Boston Winter opens at City Hall Plaza

While the calendar doesn’t quite say its winter, with our recent snow and the opening of Boston Winter it sure feels like its here for us. ‘Boston Winter presented by Berkshire Bank’ is having their grand opening today, December 7th, at 4:30 pm. It debuts New England’s first custom designed 11,000 square foot outdoor Skating Path and a Holiday Shopping Market. It is FREE and open to the public seven days a week. Though there is a fee for some activities.

What’s at Boston Winter?

In addition to the ice skating path, you can enjoy winter activities and holiday shopping. There’s a mix of local and international vendors, an eclectic array of hospitality experiences at the Urban Lodge, Vinopolis Interactive Wine Experiences, The Chocolate Story, and attractions including Santa’s House and a pedal-powered Holiday Tree.

If you’re interested in ice skating, the rates are as follows:

Adults, $10
Kids 5-12, $8
Kids 5 and under, FREE
Skate rentals, $6
Lockers, $3

Tickets are available on-site and no reservations needed.

If you happen to have a Berkshire Bank credit/debit card, use it. It will save you 50% off ice skating admission. It does not include skate rentals. In addition, active military, veterans and/or local educators can also receive a 50% discount with a valid ID. Both discounts are subject to availability

There are also special skating events like Cartoon Skate and Rock ‘n’ Skate. Plus there are learn to skate classes. You can get more details here.

If you buy tickets to any activities you can get a free copy of the Boston Winter Coupon book. This is available, while supplies last at Vinopolis, The Chocolate Story, and Santa House. The Coupon Book has discounts and special offers that can be used on purchases throughout the holiday market.

When is Boston Winter open?

The Holiday Market is open:

Monday – Thursday 11am – 7pm
Friday and Saturday 11am – 8pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm

Ice Skating Path is open:

Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm
Friday and Saturday 11am – 10pm
Christmas Eve 11am – 4pm
New Year’s Eve 11am – 6pmClosed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day

The nearly 11,000 square foot outdoor ice Skating Path, operated by Rink Management Services, the largest operator of ice skating facilities in the United States, will remain open through February, offering learn-to-skate programs, and many special events. The Holiday Shopping Market, operated by Millennial Exhibitions (MX), a global provider of traveling exhibitions and seasonal experiences, will run through December 31st and include unique attractions and over 40 chalets with boutique style shops offering a wide array of gifts and food. Vendors are 60% local and include The Grommet, LovePop, Etsy Artists of Boston, Boston Olive Oil Company, Le Souk, Campeon Soccer, Grace Oliver, and many other specialty retailers from Massachusetts.

Boston Winter is just the first installment of ‘Boston Seasons presented by Berkshire Bank’, a three-year plan created by Boston Garden Development Corp and the City of Boston Property Management Department to revitalize the existing plaza at City Hall and create a vibrant welcome public space for all.