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December 8, 2014
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Holiday Shopping Hours
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
BID Ambassador Services & Links
Deals & Promos
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This Week's Featured Event
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Downtown Boston Holiday Market Open House on December 11th
The popular Downtown Boston Holiday Market has moved this year from its tent on Summer Street to 459 Washington St. (the former Tello's space). If you haven't visited the new location yet, visit the market this Thursday, December 11th from 4 to 7 pm for a free open house.
A dozen local artists and food vendors will be selling items including hot sauces, honey, jewelry, organic juices, handcrafted art woodwork, candy, baked goods, and more! Click here for a full list of vendors and their websites. Discover secret recipes for honey and spice and everything nice - and get your holiday shopping done early. Also, take a free picture with Santa Claus (bring your own camera). Light refreshments will be served.
The Downtown Holiday Market is open 7 days a week from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The market's last day is January 10th, 2015.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Learn About Boston's 18th Century Gangs at the Old South Meeting House
Learn how 18th century gangs contributed to Boston's well-organized riots and mob actions from the Stamp Act Riots to the Boston Tea Party at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) on Friday, Dec. 12th at 12:15 pm.
Historian Matthew Wilding will focus on the life of well-known radical Patriot Ebenezer Mackintosh, as he explores the theme of riot as political expression in colonial Boston. Cost for this event is $6, and free for OSMH members. Pre-registration is requested by clicking
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Still Time to See the
Boston Ballet's 'Nutcracker'
The Boston Ballet's "Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition for the entire family. This critically-acclaimed production debuted in 2012 with new sets and costumes, and drew rave reviews from critics. This year's production opened on November 28th and runs through December 31st.
Get swept away by the music of Tchaikovsky, with choreography by Mikko Nissinen. Please click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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Public Skating Info for
Boston Common Frog Pond
The Boston Common Frog Pond is open for public ice skating seven days a week.
The rink is open for skating 10 am - 4 pm on Monday; 10 am - 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday; 10 am - 10 pm Friday and Saturday; and 10 am - 9 pm on Sunday. Admission price is based on skater's height: 58-inches and over - $5. Under 58-inches - free. Skate rentals for adults are $10, kids $5, and lockers cost $2. Rental skating aids for children learning to skate are $10. You can also bring your own skates. There are also season pass options. There is a food and drink concession stand, too! Click here for more info. |
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Witness a Reenactment of the Boston Tea Party on its 241st Anniversary
December 16th will be the 241st anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and tea must be spilled! Gather for a reenactment at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) where the colonists met in 1773 with colonial agitators John Hancock and Paul Revere - and some crown-loving Loyalists - to debate the tea tax and demand liberty from the British crown.
Then join a procession to Griffin's Wharf accompanied by fife and drum. Line the shores of the Boston Harbor to witness the destruction of the tea as the Sons of Liberty storm the Brig Beaver, tossing the tea into the water below. This event is from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Click here for tickets and additional information. This event is presented by the Old South Meeting House and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. |
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Menorah Lighting in Downtown Crossing on December 21st
Join Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and Rabbi Rachmiel Liberman of Congregation Lubavitch Synagogue (100 Woodcliff Road, Brookline), for the lighting of a 15-foot menorah in Downtown Crossing on Summer Street in front of Macy's on Sunday, December 21st at 3:45 pm.
The event celebrates the eight-day holiday of Chanukah. The first night of Chanukah is December 16th. This event will also feature a live musical band and refreshments. It is open to the public and free of charge. |
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Enjoy the Strolling Holiday Brass Band and Twilight Carolers This Holiday Season in Downtown Boston
Returning this season are two very popular entertainment groups - the Downtown Holiday Brass Band, and Twilight Carolers! Both groups will be strolling throughout the Downtown Boston streets performing holiday classics for everyone to enjoy.
The four-piece Downtown Holiday Brass Band will be performing from November 28th through December 23rd from noon to 2 pm.
The Twilight Carolers are comprised of four Berklee College of Music students and will perform December 1st through December 23rd from noon to 2 pm.
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Historic Holiday Stroll on the Freedom Trail with Holiday Cheer at the Omni Parker House
Enjoy the Historic Holiday Stroll this holiday season by walking the Freedom Trail and discover how Boston's holiday traditions evolved. Led by 19th century costumed guides, this tour is complete with Boston cream pie, hot chocolate, tea, or wine at the Omni Parker House.
The Historic Holiday Stroll is running now through January, Thursday to Sunday, 3:30 pm, and is a 90-minute tour. The tour departs from the ArtsBoston BosTix Booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Tickets are $32 for adults, $22 for children. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For reservations and questions please click here or call 617-357-8300. |
'Excerpts from the Photography Atelier 20' featured at Griffin Museum Exhibit in Lafayette City Center Passageway
A new Griffin Museum of Photography exhibit, "Excerpts from the Photography Atelier 20," featuring the works of 13 photographers, is now on display in the Lafayette City Center Passageway.  | | "St. Anthony's Feast" by Cindy Weisbart |
Photography Atelier, now in its 21st year, is a unique portfolio-making course for emerging to advanced photographers offered at the Griffin Museum in Winchester. In addition to guidance and support in the creation of a body of work, the class prepares artists to market, exhibit and present their work to industry professionals.  | | "ABC Vacuum" by Tricia O'Neill |
Click here to see the photography of present and past Atelier students and teachers. The Lafayette City Center Passageway links Macy's with the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 2 Avenue De Lafayette and is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm. The exhibit will run from November 19th to February 6th, 2015.
This is the third exhibit curated by the Griffin Museum at the Passageway.
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$10 Off Certain ArtsEmerson Tix All December and
'Get a Ticket, Give a Ticket'
In celebration of its 5th anniversary season, ArtsEmerson is offering $10 off all tickets and waiving all service fees throughout December. This is only valid for off-peak theatrical performances in sections A, B, and C, and not valid for certain shows, too.
But wait there's more! ArtsEmerson is offering a "Get a ticket, give a ticket" program, wherein for every ticket purchased in December, ArtsEmerson will donate a free ticket back to the community through the Seat Lab/Ticket Access Program, which provides tickets to individuals and organizations throughout the Boston community who could not otherwise afford a ticket. Click here for tickets and more info.
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Sign-up for Thirst Juice Co. Rewards Loyalty Program and Earn Cash Back
Newly-opened Thirst Juice Co. (44 School St.) has launched a Thirst Rewards Loyalty Program.
You can sign up online here or by texting "thirst" to 80777. Once you register, each time you make a purchase with your registered credit card(s) you'll earn points towards cash back. You don't have to keep track of a card, and the program is totally free. By signing up you earn a reward of $10 back with every $120 you spend with the rewards program.
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30% Off All Diamond Earrings and Studs at DePrisco Jewelers
DePrisco Jewelers (333 Washington St.) is offering 30% off all diamond earrings and studs from Dec. 8th-14th. A coupon must be printed and presented in person. Click here for a coupon.
This offer may not be combined with other offers. |
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Mayorsholiday.com Saves You $$, Provides Info on Free Events, Dining Deals, and More
Now through New Year's Day Mayorsholiday.com is a great way to learn about thousands of 1/2 price tickets to more than 100 theater, music and dance performances throughout the Greater Boston region. The website also provides info on free festivities, dining deals, gift ideas, and more. Mayor's Holiday is produced by ArtsBoston, and created in partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor Martin Walsh, and the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Click here for the website. |
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'Christmas in the City' Grants X-Mas Wishlists to Thousands of Children Thanks to Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy
This is the 26th year for one of the most amazing holiday events for children in the Boston area - Christmas in the City. This year's annual holiday party will host more than 5,000 children and their parents from Greater Boston's homeless shelters. At the end of the day the children leave with a backpack full of gifts and presents from their personal wish lists! Once again Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy (45 Franklin St.) is organizing the 100% volunteer organization led by Jake Kennedy, below.
 | | Jake Kennedy surrounded by toys to be given out during Christmas in the City. Donations are welcome to support the organization. |
On an unannounced day this month, 160 buses will head to shelters at dawn and will return full of kids and parents. They will head to an unknown location filled with confetti snow, costumed characters, and performances by a 30-member Christmas choir, hip-hop groups, and more. There are also hands-on interactive experiences by the Museum of Science, Children's Museum, Zoo New England, and New England Aquarium.
 | | Photo by Suzanna Kreiter for The Boston Globe |
Talking to Kennedy, his enthusiasm for "Christmas in the City" is clearly evident, even after a quarter-century of organizing the giant holiday party. "My wife and I were embarrassed at how much our kids got when they were kids, and then received even more when friends and family came over," said Kennedy about why he started the event. His four adult children and wife all work at the event.
 | Photo by Kim Tunnicliffe for
WBZ NewsRadio 1030. |
"Christmas in the City" is all volunteer and accepts donations all year round. The organization's Tax ID is 043188900 and monetary or toy donations can be dropped at 45 Franklin St. 2nd Floor. You can also click here to donate online. Checks can be mailed to: Christmas in the City 84 Towsend Road, Scituate, MA 02066.
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Christmas Trees & Wreaths for Sale at Corner of Boylston and Washington Streets
Look no farther than than the corner of Boylston and Washington streets to purchase your Christmas tree and wreaths for this year. Home delivery is available.
 | | George Tsakirgis with the Downtown Holiday Brass Band. |
"We've got the trees and the wreaths," said George Tsakirgis. "My tree is all set up at my house. It was the first one set up."
Wreaths cost $15. There are several sizes of trees being sold. Small 2-foot trees are $25, medium-sized 3 to 4-foot trees are $35 with a stand, large-sized 4 to 5-foot trees are $55 with a stand, 6-7-foot trees without a stand are $50, and 7 to 8-foot trees are $65. There is a $30 delivery fee to anywhere in Boston. The trees are either Fraser firs or balsam, and were grown in Quebec.
The tree and wreath business is open 10 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.
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Spicy Sauces, Sweet Caramels, Silk Scarves and more! The Downtown Holiday Market Moved to Tello's on Washington St.
The popular downtown holiday market has moved from its tent on Summer Street this year. The 7th annual Downtown Holiday Market is now open with several exciting new changes in its new pop-up location at 459 Washington St. (former Tello's location).
This week the market features local artists and craft vendors selling items including jewelry, hot sauces, honey, and silk scarves.
The following vendors are scheduled to be at the Holiday Market this week: Roasted Granola (picture above), Alex's Ugly Sauce, Recycled Glass Jewelry, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Golden Rule Honey, B&B GlassStudio (artwork below), Tico Art, Ella Grace Jewelry Design, Swissbakers, McCrea's Candies, Billy's Botanicals, Epoca Amber Jewelry, and Mao Sim Silk. Vendors are changing weekly so check back often!
Visit and Take a Photo with Santa for FREE
Santa Claus will also be at the market daily from noon to 2 pm through December 23rd. It is FREE to take a picture with Santa - just bring your own camera. Santa Claus will be at the market on weekends for an extra hour from 3 to 4 pm.
The Downtown Holiday Market is open 7 days a week from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The market's last day is January 10th, 2015.
Also, please remember that Downtown Boston's street vendors will be selling food, clothing, memorabilia, and more all season long!
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Holiday Shopping Hours & More
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Major Retailers Store Hours During the Holiday Season
The BID has compiled a list of holiday season store hours for major retailers in the district. Click here to see when stores are open. Don't see your business listed? Please email [email protected] with your holiday hours.
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Write a Letter to Santa and Macy's Will Donate $$ to Make-A-Wish
Letters should be deposited in special, designated Santa Mail letterboxes. For each letter received in-store or online, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $1 million, to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. |
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Boston Police District A-1 Advisory Committee Meeting on December 9th
The Boston Police District A-1 Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9th at 6 pm at the Guard Room at the A-1 Station at 40 New Sudbury Street. This meeting is open to the public to attend.
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Open House for Torit Language Center Montessori Elementary School
The Torit Language Center Montessori (45 Province St.) is hosting an open house for its elementary school (early education and infancy through third grade). The curriculum differentiates for each child, including language and culture study offered in Mandarin, Arabic and Spanish.
The open house is being held on Tuesday, Dec. 9th from 11 am to noon. The school accepts enrollment contracts beginning February 1, 2015 on a first-come, first-enrolled basis for all families who have visited prior to February 1. To schedule a visit, please register by clicking here on Torit's website and choose an available date that fits your schedule.
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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Floor by Floor, Millennium Tower Going Up and More
Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. Looking for the latest updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click here. |
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BID Ambassador Services & Links
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BID Ambassadors Provide Walking Escorts 24 Hours a Day in Downtown
The Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. BID Ambassadors provide walking escorts all day or night - they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining!
Please call 617-261-0066 to arrange an escort or for other BID Ambassador services. Please call 20 to 30 minutes prior to desired escort. You can also email [email protected], which is encouraged. |
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Additional BID Ambassador Services
- Landscaping, watering flowers, making sure handicapped ramps are not obstructed and storm drain openings are not clogged.
- Cleaning and powerwashing in Downtown Boston during warm weather.
- Remove litter and graffiti
- Friendly, welcoming downtown presence: helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents, etc.
- Contact [email protected] for more.
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BID Internships Available
The Downtown Boston BID is seeking qualified, enthusiastic interns to assist with the following projects: - Office administration and customer service
- Policy research and analysis
- Data collection, input and management
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. |
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected] |
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