- savor + roam
- Posts
- what to do in Boston this weekend (dec 13 - 15)
what to do in Boston this weekend (dec 13 - 15)
Shop until you drop.
Nicole Tommasulo
11 Dec • Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes
Table of Contents
P.S. If you have an event, new attraction, new hotel, or restaurant opening you’d like me to cover, don’t hesitate to reach out.
travel news
So much happens every day that keeping up with the news is difficult. Here are the headlines travelers need to be aware of this week.
around Boston
Local favorite Flour Bakery is coming to Boston Common in Spring 2025. The bakery was selected to fill the concession pavilion formerly occupied by the city’s sole Earl of Sandwich. Run by Joanne Chang, Flour Bakery currently has locations in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, Seaport, Fort Point, Harvard Square, Central Square, and Cambridgeport.
Delta Air Lines continues to elevate their premium services. Not only are they now offering Shake Shack to First Class passengers, but they now also have access to the new Delta One Lounge in Terminal E of Boston Logan International airport. The 6,700-square-foot, 120-seat lounge has a marble-topped bar, soundproof booths and second monitors for work, and ADA-accessible shower suites with toiletries, bathrobes, and towels.
Just in time to gift cards for your favorite travelers, JetBlue announced they are adding another destination to their direct-to-Edinburgh Airport service. From May 2025 through October, you can fly directly from BOS to Scotland’s capital. The airline also confirmed they are adding first-class cabins to domestic planes that do not have Mint cabins.
air travel
If you thought airports were packed this year, 2025 is expected to be an even bigger travel year. Current projections have the industry raking in a cool one trillion dollars.
Most people don’t know they get reimbursed by their travel credit card for signing up for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. If you have unused credit, Bailey Berg at Afar explains precisely how you can gift those credits to someone else.
abroad
Self-check-in for Airbnb will soon be a thing of the past in Italy. In an attempt to “combat potential terrorism,” the country has banned self-check-ins and requires properties to remove key boxes and keypads. Plus, all renters — no matter the length of their stay — must register with the local police. This is to ensure the person claiming to rent the property is who checks in.
unique things to do in Boston: dec 13 - 15
holiday performances this weekend
On Saturday, Dec 14, at 2 pm, head to Skate Canal District Kendall for the annual free Holiday Ice Show, whose theme this year is “The Skate Gatsby.” Watch local elite competitors, professional performers, and guest performers from Figure Skating in Harlem in a 30-minute show. Afterward, join the performers on the ice for a free open skate.
Celebrate the holiday season with Emmanuel Music’s annual Christmas at Emmanuel concert at Emmanuel Church (15 Newbury St) on Sunday, Dec 15, at 4 pm. This year, in collaboration with Project STEP, the musicians will perform works by J.S. Bach and the New England premiere of Evan Williams’ A Little Mass for Christmas. Tickets are pay-what-you-can.
happening in Boston all weekend
One of Boston’s oldest holiday fairs returns to Harvard Square from Friday, Dec 13, at noon through Sunday, Dec 15, at 6 pm. At Harvard Square Holiday Fairs (1426 Mass Ave), you can shop local and traveling artisans while enjoying the sounds of the season and getting a taste of what life in Harvard Square used to look like.
While in Harvard Square, stop by One Brattle Square for the 2024 Holiday Black Business Pop-Up. Running from Friday, Dec 13 at noon through Sunday, Dec 15 at 6 pm, you can shop local businesses while enjoying seasonal treats.
The Charles River Speedway is hosting another winter holiday market. From Saturday, Dec 14, at 11 am until Sunday, Dec 15, at 6 pm, sip seasonal hot beverages and shop for art, vinyl, vintage, and more at over 50 small businesses at the Holidaze Market. Besides shopping, On Sat, Dec 14, from 6 pm - 10 pm, join Notch Brewing for Krampusnacht festivities.
If you missed one of the other Boston Women’s Market pop-ups this year, you have another chance this weekend. From Saturday, Dec 14 through Sunday, Dec 15, shop over 40 local women-owned businesses at the Boston Women’s Holiday Market South End at AC Hotel (225 Albany Street) in the South End. From 11 am - 4 pm on both days, shop while you sip warm festive drinks, decorate ornaments, wrap gifts, and more. Entry is free.
Cambridge’s Canal District Kendall is holding its annual Winter Market on Saturday, Dec 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11:30 am - 4 pm. Here, you’ll find over 30 local vendors, free ice skating, festive drinks in the Vitamin Sea beer garden, and more.
friday, december 13
classes
Up your hosting skills at the Holiday Charcuterie Board Workshop at The Urban Grape (303 Columbus Ave) on Friday, Dec 13. From 6 pm - 7:30, sip on a flight of wines while learning step-by-step how to put together the perfect holiday charcuterie board. Tickets are $62.59 - $90, including a 10 × 10” board for your next event.
Join chef John Peredina at Selfup Cooking Classes (19 Kingston St) for an Italian cooking class and dinner experience. From 6 pm - 9 pm on Dec 13, learn how to cook several dishes, from a salad starter to a tiramisu finale, and enjoy the fruit of your labor before leaving with new skills to wow friends and fellow foodies. Tickets are $120.
holiday events
Beginning at 5 pm on Friday, Dec 13, stroll the streets of Boston’s North End during the 17th annual North End Holiday Stroll. Shop 15+ locally-owned shops and enjoy innovative pop-ups, music, giveaways, and more.
Portio Brewing (101 South St) in Somerville is hosting a Nightmare Before Christmas Party on Friday, Dec 13, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Come dressed as your favorite Tim Burton character, or throw on your ugly sweater and enjoy live music and Lego ornament-making.
If you’re an Elf superfan, get yourself to Samuel Adams Boston Brewery for Elf Movie Trivia night. On Friday, Dec 13, enjoy festive brews and fun vibes from 6 pm until 8 pm while answering trivia about your favorite holiday movie.
saturday, december 14
classes + wellness
Start your weekend with a soothing, restorative sound bath surrounded by art at Blue Triangle Gallery (17 Edinboro Street) from 10 am to 11 am. Tickets are $45 and doors open at 9:40 am.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make sourdough bread (or refine your starter skills), now’s your chance. Boston Harbor Distillery is holding a Cider/Pumpkin Sourdough Making class with Hoamsy on Saturday, Dec 14, from 5:45 pm - 8 pm. Tickets are $65, and you’ll learn the basics of sourdough making, including how to create your own sourdough starter (which you’ll go home with, along with dough and a recipe, at the end of the night).
Dumpling lovers can learn to make their favorite dish at home on Saturday, Dec 14, from 1 pm to 4 pm at Selfup Cooking Class’s Homemade Dumpling 101 class. For $100, learn to make a variety of dumplings, including Dim Sum Style Dumplings, chicken & dumpling soup, pot stickers, shumai, and more.
For a break from shopping or to make a loved one a handcrafted gift, sign up for this Unique Candle Making class hosted by Hoamsy. Held at the Long Live Roxbury Taproom (152 Hampden St) on Saturday, Dec 14, from 6 pm to 7:15 pm, craft a one-of-a-kind candle, choosing everything from scent, to color, to shape. Tickets are $40 and include all candle-making materials.
holiday markets + strolls
Are you planning on being near Fenway on Sunday? From 12 pm - 5 pm on Saturday, Dec 14, you can sip festive cocktails and snack on seasonal treats while strolling and shopping LGBTQ+ vendors at the Holly Jolly Good Time Holiday Market at Time Out Market Boston (401 Park Drive).
You can also shop over 60 LGBTQ+ and ally vendors and enjoy fabulous performances from local drag stars at the HollyGay Market on Saturday, Dec 14, from 11 am - 6 pm at Citizens House of Blues (15 Lansdowne St). Support small businesses while enjoying. Tickets are $10, and entry is timed to ensure the best experience for all involved.
On Saturday, Dec 14, you can celebrate the season and get holiday shopping done at the Castle Island Holiday Shop & Sip Marketplace at Castle Island Brewing Co (10 Old Colony Ave) in Southie from 12 pm until 6 pm. Featuring one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors and “community vibes,” this is a free event for all ages.
The 3rd annual BIZZY Wonderland Holiday Market returns on Saturday, Dec 14, from 11 am - 4 pm at SpringHill Suites Marriott on Revere Beach (400 Ocean Ave) in Eastie. Shop over 30 women-owned and local businesses while enjoying live music, free hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and ornament-making. Want to do a mini holiday photoshoot? You can do that, too. Sessions are $50 for 10 minutes.
Select’s Winter Vintage Fest is happening this Saturday, Dec 14, at The Foundry (101 Rogers St) in Cambridge. From 11 am until 5 pm, shop vintage and more from over 60 vendors while enjoying live DJ sets.
Head to North Cambridge on Saturday, Dec 14, for the North Cambridge Holiday Stroll. From 12 pm - 7 pm, enjoy strolling carolers, the holiday window decorating contest, festive food tasting, and the Pemberton Farms tree lighting (6:30 pm).
sunday, december 15
Poets and poetry lovers will want to head to Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Sunday, Dec 15, for Poetry Open Mic Night. The sign-up list opens at 6:30 pm, with the show starting at 7. Seating is first come, first served.
classes
Creating Instagram-worthy centerpieces is easier than you think. Learn how to make your own at the Champagne + Holiday Centerpiece Arranging Class on Sunday, Dec 15, with Bubbly ‘n’ Blooms at The Urban Grape (303 Columbus Ave). From 3 pm - 4:30 pm, sip Laurent-Perrier Champagne while putting together your own holiday centerpiece. Tickets are $125 and include a tasting of three champagnes and materials.
Learn the best festive mocktails to serve this holiday season at Dray-Non Alcoholic Bottle Shop (18 Union Park Street). On Sunday, Dec 15, the shop is hosting a free Holiday NA Cocktail Class led by mixologist Kevvnationn from 4 pm - 6 pm.
Master the art of French cooking with chef John Peredina at Self Up Cooking Class’s French Steakhouse Dinner cooking class and dinner experience. For $100, spend three hours (5 pm - 8 pm) to learn how to make classic French Bistro dishes, including Filet au Poivre and Creme Brûlée.
holiday events
Somerville Flea is hosting a Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec 15, from 10 am - 4 pm at Arts at the Armory in Somerville. Shop over forty local vendors and, beginning at noon, grab a festive beverage to sip while you stroll.
On Sunday, Dec 15, from 12 pm to 6 pm, Bow Market is hosting the Sweets & Santa Holiday Soiree. Come up to the second floor to sip, taste, and shop local bakeries (including Breadboard Bakery, Nagomi Bento, maca Boston, and Petrova Chocolate) and artisans, plus have fun with DIY ornament screenprinting and take pictures with Santa ($20, or $5 + toy donation; appointments recommended). Pre-order now for a curated collection of the treats available at the market.
Boston Harbor Distillery (12R Ericsson St) will be hosting a Holiday Sip & Shop on Sunday, Dec 15, from 1 pm to 6 pm. Get bottles engraved, buy last-minute gifts from local vendors, and enjoy festive cocktails. This is a free indoor event.
reoccurring winter events
As a reminder, the Commuter Rail has $10 weekend passes, which gives the ticketholder unlimited travel on Saturday and Sunday. Pass is activated during your first trip on Saturday and continues to stay active until Sunday night.
things to do
Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol returns to Emerson College’s Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre (219 Tremont St) from Dec 8 - 22. Tickets start at $10.
Historic Holiday Strolls — guided tours among the holiday lights and decorated trees on Boston’s Freedom Trail — continue on select Fridays and Saturdays until Dec 28. The walks are one hour long and led by guides dressed in 19th-century Dickensian costumes. For tickets and more information, visit the Freedom Trail’s website.
Boston Common’s Frog Pond Skating Rink (38 Beacon St) is open daily from 10 am - 10 pm, with the last entry admitted 30 minutes before closing. Anyone 58 inches or taller must pay $10 to skate. You can also rent skates ($15 for adults, $10 for kids), rent lockers, and get your skates sharpened ($7).
holiday markets + festivals
Boston’s annual Winter Festival officially kicks off on Friday, Dec 6, at 3 pm in Charlestown’s Hood Park (500 Rutherford) and runs until Jan 25, with limited days and hours beginning at the end of the month. Spread out across two acres, there is an ice skating rink ($20/hr for adults, $15/hr for kids under 10; $10 skate rental), life-size light up castle, artisan marketplace, Veuve Clicquot Après Ski Gondola lounge, and more. Admission is free. Attendees can park in the Hood Park garage (100 Hood Park Dr) for free for up to three hours.
The annual Holiday Market at Snowport (65 Northern Ave) is now open in Boston’s Seaport District. Running seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), there are over 120 vendors, plus great food options, cocktail bars, live music, activities (like curling), and more. East Boston favorite Petrova Chocolates (creator of those viral Dubai Chocolate Bars) has a booth, so be sure to stop by!
The annual SoWa Winter Festival at SoWa Power Station (550 Harrison Ave) runs through Dec 22 and costs $10 to enter. Children under 12 enter for free.
Farmer’s Market season never ends in Boston; it just moves inside. Visit Somerville’s Winter Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm inside The Center for the Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave).
holiday bars + high teas
For the month of December, Publico (11 Dorchester St) has converted its open-air atrium into a winter wonderland, giving guests an immersive festive experience for lunch, dinner, drinks, and weekend brunch. At The Winter Market, you’ll be transported to the heart of a European Christmas Market and relive the joy of cozy childhood Christmases. Grab a seat by the fire and marvel at the towering 16-foot holiday tree. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is hosting its annual Holiday Tea service from 11 am to 5 pm every Sunday and Monday in December. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Head to the Mandarin Oriental (776 Boylston) in Back Bay for Louis Roederer champagne cocktails, live holiday jazz performed by students from Berklee College of Music, light caviar, and bar bites at the pop-up Holiday Champagne Bar. The bar is open from 5 pm to 8 pm on Dec 13, 14, 20, 21, and 31.
Boston’s only Hanukkah pop-up bar is back again this year. From now until Jan 1, you can visit Macabee Bar inside The Charles Hotel (1 Bennett St) in Harvard Square every Monday - Saturday starting at 4 pm. There are limited reservations available; priority is given to walk-ins.
To get festive above Boston, visit ViewBoston’s Stratus Winter Oasis. At the top of Prudential Tower (800 Boylston), Status Bar has been transformed into a winter wonderland where guests can sip festive cocktails while the city glitters around them. Tickets are $38, including admission to ViewBoston exhibits and one beer, wine, or signature cocktail. This also gives you access to The Beacon bistro, View Boston’s restaurant.
To literally warm up after a Snowport visit, book a table at Deck 12’s heated rooftop outdoor bar (65 Seaport Blvd). Like in previous years, there is an Apres theme, complete with heaters, fondues, chair lifts, gondolas, and more. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Or, head down the street to Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall (306 Northern Ave) and get an infusion of festive cheer at the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar. Tickets are $18 and include a 90-minute reservation and one holiday-themed cocktail or mocktail.
Reply