|
December 18,
2017
|
Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction & Utility Work Updates
BID Services & Links
City of Boston Services
|
|
This Week's Featured Event
|
|
ArtsEmerson Presenting
'Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia'
Dec. 19th & 20th
ArtsEmerson is presenting "Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia" on Dec. 19th and 20th at the Paramount Center. The film "is the first major symphonic work that addresses the traumas that occurred in Cambodia in the late seventies."
Bangsokol is "an act of cultural renewal, aiming to return the arts to their place at the heart of Cambodian society."
The film is the first collaboration of Oscar-nominated director Rithy Panh and composer Him Sophy -- both survivors of the Khmer Rouge and now at the forefront of Cambodia's cultural renaissance. The performance intertwines traditional Khmer instruments with The Metropolis Ensemble orchestra and the Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
The screenings are part of ArtsEmerson's month-long series "Cambodian Culture, Art and History," which includes movie screenings, conversations, workshops and more. (Please see more info above about the series.)
Click
here for tickets, showtimes and more info.
|
|
Arts, Entertainment & Events
|
|
Glenn Miller Orchestra Performing at Omni Parker House on Dec. 19th
Take a step back in time as the Omni Parker House (60 School St.) welcomes back the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra on Tuesday, Dec. 19th.
It will be an evening of timeless classics and dancing in the Rooftop Ballroom. Featuring 19 musicians and singers who bring Glenn Miller's unforgettable sound to life, the Glenn Miller Orchestra remains one of the most sought-after and celebrated big bands.
Please click here for general admission and table seating tickets. There is a p
re-theater dinner menu available in Parker's Restaurant prior to show. For dinner reservations, please call 617-725-1600.
The show starts at 7 pm.
|
Congregational Library
2017 Holiday Party on Dec. 19th
Join the Congregational Library & Archives (14 Beacon St., 2nd Floor) for an evening of fun, food, and festive music to celebrate the holidays during its second Late Night at the Library on Tuesday, Dec. 19th.
The staff has carefully selected the best of the best of its holiday-related materials and look forward to sharing it with you on a cold winter's night. T
he Concordia Consort recorder quartet will provide live festive music all night long.
This is a drop-in event so you can come for five minutes or the whole two hours. The event is
free and open to the public of all ages, but IDs will be checked at the door for those who want to enjoy festive spirits. Donations are welcome, but not required.
This event is from 5 to 7 pm.
|
|
Vocal Revolution Performing
Concert in Downtown Crossing
Dec. 21st
Vocal Revolution -- one of New England's premier a capella groups -- will be performing holiday themed songs on Thursday, Dec. 21st on Summer Street outside of Macy's.
Vocal Revolution is a non-profit men's chorus whose mission is "moving audiences and enriching lives through musical excellence." Founded in February 1970, VR is proud to be a member of the Concord, MA Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The performance is from 5:50 to 6:30 pm. |
|
Cardinal O'Malley at St. Francis House on Christmas Day and You're Invited
The community is invited to join Cardinal Sean O'Malley as he visits St. Francis House (39 Boylston St.) on Christmas morning to lead a prayer service and carols at 10 am with guests and community members.
All are welcome, and will gather on the 5th floor of St. Francis House starting at 9:30 am. Please RSVP by clicking here. Light refreshments will be served.
|
|
ArtsEmerson Presenting
Month-Long Series:
'Cambodian Culture, Art and History'
ArtsEmerson is presenting a month-long series about "Cambodian Culture, Art and History," which includes movie screenings, conversations, workshops and more.
The series culminates with the community screening of the film "First They Killed My Father," produced by Oscar-nominated Rithy Pahn and Angelina Jolie.
Some events are free and others are ticketed. Click here to learn more about the series, events and tickets. |
|
Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' at Boston Opera House Through Dec. 31st
From the sugar plum fairies to the Russian dancers, the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition you don't want to miss. The show will be at the Boston Opera House through Dec. 31st.
Whether you're seeing it for the first or the 100th time, the performance is always captivating. Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
|
Holiday Bands and Carolers Strolling in Downtown Boston
Through New Year
This holiday season the Downtown Boston BID Holiday Bands and Carolers are back by popular demand. They are strolling through the downtown Boston area through the New Year. It will be hard for to you miss them as there are three strolling bands and three strolling singing groups performing twice a day, every day!
The bands and singing groups feature different styles: the bands will feature Brass, Dixie and 'Bones (trombones and tuba); and the singers feature Victorian and Twilight. The groups play and sing holiday-themed songs every day from noon to 2 pm and then again from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. |
|
Emerson College's 'Uncommon Project'
Art Installation
to Animate
Boylston Street for Several Months
Emerson College's Little Building at the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets is under a giant white tarp for months during construction. Seizing upon the giant canvas, Emerson debuted a series of visual and media projected art installations called "Uncommon Project," on the night of Dec. 1st.
|
|
| Emerson College photo by Derek Palmer |
The project is showcasing works of local artists and Emerson faculty and students. Visible from the ground, the public art installation will be in place on the 13-story facade for several months during the renovation and construction of the Little Building.
|
|
| Photo courtesy Jessica Chance |
"Uncommon Project" is part of Emerson's efforts to activate the Boylston Street corridor, as well as to "strengthen the college's sense of place and identity by bringing to life the streetscape along Boylston Street and across from the Boston Common to inspire, embrace, and celebrate Boston's emerging diversity." |
|
Sweet Harmony Performing
Saturdays and Sundays
The singing group Sweet Harmony is performing outside of Macy's on Summer Street every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23rd.
Sweet Harmony performs hits from the 1970s through today, including holiday-themed songs, from 12:30 to 3 pm. |
|
Santa Claus in Downtown Crossing
Every Weekend Until Christmas
The Downtown Boston BID is working with Santa Claus again this year, as St. Nick will be outside of Macy's on Summer Street every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.
Santa Claus will be outside granting wishes, greeting children big and small from noon to 2 pm and then from 3 to 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday. It is free to visit Santa Claus. Please bring your own camera if you want a photo with Santa. |
|
Enjoy Freedom Trail Foundation
Historic Holiday Strolls
The Freedom Trail Foundation's Annual Historic Holiday Strolls are a great way to enjoy the holiday season in Downtown Boston.
The festive atmosphere of the city, set against the backdrop of Boston's historic sites, makes these merry 90-minute tours a great way to celebrate the holidays.
The strolls are led by Dickensian costumed guides departing from the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall. Strolls include a visit to the Omni Parker House for refreshments and world-famous Boston cream pie.
Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children and reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Tours can also be booked as private family or group tours. The strolls are offered Thursdays through Sundays at 3:30 pm.
Please call 617-357-8300 for more information and reservations. The strolls are being offered through January 2018.
|
|
Construction & Utility Work Updates
|
|
New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects 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 u
pdates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click
here.
|
|
Take a Book, Leave a Book:
BID Little Free Library at
Walgreens Plaza
The Downtown Boston BID's Little Free Library is outside of Walgreens on Washington Street and is very popular. Readers are welcome to take a book, and encouraged to leave a book. People are also welcome to donate books by leaving them at the library or by contacting BID staffer Kristen Flanagan at [email protected] to organize a pickup in the downtown area.
The BID's Little Free Library is officially registered with the Little Free Library non-profit organization and
is open 10 am to 6 pm daily (closed during inclement weather). |
|
BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services
in Downtown
The
Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors
provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.
B
ID Ambassadors
provide walking escorts when needed and
they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining! Please call 617-261-0066 if you want to contact our BID ambassador services program. You can also email [email protected].
- Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
- Ambassadors clear crosswalks, handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassador powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather
- Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping
- Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
|
|
Additional BID Services & Info
- Communication and Business Networking
- Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood issues
- Entertainment programming
- Member Advocacy
- Capital/Public Improvements
- Wayfinding
- Please click here for the Downtown Boston BID's Welcome Guide that provides a look at many of the BID's accomplishments in leading the transformation of Downtown Crossing
- For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at [email protected].
|
|
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at:
[email protected]
|
|
|
|
Mayor Walsh, Macy's, Boston Bruins Foundation Lead Annual Coat Drive
Mayor Martin Walsh helped Macy's and the Boston Bruins Foundation hand out more than 200 coats to Boston Public School students as part of the 4th Annual Macy's Coat Drive on Dec. 11th.
"I want to thank Macy's for being a wonderful partner for our city, and for putting on the 4th annual Christmas Coat Drive," said Mayor Walsh. "This coat drive has become a great Boston tradition, and has a selfless mission of ensuring our kids stay warm and protected this winter. This event demonstrates the very best of our city, showing that Boston is a city that takes care of one another."
Check out a video of the event below:
Mayor Walsh was joined by Bob Sweeney, the executive director for the Boston Bruins Foundation, as they helped children try on and choose brand new coats. Many Macy's employees were also on hand fitting kids for proper sized jackets and making sure they got the coats they wanted.
The annual coat drive is a partnership between the City of Boston, Macy's and the Boston Bruins Foundation.
Mayor Walsh also visited downtown Boston on Dec. 17th to visit Santa Claus and to participate in a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony held in Downtown Crossing.
|
|
New Dunkin' (Not Donuts) Now Open on Tremont Street
The first-ever Dunkin' restaurant in Boston opened last week at 147 Tremont St. Customers will note the store's name doesn't include "Donuts," as it's part of a new branding effort by Dunkin' Donuts to let customers know they're more than just coffee and donuts.
On Dec. 14th, the new store, which has a "fresher and brighter" look, gave out food samples, 500 free medium cups of coffee and presented a check to the No Kid Hungry campaign.
The new store is operated by franchisee Watermark Donut Company, which operates more than 30 Dunkin' Donuts in the Boston area. Watermark Donut Company has operated Dunkin' Donuts in the downtown Boston area since 1990, including several in the BID.
Based in Canton, Mass., the company announced earlier this year that it would be testing out dropping "Donuts" from its name at several stores. The company noted it's been calling itself Dunkin' in advertisements for years.
|
|
Boston Tea Party Reenactment Kicks Off at Old South Meeting House with
Spirited Colonial Meeting
People of all ages participated in the 244th Boston Tea Party Reenactment on Dec. 16th to celebrate and re-enact the single most important event leading up to the American Revolution -- the Boston Tea Party!
The event started off with an authentic, spirited and theatrical colonial meeting at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.), above, to protest the colonial tax on tea. From there the public was led by fife and drum corps and marched from the Old South Meeting House to the Boston Harbor where Griffin's Wharf once stood along the same route Patriots walked to Boston Harbor to destroy the tea.
At the Boston Harbor the Sons of Liberty stormed aboard the Brig Beaver to destroy chest after chest of East India Company Tea. They then dumped the tea into the harbor just as the colonists did 244 years ago.
|
|
St. Francis House Needs Dozens of Volunteers for Last Week of 2017
St. Francis House (39 Boylston St.) is looking for volunteers to give back with two hours of time in their kitchen for the last week of 2017. Please sign up by Friday, Dec. 22nd, to be scheduled for a shift.
While the holiday season is a busy time for all of us, St. Francis House still needs help each day serving a hot, nutritious breakfast and lunch to their 500 guests. St. Francis House and their guests are
deeply grateful for the dedicated volunteers who help the five full-time kitchen staff be able to provide hundreds of meals every single day of the year. Please click here for more information about shifts and volunteering
. Also please email Ashley Medlar at [email protected].
|
Shoveling, Parking and More:
What to Know About Winter in Boston
Whether you're a property owner, a homeowner or a resident with a car it's important to know about shoveling and parking regulations, snow emergencies and more. The City of Boston has a resourceful webpage providing all necessary info
here, and below is important info to know for when the white stuff comes down.
Shoveling Info:
Click here for City of Boston rules on clearing snow.
Property owners must:
- Clear sidewalks within three hours of snowfall ending or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight, and
- Clear at least a 42-inch-wide path for wheelchairs and strollers.
Do not shovel snow into the street or you can be subject to fines. Also please remember to:
- Remove ice to bare pavement or make as level as possible and treat with sand, sawdust, or similar material.
- Please clear any snow that may be blocking a handicap ramp, fire hydrant or catch basin.
- Don't leave snow or ice on stairways or fire escapes. All common means of exit must be clear in case of fire or another emergency.
What To Do With Your Car When It Snows:
During a snow emergency main roads need to be clear for plows and emergency vehicles. If you're parked on one of these main roads during a snow emergency, you may be ticketed and your vehicle may be towed. How do you know if you can't park on a street during a snow emergency? Check the signs posted on the street. Also, here is map of restricted roads due to a snow emergency.
Click here for a City of Boston list of discount parking garages available during snow emergencies. Click here for the BID's webpage of local parking garages. It is recommended you contact the parking garages to see if they are open for vehicles.
Please also call the BID's dispatch line at 617-261-0066 to report sidewalks, handicapped ramps or other Downtown Crossing public ways that need to be shoveled. Our Ambassadors will be out in the snow 24 hours a day making sure the sidewalks are clear!
|
|
Please Take Commission for Persons with Disabilities Accessibility Priority Survey to Help Shape City's Strategic Planning
The Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities is engaging in a new initiative to increase accessibility and engage people with disabilities in all aspects of life within the City of Boston.
The new initiative includes the Accessibility Priority Survey, which can be taken by clicking here.
The survey will help the City learn about existing barriers and accessibility-related needs to help shape the City's strategic planning. The survey is for anyone who lives, plays or works in Boston. The City of Boston is encouraging professionals or advocates who work with people with disability to take it. |
|
Where to Ice Skate in Downtown Boston:
Boston Common Frog Pond and
City Hall Plaza
There are two wonderfully scenic spots to go ice skating in Downtown Boston: the Boston Common Frog Pond and City Hall Plaza. You are welcome to bring your own skates or rent a pair, and both locations avail the opportunity to get a warm cup of cocoa, tasty treats and more.
The Boston Common Frog Pond is open for ice skating. Admission is based on a skater's height -- under 58 inches gets in for free, and $6 for 58 inches or taller. Skate rental prices vary. Click here for more information about skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond.
|
|
| Boston Globe photo by Craig F. Walker |
For the second year City Hall Plaza is hosting Boston Winter, which is open seven days a week. Boston Winter features a mix of winter activities, including a unique outdoor skating path, an expanded holiday shopping market and an array of hospitality experiences and attractions. The holiday shopping market features 85 boutique style chalets offering a wide variety of local and international gifts, goods and food.
Click here for more information about Boston Winter on City Hall Plaza. The Skating Path's hours vary and can be seen by clicking here.
|
|
Restaurants Open for
Christmas Day and Christmas Eve
There are numerous restaurants downtown that will be open for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. It is recommended you make reservations.
Artisan Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston (10 Avery St.) is offering a Christmas Day brunch buffet from 7 am to 3 pm, and an a la carte dinner menu from 5 to 7 pm. Please call 617-574-7295 to make reservations.
Explorateur (186 Tremont St.) is offering a Christmas Eve brunch from 7 am to 3 pm. Click here to view the menu. Please call 617-466-6600 to make reservations.
Legal Crossing (558 Washington St.) is open on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 9 pm, and on Christmas Day from noon to 8 pm. Please call 617-692-8888 to make reservations.
The Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) is now taking reservations for The Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. The origin of The Feast of the Seven Fishes is unknown, as it is a tradition dating back centuries. The common belief is that by partaking in the Feast, good luck and good fortune will be brought upon you through the holiday season and into the New Year. Space is limited. Please call 617-422-0004 or visit opentable.com to make reservations.
PABU (3 Franklin St.) is offering its regular dinner menu on Christmas Eve from 5 to 9 pm. Please call 857-327-7228 to make reservations.
Ruth's Chris Steak House (60 School St.) will be open on Christmas Eve from noon to 9 pm, and noon to 8 pm on Christmas Day. A full menu will be offered on both days. Please click here to make reservations. |
Need Last Minute Holiday Gifts?
Give the Gift of Memories with the
14th Annual Mayor's Holiday Special
The ArtsBoston Mayor's Holiday Special offers discounted tickets on sale through Dec. 31st for performances in December and January. Some tickets are up to 60% off!
There are discounts on many performances throughout the greater Boston area, including several Nutcracker productions, "Blue Man Group," holiday puppet shows, Broadway in Boston productions and more. Click here to learn about all the special deals being offered. |
|
New Year's Eve Celebrations:
Fireworks and Restaurants
This year fireworks will once again be shot above the Boston Harbor at midnight, as it has in years past (but didn't happen last year). Along with fireworks above the harbor, there will be a midnight pyrotechnics show in Copley Square. Click here to learn more about all of the First Night activities!
There are also plenty of restaurants that will be open on New Year's Eve. Here are just a few options:
Back Deck (2 West St.) is offering its regular brunch menu from 11 am to 3 pm and a special dinner menu from 3 to 10 pm. Call 617-670-0320 to make reservations.
jm Curley and Bogie's Place (21 Temple Place) will be open to celebrate New Year's Eve. jm Curley will be serving its regular menu and isn't taking reservations. Bogie's Place (inside jm Curley) is offering a five course prix fixe menu -- click here to view the menu and to make reservations.
The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) will be serving its regular menu and featuring Veuve Clicquot specials.
Scholars (25 School St.) is hosting a New Year's Eve Party with DJ Swytch starting at 9 pm, a balloon drop at midnight and more. Click here to purchase tickets or call 617-248-0025 to make reservations.
Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale (48 Temple Place) is hosting a New Year's Eve celebration. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. |
|
Enjoy Breakfast with Mrs. Claus at
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston (10 Avery St.) is offering several holiday-themed events and promotions with Mrs. Claus and the Nutcracker Bear.
Experience An Enchanting Nutcracker Escape with the magic of "The Nutcracker" that includes overnight accommodations, a sugar plum inspired bubble bath drawn by the Ritz-Carlton Bath Butler, and topped off with the Nutcracker Bear tuck-in service with milk and holiday cookies. This package starts at $495 for a deluxe guest room.
Also enjoy Breakfast with Mrs. Claus for an elegant buffet with her friends from the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" for live music, storytelling and interactive holiday activities. This is being offered on Saturday, 23rd from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Reservations are required. Tickets are $72 per adult and $44 per child.
Click
here to make reservations.
|
|
Register Now: BASE Offering Spanish,
Portuguese and Arabic Classes
The next seven-week course period for the Boston Area Spanish Exchange (101 Arch St., 8th Floor) begins the week of Jan. 16th and the registration deadline is Jan. 5th. Boston BID newsletter readers get a 5% tuition waiver using the coupon code BOSTONBID by Jan 5th.
BASE is offering low-tuition English-language programs beginning in 2018, so tuition for learning Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic courses will be helping to create more opportunities for Boston's most vulnerable, who are in need of English-learning opportunities.
The Spanish course schedules are available here. Portuguese course schedules are available here. Arabic course schedules are available here.
There's a $25 tuition waiver for Portuguese and Arabic courses, if you sign up by Jan. 5th. Please use the codes PORTUGUESE and ARABIC respectively. There's also a $100 tuition waiver for Intensive or Ultra-intensive courses. Please use coupon code IMMERSION when signing up.
This December there is also Conversaciones Decembrinas, a series of free level-specific Spanish conversation opportunities. Click here for more info. |
|
Last Godfrey Hotel Boston Holiday Pop-Up Dec. 23rd
The last day of the Godfrey Hotel Boston (505 Washington St.) Holiday Pop-Up Series is on Saturday, Dec. 23rd.
The pop-up series features Boston area businesses offering an assortment of products, including handmade knits, cocktail kits and specialty baked dog treats. The pop-up series is from 11 am to 4 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend the pop-up series.
The following is the schedule:
Dec. 23rd: Polka Dog Bakery
|
|
Artisan Bistro Offering Prix Fixe
'Nutcracker' Menu
Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St., inside The Ritz-Carlton, Boston) is offering a prix fixe $38 Nutcracker menu on show days from 5 to 10 pm.
Signature cocktails are also being offered, including the Snowflake and the Northern Lights for $15 each. Please call 617-574-7176 to make reservations. |
|
| |
|
