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November 28,  2016
Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
Announcements
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
In The News
Patch: Slideshow of Macy's Tree Lighting Illuminating Downtown Crossing 11/27/16

Boston Globe: Downtown Crossing Aglow with Holiday Lights This Season 11/26/16

Boston Globe: Photos from Macy's Holiday Tree Lighting on Black Friday 11/26/16

Curbed: Will Millennium Tower Be Considered a Boston Landmark in the Future? 11/22/16

Boston Magazine: Boston Rescue Mission and St. Francis House Among Places to Volunteer This Fall 11/22/16

BBJ: State Street Subleasing Space at Namesake Tower 11/22/16


This Week's Featured Event
National Center of Afro-American Artists' 'Black Nativity' at Paramount Theatre Starting Dec. 2nd

The longest-running performance of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" will be at the Paramount Theatre starting Dec. 2nd and running through Dec. 18th

"Black Nativity" is based on the Gospel of St. Luke and weaves in black vernacular narration. This performance is for people of all traditions and is enthusiastically performed by children and adults and includes dancing. Click here for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
 
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Get Your Tickets Now for Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' 

The Boston Ballet's beloved "The Nutcracker" will be at the Boston Opera House through Dec. 31st

See dancing sugar plum fairies, mice and more as The Nutcracker comes alive. Click here for tickets and showtimes. 
 
Holiday Bands, Carolers, 
Santa and  Sweet Harmony

Downtown Boston will be flush with musical holiday performances -- and Santa Claus this holiday season.The BID is sponsoring strolling musicians, strolling carolers and it is free to visit Santa every Saturday and Sunday!

Santa Claus will be outside of Macy's on Summer Street on weekends through Dec. 23rd from noon to 2 pm and 3 to 4 pm. It is free to visit Santa, but please bring your own camera if you want to snap a photo with St. Nick.

There will be three four-piece strolling bands: brass, dixie and trombone. They will be roaming the Downtown Boston area daily from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm through Dec. 23rd
There will be three four-piece strolling caroling groups daily through Dec. 23rd from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm. They will be singing holiday-themed songs throughout the Downtown Boston area.

The musical group Sweet Harmony will be performing on weekends outside of Macy's on Summer Street through Dec. 18th from 12:30 to 3 pm. They will be performing hits from the 1970s through today, including holiday-themed songs.   
Music on the Porch Series at St. Paul's on Mondays and Thursdays

The BID-sponsored Music on the Porch Series outside of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St.) features solo artists performing on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm.

Holly McGarry, pictured, will perform on Thursday, Dec. 1st. Rachel Sumner will perform on Monday, Dec. 5th.
 
See 'Little Women' at the 
Old South Meeting House on Dec. 1st

The Old South Meeting House's "Movies at the Meeting House" series with Bostonians in Film continues with "Little Women" on Friday, Dec. 1st.

Advance tickets are $8 for general public, $4 for OSMH members, and all tickets are $10 at the doorLight refreshments will be available for purchase. Click here for tickets. The movie starts at
7 pm.

Help Imagine Boston 2030 at Envisioning 'A Mixed-Use Downtown' Event on 
Dec. 2nd

Boston recently released its Imagine Boston 2030 draft plan and will be holding a week-long series of events across the city to offer residents the opportunity to talk directly with city leaders.

On Friday, Dec. 2nd the public is invited to "A Mixed-Use Downtown" walking tour starting at the Burnham Building (10 Summer St.). The tour will go through Downtown Crossing, the Theater District, Chinatown, the Leather District and South Station, learning how downtown has evolved recently and share the Imagine Boston 2030 vision for mixed-use jobs centers and public realm improvements in the commercial areas. This tour is free to attend and people are encouraged to register by clicking here. This event is from 4 to 5:30 pm
 
Old South Meeting House 
Open House Events Dec. 2nd & 3rd

The Old South Meeting House's (310 Washington St.) Holiday Open Houses are two days of free admission with activities for adults and children on Dec. 2nd and Dec. 3rd.

Events during the two days include an all-day Tots' Corner with books, a child-friendly tea set and more. Older kids are welcome to participate in a scavenger hunt. Also, learn about the 1773 tea tax protests, design your own tea with provided ingredients, make holiday cards and enjoy a free cup of David's Tea. Click here for more info about the open houses. The open houses are from 10 am to 4 pm.
 
Moscow Ballet's 'Great Russian Nutcracker' at Orpheum on Dec. 4th

The internationally-touring Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" will be at the Orpheum Theatre for one day only, Sunday, Dec. 4th

The show begins at 3 pm. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets. 
 
Vocal Revolution Performing in Downtown Crossing Three Times 
During Holiday Season

The all-male a cappella group Vocal Revolution will be performing on Summer Street outside of Macy's three times this holiday season. 

This year's winners of WGBH's Sing That Thing, Vocal Revolution, will be singing barbershop-style melodies in Downtown Crossing. They will perform on three Thursdays, Dec. 8th, 15th and 22nd from 5 to 6 pm. All performances are free to attend and are BID-sponsored events.
Metro Meeting Centers Annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 13th

Metro Meeting Centers (101 Federal St., 4th Floor) is hosting its Annual Holiday Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 13th
Metro Meeting Centers is supporting Christmas in the City, a 100% volunteer driven organization organized by Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy (45 Franklin St.) that has benefited more than 200,000 homeless children during the holiday season. You are welcome to bring a gift to donate, or you can donate to Christmas in the City by clicking here. This free event is from 3 to 5 pm. RSVP to this event by clicking here.  
Norah Jones with The Candles at the Orpheum Theatre on Dec. 10th

Musician Norah Jones will perform with The Candles at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 10th at 7:30 pm. Click here for tickets. 
 
A Great Holiday Tradition:
Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Strolls
 
The Freedom Trail Foundation's Historic Holiday Strolls, one of Downtown's best holiday traditions, began Nov. 17th

These merry 90-minute tours are led by Dickensian costumed guides leaving from Faneuil Hall Thursdays through Sundays at 3:30 pm. The stroll includes a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail, and a visit to the Omni Parker House for signature refreshments and its world-famous Boston Cream Pie.

Guests receive discounts off museum store purchases at several Freedom Trail sites. Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children and reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For reservations and more info please call 617-357-8300.
 
BID Services & Links
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 all day or night  -- they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining or snowing! Please call 617-261-0066 to arrange an escort or for other BID ambassador services. You can also email help@bostonbid.org.  
       
  • Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
  • Ambassadors clear handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
  • Ambassador powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather
  • Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping by watering flowers
  • 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 2016 BID Report to learn about 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 dmeyer@bostonbid.org.
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.  
City of Boston Services

Featured Stories
Macy's Holiday Tree Lighting!
Santa, Mayor, Boston's Children Chorus and Entertainers Kick Off Holiday Season    

People of all ages came to Downtown Crossing on Black Friday to enjoy holiday festivities capped by the annual lighting of Macy's holiday tree. 

There were children's activities inside the Macy's store throughout the day, and there was even more exciting holiday action outside on the streets. 

Before the tree was lit and the confetti flew the audience enjoyed numerous performances. The Boston's Children Chorus sang beautifully, hip-hop star Doug E. Fresh invigorated the crowd with old school hits and local pop star Jojo sang.  

Jacob Whitesides and Berklee College's Sean Jones also performed separately. New England Patriot Martellus Bennett greeted the crowd and also sent a letter to Santa Claus. 

Mayor Martin J. Walsh also greeted the crowd and celebrated with Santa Claus as the holiday tree atop Macy's canopy was lit to kick off the holiday season in Downtown Crossing. 
   
Boston Ballet, 'Black Nativity' and More 
Kick Off Mayor's Holiday Special

Mayor Martin J. Walsh was joined by several special guests on Tuesday as he kicked off the 13th Annual Mayor's Holiday Special at the Paramount Theatre. The special offers thousands of great deals to more than 500 holiday performances, more than 30 dining deals and an online calendar with free festivities throughout Greater Boston. 

Walsh was joined by the Boston Pops Brass Quintet, Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" bear, cast members from Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" and more. Two cast members of "Black Nativity" performed "No Room."  

"[The Mayor's Holiday Special program] is a great way to support arts and culture in Boston. And we want to make it easy and affordable," said Walsh. "Boston comes alive this time of year and there is something for everyone of all ages."

Deals are available for many Greater Boston performances, including the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at the Boston Opera House, Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" at the Paramount Theatre, Boston Pops performances and more. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.    
Support These Local Organizations on #GivingTuesday

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a more heartfelt day: #GivingTuesday. Fueled by social media, #GivingTuesday is a global day to kick off the charitable season and there are plenty of Downtown Boston organizations to support. 

The Children's Trust (55 Court St.) mission is to stop child abuse in the state. Their programs help parents build skills and confidence to be a good parent to provide safe and healthy childhoods. 

The Conservation Law Foundation (62 Summer St.) utilizes its legal acumen to take on those who pollute our air and water, and damage our natural resources. CLF fights for a clean energy future, countering climate change and more. 

Road Scholar (11 Avenue de Lafayette) has a  mission to inspire adults to learn, discover and travel using expert instructors. They  offer more than 5,500 learning adventures in 150 countries from San Francisco to Siberia and more.

St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St.) is hosting a 24-hour celebration of giving. Donations will go towards different initiatives, including backpacks and school supplies for children in their programs, funerals for the homeless, weekly groceries for 400 families from its Franciscan Food Center and more.

Click here for more info about #GivingTuesday and to learn about more organizations to support.  
Meetings & Notices
Tonight: First of Three Winthrop Square Proposal  Meetings Coming Up

The Boston Planning & Development Agency is hosting three public meetings for the proposed redevelopment of 115 Winthrop Square in the coming weeks. 

Tonight (Monday, Nov. 28th) there will be an Impact Advisory Group meeting (290 Congress St. Fort Point Room) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The purpose of this meeting is different than a traditional public meeting as IAG members will work with the BPDA to identify the impacts of the project and recommend appropriate community benefits to offset those impacts.

On Monday, Dec. 5th there will be a Public Meeting (Suffolk Law School, 120 Tremont St. Moot Court Room, 4th Floor) at 6:30 pm. This is the appropriate forum for the broader public to provide feedback about the project.

On Tuesday, Dec. 13th there will be an IAG meeting at the same location as the Nov. 28th meeting.

All meetings are open to the public. Please contact Christopher Tracy at Christopher.Tracy@Boston.gov or 617-918-4259 for more info.
 
Downtown Boston Residents' Association Meeting on Dec. 12th

The Downtown Boston Residents' Association will meet on Monday, Dec. 12th at 7 pm at the Modern Theatre. This meeting is open to the public.

 
Deals & Promos
Mayor's Holiday Special 2016 Offers Discounts on Holiday Events and Dining

You can save money on lots of events and restaurants with the annual Mayor's Holiday Special. It features discounts and deals on two months of performing arts, offering thousands of tickets to more than 500 performances, dining deals and free festivities.

Some of the shows included are the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker," Boston Pops performances and more. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
 
Save 20% at Serafina Boston with 
'The Nutcracker' Ticket Stub 

When you present your "The Nutcracker" ticket stub at Serafina Boston (10 High St.) you will receive 20% off your bill. This deal is only for the day you saw the show. 
One discount per visit, per day. Discounts may not be combined or transferred. Gratuity not included.
 
 
Save $$ on Tuition at Boston Area 
Spanish Exchange with BID Discount

The Boston Area Spanish Exchange is offering BID newsletter readers a 5% discount on tuition for winter classes starting Jan. 16th. 

Click here to register for classes and use the coupon code: BostonBID5. As of January the Boston Area Spanish Exchange will be located at 101 Arch St. 
 
The Nutcracker Suite Package at 
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston

Experience "The Nutcracker" with The Ritz-Carlton, Boston's exclusive suite package. It includes a teddy bear tuck-in with milk and honey, holiday pastries and more. 

This overnight package includes a sugar plum-inspired bubble bath from the Land of the Sweets drawn by staff members, an enchanted bedtime story read by a Sugar Plum Fairy via telephone, overnight valet parking and a photo taken with "The Nutcracker" teddy bear. 

This package is available Nov. 25 through Dec. 30th with rates starting at $550 to $650. Please call 617-574-7184 for reservations and more info.
 
Hold Your Holiday Season Office Party at Bonapita Mediterranean Bakery & Grill

Bonapita Mediterranean Bakery & Grill (49 Franklin St.) is the perfect venue for your holiday office party. The restaurant offers cocktail receptions, seated buffet dinners and is available seven days a week. 

There are still November and December dates available. Call 857-350-4606 or email Shlomie Heller or Ilan Barniv at catering@bonapita.com for more info or to schedule a visit.
 
Announcements
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Conducting Small Business  Credit Survey

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is conducting a Small Business Credit Survey and all responses will be confidential.
This 10-minute survey will ask about business' performances, financing choices and borrowing experiences. Questions will also inquire about business conditions, financing needs and credit experiences. The survey will help improve programs and services for small business owners. Click here to take the survey.  
Donate to Hyatt Regency Boston's 
Winter Necessity Drive 

The Hyatt Regency Boston, St. Francis House and BID are cosponsoring a Winter Necessity Drive. Donations can be dropped off at the Hyatt Regency Boston through Dec. 16th.

Coats, winter boots, jeans, long sleeve shirts, long underwear, hats, socks, scarfs and gloves are all desired as donations.

Items will go to those in need in Downtown Boston.
You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website

If you have an upcoming event you can now submit it to the Downtown Boston BID website. Click here to submit your own event.
 
Once approved by BID staff your event will be on the BID's calendar section and could be featured in the newsletter or on the BID social media accounts and promoted elsewhere. 
THANK YOU!
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

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