Imagine dining outdoors on the North Shore during the chilly winter months— yet remaining cozy and warm. Winters are long in New England, but the North Shore offers igloo dining with ocean views, forest surroundings, a bustling historic-city backdrop, and even riverfront scenery. Add a few snow flurries and you’ll feel as though you’re dining inside a snow globe.
Inngloo Wonderland at the Inn at Hastings Park, Lexington
For the fifth year, the Inn at Hastings Park hosts a private winter dining experience tucked between the inn’s main building and restored barn. The inn’s igloos, each of which can accommodate up to six people, are surrounded by trees and twinkling lights and feature a charming faux-fireplace heater, cozy blankets, and a mini speaker for curated, mood-setting background music. For a $120 rental fee (not including the cost of food and beverages), you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner under the stars, Saturday High Tea, or a Sunday Champagne Brunch. The full menu at the inn’s Town Meeting Bistro is available, including stuffed acorn squash, bouillabaisse, and a Three Sisters duck cassoulet.
“This year our sponsor is Belvedere vodka–based cocktails. We have a really, really good espresso martini and a blue-cheese-infused velvety vodka,” says the inn’s general manager, Katia del Rio Gacanovic. Between the igloos is the inn’s Private Bonfire Experience: three different firepits with crackling firewood under a starry sky. Each firepit can accommodate up to four people for two hours at $75 per participant. While you stay cozy in your Adirondack chairs and blankets, the firepit experience includes a choice of either a traditional or a savory elevated s’more—think boozy bourbon marshmallows or melted brie cheese. Wash it down with a Bully Boy ready-to-drink cocktail or a hot cocoa.
The Igloo Village at Mile Marker One, Gloucester
Mile Marker One at the Cape Ann Marina proves that waterfront dining is possible all winter on the North Shore. Its expansive Igloo Village accommodates intimate dinners for two, dinner parties for four to eight, a Warming Hut for up to fourteen guests, and the Bigloo for twenty-two or more.
“These are all clear domes that allow for ultimate water views no matter the weather. The smaller table igloos have lounge seating, and the Bigloo has different table, lounge, and bar seating,” says Cape Ann Marina’s managing partner, Tobin Dominick. “There are lots of twinkle lights, lanterns, and soft cozy blankets if needed. All our tables have been custom made to work with the best round-dining experience. Some have described it as a winter Scandinavian or European feel, with views of our marina, the Annisquam River, and wildlife.” Igloo fees range from free to about $15 per person, depending on the day and time. Guests may order from the full food and beverage menus.
New this year are character visits during children’s birthday parties, with the promise of at least one princess. “We host children’s parties from small to large in the Bigloo,” says Dominick. “Sometimes parents combine the igloo dining with a night in the hotel, which allows use of our indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi—another way of creating a unique getaway or staycation.”
Sea Level NBPT, Newburyport
For the second year, Sea Level NBPT is offering winter dining amid the charm and coastal-city atmosphere of downtown Newburyport. This year, the restaurant has three igloos that seat two to six people. Each igloo includes its own heater, a round table, modern chairs with faux-fur throws and pillows, seasonal garlands, and soft lighting. In the evening, twinkling lights in the surrounding trees provide an added layer of delight.
“Winter on the waterfront has its own charm, and we wanted people to be able to enjoy it instead of staying indoors all season. The igloos let guests stay warm while still feeling like they’re part of the scene outside,” says Sea Level NBPT co-owner Andre Freyer. “Newburyport is such a beautiful, historic town, and the igloos let you experience it in a fun and different way.”
Guests may order from the full Sea Level NBPT menu, which includes seafood towers, New England clam chowder, sushi-bar specials, house-made pizzas, and fried oyster tacos. The cocktail menu features nonalcoholic beers, spirits, wines, and seltzers, along with warming boozy choices—such as the Hawaiian Bonfire, made with Elijah Craig bourbon, charred pineapple, oak and smoke bitters, and a smoke garnish. While there is no extra fee to dine in the igloos, reservations are strongly encouraged and limited to two hours.
BOSA Coastal Italian, Haverhill
Located on the Merrimack River in downtown Haverhill and named for the colorful fishing village of Bosa on the Temo River in Sardinia, Italy, BOSA Coastal Italian brings igloo dining to the riverfront. Haverhill’s vibrant and growing restaurant scene makes it no surprise that winter’s hottest dining trend has reached the city.
“We wanted to provide the best guest experience possible, and we know that our guests love the water view and appreciate something exciting and different,” says Christie Cartwright, BOSA’s senior director of marketing. BOSA has four igloos, each accommodating six to eight guests. Inside, visitors can enjoy LED lighting and a Bluetooth speaker for personal playlists. A special heater provides warmth and coziness.
BOSA’s expansive food and beverage menu is available for igloo guests. Sip on a Rise in the River (Bribón Tequila, peach purée, triple sec, lime juice) or a Campfire Martini (Graham cracker rim, vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, toasted marshmallow). Feast on rosemary-lemon wings, a salumi board with cured Italian meats, cheese, pickled vegetables, fig jam, and toast; spiedini skewers; zuppa di pesce; and crispy chicken Milanese. There is no extra rental fee for dining in the igloos.