What to do in Boston this weekend (Nov 21 - 23)

If you have an event, a new attraction, a hotel, or a restaurant opening you’d like me to cover, please reach out!

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Boston officially has a Michelin-starred restaurant. The 2025 Michelin Northeast Cities Guide was unveiled last night, announcing Three 1 One as Boston’s only starred restaurant this year. Where the city shone was in the Bib Gourmand and Recommended categories, with over 20 restaurants listed, including foodie favorites Fox & the Knife, PAGU, Nightshade Noodle Bar, and Urban Hearth. (savor + roam)

North End welcomes new eatery. North End Lobster Co., a new food spot from the masterminds behind Giacomo’s, has opened at 204 Hanover St. The menu features familiar seafood favorites like lobster bisque and clam chowder, plus fish and chips, oysters, grilled octopus, and more. (Boston Restaurant Talk)

Portland’s Lunchonette named Best New Restaurant. Eater published its list of Best New Restaurants for 2025. Of the fifteen, one New England restaurant was mentioned: Lunchonette in Portland, Maine, run by Angela Lee and her husband, Portland native Alex LeBlanc. Tucked into a miniature space over 100 years old, there’s a strict “no Top 40” rule for the music, and the menu is filled with items that reflect the couple’s experiences. Dishes include bibimbap with za’atar tofu, root remoulade, baba ganoush, and miso-marinated pork sandwiches.

Reminder: Boston continues to fight food insecurity. The government shutdown is finally over, but Bostonians are still working hard to ensure their neighbors have food on their table this holiday season. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or need help, here are some great food resources for the Greater Boston Area:

What I cooked this week:

Planning Thanksgiving:

Waiting to be reimbursed for your delayed flight? That payment is never going to come. The Department of Transportation officially rolled back that rule — something it announced it planned to do back in September. (Afar)

You’re now free to fly directly to Milan or Barcelona. JetBlue announced on Nov 19 that they are adding two new seasonal direct flights to European destinations: Milan, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain. Flights will originate from Boston and begin in Spring 2026. (CNBC)

Hilton revamps its loyalty program. Hilton added a new top tier to its loyalty program, allowing members to receive automatic premium upgrades, cash, and reward stays. (The Points Guy)

Boston’s rent control problem. Rent control may be on the ballot next fall, but according to Mayor Michelle Wu, this won’t fix Boston’s housing issue. Given Boston's high-salaried professions, many people can (and do) afford Boston’s high rents. Rent control might stop rates from spiking, but it won’t bring current costs down. (Boston.com)

Nothing beats Market Basket — except maybe Wegmans. A new report spotlighted New England’s favorite grocery store, Market Basket, for its quality and prices, which are, on average, 15% lower than those of area grocery stores. Wegmans, the Rochester-based grocery chain with outposts in the Boston area, doesn’t offer prices as low as Market Basket's, but customers consistently love the quality of its products. (CBS News)

What I’m watching this week:

What I’m reading this week:

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A curated rundown of unique events happening this weekend in and around Boston that I’m either attending or wishing I were. If you’re looking for weekly happenings, like wine tastings and yoga classes, scroll to the next section.

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Publico’s Winter Market Holiday Pop-up officially opens on Friday, November 21, and will run through Wednesday, December 31. Once again, they’re transforming their Garden into a charming mix between a European Winter Market and the nostalgia of a Christmas Tree Farm. All reservations are for 90 minutes.

Take a festive Historic Holiday Stroll along Boston’s Freedom Trail led by a 19th-century Dickensian character. Tour highlights include Old North Curch, Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere House, Christmas trees, and holiday lights. Holiday tours are every Friday and Saturday at 3:30 pm from Friday, November 21, through December 27. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Get into the spirit of cozy season with Marc Adamo’s Little Women from Thursday, November 20, through Sunday, November 23, at Boston Conservatory Theater (31 Hemingway St, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02115). This “lush, contemporary” opera follows the March sisters as they come of age in the shadow of the U.S. Civil War. Tickets range from $6.50 to $54.50.

There’s still one more month of autumn left, and to celebrate, Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom (60 State St, Boston, MA 02109) is hosting Maple and Malts Weekend on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23. They’ll have festive brews on tap, plus local vendors on hand to keep the fall vibes flowing. Entry is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Shop a carefully selected collection of artwork and objects from the Artists for Humanity vault at the AFH Vintage Market from Saturday, November 22, through Sunday, November 23, at Artists for Humanity (100 W 2nd St, Boston, MA 02127).

The final day for this year’s Copley Square Farmers Market is Friday, November 21, from 11 am to 6 pm in Copley Square (560 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116). Shop fresh produce, baked goods, meat, and more from over three dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers. classes

Start the weekend by unplugging and connecting with your creative side at a Holiday Pottery Sip + Sculpt with Pottery with a Purpose at The Bosworth (Hotel AKA, 90 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108) on Friday, November 21, from 7 to 9 pm. Tickets are $120 and include workshop materials and two complimentary cocktails or mocktails from The Bosworth’s bar.

See the 2025 Tree Lighting at Quincy Market (206 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109) on Saturday, November 22, from 2 to 7 pm. It’ll be a day filled with festive treats, special guests, and live entertainment from Commonwealth Shakespeare Co., The Femmes, Boston Ballet, and more. This is a free event.

Get in the spirit of the season with the Back Bay Ringers as they Ring in the Season at Nichols House Museum (55 Mt Vernon St, Boston, MA 02108). The bells will be ringing from 10 am to 1 pm. This is a free, family-friendly event.

Apple lovers, your season isn’t over just yet. Come out to the Apple-y Ever After Apple Festival on Saturday, November 22, from 11 am to 2 pm at First Street Market (59 First St, Cambridge, MA 02141). Over 15 vendors will be on hand with apple-themed offerings, plus there will be spiced cider and warm apple pie demos. Tickets are $12.51.

Get ready for winter with the Fizzy Frost Fest on Saturday, November 22, from 1 to 8 pm at Time Out Market Boston (401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215). Enjoy seasonal seltzers and sparkling cocktails, warm lights, and a curated market of local vendors to help you jump-start your holiday shopping. Plus, dust off your best ugly sweater for the Ugly Sweater contest. Tickets start at $21.89.

Boston’s favorite traveling tarot reader, Heronkind, will be at Petrova Chocolates (61 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113) for Wine + Tarot on Saturday, November 22, from 1 - 4 pm. Petrova will be pouring complimentary samples of Eastern European natural wines while Heronkind’s Lauren Walleser pulls cards. Pre-book your reading now ($25).

Gather your friends and head to BowsGiving on Saturday, November 22, from 11 am to 7 pm at BowMarket (1 Bow Mkt Way, Somerville, MA 02143). All Bow Market restaurants will have Thanksgiving-inspired specials. Please bring food to be donated to a Somerville community fridge.

Spending an afternoon tapping into your creative side with the Tarot + Art Workshop on Saturday, November 22, from 2:30 - 4:30 pm at Cannonball Cafe (383 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127). You’ll spend the first hour reviewing and discussing tarot basics before diving into creating art inspired by your cards. Please bring your own deck(s) and any other resources you might want to reference. Tickets are pay-what-you-can (suggested $25).

Learn all about the why and how of latte art at the History of Latte Art lecture on Sunday, November 23, from 1 to 2 pm at The Godfrey (505 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111.

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As a reminder, the Commuter Rail has $10 weekend passes, which give the ticket holder unlimited travel on Saturday and Sunday. The pass is activated during your first trip on Saturday and remains active until Sunday night.

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Hosted in the newly-renovated Copley Square, shop the Copley Square Farmers Market every Tuesday and Friday from May 16, 2025, through November 25, 2025. Every week, shop a vibrant selection of produce, protein, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, artisan goods, and more from over three dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers.

Shop the legendary Haymarket, America’s oldest open-air market, every Friday and Saturday from 6 am to 7 pm. Vendors offer fresh, affordable produce, dairy products, meat, and seafood. Just steps from Boston Public Market and MBTA’s Haymarket Station.

Jamaica Plain holds its weekly Farmers Market every Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm year-round in the Bank of America parking lot (677 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, 02130).

Every Saturday from November 1, 2025, through April 11, 2026, you can shop for local and healthy foods at the Somerville Winter Farmers Market at Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143). The market is held weekly from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm except for 11/29/25 and 12/27/25.

Boston’s biggest winter market, Snowport (100 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA), returns for its 7th season beginning Friday, November 7, through December 28. The market will be open seven days a week, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, with extended hours in December.

Get in the holiday spirit at the top of the Prudential Center (800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199) at View Boston’s Stratus Winter Oasis. Indulge in a festive cocktail or two while surrounded by festive décor and take in unforgettable views of the city. Note: A ticket to View Boston does not guarantee immediate entry to Stratus.

Need to warm up after a visit to Snowport? Head to Deck 12 (Yotel Boston, 65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02110) where their winter pop-up, Apres, returns from Friday, November 14, through Tuesday, March 3. Sit fireside and thaw out with a bowl (or flight) of chili or a seasonal cocktail while the Boston skyline glitters around you. Book your reservation now.

The Holly Jolly Bar returns to Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA) from Thursday, November 13, through Sunday, December 28. The halls are decked from floor to ceiling, and the menus are filled with seasonal sips and bites that will fill you with festive cheer. Tickets are $19.90 and include a 90-minute reservation and one welcome cocktail (non-alcoholic options available).

Some places in Boston haven’t forgotten about Thanksgiving. Sam Adams Boston Brewery (30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130) is celebrating Friendsgiving at Sam from Friday, November 14, through Sunday, November 30. Book a heated outdoor igloo in the Beer Garden and enjoy a variety of food packages, from a Pretzel Pack to a Sharing is Caring Sampler, featuring warm Bavarian pretzels, chicken tenders, and cheesy quesadillas. Reservations start at $28.45 (before food and drink).

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 about Back Bay’s historical and architectural significance. Plus, enjoy tastings at four different locations where you’ll sample hot chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, and cake from Back Bay’s most iconic establishments.

You can find a full rundown of recurring walking tours, food tours, bus tours, and trolley tours of Boston in my Beginner’s Guide to Boston.

Start your weekend with a dose of wellness at The Hidden Art Gallery (25 Myrtle Street) in Beacon Hill, which hosts weekly Explore Meditation with Watercolor classes. Held every Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm, learn the basics of meditation while intuitively creating with watercolor. Classes are $55.

Ease into the weekend with a Friday Yoga Flow for all levels at Boston Public Library Honan-Allston Branch (300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134) every Friday through September 19 from 3 to 4 pm. This event is free, but registration is required as each class is customized to participants’ preferences. Yoga mats, blocks, and straps will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

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 Licensed 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, but you can bring your own.

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 a complimentary non-alcoholic drink.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to navigate Boston by bicycle but have been too intimidated to start, join a Weekend In-And-Back Guided Ride with A Better City TMA. On Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm this spring and summer, join a free, three-hour bicycle ride from one of the many bike paths outside the city (meeting location disclosed upon sign up) and traverse the Urban Loop through downtown before returning to the start location.

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 in their storefront at 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.

Natural wine lovers, don’t miss the free wine tastings at Petrova Chocolates (61 Salem Street, Boston, MA) in the North End every Friday (3 - 7 pm) and Saturday (12 - 3). Each week, they open bottles of Eastern European natural wines from countries like Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece. These tastings are free and require no tickets or reservations.

Love Child hosts free wine tastings every Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm at their South Boston location (364 West Broadway, Boston, MA). These tastings are free and require no reservations.

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 can learn and connect over perfectly brewed, high-quality, sustainable coffee.

Come to DeLuca’s Market Wine Cellar (11 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114) in Beacon Hill for a free wine tasting every Friday from 4 - 7 pm. Every week, resident wine expert Donovan handpicks a mix of familiar favorites and bottles from up-and-coming vineyards or hard-to-find vintages to share among participants. No ticket is required.

On Saturdays, Boston Harbor Distillery (12R Ericsson St, Boston, 02122) leads VIP tours ($50) and barrel-side tastings of their spirits ($20).