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- what to do in Boston this weekend (jan 10 - 12)
what to do in Boston this weekend (jan 10 - 12)
welcome to Boston's wellness era
Nicole Tommasulo
09 Jan • Estimated Reading Time: 21 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.
food news
The craft brewing world is experiencing growing pains, with more breweries closing than opening for the first time in nearly two decades. Many experts believe this industry shake-up is a much-needed market correction that promises to streamline the craft beer landscape. Ideally, this will lead to a more curated and quality-driven brewing scene. In the meantime, we’ll pour one out for the Massachusetts craft breweries we lost in 2024.
PopUp Bagels, the ultra-minimalist NYC bagel spot that's been all over TikTok, just dropped in Seaport this week with their controversial "no slice, no toast" policy that's honestly kind of chaotic. While some might call it pretentious, these crusty-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside bagels come with fun schmear options like a collab with Grillo's Pickles (IYKYK). Still, you'll have to embrace the whole rip-and-dip situation since they literally won't cut your bagel for you. PopUp Bagels (70 Pier 4 Blvd. Suite 330, Boston, 02210) officially opens Friday, Jan 10, and is open daily from 7 am - 4 pm.
unique things to do in Boston: jan 10 - jan 12
Everything here is happening this weekend only. Scroll down for recurring events every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Boston.
wellness all weekend
Last year, Moki Sauna debuted a winter pop-up downtown, inviting Bostonians to enjoy a pop-up sauna and polar plunge in an urban setting. This year, they’re back and have set up their wood-fired saunas and cedar cold plunge barrels at Somernova (14 Tyler St, Somerville, 02143) until April 15. Sessions start at $45 for 1 hour.
friday, january 10
open house
If you’re like me, you’ve walked by 55 Mount Vernon Street in Beacon Hill a million times. This Friday, Jan 10, from 4 - 6 pm, you can take a self-guided tour of what’s known as the Nichols House Museum in honor of Rose Nichols’ 153rd birthday.
saturday, january 11
creating + communities
Coffee has been bringing people together for centuries and George Howell Coffee (505 Washington St, Boston, 02111) is continuing that tradition on Saturday, Jan 11, with a free Coffee in Community happy hour from 2 - 3 pm. Bring some coffee from your favorite roaster to share and enjoy conversations about the coffee community at large.
Calling all artists and musicians: The Lilypad (1353 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 02139) is hosting a free Art Jam this Saturday, Jan 11, from 2 - 6 pm. Bring your own art supplies (limited supplies are available) or pick up one of the instruments available (drums, guitar, baby grand piano) and enjoy an afternoon of open jamming and collaboration. (A $5 - $20 donation is suggested, but it is not required. Drinks are available for purchase.)
classes
Coffee lovers, find your new obsession and hand-make your new favorite mug this Saturday, Jan 11, from 11:30 am - 2 pm at High Street Place Food Hall (100 High St, Boston, 02110), with Pottery with a Purpose and Gracenote Coffee. At this beginner-friendly Coffee Tasting + Clay Mug Making class, you’ll enjoy a 20-minute coffee tasting before creating and decorating your own ceramic mugs or espresso cups. Tickets are $125 and include a coffee tasting and pottery kit (plus firing + glazing and shipping to make them waterproof + food safe) with a two-hour step-by-step workshop.
wellness + beauty
It’s a big week for openings in Boston. On Saturday, Jan 11, come celebrate the grand opening of Skyy Bar Beauty Bar(4270 Washington St, Boston, 02131). From 10 am until 6 pm, stop by and sample signature treatments while checking out local vendors showcasing their health and wellness products.
Even if you’ve been doing yoga for years, you probably have never had a session like the one being offered on Saturday, Jan 11, with Pete Sacco (aka BulldogFlowBoston) at The WNDR Museum (500 Washington St, Boston, 02111) from 9 - 10 am. This Immersive Yoga class is $45 and includes full access to the museum. Please bring your own mat and water bottle.
Kick off the start of spring training season with a Strength & Mobility for Runners workshop at Down Under School of Yoga (505 Tremont St, Boston, 02116) from 12:30 - 2 pm with Emma Morse. For a $40 donation to Emma’s 2025 London Marathon fundraiser for Save the Children, you’ll work through the fundamentals of vinyasa to warm the body, go through a strength & conditioning circuit targeting muscles used in running, and a yin practice to target connective tissue and help increase mobility. Complimentary smoothies from Life Alive Cafe will be available afterward.
Embrace your inner goth at Health Goth Yoga at Widowmaker Brewing at their new Brighton (190 North Beacon Street, Boston, 02135) location this Saturday, Jan 11, from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Led by Crystal Rose Hines of Health Goth Yoga, you’ll sweat and stretch to the sounds of Joy Division, Depeche Mode, and more of your favorite New Wave, Dark Wave, + Post Punk before surrendering into a Savasana. Tickets are $29 and include one complimentary beer or non-alcoholic drink. Please bring your own mat or e-mail [email protected] to see if she still has any extras available.
Dedicate time to replacing and rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit with an Integral Yoga Hatha class led by Parashakti at The Lilypad (1352 Cambridge St, Cambridge, 02139) in Inman Square on Saturday, Jan 11, from 12 - 2 pm. Tickets are $20 and include being led through a series of classical yoga asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), yoga nidra, and meditation, with accompaniment on the grand piano by Jesse Gallagher, who will be playing selections from his album, “The Inner Sound.” Tickets are $20.
sunday, January 12
classes
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make the perfect sushi roll, you’ll have your chance this Sunday, Jan 12, from 12 - 2 pm during the Make Epic Sushi Rolls with Chef Harold in Roxbury cooking class at Long Live Beerworks (152 Hampden St, Boston, 02119) in Roxbury. For $59.99, learn how to make miso soup, plus hand rolls and inside-out rolls.
wellness
(New) Reoccurring: Wind down from the weekend and prepare for the week ahead with a Grounding Meditation session every Sunday from 5 - 6 pm at Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio (663 Centre Street, Boston, 02130) in Jamaica Plain. Led by Licenced Mental Health Counselor Brennan Mallonnee, you will be guided through techniques on how to calm stress responses and practice trauma-informed grounding techniques for anxiety. Tickets are $20. Yoga mats, cushions, and blankets are available for use, but you are welcome to bring your own.
(New) Reoccurring: If you’re trying to bring balance into your life this year, start your Sunday brunch with a gentle yoga flow with Brewery Yoga at Lamplighter CX. The class is held every Sunday from 12:30 - 1:30 pm at Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s CX location (110 North First Street, Cambridge, 02141) in their upstairs taproom. Tickets are $25 and include a beer token or complimentary non-alcoholic drink.
End the weekend with Canvas of the Soul: Yoga and Meditative Art, a restorative experience focused on inner peace, balance, and self-expression. Held at Boston Figurative Art Center (285 Washington St, Somerville, 02143) on Sunday, Jan 12, from 9 - 11 am, you’ll start with a gentle yoga flow before beginning your creative exploration through paint. Tickets are $75 and include painting supplies. Please bring a blanket.
It’s not too late to set your intentions for 2025. This Sunday, Jan 12, from 10 - 11:30 am, Christina Muccio will be leading an Align & Manifest: A New Year’s Reset immersive wellness experience at Time Out Market Boston (401 Park Drive, Boston, 02215). For $45, you’ll be led through sound bath meditation and journaling exercises, where you’ll set and align your goals for the year. Afterward, mingle with fellow attendees while enjoying complimentary mocktails, and grab a goodie bag that includes wellness samples from Booty by Brabantus & Truvani, a voucher for a complimentary Vitamin B12 shot from Seaport Medspa, and more.
If Pilates is more your speed, plan to spend Sunday, Jan 12, from 10 - 11 am at Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar (412 West Broadway, Boston, 02127) for Sunday Sweat at Loco Southie. Tickets are $25 and include a 45-minute Mat Pilates class with Ryann Sawyer of Studio78, one mimosa (with your choice of juice), and a complimentary plate of patatas bravas if you stay for brunch (e-mail [email protected] about brunch). Please bring your own mat.
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.
tours
Taste your way through Back Bay with a Back Bay Evening Chocolate Tour. For $55, take a guided walking + tasting tour of one of Boston’s most beautiful neighborhoods while learning Back Bay’s historical and architectural significance. Plus, enjoy chocolate tastings at four different locations where you’ll sample hot chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, and cake from Back Bay’s most iconic establishments.
Boston Athenaeum routinely holds Art & Architecture Tours throughout the week and weekend. Tours are always free for members, $15 for adults, $10 for students/educators/military, $8 for children 11 and under, or $4 using your EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cards.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Boston for the first time, there’s never a bad time to take a tour. For something a little different (and delicious), book a spot on the Freedom Trail: History Tour & Brewery Taste. Follow the Freedom Trail, stopping at 11 of 16 major landmarks along the trail, with Hub Town Tours before enjoying lunch and beer tasting at Democracy Brewing.
wellness
To start your weekend off with a dose of wellness, come to The Hidden Art Gallery (25 Myrtle Street) in Beacon Hill for their weekly Explore Meditation with Watercolor class. Held every Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm, learn the basics of meditation while intuitively creating with watercolor. Classes are $55.
Reconnect with your ability to digest and rest during a Sound Bath Meditation with Ramon of Ib and Flow (247 Walnut St, Brookline, 02445). Sessions ($50) are held every Sunday.
Chase away — or press pause — on your end-of-weekend stress with a movie night at Sam Adams Boston Brewery (30 Germania St, Jamacia Plan, 02130). From 6 to 9 pm every Sunday, the brewery hosts a free weekly watch party. For January, their movie theme is winter movies: The Shining (Jan 12), Grand Budapest Hotel (Jan 19), and Ice Age (Jan 26).
classes + workshops
Whether you already love screenprinting or are completely new to this printing method, DARK MODE hosts DIY Screenprinting workshops at their storefront in Bow Market (1 Bow Market Way, #24) in Somerville on Friday (7 pm) and Saturday (6 pm and 7 pm) nights. Tickets are $45, including t-shirts.
DARK MODE also hosts Candle Making and Intention Setting Workshops every Thursday at 7 pm at their storefront in Bow Market in Somerville. Tickets are $50.
Spend your Friday learning to make classic Italian cuisine with Self Up Cooking Classes (19 Kingston St) in Downtown Crossing from 6 pm - 9 pm. Every week, they host an Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale cooking class and dinner experience, where you can learn how to make a three-course meal, including a luscious tiramisu for dessert. Tickets are $100 and include all ingredients.
tastings
Coffee lovers, this one is for you. Every Friday at 10 am, Counter Culture Coffee (374 Somerville Ave) in Somerville opens their Training Center for free coffee tastings. Anyone who wants to can learn and commune over perfectly brewed, high-quality, sustainable coffee.
Every Friday at 6:30 pm, GrandTen Distilling (383 Dorchester Ave) in South Boston holds Friday Night Flights: a chance to get to know their full line-up of spirits (plus special limited-run bottles not available elsewhere) at an intimate tasting. Tickets are $25 and seating is limited (10 max).
On Saturdays, Boston Harbor Distillery (12R Ericsson St, Boston, 02122) leads VIP tours ($50) and barrel-side tastings of their spirits ($20).
Love Child holds free wine tastings every Friday (5 pm - 7 pm) and Saturday (12 pm - 3 pm) at their South Boston (364 West Broadway) location. These tastings are free and require no reservations.
Come to The Urban Grape (303 Columbus Ave) in Back Bay on Saturday for The After Brunch, between 2 pm and 5 pm, for their weekly free wine tasting.
winter pop-ups
New (reoccurring): For a winter warmer on the other side of the harbor, visit Short Path Distillery’s (71 Kelvin St) Apres Ski Pop Up. Hosted every Friday in January, come and enjoy a fresh menu of exclusive cocktails, including twists on classics like the Hot Toddy and Irish Coffee, plus more fun + bold drinks ready to quench your craving, no matter if you want sweet, spicy, smokey, or straight up boozy. Reservations required.
Ongoing: 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 seasonal 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.
Ongoing: To literally warm up after a walk around Seaport, 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.
Ongoing: Stay warm while enjoying the city skyline at Seaport’s Rooftop at the Envoy (70 Sleeper St, Boston, 02210). Grab one of their signature hot cocktails (or crafted mocktails) and cozy up to your friends in one of the igloos, ice boxes, or around your own fire pit. $25 deposit to book; minimums depend on time + day.
ice skating in Boston
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). New Year’s hours: Dec 31st: 8:00 AM – 1:00PM; Jan 1st: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
From now until mid-March, enjoy outdoor ice skating at Skate @ Canal District (300 Athenaeum St) in Kendall Square. Lessons and season passes are available. All-day admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students + seniors, and $1 for children 13 and under. Open daily (M, T: Noon - 5 pm; W, TH: Noon - 8 pm; Sat: 11 am - 9 pm; Sun: 11 am - 6 pm).
Located right behind the Stony Brook MBTA stop, the DCR Kelly Outdoor Rink (1 Marbury Terrace) in Jamaica Pain is a volunteer-run, donor-supported operation. Open now through mid-March, Sunday through Friday: 12 pm – 7:30 pm, Saturday: 1 pm – 7:30 pm. Skating is free and all-day skate rental is $4 cash ($5 credit card).
winter markets + festivals
Boston’s annual Winter Festival at Charlestown’s Hood Park (500 Rutherford) continues through Jan 25, with limited days and hours beginning at the end of December. 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, an 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.
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).
Rosalind Village is celebrating the return of its Winter Farmers Market. Every Sunday from 11 am - 2 pm in the ABCD Parking Lot (32 Birch St, Boston, 02131), shop fresh produce, meat, fruits, and specialty foods, plus appearances from summer market favorites, including The Neighborhood Farm and Lilac Hedge Far.
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