Boston Tea Party Anyone?

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its original publication date. (2024)

On December 16, 1773, more than 5,000 American colonists met at Old South Meeting House to decide the fate of three shiploads of tea docked in Boston Harbor.

Emotions ran high as the colonists bitterly denounced the British troops who occupied the city, the taxes the Crown imposed on everything from household goods to window panes. Especially hated was the tax on tea, a daily staple for the people of Boston. And there they sat, three ships carrying tea in the harbor, waiting to be unloaded.

In a gesture of protest, the colonists refused to unload the ships. Threats were made by the representative of the crown. According to an eyewitness account by George Hewes, one of the last survivors of the American Revolution, “The ships…were surrounded by armed ships of war, the commanders of which had publicly declared that if the rebels, as they were pleased to style the Bostonians, should not withdraw their opposition to the landing of the tea before…the 17th day of December, 1773, they should on that day force it on shore under the cover of their cannon’s mouth.”

Patriot Women Serving Tea in Abigail’s, Boston Tea Party Museum

Later that night (perhaps after some strong spirits had been consumed), a group of colonists disguised themselves as Indians, boarded the ships and dumped the tea overboard. What became known as The Boston Tea Party has been described as “the single most important event leading up to the American Revolution.”

This December 16th marks the 242nd anniversary of the event, and it is the first time in 240 years that the East India Company returns to Boston, with 100+ donated ounces of their iconic tea, to be thrown into the water during the historic re-enactment. Anyone who buys a ticket can join other “rebels” (like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere) at Old South Meeting house to debate the tea tax and demand liberty from the British Crown. Then they can march to Griffin’s Wharf, shouting “Huzzah,”  accompanied by fife and drum and scores of colonists, line the shores of Boston Harbor and watch as the Sons of Liberty board the Brig Beaver—and toss the tea into the water.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Kids

The re-enactment is one of the highlights of the holiday season in Boston, but it’s not the only one. In a bright embrace of the season, Boston lights up—pretty much everywhere. Christmas trees, menorahs, churches, shops, restaurants and hotels sparkle through the night, and carolers and Santa spread holiday cheer. There are holiday performances in the city’s theaters and concert halls: the familiar Nutcracker; the Boston Philharmonic’s Holiday Pops; Black Nativity and more.

There are religious services in the city’s houses of worship, both for Hanukkah and Christmas. In keeping with the Tea Party theme, there are masses and carols at the Old North Church, the Freedom Trail site where Paul Revere arranged for two lanterns to be hung in April 1775.

Where to Stay?

While there are any number of luxury hotels in Boston, my favorite is the unique Battery Wharf Hotel—unique because it is tucked into a private enclave (Battery Wharf), a prime waterfront spot overlooking the harbor. Valet parking makes it easy to arrive by car and the attentive staff (and holiday lights) make for a warm welcome.

The accommodations are luxurious without being fussy; the suites are drop-dead gorgeous. All have pillow-top beds with European linens and granite, spa-like bathrooms. Many rooms and suites have dazzling harbor views.

Fairmont Battery Wharf, Boston, MA

Where to Dine

Though the neighborhood is super-rich in restaurants and bars, Umbria Italian Steak House, The Daily Catch for fresh seafood, and Joe’s Waterfront if you’re looking for American fare.

And speaking of the neighborhood, this is Boston’s famous North End, home to some of the city’s best Italian restaurants and specialty shops that feature delectable imported items to take home or to gift. Then there are the bakeries that send the aromas of good coffee and freshly-baked pastries into the street.

The Fairmont Battery Wharf is the ideal hotel as a home base for exploring such popular spots as the Faneuil Hall Marketplace and walking the Freedom Trail.

Tea-Throwing

To participate in some tea-throwing yourself, visit the Boston Tea Party Museum and Ship during its regular schedule as I did and have some fun tossing (fake) bales overboard and photographing kids having a lot of fun. The Museum experience is a rich one, with many fascinating exhibits as well as films documenting events surrounding the American Revolution. The gift shop offers excellent souvenirs, including a big selection of teas. As an added bonus, the museum houses Abigail’s Tea Room, where it’s possible to enjoy—an afternoon Boston Tea Party!

Photos courtesy of Michael Blanchard Photography

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