20
Where: Waltham
Cost: $21
What: Once upon a midnight dreary, Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809. Tour Gore Place, a historic 19th-century estate, and admire Poe-inspired storytelling and the strange facts and figures of his life.
Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life
When: 1/21
Where: Back Bay
Cost: FREE
What: Watch aspiring musicians learn fine-tuned skills from Benjamin Zander. The esteemed conductor will exhibit extraordinary musical abilities, so make sure you grab a front-row seat.
When: 1/21
Where: Boston Harbor
Cost: $0-30
What: Not every animal hunkers down for the winter months. Even though the bears are hibernating, you can witness some other critters first hand during this Winter Wildlife Cruise.
When: 1/21
Where: Downtown
Cost: $68+
What: Feel the magic firsthand. At this incredible theater performance, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a kid-friendly Game of Thrones– complete with mythical creatures and dragons.
When: 1/22
Where: Mattapan
Cost: $10-13
What: Is it a squirrel, fox, or snow owl? During this Animal Tracking experience, you and your kiddos can follow the paths of the winter critters that scurry before you.
When: 1/24
Where: Everett
Cost: $75
What: You don’t have to be a plant-mom to take care of a bonsai. You’ll learn all the basics at this Bonsai Bar workshop and return home with a little tree of your own.
The Velvet Party: A Winter Soiree
When: 1/25
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $150
What: The Gardner dazzles us each day with its intricate art, gorgeous sculptures, and elegant history. You can attend a Winter Soiree here and enjoy a plush night of music, food, and fashion.
Canon, Canyon, Cannon: Poetry Reading
When: 1/26
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $13-20
What: One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. You might not be a poet yourself, but you can hear some stunning lines at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s night of poetry and performance.
Winter Swing Dance at Aeronaut Cannery
When: 1/27
Where: Everett
Cost: $10
What: Swing your hips and tap your feet to traditional 1920s-1940s era jazz with The Late Risers and the JP Jitterbugs.
A World Within Reach: Greek and Roman Art
When: Opening 1/28
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: $18-20; FREE Sunday
What: A new exhibit is coming to the Harvard Art Museums– and we can hardly wait for the opening date. Ancient Greek and Roman Art will be displayed in all of their splendor; all for your viewing pleasure.
Murder at the Science Museum Scavenger Hunt
When: 1/28
Where: East Cambridge
Cost: $39
What: Can you solve the mystery? Grab some friends and play detective for a thrilling night at the Museum of Science.
When: 1/28
Where: Salem
Cost: $0-20
What: Hippity, hoppity. It’s the Year of the Rabbit, which means we’re bouncing toward a better 2023. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with performances, storytelling, and art making at the Peabody Essex Museum.
When: 1/29
Where: Wilmington
Cost: $10-40
What: Milk, dark, white, or hot cocoa? No matter how you take your chocolate, most people agree that it’s the best dessert of all. You’ll feel like Willy Wonka himself at this year’s Chocolate Expo.
When: 1/29
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: $90
What: Vegan lifestyles are proven to be some of the healthiest. If your resolution is to become the strongest version of yourself, learn to cook some delicious vegan meals!
When: 1/31
Where: Coolidge Corner
Cost: $150
What: Impress your friends with your film knowledge. Take a class about Goddard in the 60s and you’ll fascinate yourself and your fellow cinephiles.
Conception: The Awakening of Ogbonné
When: 1/31
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $10-15
What: Embark on a musical voyage. Obgonné Mary Orj is a visionary, poet, tenor saxophonist, artist, and so much more. Watch her music come to life in this unforgettable performance.
When: Throughout January, Tu-Sa
Where: Back Bay
Cost: FREE
What: Ready to feel inspired? Boston's most creative artists are featured in the New Members Show at The Copley Society of Art.
Beauty And The Beast Cocktail Experience
When: Throughout January
Where: Downtown
Cost: $47
What: This immersive cocktail adventure will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Dress up for this enchanted experience and sample drinks from the Beast’s Castle.
When: Throughout January
Where: Harvard Square
Cost: $30+
What: If the movie amazed you, the play will blow you away. Life of Pi is coming to the Loeb Drama Center this January and the show is not-to-be-missed.
Courtyard Tea Room at Boston Public Library
When: Throughout January, We-Sa
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $52+
What: Cozy up. If you’re sick of the winter chill, sip on some warm tea inside the beautiful Boston Public Library Tea Room.
When: Throughout January, Mo-Su
Where: Downtown
Cost: Varies
What: Boston’s best new bar rests in what used to be a wig shop. Sample their extraordinary cocktails while admiring the vibrant ambiance.
When: Throughout January, Tu-Sa
Where: South Boston
Cost: Varies
What: Just because it’s January, you don’t have to stop enjoying rooftop bars. At Lookout, you can stay warm and cozy within an igloo as you admire the dazzling view. Plus, dine under the winter stars at 75 on Liberty Wharf, too.
When: Throughout January, Mo-Su
Where: Dorchester
Cost: Varies
What: Stay warm within The Bowery’s yurts, and you’ll feel like you’re an alpine explorer that’s stopped for a bite to eat in a magical tent.
When: Throughout January
Where: Mid-Cambridge
Cost: $89+
What: Want to learn how to cook this year? Patty Chen has got you covered. Once you learn the tips and tricks, your family will be drooling over your creations.
Après Ski Pop-up Lodge at Publico Boston
When: Throughout January, Th-Su
Where: South Boston
Cost: Varies
What: You don’t need to spend your day on a chairlift in the Alps. Instead, spend your night at the lovely Apres Ski pop-up for that exact same rustic, retro ambiance.
When: Throughout January
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $15-85
What: Listen to an unimaginable musical fantasia at the premier of Preludes. This melodic performance will follow the journey of a young artist to “secure a legacy and reclaim a voice.”
Winter-Ready Patios & Rooftops in Boston
When: Throughout January
Where: Throughout Boston
Cost: Varies
What: Unless you’re doing dry January, there’s no reason to stop enjoying rooftop bars. These chic spots are winter-ready and they’ll make you forget that the temp’s dropping.
Ice Skating Around Boston This Winter
When: Throughout January
Where: Throughout Boston
Cost: Varies
What: Have you ever tried a triple-axel? You can practice at some of Boston’s very best ice rinks— or maybe just stick to a simple twirl for now!
When: Throughout January
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Varies
What: Let’s get crafty. If you’re hoping to find that artistic flair this year, try taking a studio art class at the MFA. You can also find your medium at the Hidden Art Gallery.
Bonus: New Hampshire Ice Castles
When: 1/24-1/28, 1/31
Where: North Woodstock, NH
Cost: $15-29
What: Take a day trip to North Woodstock, New Hampshire for something truly unforgettable. Fairy tales come to life within these real-life ice sculptures. You can also enjoy sleigh rides, a winter enchanted forest, snow tubing, a polar pub, ice slides, and so much more.
*****
Stave off the seasonal depression and go check out 80+ incredible things to do in Boston this month.
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