December Packing List for Boston — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Heavy insulated parkaEssential

  Boston's December has 12 wet days and 28°F lows — the harbor and Charles River wind corridor drops feels-like temperatures into the teens, making a heavy insulated parka the mandatory outer layer for Beacon Hill, the Freedom Trail, and the waterfront.

• Thermal base layer top and bottomEssential

  December lows of 28°F in Boston make a full thermal base layer — top and bottom — essential beneath all other clothing for any outdoor exploring across Beacon Hill, the Freedom Trail, and the Back Bay holiday shopping.

• Fleece or wool mid-layerEssential

  The three-layer system returns for Boston's December — a fleece pullover or wool sweater between thermals and the insulated parka provides the trapped-air insulation needed against harbor and Charles River wind at 28°F.

• Waterproof insulated grip-soled bootsEssential

  Boston's December brings rain, sleet, and snow across 12 wet days — waterproof insulated boots with heavy grip soles are mandatory for Beacon Hill cobblestones and Freedom Trail brick, which ice over rapidly after precipitation.

• Wool socksEssential

  Boston's December lows of 28°F require wool socks inside all winter footwear — cotton socks are wholly inadequate for 12 cold, wet December days.

• Insulated ear-covering hat or trapper hatEssential

  Boston's December harbor and Charles River wind at 28°F makes ear protection mandatory — a hat covering the ears fully is required for the waterfront, Beacon Hill holiday walks, and Freedom Trail winter sightseeing.

• Insulated waterproof gloves or mittensEssential

  Boston's December cold and 12 wet days require insulated waterproof gloves or mittens — regular knit gloves are insufficient for the month's rain and snow conditions.

• Neck gaiter or balaclavaEssential

  Boston's December harbor wind through the waterfront corridor and downtown streets makes face and neck covering essential for outdoor movement between the Freedom Trail stops and Back Bay holiday shopping.

• Removable ice traction cleatsEssential

  Boston's December precipitation — rain, sleet, and snow — coats Beacon Hill cobblestones and Freedom Trail brick in ice — removable boot cleats are essential safety gear for the month's historic terrain.

Clothing

• Heavy insulated parkaEssential

  Boston's December has 12 wet days and 28°F lows — the harbor and Charles River wind corridor drops feels-like temperatures into the teens, making a heavy insulated parka the mandatory outer layer for Beacon Hill, the Freedom Trail, and the waterfront.

• Thermal base layer top and bottomEssential

  December lows of 28°F in Boston make a full thermal base layer — top and bottom — essential beneath all other clothing for any outdoor exploring across Beacon Hill, the Freedom Trail, and the Back Bay holiday shopping.

• Fleece or wool mid-layerEssential

  The three-layer system returns for Boston's December — a fleece pullover or wool sweater between thermals and the insulated parka provides the trapped-air insulation needed against harbor and Charles River wind at 28°F.

• Heavy wool or cable-knit sweaterRecommended

  A thick wool sweater doubles as Boston's December mid-layer outdoors and as a comfortable standalone layer in heated Back Bay and Beacon Hill holiday shopping destinations and restaurants.

• Fleece-lined leggings or insulated pantsRecommended

  Boston's December lows of 28°F with harbor wind require bottom insulation — fleece-lined leggings under jeans or insulated pants protect legs during outdoor holiday shopping and the Freedom Trail's winter walking.

Footwear

• Waterproof insulated grip-soled bootsEssential

  Boston's December brings rain, sleet, and snow across 12 wet days — waterproof insulated boots with heavy grip soles are mandatory for Beacon Hill cobblestones and Freedom Trail brick, which ice over rapidly after precipitation.

• Wool socksEssential

  Boston's December lows of 28°F require wool socks inside all winter footwear — cotton socks are wholly inadequate for 12 cold, wet December days.

• Chemical foot warmersOptional

  For extended outdoor holiday shopping time on Newbury Street and Beacon Hill or Freedom Trail winter walks in December cold, chemical foot warmers extend comfortable outdoor time significantly.

Accessories

• Insulated ear-covering hat or trapper hatEssential

  Boston's December harbor and Charles River wind at 28°F makes ear protection mandatory — a hat covering the ears fully is required for the waterfront, Beacon Hill holiday walks, and Freedom Trail winter sightseeing.

• Insulated waterproof gloves or mittensEssential

  Boston's December cold and 12 wet days require insulated waterproof gloves or mittens — regular knit gloves are insufficient for the month's rain and snow conditions.

• Neck gaiter or balaclavaEssential

  Boston's December harbor wind through the waterfront corridor and downtown streets makes face and neck covering essential for outdoor movement between the Freedom Trail stops and Back Bay holiday shopping.

• Heavyweight wool scarfRecommended

  A heavyweight wool scarf adds significant additional wind protection for Boston's December harbor and downtown streets where harbor air is funneled through the city's building corridors.

• SunglassesOptional

  Boston's December occasional clear days produce significant glare off harbor snow and Charles River ice — polarized sunglasses are useful on clear winter days despite the cold.

Gear

• Removable ice traction cleatsEssential

  Boston's December precipitation — rain, sleet, and snow — coats Beacon Hill cobblestones and Freedom Trail brick in ice — removable boot cleats are essential safety gear for the month's historic terrain.

• Chemical hand warmersRecommended

  Boston's December harbor wind at 28°F lows makes hand warmers essential for extended outdoor time during holiday exploring across Beacon Hill, the waterfront, and Quincy Market.

• Insulated reusable bag or toteOptional

  Boston's December holiday shopping on Newbury Street and in the Faneuil Hall area involves carrying purchases in 28°F cold — an insulated tote handles shopping while your hands stay gloved.