Hotels for Boston Celtics vs. Portland Trail Blazers

A midweek NBA regular-season fixture pitting a storied Eastern Conference franchise against a Western Conference visitor. Games this close to Christmas tend to draw families and out-of-towners combining the trip with holiday shopping and sightseeing, so the crowd has a looser, more festive feel than a typical weeknight fixture.

Expect the usual rhythm of a pro basketball night: pre-game warm-ups, a packed scoreboard of stats and promotions, and four quarters of fast-paced action. Being a Wednesday tip-off, it suits those who prefer to catch a game without giving up a whole weekend.

Home to the Celtics and Bruins, TD Garden sits above North Station in the heart of Boston, a leading arena for basketball, ice hockey and major concerts. The surrounding area, close to the North End's celebrated restaurants and the historic Freedom Trail, is thoroughly walkable. North Station's subway and commuter rail lines are directly below. Booking a room in central Boston lets you walk to the show, enjoy the North End's dining and return to your bed within minutes once it finishes.