Tufts Blogs

Winter at Tufts has a way of turning the campus into its own snow globe. Not the delicate kind you’re afraid to shake, but the kind with real movement: students weaving between classes under light flurries, the Hill dusted in white, and the unmistakable feeling that the season is shifting everyone into a quieter, cozier gear.

As someone from Minnesota (a place where winter is practically a personality trait) I have an unusual love for cold weather. Snowstorms, frosted windows, that feeling when the air is cold enough to sting your nose a little… I find it all grounding. So while plenty of people here brace themselves for winter in New England, I often feel a small jolt of joy when the first flakes show up. It reminds me of home in the best way.

Today I’m writing from a corner table in the Mayer Campus Center, thawing out after a walk across campus. A hot chocolate from The Sink, our student-run café, is sitting beside me. The Sink is one of those perfect Tufts spots: warm lighting, handwritten chalkboard menus, and drinks made by fellow students who somehow always know exactly how much whipped cream counts as “the right amount.” If winter has an official beverage here, it’s whatever they’re serving.

As a self-proclaimed winter aficionado, here's my guide to transforming Tufts into your personal winter wonderland. 

Ice Skating at the Boston Common Frog Pond

One of my favorite winter traditions is heading to the Boston Common Frog Pond. It’s a quick Red Line ride from campus, and once you step off the train, the energy of downtown Boston in winter hits immediately. Skating under the city lights while some people glide effortlessly and others holding onto the rail for dear life never loses its charm. It’s one of those simple outings that feels bigger than it is, a reminder of how close Tufts is to everything Boston offers.

Holiday Shopping on Newbury Street

Newbury Street in December feels like it was designed for winter strolls. Wreaths on every storefront, holiday lights in the windows, and a steady stream of people walking bundled up against the cold—it’s festive in a way that makes even the chilliest day feel welcoming. Whether I’m searching for the perfect gift or just people-watching with a warm drink in hand, Newbury has become one of my go-to winter escapes.

Snowmen and Sledding on the President’s Lawn

Back on campus, the first real snow sets off one of Tufts’ most beloved winter rituals: sledding down the President’s Lawn. Students appear across the hill with sleds, trays, cardboard, and anything that can reasonably function as a sliding device. Facilities even sets up haybales at the bottom to prevent collisions with the trees, an endearing, practical touch that makes the whole experience feel like an officially unofficial Tufts tradition. Between runs, it’s not uncommon to see snowmen pop up across campus, often accessorized with scarves borrowed from a roommate or hats found in the back of a closet.

Snowport in the Seaport District

Another highlight of winter in Boston is Snowport, the holiday market tucked into the Seaport District. Wooden stalls, warm drinks, handmade crafts, and twinkle lights everywhere—it’s a scene straight out of a winter festival movie. Going with friends has become a tradition: we wander, sample treats, and take in the atmosphere that seems to wrap the whole market in warmth, even on the coldest nights.

For someone who grew up in a true winter wonderland, it feels like the perfect blend of home and adventure. And for anyone new to winter, Tufts has a way of making the cold feel inviting.

Until next time—ideally with another hot chocolate in hand.