Thanksgiving in Boston: Unforgettable Traditions and Tasty Treats

From feasting in Little Italy to walking historic trails, Thanksgiving in Boston brings big flavor and even bigger fun.

Published: April 14, 2026
Family Celebrating Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Boston is a feast for every sense—and not just because of the turkey! The city transforms into a warm, inviting playground packed with autumn colors, rich traditions and plenty of delicious flavors. Whether you’re in search of that classic New England meal, a scenic stroll with family, or a side of American history to go with your pumpkin pie, Boston serves it up in style. Ready to discover everything from neighborhood festivals to legendary food tours, all wrapped up in charming holiday spirit? Let’s dig in! 

Our favorite Thanksgiving experiences in Boston include: 

  • Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour 
  • North End 'Little Italy' Food Tour by Top Dog Tours 
  • Franklin Park Zoo 
  • Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours 
  • Museum of Fine Arts 
  • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley 
  • Historic Pub Crawl by Top Dog Tours 
  • Plimoth Patuxet 

Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour 

Thanksgiving in Boston just wouldn’t be the same without a nod to the city’s legendary history. The Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour is where autumn leaves meet America’s founding stories. Follow your costumed guide—outfitted in full revolutionary regalia—as you wander the winding red brick trail through bustling downtown, scenic parks, and centuries-old cemeteries. 

What makes this tour such a Thanksgiving favorite? It’s the feeling of standing where the Pilgrims and patriots shaped their future. Your guide’s dramatic storytelling brings the past to life, painting vivid pictures of Boston’s role in American independence, while pointing out the city’s hidden quirks and secret nooks. As the crisp November air swirls leaves around the gravestones at Granary Burying Ground and sunlight dances on the golden dome of the State House, you can’t help but feel thankful for the stories beneath your feet. It’s the perfect pre-turkey adventure for families, friends and history buffs alike. 

North End 'Little Italy' Food Tour by Top Dog Tours 

If there’s one thing we all agree on, it’s that Thanksgiving revolves around good eats. Boston’s North End ‘Little Italy’ Food Tour is a must-try for anyone who dreams of cannoli alongside their cranberry sauce. This guided walk through the city’s oldest neighborhood introduces you to authentic Italian-American cuisine from cozy trattorias, aromatic bakeries, and bustling delis. 

Expect friendly guides sharing tidbits about North End’s storied past, all while you nibble on arancini, savor perfectly crisp pizza, and discover which bakery locals swear has the fluffiest ricotta-filled cannoli. You’ll find streets decked out for the season and restaurants blending American Thanksgiving traditions with Italian hospitality. The warmth of the North End, the fresh flavors, and the laughter floating out of every open doorway—it all combines for a festive mood that feels uniquely Boston. Bring your appetite and don’t be surprised if this tour has you planning a second Thanksgiving dinner. 

Franklin Park Zoo

Young Gorilla at Franklin Park Zoo

Thanksgiving is all about family time, and the Franklin Park Zoo has all the fall fun you could want. Just a quick ride from downtown, the zoo transforms each November into a wonderland of animal encounters, leaf crunching walks, and fuzzy cuteness guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages. 

Stroll through scenic trails as giraffes munch on snacks and lions bask in the late autumn sun. The zoo’s seasonal décor and special programs offer a festive twist—think scavenger hunts, animal talks, and unforgettable up-close moments with everything from red pandas to kangaroos. Warm up with hot chocolate at outdoor pop-up stands and snap the perfect family photo against a backdrop of late-fall foliage. It’s wholesome, relaxing, and a refreshing change from kitchen chaos and football replays. For visitors with kids (or anyone who just loves animals), this one’s a holiday highlight you’ll want to return to year after year. 

Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours 

For a Thanksgiving experience that pairs Boston’s salt-air beauty with its heritage of hearty coastal cuisine, lace up your walking shoes for the Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour. This adventure leads you along the waterfront where ship captains once landed and locals still haul in the catch of the day. 

Seafood lovers will be in heaven sampling clam chowder, lobster rolls and perhaps a few Thanksgiving-inspired specials at harborside restaurants. Guides blend fascinating marine lore, pirate tales, and the city’s seafaring history—keeping things lively as you take in views of the harbor against a skyline awash in autumn golds and reds. With the tang of sea breeze and the satisfaction of a perfectly briny oyster, you’ll see why Bostonians give thanks for their fresh-off-the-boat cuisine. It’s as festive as it is filling. 

Museum of Fine Arts 

Ready to trade turkey for timeless treasures? Step inside the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can spend Thanksgiving week surrounded by masterpieces from across the globe. The museum’s elegant galleries overflow with everything from Impressionist paintings to textiles, ancient sculpture, and mesmerizing installations. 

During the holiday season, the museum feels even more inviting. Central halls fill with warm light, and special family-friendly programs invite visitors to create art together or learn about gratitude around the world. You’ll discover New England landscapes ablaze with color, portraits of local legends, and incredible American collections to set the mood for your own Thanksgiving reflections. And if you’re in the mood for a bite, the on-site café offers seasonal treats and cozy corners for relaxing between exhibits. It’s the kind of peaceful, enriching day out we can definitely be thankful for! 

CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley

CityView Trolley

Want to see all sides of Boston without hustling your turkey legs across the city? The CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley is a Thanksgiving favorite for good reason. Wrap up in your coziest scarf, grab a seat on the trolley, and let local guides regale you with quirky facts, funny stories and plenty of holiday cheer. 

The beauty of the trolley is flexibility. Stop in at Faneuil Hall for some holiday shopping, hop off in Beacon Hill to admire the golden leaves and classic brownstones, or spend extra time in Back Bay’s charming cafes. The trolley route takes you past festive window displays, historic sites and maybe even a parade or two. There’s no better way to see Boston in all its late-fall glory—and if the weather turns chilly, just pop your hat on and snuggle closer to your crew between stops! 

Historic Pub Crawl by Top Dog Tours 

Thanksgiving is all about gathering loved ones, and Boston’s Historic Pub Crawl offers the friendliest gatherings in town. On this lively evening tour, expert hosts lead you from one legendary watering hole to another, each pouring Boston’s best local brews and serving up the kind of bar snacks meant for sharing. 

As you wander past lamplight alleyways and tuck into centuries-old taverns, you’ll learn about the city’s colonial past, Prohibition-era shenanigans, and maybe even sample some Thanksgiving-themed cocktails. The atmosphere is always upbeat and relaxed, with plenty of time for new friends and hearty laughs. This is the perfect way to toast the season, whether you’re traveling solo or with a whole party in tow. 

Plimoth Patuxet 

Why not get right to the source and experience Thanksgiving where it all began? Plimoth Patuxet, just a short jaunt from Boston, offers immersive lessons in America’s most famous harvest celebration. Step inside a faithfully recreated 17th-century village, chat with period actors playing Pilgrims and Indigenous people, and get hands-on with colonial crafts and storytelling. 

During Thanksgiving week, Plimoth Patuxet goes all out, offering harvest feasts, corn grinding demos, and plenty of chances to learn about both Native Wampanoag and English traditions. The beautiful riverside setting and open-air spaces make this a peaceful, thought-provoking place to reflect on gratitude and history. Whether you join one of the museum feasts or simply stroll the grounds, you’ll feel more connected to the holiday than ever before. 

 

Thanksgiving in Boston is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and good times with the ones who matter most. After a trip filled with laughter, discovery, and a little seasonal sparkle, you’ll be giving thanks for Boston and plotting your next visit before the leftovers are even gone! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the Museum of Fine Arts or Things to Do as a Family in Boston 

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Boston MFA Discount Tickets & Tips for Visiting

Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is truely a premier museum of art, featuring global and timeless collections, from Egyptian statues and tombs, to fine Benin Kingdom sculptures, to European masters like Renoir, and modern legends like Van Gogh and Picasso. The Museum’s diverse, extensive, and eclectic artwork is presented inside a magnificent, stone palatial building on Huntington Avenue. Here, the Museum of Fine Arts not only curates and cares for the works, but through their many programs, tours, and activities, they help people of all ages understand, engage, and create art. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Boston's Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Boston MFA Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Museum of Fine Arts admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting the Museum of Fine Arts Before visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, look through the list of activities and tours, all free with admission. The tours can be as general as “Highlights of the Museum,” to tours that focus on a single tradition like “Art of the Ancient World,” to something even more specific like “Gaugain’s Lush Colors and Island Landscapes.” Each tours is led by friendly and wildly knowledgeable guides. Activities are a great way to get closer to the art and its creation. The Artist Toolbox Cart series, for example, gives you the great opportunity of handling artists' tools and view the results of their use on step-by-step demonstration pieces. Even more exciting, every Wednesday, there’s a free opportunity to sketch live models, and/or objects in the Museum of Fine Arts collection. A drawing instructor there will provide insights on technique and artist-model relationships. If you want to go off on your own, but still enjoy the depth and auditory nature of a guide, you can rent the MFA Guide audio tour for six dollars for adults, and four dollars for kids seventeen and under. The Museum of Fine Arts offers these tours in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese languages. Additionally, Museum of Fine Arts accommodates visitors who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard of hearing, with a free mobile MFA Guide, providing touch screens with a reading option, text transcripts, neckloops for hearing aids with T-switches as well as headsets. Furthermore, the Museum of Fine Arts supplies ASL videos for many starred stops, and its own mini tour as well. If you read every word in an art museum, you’re apt to spend more time reading blurbs from gray plaques than actually experiencing art. On the other hand, according to a study conducted by the Louvre, the museum attendee spends a mere 15 seconds on the Mona Lisa on average. That’s right, a five-Mississippi on da Vinci’s masterpiece. The tip for solving this “study versus breeze by” paradox is this: begin each gallery at the large plaque that reads, “In this gallery...” It’s not always by the opening you enter through, given the wandering nature of the halls, rooms, and side-rooms. It is, however, always worth it. The Museum of Fine Arts does an excellent job at providing just enough context, whether political, historical, or rooted in an artistic trend, without ever imposing a rigid structure on the collection. Then, as you walk through the room, you can’t help but note an inherent logic that threads the pieces of art together, putting them in conversation with each other, and importantly, with you. If you read the gallery plaques, you’ll find yourself noting the story element of the priest in the background of Steen’s “The Sacrifice of Iphigenia,” for instance. While you may not find yourself drawn to every piece, you’ll likely spend quality time with the ones that do, making for a much more meaningful experience of art. Avoid the stern, yet fair admonishment of the museum staff by ensuring your camera’s flash is not on. Luckily, you can take non-flash pictures throughout the museum. If you’re the artistic type, don’t forget to bring your sketchpad or drawing board (no bigger than 18” by 24”) and your pencils. Charcoal, watercolors, crayons, and pastels are not allowed. With its abundance of styles, from Japanese ink strokes to ornate Iranian design, there are endless hours of learning and emulating to do within the halls. If Boston is in the throes of the notoriously harsh winter, don’t be afraid to bundle up in a bulky, warm jacket. The museum offers a complimentary coat and bag check service. If you’re bringing children, view the available kids’ programs and activities. Schedule your visit around one of the MFA playdates, or let the MFA Kids’ Tour’s group of animated characters help bring art to life. You can also download the Art Connections activity cards to give the visit a game component. Furthermore, the Museum of Fine Arts has kid-friendly meal options in their Garden Cafeteria, baby-changing stations in bathrooms, and an area designated for nursing. Best Times to Visit Weekday afternoons, and evenings (open until 9:30 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) will give you the most space and quiet to enjoy the museum. What to See There are so many collections and exhibitions (always adding new ones) that we couldn't do the MFA justice by listing them all. Instead, below is just a taste of some of the things we recommend you take some time to see during your visit. John Singer Sargent Thanks to Sargent’s ties to Boston, where he received his first solo show and multiple commissions, there is a uniquely extensive collection of his work that provides a sense of his artwork as a whole. In the atrium, you can see his preliminary sketches, and then look up and see their realized paintings and friezes on the domed ceiling. Furthermore, his large collection in the Art of the Americas is highlighted by “The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit,” and framed by the tall and elegant vases featured in the painting. Kingdom of Benin Recently, the Museum of Fine Arts accepted 34 pieces of rare West African works of art. Like the long-standing Egyptian collection, these pieces allow the Museum of Fine Arts and the viewer to reconstruct the characteristics of their civilization, and imagine the use of their recovered everyday objects and the meaning of palace artwork in their culture. These intricately detailed, expertly carved wooden statues and high relief plaques not only reflect their way of life, they demonstrate the civilizations sophisticated artistic style. Art of Europe The Art of Europe is the largest collection in the Museum of Fine Arts, likely taking an entire day and you still won’t have really seen it. The collection works its way through 14th and 15th century iconography, the Italian Renaissance, to the rococo of the 18th century, through the Flemish masters, to French Impressionism, and arrives at modernity, as depicted by Munch, Picasso and Gauguin. Simply walking through the collection will give you a sense of the arc of European history as a whole. Nearby Attractions James P. Kelleher Rose Garden might be the perfect place to see art outside the walls of the museum. A five minute stroll will take you from the Museum of Fine Arts into the Back Bay Fen where a profusion of petaled blossoms, white, red and pink, circle around a fountain, tumble off a trellis, or float suspended from an archway. Round out the day’s cultural experience with a trip to the sports icon--Fenway Park, home of the Green Monster. Even if the Socks aren’t playing, you can sign up for a one hour walking tour of Fenway. Just don’t call it a stadium. Even the security guards will correct you: “You mean the ballpahk?” The Boston Symphony Orchestra is world renowned, and the hall’s interior is stunning. You may forget which century you’re in. Now in 132 season, The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs excellent shows of a variety of styles. Places to Eat Nearby The Museum of Fine Arts offers multiple dining options. Bravo's couples a dark and classy ambience with a excellent cuisine for a sophisticated experience. The New American Cafe puts you in the center of the museum's excitement and grandeur of the vast Shapiro Courtyard, while delivering amazing seasonal dishes. Fittingly located near the contemporary art, The Taste Cafe and Wine Bar features fine coffee, as well as a bite to eat-- sandwiches, salads, desserts and gelato. Last but not least, The Garden Cafeteria, satisfies your favorites. It's the perfect place for families to get burgers, pizza, sandwiches and more. In walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts, El Pelon Taqueria cooks up delicious Mexican favorites. Their fresh guacamole is a must try. Less than a mile away, the highly-esteemed Island Creek Oyster Bar upholds the tradition of excellent Boston seafood, with mid-atlantic tilefish, grilled Maine salmon, lobster, and land-based dishes like New York strip steak, and roasted chicken that’s just as good. Re-living the collegiate experience? Or just plain living it? Boston students flock to Chicken Joe’s Inc. for cheap, but tasty subs and sandwiches. Need to Know Hours Saturday-Tuesday, 10:00 am-4:45 pm Wednesday-Friday, 10:00am-9:45pm Closings: New Year's Day, Patriot's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day All holiday hours are subject to change without notice. Directions & Address 465 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115 Public Transportation: Take the T: Green Line E train to Museum of Fine Arts stop. Orange Line to Ruggles Street stop. Save on Tickets with a Go Boston Card Remember, the Go Boston® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Boston Museum of Fine Arts tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
boston back bay
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Things to do in Back Bay, Boston

Back Bay is one of Boston's most affluent districts, with plenty of places to go and things to see. So, if you're visiting Boston and thinking of staying in the area, you'll want to know what's good. Well, we'll tell you what's good. Right here, right now. Read on, and discover the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston! Including: Trinity Church Boston Public Library The Mapparium Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial Places to eat and more! The Holy Trinity (Church) Let's start this shindig with something holy. If you want to explore a fascinating holy place, whether you're religious or not, check out Trinity Church. Even from the outside, its ornate design is mesmerizing. But step inside, and you'll be treated to a feast for the eyes. Practically every inch was handpainted, and the whole thing was overseen by prominent American artist John La Farge. From the pre-Raphaelite windows to the awe-inspiring murals, it's a great place to visit in Back Bay. The church itself does lots of community outreach, so if you're in the area on a Sunday, feel free to go to one of their services. Words are worth it Libraries are the spine of our nation. That was a book pun, and no, we won't apologize. Wordplay is one of life's many joys. And if you like wordplay, books, and libraries, then you'll love Boston Public Library! What a terrible segue! This labyrinthine monument to learning is a frequent hang spot for students and researchers. Visitors will often find students at their laptops, staring at empty word documents with tears in their eyes. But never mind them, they made their bed. Instead, get lost in its many, many aisles. You'll likely find any book you're looking for within its massive walls. But if that wasn't enough, there are also regular talks and readings held there throughout the year, and you can even get a tour of the place if you're too overwhelmed by all the learning. Map it out Mary Baker Eddy was a special person. Not only did she overcome the adversity that came with being a female academic in the 19th-century, but she wrote a groundbreaking book that kicked off the movement that we now know as Christian Science. So, why not find out more about this fascinating woman at The Mapparium? You'll walk across a bridge through the three-story, stained-glass Mapparium globe, enhanced with music and special lighting effects. It will give you a whole new perspective of Earth's geography, thanks to the concave, mirror-imaged view it offers. Explore the library, which has artifacts from her life you won't see anywhere else. You'll learn how The Mapparium was built and take a guided tour of The First Church of Christ. In the original 1894 church building, you'll find one of the world's largest pipe organs too! Image courtesy of Jesse Costa/WBUR To those we lost The Boston Marathon bombing was an event that shook the world. If you would like to pay your respects, you can visit the Boston Marathon Survivors Monument. The artist worked diligently with the families of the deceased in its design, ensuring it captured their spirit and personality. The two installations on Boylston Street are 20ft tall bronze spires that contain light-emitting glass tubes, ensuring the people taken in the bombing will be remembered forever. Where to eat You may need a bite to eat after all that sightseeing. Thankfully, Back Bay has some fantastic eateries that will welcome you with open arms. These are our favorites! If you're looking for interesting Far East dishes, then Uni will fit you like a Japanese glove. This contemporary izakaya restaurant offers a host of street food-inspired plates, as well as Japanese favorites like Sashimi and Nigiri. Take a seat beneath the dim lighting, explore the expansive menu, and find a new dish to add to your favorites! If American seafood dishes are more your thing, don't you worry. Select Oyster Bar brings New England Seafood to your table, with a Mediterranean twist to boot. While you're free to stop by for a glass of wine and some oysters, you'll be missing out if you don't hunker down for dinner. The Maine Lobster Salad is something else, and for a fish joint, they even do a mean rib eye! Speaking of rib eye, if steaks more you scene, Grill 23 is one of the best in the country. This award-winning steakhouse is the go-to site for local business meetings, so bear that in mind if you're thinking of heading there on a weekday. But never mind the white-collar hollering, sit down, stare at their table until they relent, and enjoy some of the juiciest steaks around. Where to drink Let's end this with a look at the nightlife. If you're looking for a drink or three to see out the evening, then Back Bay has many delightful watering holes, no matter your desire. Want something casual? Try The Pour House. This sports bar contains a whopping 17 TV screens, showing a variety of games throughout the week. You'll also find a wealth of affordable beers, bar food, and your standard cocktails. It may be a no-frills kind of place, but sometimes, that's exactly what you're looking for. In the mood for something slightly fancier? City Bar is an elegant watering hole located in the century-old Lenox Hotel. And, given the likes of Babe Ruth and John Travolta have graced its elegant tables at one time or another, it's the kind of pedigree that guarantees you a great cocktail and a great time. Combine that with a hefty wine list, romantic lighting, and swanky decor, and it's the perfect date spot if you're looking to impress that someone special. And finally, if you're looking for something a little louder, then you have to hit up the Bukowski Tavern. Named after famed author Charles Bukowski, who penned the likes of Factotum and Ham on Rye, among many other novels and poems, this is a Boston bar through and through. You'll find a huge selection of delicious beers, brewed both locally and abroad, some high-quality bar bites, and the kind of larger-than-life atmosphere that makes Boston the city it is! And that's our list of the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston!
Dom Bewley
Little Italy in Boston's North End
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Boston’s North End: Your Go-To Guide for an Unforgettable Visit

Come hungry, leave inspired! Boston’s North End is packed with flavor and folklore.

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