31 Things to Do in Massachusetts in January

31 Things to Do in Massachusetts in January

Fill your calendar with engaging activities throughout January. Here's a list of events and attractions to explore:

Jan. 1: Go on a First Day Hike
Choose from 13 free guided hikes in state parks across the state as part of the Massachusetts First Day Hikes program. Some locations offer hot chocolate after the hike.
Learn more

Jan. 2: Netflix and Knitting
Bring your yarn and needles to Boston Public Market to knit while enjoying movies on a large TV wall.
More details

Jan. 3: Volunteer at a Wildlife Sanctuary
Help with outdoor projects at Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester. Volunteers must be 16+.
Sign up here

Jan. 4: Gloucester Photography Exhibit
View three decades of photographs from the Gloucester Daily News at the Cape Ann Museum. The exhibit runs through March 17.
Visit the museum

Jan. 5: Visit an Interactive Whale Sculpture
Take a selfie with “Echoes – A Voice From Uncharted Waters,” a 56-foot whale sculpture in Downtown Crossing.
Details here

Jan. 6: Moby-Dick Marathon
Join the 25-hour read-a-thon of Herman Melville’s classic at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Activities include performances and seafood chowder.
Event info

Jan. 7: Stroll Newbury Street
Explore shops, pop-ups, and galleries along Boston’s iconic street. Check out nearby restaurants for a meal.
Map and details

Jan. 8: Ice Skating on Frog Pond
Enjoy skating on Boston Common Frog Pond, named one of the best rinks in the nation. Rentals are available.
More info

Jan. 9: Sip a Top-Rated Martini
Try the pisco martini at La Royal in Cambridge, recently highlighted by Esquire as one of the best in America.
Restaurant info

Jan. 10: Astronomy Night at BU’s Coit Observatory
Study the stars and planets through telescopes at Boston University’s observatory. Advance tickets required.
Get tickets

Jan. 11: Boston Celtic Music Festival
Experience Celtic music, song, and dance at venues in Somerville and Cambridge from Jan. 11-14.
Festival details

Jan. 12: Boston Wine & Food Festival
Enjoy tastings, seminars, and wine dinners at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The festival runs through March 29.
Event info

Jan. 13: Snow Tubing at Nashoba Valley
Slide down the snow-covered hills at Nashoba Valley Tubing Park. Waiver required.
Learn more

Jan. 14: Roslindale Winter Farmers Market
Shop for fresh produce, enjoy live music, and attend wellness events at this market open through March.
Visit the market

Jan. 15: MLK Day at the Gardner Museum
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with drum circles, storytelling, and art activities. Admission is free.
Event details

Jan. 16: Self-Guided StoryWalk
Take the kids on a book-themed walk at Housatonic Falls, featuring animal tracking and winter stories.
More info

Jan. 17: Pasta-Making Class
Learn to make pasta from scratch with a chef at Chatham Bars Inn. Wine and beer available during the class.
Register here

Jan. 18: Indigenous Traditions Talk
Learn about Southern New England tribal history at the Hyde Park Branch of the Boston Public Library.
Details here

Jan. 19: Poe-Inspired Mansion Tour
Tour Gore Place in Waltham with riddles inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s writings. Ages 18+ only.
Book tickets

Jan. 20: Suburban Boston Spring Home Show
Get inspired for home renovations at Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington.
Event info

Jan. 21: Jazz Jam Cape Cod
Attend a monthly jazz concert at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in South Yarmouth.
Learn more

Jan. 22: Ski at Wachusett Mountain
Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on 27 trails with rental equipment available.
Mountain details

Jan. 23: Zip Lining Indoors
Try the ropes course at Jordan’s Furniture in Reading, complete with music and lights.
More info

Jan. 24: Candlepin Bowling
Visit South Boston Candlepin to try this unique bowling style. Leagues and individual games available.
Details here

Jan. 25: Restored Film Screening
Watch "All That Money Can Buy" as part of the Clark Art Institute’s film series.
Event info

Jan. 26: Cross Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
Explore the trails at Weston Ski Track, with rentals and lessons available.
Learn more

Jan. 27: Dorchester Winter Farmers Market
Shop for produce and artisan goods at the Great Hall in Codman Square.
Market details

Jan. 28: Arnold Arboretum Winter Walk
Take a brisk, docent-led walk at the Arnold Arboretum. Free but registration required.
Sign up here

Jan. 29: IMAX Film at New England Aquarium
Watch a 3D film about the ocean on a massive screen at the Simons IMAX Theatre. Timed tickets required.
Get tickets

Jan. 30: Explore Boston Museums
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, or Boston Children’s Museum for engaging exhibits.
Plan your visit

Jan. 31: Sledding in Boston
Grab your sled and head to Jamaica Pond Park, Millennium Park, or Fallon Field for snow-filled fun.
Locations here