The best things to do in Boston this weekend: Jan. 3–5

Starting this Sunday, Boston families can get into some of the city's top museums for free on Boston Family Days. The new initiative from the City of Boston opens nine institutions—Boston Children’s Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo, Museum of African American History, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum—to local students, plus two guests per child, on the first and second Sunday of each month until the end of 2026 (that's nearly 50 Sundays!). The program is open to K–12 students who live in Boston as well as Boston Pre-K kids. Before inviting the whole fam, check with your destination to see if you should pre-register—popular spots like the Children's Museum and Aquarium recommend it.

Moki, a Massachusetts wellness company inspired by Nordic experiences, is bringing its urban sauna and cold plunge experience to Somernova in Somerville, a development home to Aeronaut Brewing Company, Boston Bouldering Project, Carolicious Venuzuelan Arepas, brand-new dumpling house Mimi's Chuka Diner and other businesses. Here's how it works: Plan for about two hours, and book a $60 session to experience full use of the wood-fired sauna, cedar-barrel cold plunge tub and fire pits. Bring a swimsuit or other light, comfortable clothing; Moki supplies towels, slippers, lockers, changing areas and rinsing stations (robes are available for a small additional fee). One-hour fast passes, 10-packs, monthly memberships and gift cards are also available.

Though twinkling lights would probably brighten spirits all winter long, it's customary to take them down in the new year. So this weekend would be a good one to consult our guide to the best light displays locally and go for one final sparkling spin. Winterlights from the Trustees of Reservations ends on Saturday, and ZooLights at the Stone Zoo ends on Sunday. Some light displays extend the season, such as Winter Fest in Charlestown (closed this weekend, but open on weekends through January 20) and Hatchlings on the Greenway (lit all day and nightly until 11pm through February 24).

The holiday festivities at Snowport have ended for the season, but the Seaport winter wonderland's iceless curling rink is up through February. Dress for the weather and head to Harbor Way for free outdoor fun—no curling experience is required. Reserve a lane for up to eight people for half-hour games. Curling at Snowport is open weeknights and all day on weekends.

This weekend is will be brisk, but if you clutch a hot drink with your mittens, it can be charming. One of the best winter activities—which isn't dependent on snow—is hitting an ice rink. Boston and the surrounding area has no shortage of rinks fit for all levels, but none are as iconic as the Boston Common Frog Pond. Situated on the oldest public park in America, the rink hosts a steady, multigenerational throng of newbies and aspiring Kristi Yamaguchis alike. (Those who prefer to stay on non-slippery ground can snuggle up beside the snack bar with a hot chocolate and free Wi-Fi.) Just be sure to bundle up—a wait is inevitable.

Here's a morbid idea for escapism. Get the gist of what it was like to be on board an ill-fated ship without leaving solid ground in Boston. An exhibit called “TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition” has arrived in Boston, giving guests a glimpse into the lives of real Titanic crew and passengers. (You can even learn to dance in the style of the era on certain nights during its pop-up!) More than 250 artifacts from the ship are on view, as well as several carefully re-created rooms. Elsewhere in the exhibit, guests can learn about more recent Titanic-related endeavors, like protecting the wreck site for scientific analysis. The show at the Saunders Castle at Park Plaza is $40.

What are your top meals and memories of 2024? Of the innumerable experiences I took on this year—I’ll never forget you, Polly Pocket house—there are certainly some that have stayed on my mind. From exciting new drinks and dishes to the best events of the year, check out Time Out Boston's new Best of the City Picks.

Need a laugh this weekend? We're with you. Check out what's on at one of Boston's best comedy clubs. The city's scene is growing, with new additions Lil Chuck—located in the Theater District basement at the Charles Playhouse—and Duck Duck Goofs, which debuted in October on McGrath Highway in Somerville.

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