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December 12,
2016
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Deals & Promos
Announcements
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
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This Week's Featured Event
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The 243rd Anniversary Boston Tea Party Reenactment on Dec. 16th
Join Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock and other historical figures for the 243rd Reenactment of the Boston Tea Party at the Old South Meeting House on Friday, Dec. 16th.
After a fiery debate about the tea tax at the Meeting House follow the Sons of Liberty on a march to the tea ships to make salt water tea for the fish. Tickets are $30 and on sale while they last by clicking here. This event starts at 6:30 pm. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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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 (see feature story), a 100% volunteer-driven organization organized by Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy (45 Franklin St.) that through the years 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.
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Vocal Revolution Performing in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 15th
The all-male a cappella group Vocal Revolution is performing on Summer Street outside of Macy's three times this holiday season. Don't worry if you missed the Dec. 8th performance because they'll be singing again on Dec. 15th.
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 Thursday, Dec. 15th and Thursday, Dec. 22nd, from 5 to 6 pm. All performances are free to attend and are BID-sponsored events.
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Sugar Plum Fairy Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Dec. 17th
The Ritz-Carlton (10 Avery St., Washington Junior Ballroom) is hosting a sugar plum fairy teas on
Saturday, Dec. 17th.
Visit a magical Nutcracker dreamland in which guests mingle with characters from the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" while enjoying a delicious buffet of desserts, tea sandwiches, singalongs, holiday crafts and more. This special tea is being offered from 11 am to 1 pm and costs $60 per adult and $42 per child. Call 617-574-7184 for more info and reservations. |
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National Center of Afro-American Artists' 'Black Nativity' at Paramount Center Through Dec. 18th
The longest-running production of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" will be at the Paramount Center
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. |
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Nutcracker Breakfast with Mrs. Claus at The Ritz-Carlton on Dec. 18th
Visit The Ritz-Carlton (10 Avery St., Ballroom) for an elegant breakfast buffet with Mrs. Claus and her friends from the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" on Sunday, Dec. 18th.
There will be live musical entertainment, storytelling and interactive holiday activities. Catching a Joy, a local charity, is offering craft projects for everyone. This special breakfast is offered 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for $72 per adult and $44 per child. Call 617-574-7184 for more info and to make reservations. |
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Seasonal Sing-Along
Hosted by Downtown Boston
Residents' Association on Dec. 21st
The Downtown Boston Residents' Association is hosting a Seasonal Sing-Along to sing carols, hymns and other seasonal favorites. This session will be held at the Paramount Center (Bright Family Screening Room) on Wednesday, Dec. 21st.
There will be a cash bar available at 6:30 pm and the event is from 7 to 9 pm. This is a free event, but please click here to register. |
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CIC Boston Hosting
Winter Solstice Social on Dec. 21st
CIC Boston (50 Milk St.) is inviting clients, partners and friends to celebrate the winter solstice at its brand new Lighthouse event space on the 20th floor on Wednesday, Dec. 21st.
There will be merry-making, drinks and food in CIC Boston's sleek and spacious venue overlooking the Boston skyline. The CIC team will be available to answer any questions about hosting events in Lighthouse or other venues at CIC Cambridge or CIC Boston. This is a free event, but registration is requested by clicking here. This event is from 4:30 to 7 pm.
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Arch Street Band Performing Dec. 21st
The Arch Street Band will be performing a concert "Enter Into Participation" at St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St., 2nd Floor Church) at 6 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 21st. Refreshments will be served after the concert.
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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.
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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. |
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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 will perform on Thursday, Dec. 15th and Rachel Sumner will perform on Monday, Dec. 19th. |
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A Great Holiday Tradition:
Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Strolls
The Freedom Trail Foundation's Historic Holiday Strolls, one of Downtown's best holiday traditions, is being offered through January.
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. |
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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
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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.
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
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Shoveling, Parking and More:
What to
Know About Winter in Boston
The snow is coming and 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 a 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!
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Boston Barista Throwdown at
Ogawa Coffee on Dec. 15th
Want to know who the best barista is in all of Boston? Then you'll want to attend Boston's Best Barista Throwdown at Ogawa Coffee (10 Milk St.) on Thursday, Dec. 15th.
There will be 24 competitors, with eight receiving first round byes due to winning previous throwdowns at one of the Boston area monthly throwdowns this year. Two of Ogawa's own, Anjie Parker and Chris Marinuzzi, will receive byes after winning previous throwdowns. The other 16 contestants will be chosen from local coffee shops' top baristas. Three judges will decide the best barista.
The first pour will be at
8 pm. Prizes will be given to the winner, as well as the two runner-ups. There will also be a donation box to help raise money for a charity.
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There's a Winter Wonderland on
City Hall Plaza
The first-ever Boston Winter wonderland debuted on City Hall Plaza last week and people quickly flocked to enjoy an ice skating path, holiday market shops and more.
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All photos by Craig F. Walker for
The Boston Globe |
The ice skating path loops around a main stage and marquee Boston sign. There will also be ice skating lessons at select time and dates, Saturday skating with cartoon characters and a rock 'n skate on Friday nights. Skates are available for rent and you can also bring your own skates. Click here for hours of operation, prices and more info about the skating path.
The Holiday Market features 40 varied shops in heated holiday-themed sheds selling specialty gifts, jewelry, clothing, ceramics and glasswear, ornaments and decorations, and of course, food. Click here for a full list of all participating vendors and hours of operation.
There are also other special attractions, including an Urban Lodge, a pedal-powered Christmas tree and menorah, a wine exhibit, and an
educational and delicious journey called The Chocolate Story. Also, Santa and his elves will be at Boston Winter on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Click here for more info about Boston Winter.
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Help Thousands of Homeless Children Enjoy 'Christmas In The City'
Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy (45 Franklin St.) is once again spearheading "Christmas In The City" to provide gifts to thousands of children who live in homeless shelters throughout the Boston area. The all-volunteer non-profit organization needs your help to provide unopened gifts for infants to teenagers -- toys, arts and crafts, clothes and more. Items do not need to be wrapped.
Gifts can be dropped off at Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy at 45 Franklin St. from 6 am to 10 pm every day through through Dec. 16th. Monetary donations are also desired.
"These kids wake up with nothing on Christmas," said Jake Kennedy, pictured. "We want them to know there is magic during the holidays and that Santa keeps his word."
Click
here
to donate or learn more about Christmas In The City, which is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
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Next Public Meeting About
Winthrop Square Proposal on Dec. 13th
The Boston Planning & Development Agency is hosting several public meetings in the coming weeks for the proposed redevelopment of 115 Winthrop Square.
On Tuesday, Dec. 13th there will be an Impact Advisory Group meeting (290 Congress St., Fort Point Room) at 6:30 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 Friday, December 16th there will be an Article 80 Scoping Session (BPDA Board Room, 9th Floor, City Hall) at 2:30 pm.
On Monday, Dec. 19th, there will be another Public Meeting (290 Congress St., Fort Point Room) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
All meetings are open to the public. Please contact Christopher Tracy at Christopher.Tracy@Boston.gov or 617-918-4259 for more info. |
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Tonight: Downtown Boston Residents' Association Meeting
The Downtown Boston Residents' Association will meet tonight (Monday, Dec. 12th) at 7 pm at the Modern Theatre. This meeting is open to the public.
The agenda includes a safety update from the Boston Police Department; Michelle Norman, GM of AMC Loews Boston Common 19 on the theater's request for "One Time Entertainment License;" and Ed Kane will present plans and renderings for a new full-service French restaurant and cafe inside the Masonic Temple at the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets.
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Everybody Fights Opening at
One Federal Street and Pre-Sale
Membership Deals Now Available
Everybody Fights will be opening a new gym at One Federal St. in February -- and you can sign up now for a great membership rate and gifts.
If you're one of the first 500 to sign up you'll receive a custom jersey and EBF swag bag with gloves, wraps, hat, bag, water bottle and an invite to the pre-opening party.
Everybody Fights offers classes in three classrooms, has a full-sized ring, private training, locker and showers, a playground, pro shop and an open gym. Click here for more info and to sign up. |
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Marliave Serving Up $1 Oysters and
A Buck a Slice Pizza
Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) is offering two great and tasty deals. House-baked pizza is being served for $1 a slice only in the cafe (first floor) Monday through Friday from noon until supplies last.
Also, Marliave is offering four different varieties of fresh local oysters for $1 each all December from 4 to 6 pm and 9 to 10 pm. This offer is available seven days a week. |
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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. |
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The Chicken & Rice Guys' Ian So Receives SPARK Impact Award
Congratulations to Ian So of The Chicken & Rice Guys (85 Bedford St.) for winning a City of Boston 2016 SPARK Impact Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
So was nominated for spearheading the Chicken & Rice Guys Foundation and founding the Boston Asian Entrepreneurship Foundation. |
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The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Donating Toys to Floating Hospital for Children
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston recently collected hundreds of toys at their annual client holiday appreciation event.
The toys were collected and will be donated to the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, just a few blocks from the hotel.
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Left to right: Shannon Trask,
Josephine Gandolfo, and Stephen Houseman from
The Ritz-Carlton transported the toys to the
Floating Hospital for Children. |
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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.
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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.
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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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.
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