Top Boston Events for January 2022 include New Year's Day festivities, and lots more fun things to do all month in the city - indoors and outside. Kick off the New Year by watching Boston's famous L Street Brownies make their annual Polar Plunge.
Treat yourself to a New Year's Day Brunch and then work off those extra holiday pounds later at the Frog Pond Ice Rink on Boston Common.
Join commemorations of renowned civil rights leader (and former Boston University student) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., savor wine and food pairings at the renowned Boston Wine Festival, head to the Garden to cheer the Celtics and Bruins, and don't miss the fantastic lineup of shows in Boston's Theatre District.
Many Boston hotels give you their cheapest discount rates of the year during January. With so much going on in the city, January is the perfect time to enjoy world-class music, museums, sports, restaurants, and more.
January weather can feel cold - in fact, it's our coldest month of the year - but you'll find plenty of indoor warmth in our welcoming Irish pubs, historic taverns, and superb restaurants, you'll find a city filled with excitement, fun, good food, and cheer.
January 2022 official holidays in Boston:
- New Year Day - January 1
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 17
More things to do and see in Boston in January
Top photo: Crossing the bridge over the lagoon in Boston's Public Garden on a snowy January day
Boston Concerts & Shows - January 2022
Top January Concerts in Boston
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Schedules & Tickets
More Concerts & Shows for January
Boston Concerts throughout the Year
New England Patriots in the Playoffs 2022
The New England Patriots are in the Play-Offs for Super Bowl 2022 - so get your tick3ts to home games at Gillette Stadium and away games now!
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Where: Home games at Gillette Stadium
Where to stay: Hotels near Gillette Stadium
Tickets: Check for great prices, great seats, and sometimes discounts
Boston Theater & Shows for January 2022
Top January Shows in Boston - Schedule & Tickets
- Six The Musical - Emerson Colonial Theatre - Through Jan 15
- Hamilton - Boston Opera House- January 17-March 12, 2023
- Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Multiple shows all month
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Where to stay in Boston's Theatre District
Top Hotels near Boston's Theatre District
Enjoy your Boston performance or show experience to the fullest when you stay in one of the nearby Theatre District hotels, such as the hip and glamorous W Hotel:
More top Theatre District hotels:
Check out more hotels in Boston's Theatre District
Boston Comedy Shows in January
Looking for Boston shows that doesn't (usually) cost too much money? Head over to one of Boston's comedy clubs. You're sure to leave smiling!
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Find more comedy club show schedule & tickets
More about Boston's comedy clubs
Bruins Home Games @ TD Garden - January
Get your Boston Bruins tickets for January 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 home town hockey team, winner of 6 Stanley Cup championships!
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Find Bruins schedule & tickets for all January home games at the Garden
Find Bruins schedule & tickets for all home games for this season
Park: Garages near TD Garden
Celebrate: Best sports bars and clubs near TD Garden
More: TD Garden schedule, directions, best ticket prices
Boston Wine & Food Festival 2022
Boston Harbor Hotel's epic Boston Wine Festival kicks off on Friday, January 21 with a special opening night event featuring wines from around the globe paired with fantastic food prepared by the hotel's new Executive Chef David Daniels, live music, and an art show by photographer Andy Katz.
This year's 12-program features exceptional wines and sensational food experiences. Begun 30+ years ago by the hotel's long-time Executive Chef Daniel Bruce, the event attracts wine and enthusiasts from all over the world and in addition to dinners includes luncheons, tastings, seminars, and visiting chefs. Attendees have the opportunity to take advantage of a special room rate including complimentary self-parking, based upon availability. Tickets and more information are available on the Festival website.
The Boston Wine Festival continues through March, and is the country's longest-running wine and food pairing festival.
Check reviews and rates for the Boston Harbor Hotel
Love wine? Visit Boston's best wine bars
Special January Tours of Boston
January can be cold, but don't let that stop you from seeing the city! These fun tours and indoor destinations will let you enjoy the best of the city while staying warm and comfortable!
Featured New Hotel for January: Revolution Hotel in Boston's South End
40 Berkeley Street, Boston's South End
A trendy vibe, "micro" guest rooms, and - dare we say it, cheap rates position the new Revolution Hotel as one of Boston's most attractive affordable hotels, especially considering its close distance (5-10 minute walk, depending on where you're going) to Downtown Boston. Free high-speed wifi is a nice bonus.
Celtics Basketball at TD Garden - January 2022
Get your Boston Celtics tickets for January home games, and head over to TD Garden for some fast action on the court from our champion basketball team.
The Garden's convenient location next to North Station 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
More Fun Things to Do during January
MFA: Free Open House
When: Monday, January 17 - Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day; 5pm-6pm
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Fenway, Boston; 617-267-9300; www.mfa.org
MFA will celebrate Dr King's legacy with special exhibitions, performances, and free admission on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Look for family-friendly activities and special exhibits throughout the museum celebrating Dr King, who lived in Boston while studying at Harvard and BU.
Can't come on MLK Day? You can still get free admission if you have a Boston Discount Card.
Boston Celtic Music Festival 2022
Boston's Celtic Music Festival on January 13-15 (followed by workshops on January 16 takes place at Club Passim. Concerts spotlight Boston area, New England, and Eastern Canadian Celtic musicians and singers. Workshops are fee-based.
Please note: Due to the exponential increase in Covid/Omicron, a last-minute decision has been made to move this popular festival to virtual mode. Please check the event website (below) for details.
Closest T station: Red Line/Harvard Square
Cost: Ticket donations between $15 - $25 are suggested and appreciated
More info and full schedule: https://www.passim.org/live-music/bcmfest-2022/
More Articles about January Activities in Boston
Here are some quick guides to all the outdoor and indoor activities going on in Boston this month:
- Best indoor winter activities in Boston - Activities for everyone to enjoy
- Best outdoor winter activities in Boston - Embrace the cold and love it!
- Best winter Boston tours - Don't let cold weather slow you down
- Winter walking tour - Try our suggested itinerary for a memorable walk in the snow
- Rainy day walk around Boston - This itinerary works well during drizzle or light rain
- 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 - What you need to know about blizzards & nor'easters
2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, Admissions
Best way to save in Boston. Save up to 50% when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more. Compare to find out which one is best for you.
What to See in Boston's Museums & Aquarium - January 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.
New England International Auto Show 2022 - Will Be Rescheduled
The enormous New England Auto Show at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (415 Summer Street, South Boston Waterfront) is by far the biggest in New England, and showcases all the newest models for basically every domestic and imported brand. If you're planning to buy a new vehicle in the coming year, want to compare models and features, chat with dealers and factory reps, or just want to keep up with the newest models and technology, you owe it to yourself to go!
Dates: January 13 - 17
Tickets: $17 adults, $7 kids ages 6-12 (under 6 free), with $1 of each ticket sold donated to local charities
Check the New England Auto Show's website for more info about new dates
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations in Boston - 2022
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national holiday celebrated on the 3rd Monday in January - January 17th this year- to commemorate Dr. King's role in ensuring civil rights, peace, and equality in America. Dr. King lived in Boston for several years while he studied at Harvard and Boston University, where he received his Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1955.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations & Events
Due to the current Covid/Omicron/Delta surge, most of these events are being cancelled or postponed.
Born on the Water: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert by the Boston Children's Chorus. Normally this concert takes place in January but this year, it is being postponed to March 27, 4pm. Find information here on BCC's website.
Normally BU hosts a Commemoration of MLK Day: Words Beyond the Dream (another of the city's biggest MLK Day events) at 2pm on January 17 in BU's George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom (775 Commonwealth Ave). The event includes performances, music, and readings by special guests and students who reflect on the power of words to empower social justice and civil rights, and features Aretha Franklin's music. More info: 617-353-4126 (Dean of Student's office). This event also does not appear to be happening this year.
Boston's Museum of African American History normally sponsors an annual tribute concert by the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, with readings and speeches by distinguished guests including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. It does not appear to be happening this year, but please check the Museum's website for any updates.
Visit the Free at Last sculpture (shown in the above photo) honoring Dr. King in front of Marsh Chapel at Boston University, where he studied from 1951-1955.
Brattle Theatre: Honoring Dr Martin Luther King Jr Annual Family Festival - Normally the theater shows films focusing on the ideals , people, and music connected to Dr King, including peronal accounts. Ages 5+. Starts at 10:30am on January 17; ticket information: www.brattlefilm.org (search the calendar).
A Celebration of Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr - The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, Museum of African American History, and distinguished Boston leaders will evoke the power and promise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a performance and concert at Faneuil Hall - 1pm on Jan 17. Does not appear to be happening.
Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service - Honor Dr. King's memory by participating in this event to make a better America by volunteering to help others in our community. Despite the pandemic, volunteers are needed and the event may be virtual - find details here: https://www.bostoncares.org/mlkday. Find more details about Boston Cares at bostoncares.org
Cambridge MLK Day of Service - January 11, 2pm-5pm - This event appears not to be scheduled this year. Normally, this is what happens in case you want to plan for next year: Everyone meets at City Hall in Central Square to join other volunteers in making fleece scarves and blankets for homeless children, sorting food and books, and doing other things to help people in need. The event is free, but don't come empty-handed - please bring a can of food, gently used winter clothing, or a children's book to donate.
MLK Memorial Breakfast, January 17, 11am-3pm - Limited tickets available for the in-person breakfast - the event will also be livestreamed. Join Boston's movers and shakers at this annual event, normally attended by about 1,500 people at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (415 Summer Street). This is the nation's longest running event in honor of Dr. King's legacy. The Keynote Speaker this year is historian, Harvard Law School professor, and NY Times bestselling author of On Juneteenth, Annette Gordon Reed. Normally the Old South Church Gospel Choir performs (not clear if that will happen this year). Registration is required, and donations are requested - more information and tickets at: https://bostonmlkbreakfast.org
Still happening in 2022: Enjoy free admission on MLK Day at the Museum of Fine Arts, plus films, performances, and art activities to celebrate Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day - 10am - 5pm. ICA Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also offer free admission on MLK Day.
More about the Free at Last sculpture on BDG's War Memorials page
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.
College Nights at Frog Pond - 2022
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. On certain Tuesdays, students at featured colleges get free admission (see below). Bring your own skates or rent them for $12 at the rink. And don't forget to check out the hot chocolate, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, and waffles at the onsite Cafe. It's the best Cheap Date in Boston!
When: Through mid-March, depending on the weather
Where: Frog Pond,
Closest T station: Red & Green Line/Park St
Featured colleges for January:
January 4: Boston College, MCPHS, Eastern Nazarene, Stonehill, Brandeis
January 11: BU, Wentworth, MassBay Community College, Babson
January 18: Northeastern U, Framingham State, Endicott , MassArt, Pine Manor College
January 25: MIT, Regis College, Bunker Hill Community College, Benjamin Franklin Institute
More about Ice Skating in Boston
Boston Harbor Cruises for Sightseeing & Special Events
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Sails on the Adirondack III
- Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands
- Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors
- Adirondack III 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail - Soak up the sun on this afternoon sail through the Inner Harbor and Harbor Islands with drinks available for purchase at the bar
Labor Day Fireworks Cruises on September 1
- Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights - Watch the brilliant Labor Day Fireworks over Boston Harbor after a leisurely sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor - Sept 1 - Find out more
- Labor Day Weekend "Illuminate the Harbor" Fireworks Cruise Aboard Adirondack III - Get fantastic views of the Labor Day fireworks on this spacious tall ships-style schooner - Sept 1 - Find out more
Boston One-Minute Play Festival - Not Happening in 2022
Here's your chance to see terrific theater from 50+ Boston area playwrights - in a 3-night marathon at the Boston One-Minute Play Festival, aka the Boston Theatre Marathon.
The 4-day event benefits Boston Public Works, a Boston playwrights' collective and event co-sponsor, along with Boston Playwrights' Theatre.
Where: Boston Playwrights' Theatre at 949 Commonwealth Ave on the Boston University campus
Dates: January 5-7, 8pm
Tickets: $20 per evening
Ticket information: www.facebook.com/events/596337904143628/
L Street Brownies Take Their Annual Plunge 2022
Are they crazy . . . or just incredibly fit and brave?
Ever since 1904, the L Street Brownies celebrate the New Year by plunging into the icy waters of Dorchester Bay and raising money for local charities. If you're visiting Boston and want to have a true "insider" experience of our real culture - head to Carson Beach/L Street Beach for this famous Boston event on January 1.
Up to about 500 swimmers typically participate in the New Year event. Irish bagpipers usually play until they also jump in the water. A large crowd of friends and onlookers cheer the swimmers on while passing around towels, vitamin C, and flasks.
Many of the L Street Brownies, a polar bear swim club formed in 1902 and named after the L Street Bathhouse in South Boston, swim here daily throughout the year. As with many things in Boston, this is the oldest Polar Bear club in the nation. Although most members appear to be 50-something or younger, a number are in their 80s and 90s and attribute their strong immune systems to the daily exercise and icy water. Each year, the plunge is dedicated to the memory of past and recently departed Brownies.
Do the Brownies ever cancel their plunge due to cold weather? They didn't in 1918, when the record low was 3 degrees below zero (not counting wind chill). The temperature this year is supposed to be 5 degrees above zero at the time of the swim - balmy by comparison.
When: Saturday, January 1 at 9am. Registration for those making the plunge starts at 8:15am, and doors close at 9:30am. No need to register in advance - you'll fill out a short form once you get there. In case you're wondering, the plunge begins at a different time each year, because it's determined by the tide, which varies from year to year.
Where: L Street Bathhouse at Curley Community Center (617-635-5104), 1663 Columbia Road, Carson Beach, South Boston
Closest T station: Red Line/JFK-UMass Station; walk half a mile to the Curley Community Center. Alternately, take the T Red Line to Broadway Station and transfer to the #9 or #11 City Point bus. The locker and shower rooms won't be available at all this year, so if you're swimming, come dressed for the swim and bring some dry (and warm) clothing. In case you're not familiar with this beach, you should know that it features lots of rocks and shells, so swim shoes are a good idea.
More to know: You must be 16+ to participate. Lifeguards will be on duty. No pets or alcohol allowed.
Creative costumes are encouraged.
Strong recommendation: Leave kids under 12 at home, as no inside areas are available where they can keep warm during the swim. This is especially important this year due to the FRIGID weather!
Note: MBTA subway and buses run on a holiday schedule on New Year's Day; expect more of a wait than usual
Parking: Available along Day Blvd
Cost: Free
More about Carson Beach and L Street Beach
Photo credit: Logan Ingalls via Creative Commons license
New Year's Day Brunch (aka "Hangover Brunch")
When: Saturday, January 1
So, you partied all night to greet the New Year and slept until noon . . . but now you're awake and starving!
What Boston restaurants serve New Year's Day brunch?
Fortunately, more than you might imagine:
- Citizen's Public House (1310 Boylston St, behind Fenway Park; 617-450-9000) - More Fenway restaurants
- Aquitaine (569 Tremont St, 617-424-8577) - More South End restaurants
- Aura (Seaport Hotel, 617-385-4300) - More South Boston Waterfront restaurants
Be sure to make advance reservations, as lots of Boston locals as well as visitors go out for brunch on New Year's Day to get a good start on the New Year.
Boston Baroque First Day Concert
Boston Baroque welcomes the New Year with a thrilling performance of Handel's Fireworks Music and Bach's Violin Concerto in A Minor. Celebrate with complimentary champagne and chocolates during intermission.
When: January 1, 3pm
Where: Sanders Theatre, Harvard University
Parking: Nearby garage, free
Tickets and more information: website
New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium - January 2022
Only one New England Patriots home game takes place at Gillette Stadium during January, on the day after New Year's Day - so what better way to welcome the New Year?
Get your tickets now, and get ready to join in the fun at Gillette!
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Where: Gillette Stadium
Getting there: The Patriot Train - plus more ways to get to Gillette from Boston
Where to stay: Hotels near Gillette Stadium
Tickets: Check for great prices, great seats, and sometimes discounts
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day Cruises 2022
Welcome the New Year aboard the elegant yacht Northern Lights on these special New Year's Eve and New Year's Day cruises around Boston Harbor. These cruises always sell out early - so don't wait to make your reservations!
- New Year's Eve Cruise - Say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2022 on this festive Boston Harbor cruise with music and gourmet appetizers; purchase the beverage of your choice onboard - or pre-order a bottle of Moet & Chandon when you book - Book now
- New Year's Day Brunch Cruise - Welcome the New Year with a tasty hot 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing tour around Boston Harbor - Book now
More Things to Do in Boston in January
Looking Ahead to Future Events in Boston
- February Events - Happening soon!
- Winter Break in Boston
- Where to celebrate Super Bowl in Boston
- Valentine's Day in Boston
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 January in Boston
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