Winter Activities
If you’re looking for a quiet place to spend a few days in the winter, New Bedford offers a sweet refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In the winter, the city is home to several indoor events and activities for locals and visitors to enjoy.
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Indoor Activities
New Bedford Whaling Museum
You can spend hours, or even days in the largest museum dedicated to preserving and telling the history of the whaling industry. The museum beautifully displays historic artifacts, art, and the largest indoor ship model that you can explore. Kids love seeing the real whale skeleton and the 3-D movie theatre.
Fishing Heritage Center
This one-of-a-kind center is dedicated to telling the stories of New Bedford’s fishing industry from the past to the present. Learn about the hardworking people who have helped make New Bedford the #1 fishing port in the US for over two decades. Exhibits and activities are designed to engage children and adults while providing an educational, hands-on experience.
New Bedford Antiques at the Cove
Unleash your inner treasure hunter! A city with this much history is bound to be full of antiques and relics from the past. As you comb through the vast selections, you’ll find pieces of New Bedford’s history spanning centuries. New Bedford Antiques at the Cove located in the South End offers 1.5 acres of antiques presented by various dealers with eclectic tastes.
Kilburn Mill
New Bedford has been recognized as a creative hub for decades. The Kilburn Mill, a former textile mill, is now home to artist studios, artisan shops, yoga studios, antique shops, and more. While you’re there, grab a latte and a sandwich at the Dough Company, referred to as “DoCo” by locals. Venture upstairs to Flip this Dollhouse, one of the largest dollhouse shops in the world. With over 100 houses and 30,000 pieces of furniture and accessories made by hand, it’s a magical world of exquisite craftsmanship. Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts? You’ll find an eclectic mix of unique offerings in the mill’s many shops.
New Bedford Art Museum
The museum, a former bank building, creates a unique setting for the New Bedford Art Museum situated in the heart of downtown. The museum specializes in offering an eclectic mix of contemporary art and an exploration of sight, sounds, and smells. Check out the New Bedford Gallery to view pieces from the city of New Bedford’s historic art collection offered on loan by the New Bedford Free Public Library located across the street.
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
Dating back to the 1920s, the Zeiterion has undergone a series of transformations and renovations. Today, you can step inside this historic theatre and enjoy a Broadway musical, a symphony orchestra, a captivating dance performance, stand-up comedy, and a variety of other performances. Either before or after the show, grab a bite to eat and a cocktail just steps away from the theatre.
Moby Dick Marathon
Put your reading skills to the test at the annual Moby Dick Marathon. This event, presented by the New Bedford Whaling Museum, is an annual tradition that includes various presenters as they read the entire Moby Dick novel in 24 hours. Notable past presenters include Taylor Shilling (Orange is the New Black) and Sam Waterson (Law & Order). After the Marathon, walk along the cobblestoned streets through the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, where you’ll see structures like the Seamen’s Bethel, immortalized in the novel as the Whaleman’s Chapel.
Rotch Jones Duff House
Step back in time as you enter this National Historic Landmark. Built in 1834 for whaling merchant William Rotch Jr., this Greek Revival mansion is home to historical artifacts, rotating exhibits, lectures, and live performances. During the summer, you can tour the immaculate outdoor rose garden but during the winter you can enjoy a self-guided tour through the home.
Annual Frederick Douglass Reading
Every year the New Bedford Historical Society gathers in February to celebrate Frederick Douglass who lived as a freeman in New Bedford after escaping slavery through the Underground Railroad. During this celebration ‘The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave’, an autobiography written by Douglass in 1845 is read in its entirety by members of the community.
NB Symphony Orchestra
Classical music performances can seem a bit intimidating or formal for newcomers, but the NBSO ensures a concert experience that is inviting and accessible. Whether you want to wear your best suit or your favorite pair of jeans, you’ll find the shows to be laid back and enjoyable. Symphony on Tap features a full orchestra performing in a nightclub setting with craft beer, cocktails, and delicious food. Picture yourself standing at a high-top table with the orchestra performing up close while you sip a craft beer with your friends.
nbFestive
Winter in New Bedford brings dazzling lights, celebrations, and opportunities to mingle with local shop owners and artisans throughout the city. Our event calendar is full of winter and holiday-themed activities and entertainment happening all season. Don’t miss these three magical festive celebrations:
- Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll
- Downtown New Bedford Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
- City Celebrates New Year’s Eve
Outdoor Activities
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Our zoo was named “one of the finest small zoos” by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With indoor and outdoor exhibits, a cafe, an outdoor nature play area, and rides for children, Buttonwood Park Zoo is the perfect spot to spend an hour or two any time of the year. In February, the zoo offers special programming during school vacation week.
New Bedford Half Marathon
Every year on the third Sunday in March, the city welcomes thousands of runners for the New Bedford Half Marathon presented by the Friendly Sons of Saint. Patrick, which is one of the oldest half marathon distance events in the Northeast. Several runners use this track as final preparation before the Boston Marathon in April. Registered runners endure a 13-mile course that begins at City Hall Plaza downtown, stretches to the South End peninsula, and loops back downtown for the finish.
Abolition Row Park
June of 2023 marked the official opening of Abolition Row Park in the Abolition Row Historic District across from the Nathan and Polly Johnson House where Douglass spent his first years living as a freeman. The park includes a bronze sculpture of Douglass by artist Richard Blake that depicts Douglass in his thirties, the years he lived in the city.
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