- 2018 SoWa WINTER FESTIVAL EXTENDS FOR TWO WEEKENDS
‘Tis the season for the fourth annual SoWa Winter Festival. Now over two weekends, join SoWa for the biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston. You’ll find the perfect handmade gifts, sip on winter cocktails, and discover the best of the SoWa Art + Design District.
Fri., Dec. 7: 5-9 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 8: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 9: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The SoWa Winter Festival is family friendly and free to attend.
- ELLIS SOUTH END HOLIDAY PARTY
The annual Ellis South End Neighborhood Association Holiday Party will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9, in the Elephant Walk at 1415 Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Please bring an unwrapped toy for an Ellis Memorial child in need this holiday season. $60 per person, $70 for non-members.
- CAROLING IN HAYES PARK
On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m., join the Friends of Hayes Park for a caroling party in the park. Bring your family and friends for an old-fashioned gathering of seasonal singing. We’ll bring hot cider, cookies and songbooks.
And please bring a donation of canned or non-perishable goods for the South End Neighborhood Service Center Food Pantry.
- COUNCILOR MICHELLE WU SOUTH END HOLIDAY PARTY
Councilor Michelle Wu and her campaign committee will host a holiday gathering at Slade’s Bar and Grill in the South End (958 Tremont St.) on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
- BOSTON WARD 4 DEMS HOLIDAY PARTY
The Boston Ward 4 Democratic Committee will be having its annual holiday party on Tuesday, Dec.18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shun’s Kitchen (520 Columbus Ave). Join local Democrats for an evening of good cheer to celebrate victories from 2018 and prepare for the new year. There is a suggested donation of $15 to cover the cost of the buffet provided. For more information, email [email protected].
- CHRISTMAS AND CHRIST-HEALING: A GIFT TO THE BOSTON COMMUNITY
In addition to the lovely festivals of lights and gifts at this time of year, Christmas also signifies a deeper message of God’s irrepressible love and peace for the world. This was seen in Christ Jesus’ healings and teachings, and people still experience tangible healing today. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Back Bay, is sponsoring a special public event of community carol-singing and a lecture titled Christmas and Christ-healing by Michelle Nanouche on Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. in the original edifice of the church, 250 Massachusetts Ave. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session, open to all attendees. Admission and parking in the Christian Science Plaza garage are free.
- SANTA SPEEDO RUN
The annual Santa Speedo Run will take place on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 1-1:30 p.m. It will start and end at Lir Tavern and Whiskey’s at the corner of Gloucester and Boylston streets The run is limited to the first 700 registrants, and raises money for the Play Ball! Foundation, which funds sports in Boston middle schools. Registration is $30.
- BAY VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING, PARTY
The Bay Village tree lighting and holiday party will take place on Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. Please meet at 6 p.m. at the Church Street Park for the annual holiday tree lighting. From there, BVNA will sing holiday songs en route to the 6:30 p.m. holiday party at MJ O’Connor’s. All BVNA members are welcome to attend. This is a free, all-ages event.
Please purchase a membership, or renew your lapsed membership on-line prior to the party; they will be unable to accept credit card payments during the event.
At the holiday party, the BVNA will hold a winter coat and accessory drive to benefit the students of Josiah Quincy Elementary School. If anyone would like to participate, please bring a new or gently used child’s jacket, a pair of mittens, a hat or scarf to donate to the Catie’s Closet at the school, to ensure that all students are able to dress properly for the weather. The school serves children ages 3 – 12.
- WINE AND DINE WITH NABB
Let’s Wine and Dine Holiday Luncheon, Sunday, Dec. 9, noon in the Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St. Celebrate the Holidays with your Let’s Wine and Dine friends at the annual, elegant sit-down luncheon.
Welcome hour with wine, beer and soft drinks
Reserve by sending your check, payable to NABB, in the amount of $90 to Nancy Olson; 255 Beacon Street # 24; Boston, MA 02116. On the check, please indicate choice of entrée, be it chicken, salmon or polenta.
- EIGHT STREETS HOLIDAY CHEER
The Eight Streets Neighborhood Association will host its annual Holiday Cheer party on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 6-8 p.m. in the Boston Eagle, corner of Dwight and Tremont streets. Please join neighbors and friends for some holiday cheer. Come to enjoy free pizza and a cash bar. Stay to meet new friends, talk about neighborhood happenings and maybe even win at a free raffle.
Please R.S.V.P. if possible.
- SOUTH END LIBRARY HOLIDAY CONCERT
The South End Library Holiday Concert with Pat Loomis and his Friends is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. This year, a Special Guest is being booked, as well, perhaps even a vocalist. Pat Loomis will be there on the sax; with Antonio Loomis, guitar; Jim Dower, piano; Colescott Rubin, bass; and Benny Benson on drums. A holiday dinner will be served, as always. This program is jointly funded by the staff of the library and FOSEL.
- NABB FAUSA CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Save the Date! The NABB Fausa Christmas Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at noon in The College Club, 44 Commonwealth Ave. It is hosted by Nancy Thornley.
- HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER
SANTA IN THE CITY: Now through Dec. 24
Capture the magic of the holiday season and bring the kids for a special photo with Santa in his Winter Wonderland located in Belvidere Arcade. A variety of photo packages are available, starting at $19.99.
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA: Nov. 28 and Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m.
Bring in your favorite furry friend for a photo with Santa! Santa will be hosting two Pet Photo nights this holiday season in partnership with local nonprofit MSPCA Boston Adoption Center. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine, providing direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, the MSPCA is the second-oldest humane society in the United States including their non-profit veterinary hospitals, Angell Animal Medical Centers. The MSPCA will be on-site both evenings to meet and greet your furry friends.
All customers (or furry friends) must pre-register for Pet Photo Night. You will be asked to present your ticket at the event. Photo packages vary.
GIFTS + GLAM: Dec. 6 from 5-7 p.m.
Gifts + Glam is a holiday shopping event that will feature exclusive shopping discounts, styling tips, mini-makeovers, snacks, cocktails, and holiday fun! Visit the check-in table by Club Monaco to pick up an event program.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY SANTA: Dec. 8 from 9-11 a.m.
Prudential Center is thrilled to partner with Partners for Youth with Disabilities on a special morning for children with disabilities. Sensory-Friendly Santa invites children with disabilities and their families to enjoy time with Santa in a non-stimulating, controlled and welcoming environment. There will also be a sensory holiday craft table and project area to make holiday cards to be donated to veterans, and hot cocoa for you! Partners for Youth with Disabilities empowers youth with disabilities to reach their full potential by providing transformative mentoring programs, youth development opportunities, and inclusion expertise. They offer four direct-service programs for youth with disabilities in the Boston area, provide services to help other organizations become more inclusive, and advocate on behalf of mentoring and inclusion both nationally and internationally.
31 NIGHTS OF LIGHT 10TH ANNIVERSARY: Dec. 1-31
Celebrating 10 years of raising awareness for our community of nonprofit groups and the causes they tirelessly support, Prudential Center will shine a light on Boston nonprofit organizations this holiday season. Each night of December, the top of Prudential Tower is lit a different color in support of that night’s partner. This program was created to help community organizations gain key visibility during the holiday season. Participating groups will “flip the switch” each night, with a host of musical performances and speakers each night. From Rosies’ Place, Boston Bruins Foundation and Cradles to Crayons there are some amazing organizations being highlighted.