Boston's Event Calendar for February 2025 kicks off with the festive Chinese New Year Lion Dance parade in Chinatown, and also includes the Boston Beanpot hockey tournament, and a stellar lineup of shows in Boston's Theatre District.
On the concert stage, look for shows from top national and international stars.
February 2025 holidays in Boston:
- Valentine's Day - February 14 (not an official holiday)
- President's Day - Monday, February 17 (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.
Top Ways to Explore Boston during February
- Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Trolley Tour - Choose 1 or 2 days
- Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill - Join this Civil War wqlking tour along the Black Heritage Trail in Boston
- North End to Freedom Trail Food & History Tour - Discover what makes Boston special
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, (c) Boston Discovery Guide
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Special February Cruises on Boston Harbor
Popular Cruises
- 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 horizon
- Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
- 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! Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar
Sailing Cruises on the Adirondack III & IV:
- Adirondack Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands - Starts May 1
- Adirondack Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors - Starts May 1
Mothers Day Cruise
- Mother's Brunch Day Cruise with Live Jazz - Celebrate your mom while you enjoy a delicious brunch and live jazz on this relaxing Harbor cruise - May 11 (don't wait to book - this always sells out!)
Fun Book Your July 4th Cruises Now (because they sell out far in advance!)
- Northern Lights - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise on a 1920's style commuter yacht - July 2
- Adirondack - Harborfest Fireworks Cruise on an 80-foot schooner - July 2
- Adirondack - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with Continental breakfast- July 4
- Northern Lights - USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise with 3-course brunch - July 4
- Northern Lights - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 hour cruise from Boston featuring Winthrop's spectacular fireworks - July 4
- Adirondack - July 4th Fireworks Cruise - 3 to 3.5 hour cruise from Boston to watch Winthrop's fireworks - July 4
Labor Day Cruise
- Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights - You'll love this crowd-free option for watching the brilliant Labor Day Fireworks over Boston Harbor after a leisurely cruise on this classic commuter yacht - Find out more
Boston Concerts & Shows - February 2025
Top February Concerts in Boston
Top Boston concerts in February 2025 will be announced soon. Get your tickets now:
- Candlelight Concerts - Multiple dates in February at various locations
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/26.
Schedules & Tickets
More Concerts & Shows during February
Boston Concerts throughout the Year
Boston Theater & Shows for February 2025
Top February Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/26.
Check out the Boston theater schedule for February 2025 with its exciting lineup of touring Broadway shows, musicals, comedy, Boston Ballet, kids shows, and comedy:
- Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Through February 28
See shows & tickets for February
More Boston Theater District Shows
Where to stay and dine in Boston's Theatre District
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 2025
- 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, and these special cruises always sell out early. February 14 and 15
Chinese New Year Events - Lion Dance Parade, Cultural Village, & Pao Arts Center - 2025
Boston's huge Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown features lion dances, drums, martial arts, and firecrackers, and when the weather cooperates by being dry and not to windy, dragon dances.
Although Chinese New Year 2025 officially started this year on January 29 to welcome the Year of the Snake, the date when Boston's big Lion Parade through Chinatown (plus a couple of other related activities) takes place is on Sunday, February 9, 10 am - 3 pm.
The Lion Dance parade kicks off at the main stage in Philips Square (corner of Harrison Ave and Beach Street), continues on Essex Street, and winds its way other nearby Chinatown streets.
The dozen or so groups of performers (who typically are members of local kung-fu groups) soon 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), you may also get to see martial arts demonstrations and drumming.
An indoor event, Chinese New Year Cultural Village, takes place inside the China Trade Building (2 Boylston Street) and gives young children and their parents a place to warm up between 10am and 3pm.
This event is sponsored by the Chinatown Main Street organization and includes special performances, singing, traditional Chinese crafts, games, snacks, other family-friendly activities, and festive lanterns and balloons.
To join another fun Lunar New Year Celebration event in Chinatown on February 9, head over to the Pao Arts Center (99 Albany Street) where you can try your hand at art, caligraphy, and origami and enjoy enteractive workshops and performances from 11am - 3pm. This event is for all ages. A donation of $10 is appreciated.
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
Bruins February Home Game Schedule at the Garden - 2025
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!
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/26.
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
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 2025
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.
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/26.
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
Dine Out! Boston Restaurant Week 2025
Twice each year, you can enjoy fine dining at fixed prices at the best Boston restaurants. Sample the latest new restaurants, visit old favorites, and explore a few places you've never tried before.
Check for participating Dine Out Boston restaurants, meals offered and costs, and other information. And don't forget to check our tips for getting the most value out of Dine Out Week!
When: February 23 - March 15 - an unprecedented 3+ weeks of dining deals!
$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.
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 sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation takes place on Boston Common on February 21 from 11am to 2pm. Look for snow slides, toboggans, a snow maze, snowshoeing lessons, music, snacks, games, and arts and crafts.
The Highland Street Foundation also sponsors other free activities in Boston and nearby areas. A selection of the event locations this year include Paul Revere House in the North End, more ice skating at the Steriti Rink in the North End as well as the Kirrane Rink in Brookline, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
You can check out all the activity locations at the Foundation's website.
Find 20 ice skating rinks in and near Boston for more winter fun
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
Boston Beanpot Hockey - 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.
The tournament has taken place every season since 1952.
Here's how it works:
Week 1 features two 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 place 3rd and who will, ahem, "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 Terriors - 31 Championships
- Boston College Eagles - 20 Championships
- Harvard University Crimson - 11 Championships
- Northeastern University Huskies - 9 Championships (ok, not impressive - but with almost half of their wins made in the last decade, 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 2025
The 49th annual Boston Sci-Fi Festival features 12 days of features and shorts from all over the world (live and virtual), parties, the Cyberpunk Ball, workshops, and its showcase event, 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
When: February 12 - 17 (online February 19 - 24), including the 24-hour, noon-to-noon "The 'Thon"
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
Tickets: Event website
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
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: (to be confirmed)
- 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 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.
MFA Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Tha Sun Will Set: Contemporary Abstraction and the Body - Nine works by three generations of female artists from the Americas - Through April 6, 2025
- Masterpieces of Egyptian Sculpture from the Pyramid Age - Ongoing
- Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits - March 30 - Sept 7, 2025
Museum of Fine Arts Boston admission: $27; some special exhibits require a timed-entry reservation and/or additional fee; free entrance with a GoBoston Discount card or Boston CityPASS). Free admission to U.S. military and veterans, Boston Public Schools students and up to 3 family members on certain days, and Massachusetts residents on several national holidays. Open every day except for Tuesday. More about MFA
Museum of African American History - Current Show
- The Emancipation Proclamation: A Pragmatic Compromise - A close look at this important American document that changed the course of the Civil War, freed enslaved people in the Confederacy, and allowed men of African descent to join the fight for freedom
Admission: $15 adults. More about Museum of African American History
Harvard Art Museum - Current & Future Shows
- Joana Choumali: Languages of West African Marketplaces - Explore the multinational economy of second-hand t-shirts through the artist's mixed media photographs - Through May 11, 2025
Admission: Free to all visitors on all open days. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. Open 10am - 5pm. More about Harvard Art Museums
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon - Retrospective featuring Whitney's small paintings and other works - Through Sept 1, 2025
- Charles Atlas - An immersive multimedia exhibit - Through March 16, 2025
Admission: $20 adults, 18 and under free; free entrance with a GoBoston Discount card and Boston CityPASS, and on Thursday evenings (tickets available at 10am on the day of your visit). Closed on Mondays. Free admission on several national holidays, and Thursdays from 5-9pm. More about ICA Boston
Find more Boston museums focused on art, sports, history, science, & more
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; full price applies) - it's the best Cheap Date in Boston!
Even better, you might even get lucky and skate for free because Frog Pond offers free admission to students from a few local colleges each week with free admission. By the end of the season, almost all are included.
When: Tuesday nights from mid-November through mid-March (but not during school breaks or vacations), and also 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 @ the Brattle Theatre - 2025
Just in time for Valentine's Day and school vacation week (in case you need an excuse), Brattle Theatre in Cambridge will show High Life on February 12 and Casablanca and The Princess Bride on February 13, followed by their much-loved Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival on February 15 - 23, with multiple viewing times.
Address: 40 Brattle Street
Closest T station: Red Line/Harvard
Schedule & Tickets: Brattle Theatre website
In case you're visiting Boston during the Winter School Vacation break and want to catch the Bugs Bunny Fest, here are nearby hotels within walking distance of the theater: Harvard Square Hotel, Charles Hotel, Hotel Veritas
Weekly Noon Concerts on the Freedom Trail
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 - 2025
Lunar New Year Celebration - Museum of Fine Arts - February 15, 5pm-10pm
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year with reduced (after 5pm) admission and plenty of fun family activities all day.
Explore Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions, and enjoy music and dance performances including a Lion and Dragon Dance.
If you arrive at the museum at 5pm or later, you can take advantage of the special $5 minimum, pay-what-you-wish general admission on the day of the celebration.
If you arrive before 5pm, the regular admission fee applies (or you can use a valid Boston Discount Card).
There is no additional fee required for the the event.
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
- 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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