Boston's Event Calendar for February 2023 kicks off with the festive Chinese New Year Lion Dance parade in Chinatown, and also includes the Boston Beanpot hockey tournament, a stellar lineup of shows in Boston's Theatre District, the ever-popular annual return of Disney on Ice during school vacation week, and the huge New England Boat Show.
On the concert stage, look for shows from top national and international stars.
February 2023 holidays in Boston:
- Valentine's Day - February 14 (not an official holiday)
- President's Day - Monday, February 20 (official holiday; most government offices will be closed)
- Winter Vacation Week - Starting on President's Day, students at public schools in Boston and the rest of Massachusetts will be enjoying winter vacation for the entire week
Weather during February can be a mix of snow and sunny, cold and warm days.
Embrace the wintry weather by ice skating on Frog Pond, skiing or snowboarding on a nearby slope, or walking around the city when freshly fallen snow turns it white and sparkling. On the warmer days, look for buds forming on trees in Boston's parks.
Indoors, the theater season continues in full swing, concerts take place almost every night, and the Boston Bruins and Celtics attract crowds of fans to TD Garden. And even though the New England Patriots won't return to the Super Bowl again this year, you can still watch the game and celebrate in Boston's many sports bars.
Boston hotels continue to give you their cheapest discount rates of the year during February. This the perfect time to enjoy the city's world-class museums, restaurants, and concerts.
More to look forward to during February: the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival.
Winter Vacation Week family activities
More things to do and see in Boston in February
Top photo: Chinese New Year parade in Boston's Chinatown
Chinese New Year Events - Lion Dance Parade 2022
Boston's huge Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown features lion dances, drums, martial arts, and firecrackers, and when the weather cooperates, dragon dances. (The dragon dancers' somewhat fragile costumes don't hold up well in snow, rain, or strong wind, so February weather doesn't usually cooperate.)
Although Chinese New Year 2022 officially starts on February 1 to welcome the Year of the Tiger, the date when Boston's big Lion Parade through Chinatown takes place is on Sunday, February 13, 10 am - 3 pm. An indoor event, Chinese New Year Cultural Village, takes place inside the China Trade Building (2 Boylston Street), gives young children and their parents a place to warm up between 11:30am and 3pm while enjoying traditional crafts and games.
The Lion Dance parade kicks off at the main stage in Philips Square (corner of Harrison Ave and Beach Street), continues on Essex Street, winds its way other nearby Chinatown streets, and then the dozen or so groups of performers spread out through the neighborhood to continue their performances for the rest of the afternoon. Depending on the weather (ie, not too much snow or ice on the streets), there may also be martial arts demonstrations and drumming.
Closest T station: Orange Line/Chinatown (or walk over from any Downtown Boston T station
Cost: Free
More information about the CNY Parade - plus photos
5 fun restaurants to visit in Chinatown
Where to go for Dim Sum after the parade
Special February Cruises on Boston Harbor
Fall Foliage Cruises
- Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Enjoy a tasty gourmet brunch, fall foliage, and panoramic views as you cruise around Boston Harbor
- Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Sip hot cider as you enjoy lunch on this relaxing fall foliage cruise to celebrate seasonal colors
Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:
- Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor (through Oct 1)
- Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience! Refreshments are available for purchase at the bar (through Oct 2)
- Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizonNO
- Sunday Evening Jazz Cruise on Northern Lights - End your weekend on the perfect note by grooving to live jazz as you watch the ever-changing sunset colors as the sun sets behind Boston's city skyline (Oct 16, 23, 30)
Sail on the Adirondack III (through mid-October)
- Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands (through Oct 16)
- Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors (through Oct 16)
Boston Concerts & Shows - February 2023
Top February Concerts in Boston
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Schedules & Tickets
More Concerts & Shows during February
Boston Concerts throughout the Year
Boston Theater & Shows for February 2023
Top February Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets
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- Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Through February 28
- Hamilton - Boston Opera House- Through March 12, 2023
See shows & tickets for February
More Boston Theater District Shows
Where to stay and dine in Boston's Theatre District
Featured Hotel for February: The Moxy in Boston's Theatre District
Marriott's new Moxy Hotel offers a fun vibe, a welcome cocktail, and a photo booth tucked away in a food truck in its lobby. Located in Boston's Theatre District next to the Wilbur and just a few steps away from the Wang, Shubert, and Colonial Theatres, the 340 "micro" hotel (translation: small rooms, affordable rates) is just one block away from Boston Common. Bonus: a guest-only rooftop lounge with fantastic views of the Common and the Massachusetts State House.
Find cheapest rates plus reviews on Trip Advisor
Compare with other Theatre District Hotels
Valentine's Day Weekend
Valentine's Day is big in Boston, with lots of different ways and places to celebrate all weekend.
Here's a quick cheat sheet for planning a celebration to remember:
1. Check out all the different Valentines Day events and celebrations going on in Boston.
2. Book a night or two in a Boston hotel for a romantic weekend in the city. Find out which Boston hotels are offering special Valentine's Day packages
3. Get tickets for a romantic Boston Harbor cruise:
Romantic Boston Harbor Cruises for Valentine's Day:
- Romantic Valentine's Day Jazz & Champagne Tasting Cruise - Toast your valentine on this romantic evening cruise as you sample 3 champagnes and nibble on chocolate-covered strawberries while a live jazz band plays in the background. Capacity is limited. February 12, 13, 14
Sully's Opens for the Season on Castle Island
The famous Sully's hot dog stand (2080 Day Boulevard, South Boston) opens on Castle Island on Saturday, February 26 - a sure sign that spring is on its way. Hours through the end of March are 9am - 5pm - so line up for ice cream, fried clam strips, or a lobster roll. It's too early for a picnic - but stroll around or find a bench and enjoy your feast from Sully's along with the fantastic views of the harbor.
Disney on Ice February Show in Boston: Let's Celebrate!
Get ready to celebrate magical moments as Disney on Ice presents Let's Celebrate! (also know as "100 Years of Disney") at top Boston arena TD Garden. You'll join Mickey and over 50 of his Disney character friends from some of his recent best-loved shows as they bring together holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the world, including a Halloween haunt-fest with all your favorite Disney Villains.
You'll love the high-spirited adventures, unexpected surprises, and fast action on the ice as you get to see and know your favorite Disney characters all over again.
Disney on Ice Tickets for Boston Shows - February
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See Disney on Ice Show Performance Schedule & Tickets
More about Disney on Ice and visiting TD Garden
More winter break week Boston activities
Bruins February Home Game Schedule at the Garden - 2023
Get your Boston Bruins tickets for February home games, and head over to TD Garden for some fast action on the ice.
The Garden's convenient location next to North Station and close to Faneuil Marketplace makes it super-easy to get to.
Don't miss the chance to see Boston's hockey team, winner of 6 Stanley Cup championships!
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Find Bruins schedule & tickets for February home games at the Garden
Find Bruins schedule & tickets for all home games
Park: Garages near TD Garden
Celebrate: Best sports bars and clubs near TD Garden
More about TD Garden: Schedule, directions, best ticket prices
Photo courtesy of Dan4th
Special February Tours of Boston
These fun trolley tours, bus tours, and indoor destinations will let you enjoy the best of the Boston even when February weather is chilly!
Winter Break Week Activities in Boston
Public schools throughout Massachusetts and much of the rest of New England close for a week's holiday during the week that includes President's Day - so look for lots of fun family-friendly activities in Boston all week. Find out more
Celtics Basketball at TD Garden - February 2023
Get your Boston Celtics tickets for February home games, and head over to TD Garden for some fast action on the court from Boston's champion basketball team..
The Garden's convenient location next to North Station and close to Faneuil Marketplace makes it super-easy to get to.
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Find schedule & tickets for all Celtics games
Where: TD Garden
Nearest public transportation: Green Line/Orange Line or Commuter Rail to North Station, next to the Garden
Where to stay: Hotels near TD Garden
Where to Stay near TD Garden
$10 Weekend Ticket Special - Boston's Commuter Rail
Ride Boston's Commuter Rail trains as much as you want for just $10 each weekend. Take it into Boston, or use it for a day (or overnight) trip to Salem, Rockport, Wachusett (take an uber to Wachusett Mountain for skiing or snowboarding), Concord, and other destinations.
Find out more: www.mbta.com
More about skiing on Wachusett Mountain
More about Public Transportation in Boston
Winter Break Week Activities in Boston
When public schools through New England close for a week's holiday in February, Boston is the most popular destination.
The annual Children's Winter Festival will take place on Boston Common on Wednesday, February 19 from 10am to 3pm (to be confirmed). Look for snow slides, toboggans, a snow maze, snowshoeing lessons, music, snacks, games, and arts and crafts.
The Highland Foundation will sponsor free ice skating at Frog Pond on the Common throughout the week as part of their Winter Camp. (to be confirmed) You can find more details on their website: www.highlandstreet.org/programs/community-events/winter-camp
Faneuil Marketplace is hosting a free movie series at 6:30pm from Monday to Thursday. More details here
Hotels offer their lowest rates for the year during the winter months, you'll find plenty of winter outdoor activities, lots of shows and performances, museums, shopping, and more. Find our recommendations for what to do in Boston during winter break week.
More to check out:
- Fun outdoor winter activities in & near Boston
- Winter walking tour itinerary: seeing Boston in the snow
- Best winter tours
Shopping Tour for February - On Hold
Wrentham Outlet Village - A luxury coach takes you to Wrentham Village Premium Outlets where everyday discounts on designer and name brands let you save 25%-65%, and sometimes even more.
A free VIP coupon book offers you additional savings.
Boston Beanpot Hockey 2022 - TD Garden
The legendary Boston Beanpot rivalry pits teams from Boston's 4 major hockey schools against each other in a battle on the ice at TD Garden during the first two Monday nights in February. The winner gets ... (drumroll) ... the Beanpot trophy.
Here's how it works: Week 1 features 2 games, as the teams pair off against each other for the semi-finals. In Week 2, winners battle each other for the championship and #2 slot, while the losers play each other in a "consolation" game to see who will third in 3rd and who will "win" the last-place slot.
How do the schools stack up? Here are the number of Boston Beanpot Hockey Championships won by each team since the tournament began in 1952:
- Boston University - 30 Championships
- Boston College - 20 Championships
- Harvard - 11 Championships
- Northeastern University - 7 Championships (ok, not impressive - but with 2 wins in the last 2 years, this is the team to watch!)
Boston Insider Tip: More Winter Activities in Boston
- Best winter Boston tours - Don't let cold weather slow you down!
- Indoor winter activities - Fun things to do while staying warm in Boston
- Outdoor winter activities - What's the best way to beat the cold? Embrace it!
- Rainy day activities - You always need a "Plan B" for Boston weather
- Where to ice skate in Boston - Best rinks in Boston!
- Winter break in Boston - Fun February activities
- Skiing near Boston - Where to enjoy the snow!
- Extreme Boston Weather - Want to know more about blizzards & nor'easters?
More Fun Ways to Explore Boston
Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival - 2022
When: February 16 - 22 ("The 'Thon" runs from noon on the 7th through noon on the 22md)
Where: Live and virtual this year: Somerville Theatre, Davis Square, Somerville, and virtually streaming
Closest T (subway) station: Red Line/Davis
Parking: Forget parking around Davis Square. If you must drive, park at the Alewife parking garage in Cambridge, only 1 T stop away from Davis Square
Cost: Single ticket prices $15; $75 for fanatics attending the "24-hour 'Thon'"; $180 for 11-day Festival (see more options on website)
More information: www.bostonsci-fi.com
The 47th annual Boston Sci-Fi Festival features 11 days of features and shorts from all over the world (live and virtual), plus a 24-hour marathon (live), "The 'Thon," that separates mere fans from committed fanatics on the fest's final day. Can you sit through 1,440 minutes of sci-fi classics, premiers, cartoons, and more? The 'Thon tests your courage and stamina!
If you're coming to the Sci-Fi Film Festival from out of town, you'll find the most convenient hotel options close to the Red Line of Boston's subway in Cambridge.
Check rates at these hotels near Cambridge T stations:
- Alewife T station: Freepoint Hotel
- Harvard Square T station: Harvard Square Hotel, Hotel Veritas
- Kendall Square T station: Le Meridien, Boston Marriott Cambridge
More Things to Do in Boston in February
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.
2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours & Attractions
Best way to save in Boston. Save up to 50% on museums, the New England Aquarium, plus admission to other attractions, tours, day trips, and cruises. Compare to find out which one is best for you.
Black History Month in Boston: Events, Tours, Concerts, Celebrations
Events celebrating Black History Month and commemorating the important contributions of African Americans to Boston (and America) take place throughout the month of February. Here are several you should not miss:
- African American Patriots Tour - Conducted by costumed guides, the Freedom Trail Foundation offers these special tours at 12:45 on Saturdays and Sundays throughout February. You'll hear stories about famous Revolutionary Crispus Atticus (that's a reenactor portraying him in the photo at the left), writer Phillis Wheatley, and many more. Tours depart from the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common; see the Freedom Trail Foundation's website for details and ticket information.
- African American History Month: Special Talks & Tours - Boston's Museum of African American History in Beacon Hill is planning special talks and tours focusing on the pioneering activists, entrepreneurs, journalists, educators, artists, and authors who organized campaigns to advance the cause of freedom. See their website for details.
- Black Heritage Trail - Explore the heart of Abolitionist Boston in this self-guided tour of 14 sites in Beacon Hill, then home to Boston's Free Black community and numerous stops along the Underground Railroad. Pick up a map at the Museum of African American History, and head over to the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street to begin your tour. Park Service Rangers conduct free tours of the Black Heritage Trail from early May through Labor Day. You can find more information about the tours and download the tour map from the National Park Service website - here is the direct url: http://www.nps.gov/boaf/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
- Boston Black - This permanent exhibit at the Children's Museum highlights contemporary Boston's diverse African heritage and Black communities and culture.
What to See in Boston's Museums & Aquarium - February 2022
Museum of Science Exhibits
Special Exhibits
- Project Vaccine - Learn more about vaccines and their development in the Museum's newest exhibition
- Design Engineering Workshop - Design, build, and test solutions for everyday problems
- Resilient Venice: Adapting to Climate Change - Learn how we can implement solutions in this new pilot gallery
Permanent Exhibits
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: Butterfly Garden (extra fee), Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff, Cosmic Light, Dinosaurs, Arctic Adventure, Hall of Human Life, Live Animal Care Center, Mathematica, Nanotechnology, Natural Mysteries, New England Habitats, The Light House - plus 17 more!
Where: Boston's Museum of Science
When: Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission: $29 general museum admission ($24 for kids). Buy online to skip the line. Get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or Boston CityPASS card.
Imax Theater and Planetarium: Additional fees apply
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.
MFA Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Helina Metaferia: Generations: Collage, video, and installations explore how inherited trauma informs present day experiences for women of color - Through April 11, 2022
- New Light: Encounters & Connections - Juxtapositions of contemporary pieces with objects from other places, other times - Through Aug 22, 2022
- The Banner Projects: Lauren Halsey - The artist remixes signs, symbols, and Afrofuturist vistions inspired by her LA neighborhood with works from ancient cultures of Egypt and Nubia from the MFA's collections - Through May 29, 2022
- Turner's Modern World - More than 100 paintings (including some of his most famous), drawings, and sketchbooks - March 27-July 10, 2022; special ticket (and timed-entry) required
- Philip Guston Now - Major retrospective of this late-20th century giant - May 1-Sept 11, 2022
Museum (and show) admission: $25 adults ($27 starting 3/1/22); special exhibits included unless otherwise noted; free entrance with Boston Discount Cards (GoBoston card and Boston CityPASS). Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year Celebration Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day. MFA is open Thursday - Monday and closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Raúl de Nieves: The Treasure House of Memory - Fanciful sculptures encrusted with bangles, beads, bells, sequins, and other unexpected materials - Through July 24, 2022
- Eva LeWitt - Huge colorful hanging wall sculpture made from coated mesh fabric - Through Oct 23, 2022
Admission: $15 adults; free entrance with GoBoston card and Boston CityPASS. Closed on Mondays. Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and every Thursday from 5-9pm. Must have timed tickets for free admission.
College Nights at Frog Pond
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 (bring your own skates or rent them at the rink) - it's the best Cheap Date in Boston!
When: Mid-November through mid-March (but not during school breaks or vacations), depending on the weather
Where: Frog Pond, Boston Common
Closest T station: Red & Green Line/Park St
More about Ice Skating on Frog Pond in Boston
Romantic Classics & the Bugs Bunny Film Festival
Just in time for Valentine's Day and school vacation week (in case you need an excuse), Brattle Theatre in Cambridge will show Casablanca on February 13, 14, and 15, followed by their Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival on February 15 - 23, with multiple viewing times.
Closest T station: Red Line/Harvard
Tickets: Brattle Theatre website
Hotels: Harvard Square Hotel, Charles Hotel, Hotel Veritas
New England Home Show at Seaport World Trade Center
When: February 21-23
Where: Seaport World Trade Center (200 Seaport Blvd, South Boston Waterfront
Stay: South Boston Waterfront Hotels
More information: Home Show website
If home remodeling or building is in your future, the New England Home Show is where you can see hundreds of products and services exhibited in one convenient space, talk to the experts, and collect business cards and brochures for follow-up.
Throughout the show, you can expect to find everything from green energy options to outdoor furniture to fixtures, cabinets, appliances, flooring, windows, and more.
New England Boat Show - Canceled
When: February 8-16
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
More information: Boat Show website
New England's biggest boating event has something for everyone, and is bigger than ever this year. Check out all 250+ exhibits, attend free hands-on docking and line-handling demos, and find out everything you need to know about owning and enjoying a boat.
Stay in nearby hotels, and enjoy Boston Harbor views from the top floors:
- Westin Boston Waterfront - Closest to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, connected to it by a skywalk.
- Seaport Hotel - Just a block or two away from the BCEC.
- Renaissance Boston Hotel - Also a block or two away from BCEC.
Get a head start on the season - check out best places for sailing lessons in Boston
Weekly Noon Concerts on the Freedom Trail - Currently on Hold
When: February 4 - and every Tuesday throughout the year at 12:15pm
Where: King's Chapel on Boston's Freedom Trail
Closest T station: Red and Green Lines/Park Street
Cost: Suggested donation of $3 at the door; your donations are given to the performers
More information: 617-227-2155
If you're touring the Freedom Trail on a Tuesday, drop by King's Chapel at noon to hear a 35-minute concert. Performers vary each week, and perform a wide variety of music ranging from jazz to folk, medieval to modern. Particularly special are those featuring King's Chapel's renowned C.B. Fisk organ.
King's Chapel's music programs date back to 1713 when it became the first church in New England to get an organ. The current C.B. Fisk organ is its sixth.
King's Chapel also hosts an annual concert series of monthly performance. More information here
Special Valentine's Day Hotel Packages
To make your Valentine's Day celebration extra-special by staying over in the city, check out the super savings packages offered by many of Boston's top hotels.
Opt for the "All You Need is Love" Valentine's Day package at Verb Hotel, "Romance on the Harbor" at the Battery Wharf Hotel, the "Romance Getaway" special at Boston Harbor Hotel, or the "Romance on the Hill" package at the Fifteen Beacon Hotel - plus many more!
Find your dream Valentine Boston hotel package
Champagne Dinner Dance & Valentine's Brunch
The Boston Wine Festival, underway from January through early April at the Boston Harbor Hotel, offers a special Valentine's Dinner Dance on February 16 featuring live music, dancing, and incredible food matches with memorable Champagnes from Moët & Chandon.
Alternately, opt for Champagne, a lavish brunch buffet, a New Orleans jazz band, and great Boston Harbor views at the Valentine/Jazz Brunch on Sunday, February 17.
More info about the Wine Festival, Boston wine bars, & other places to enjoy wine in Boston
More info about Valentine's Day events in Boston
MFA Lunar New Year - Free Admission
Lunar New Year Celebration - Museum of Fine Arts - February 1, 10am-5pm
- Celebrate the Year of the Rat with free admission and plenty of fun family activities all day to mark the Lunar New Year.
Explore Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions, and enjoy music and dance performances including a Lion and Dragon Dance.
Can't come on the 1st? You can get free admission on other days if you have a valid Boston Discount Card.
Super Bowl Parties & Celebrations in Boston
Super Bowl may be more fun when the Patriots play, but there are plenty of welcoming Boston sports bars with big screens, tasty brew, and even parties where you can watch the game and have some fun even when the Pats aren't involved.
Kickoff happens at 6:30pm EST on Sunday, February 2. Here are tips about where to watch, plus other things to do.
Super Bowl in Boston - Best places to watch the game (or not)
Boston bars with Super Bowl parties this year, plus other awesome bars with big screens
Looking Ahead to Future Events in Boston
- St Patrick's Day in Boston
- Boston's St Patrick's Day Parade
- Boston Flower and Garden Show
- Dine Out Boston
- More March Events
- Spring Flowers in Boston
- Boston Marathon
Check Out More Top Boston Events Each Month
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Year at a Glance
More Articles about Things to Do in Boston in February
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