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December 29, 2014  
New Year's Eve Options
New Year's Eve Options
BID Ambassador Services & Links
Deals & Promos
Construction & Utility Work Updates
In The News


Providence Journal: Family Holiday Tradition Includes Marliave 12/24/14


This Week's Featured Event
First Night Boston: Schedule of Events, Where to Get Your Button, and More 

First Night Boston 2015 is a celebration of New Year's Eve with a huge variety of family and cultural events. There are events throughout the day starting at 9 am, and going into the night, all the way past midnight. 

There is entertainment for all ages! There are two firework shows - one at 7 pm over the Boston Common, and one at midnight over the Boston Harbor. There is lots of entertainment events for children, dancing for adults, musical performances, ice sculptures around the Downtown Boston area, and more!


 

Click here for First Night Boston 2015's website.  Here is a full schedule of all events for First Night Boston 2015.


 

Click here for a list of places to purchase a $10 First Night Boston 2015 button. Your First Night Boston 2015 button provides admission to every show, on a first come/first served basis. Children under 4 are free.

Arts, Entertainment & Events
'Night Lights' Holiday Show Shines Bright at Walgreens Plaza through New Year's Day  

Enjoy "Night Lights," a holiday-themed light show of projected images and coordinated music at the Walgreens plaza, at the corner of School and Washington streets. The "Night Lights" show will run daily from 4:30-8:30 pm (with shows every half-hour) through New Year's Eve. Click here to see a video of the show!


In addition to the "Night Lights" show, the BID has lit nearly 100 trees throughout the district, pictured above, which will stay lit through the end of March. The BID partnered with property owners to create special illuminated displays to welcome, brighten, and celebrate the holidays. Snowflakes dance, colors swirl, and trees turn a variety of shades at One Boston Place, 100 Federal Street, Post Office Square Park & Garage, Pi Alley Garage, 100 Summer Street, and 125 Summer Street. 
Last Chance! 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.
Sign Up for AMC Loews Boston Common 19 Monthly Movie Pass  

The AMC Loews Boston Common 19 is offering a monthly movie pass for moviegoers to see one movie a day. Starting in January, AMC theaters in Boston, working in concert with MoviePass, will offer monthly subscription packages for $45 and $35, according to The Boston Globe. Click here to sign up for the MoviePass.

The monthly movie pass works by paying a monthly fee, which permits the pass-holder to see up to one movie per day for the entire month. 

'Excerpts from the Photography Atelier 20' featured at Griffin Museum Exhibit in Lafayette City Center Passageway


A 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.

"Carvel" by Tricia O'Neill

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. 

 
Click here to see the photography of present and past Atelier students and teachers. The Lafayette City Center Passageway (2 Ave. de Lafayette), which links the Downtown Boston Macy's with the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 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.
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, Tuesdays-Thursday; 10 am - 10 pm, Fridays-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.

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 includes Boston cream pie, hot chocolate, tea, or wine, all served by the Omni Parker House. 
 
The Historic Holiday Stroll is running now through January, Thursdays-Sundays, at 3:30 pm. It 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. 
 
Deals & Promos
$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.
Macy's Downtown Boston Holiday Shopping Package 

Macy's Downtown Boston Holiday Shopping Package is chock full of Boston-based gifts good to give to anyone. 

The $35 package includes: a $25 Macy's gift card, an exclusive Macy's Boston holiday tote bag, 10% Macy's Visitor Savings Pass, Macy's Boston exclusive holiday ornament, a 4-piece Frango mint chocolate sampler, a Boston winter hat from Underground Express, a buy-one-get-one-free ice skating admission at the Boston Common Frog Pond, and bonus offers from additional Boston attractions and tours.

Visit Macy's Downtown Boston Visitor Center on the 1st Floor to purchase the shopping package. 
Still Time to Save $$ with Mayorsholiday.com

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. 
New Year's Eve Options
Make Your Reservations Today for New Year's Eve 

There are plenty of places hosting New Year's celebrations, and here are options in the BID to ring in 2015! 

Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St. at The Ritz-Carlton) is offering a three-course dinner highlighting fresh local and seasonal dishes with subtle bistro influences. Dinner is being offered starting at 5 pm. $78 per adult/$35 per child. Call 617-574-7100 to make reservations.

Avenue One (One Avenue De Lafayette inside the Hyatt Regency Boston) is offering a "countdown of courses to midnight" with a special menu featuring a chef's amuse-bouche and champagne toast. Pricing is $70/$100 with wine pairing. Menu is available from 5 to 11 pm. For reservations call 617-422-5454. Click here for the full menu.

GEM Italian Kitchen Nightclub & Lounge (42 Province St.) is hosting a New Year's Eve party featuring music by Vinny Vibe. General admission is $59 and decreases after midnight. Click here for tickets or call 617-482-1213 to make reservations. GEM is also hosting a Hangover New Year's Day Brunch Club starting at 2 pm with music by DJ Costa. 

jm Curley (21 Temple Place) is hosting its 2nd Annual jm Curley NYE Extravaganza with tickets costing either $95 for 8 pm to 1 am that includes: buffet, 4 drink tickets, Champagne of Beer Midnight Toast; or $65 for 10 pm to 1 am that includes: 2 drink tickets, Champagne of Beer Midnight Toast. You won't have to wait in line if you purchase either ticket and both include passed appetizers. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu from 4 pm to midnight. Click here to see the menu available for $65 per person. There will also be special food items at the bar, and a DJ from 11 pm to 2 am, spinning funk, soul and R&B. There will be no cover.

Mojitos Latin Lounge & Nightclub (48 Winter St.) is hosting a Black and White Attire New Year's Eve Gala with four DJs on two floors. $35 for general admission guaranteed before 11 pm, $40 for general admission at the door (if available), and $50 VIP advance tickets. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Salvatore's (545 Washington St.) is offering a chef's special menu along with its regular menu. Call 617-542-5555 to make reservations.

Stoddard's (48 Temple Place) will have a two-level speakeasy gastro pub, dinner reservations available,
a Gatsby-inspired cocktail list, a Champagne toast at midnight, and a live countdown on a 60-foot projection screen. Click here to buy tickets. General admission is $50 per person.
Featured Stories
Video: Suffolk Alumni Ensemble Serenades Summer Street with Holiday Songs in Downtown Crossing

The Suffolk University Alumni Ensemble warmed up Summer Street on December 23rd as they performed several holiday songs. Click here or the video below to see a portion of the ensemble's performance. 
Suffolk University Alumni Ensemble
The Suffolk University Alumni Ensemble sang holiday songs on Dec. 23rd on Summer Street outside Macy's. 
"I've been a part of the the Theater Department since I started at Suffolk," said Jillian Couillard ('13), explaining why she joined the alumni ensemble group. "The Theater Department has been like a family. It's a lot of fun. Most of us were in theater productions during our years at Suffolk."

This was the second December performance for the ensemble outside of Macy's on Summer Street.
One of the Most Heartwarming Stories of 2014 Happened at the 
Hyatt Regency Boston 

ABCnews.com's top heartwarming story of 2014 occurred at the Hyatt Regency Boston when a Boston Marathon bombing survivor married the nurse he met while recovering from the blasts.
James Costello and Krista D'Agostino on their wedding day, August 23rd, outside the Hyatt Regency Boston. (Photo by Prudente Photography)
On August 23rd, James Costello wed Krista D'Agostino, who he met while spending nearly two weeks of inpatient therapy at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. D'Agostino helped Costello recover after undergoing multiple surgeries to treat the burns he suffered from the bombing.  

"After sharing a handful of conversations, I realized not only how beautiful she was but also what a kind heart she had. I somehow convinced her to attend a benefit with me, which turned into a few dates, which turned into a few inseparable months," Costello wrote on his Facebook page, announcing their engagement, according to an ABCnews.com article. 
Downtown Boston Holiday Market Open Until January 10th at Former Tello's on Washington Street
 
Did you forget to get someone a present? No worries. Stop into the Downtown Boston Holiday Market, which is open until January 10th, and pick up some local honey, jewelry or salad dressing as a belated gift. The popular market that was previously in a tent on Summer Street is open at its pop-up location at 459 Washington St. (the former Tello's location).  
Bill Anderson of Milly's Organics - have your tried all of Milly's salad dressings yet? 
This week the market features local artists and craft vendors selling items including handmade jewelry, local honey, organic salad dressings, silk items, and more. 
Golden Rule Honey has - ask for a sample and taste the difference. 
The following vendors are scheduled to be at the Holiday Market this week: Recycled Glass Jewelry, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Golden Rule Honey (above picture), B&B GlassStudio, Milly's Organics (top picture), Epoca Amber Jewelry, and Mao Sim Silk. 
  
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, such as GT Florist, at the corner of Washington and Winter streets, are selling food, clothing, memorabilia, flowers, and more all season long. 
BID Ambassador Services & Links
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 help@bostonbid.org, which is encouraged. 
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 info@bostonbid.org for more.

Construction & Utility Work Updates 
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.

City Services


Boston City Seal
THANK YOU!
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 info@bostonbid.org.  
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: dertischek@bostonbid.org