December is upon us, and with that, the holiday season is in full swing. Whether you’re already dreaming about dancing sugar plums, or feeling more like a Scrooge this year, listen up: we’ve put together the most worthy events of the month that will either feed into your holiday obsession, or put you in better seasonal spirits.
It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all – as long as you remember not to stress.
Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting
December 4, Boston Common
The biggest tree lighting ceremony of the season goes down this Thursday in Boston Common when the holiday tree donated to the city by Nova Scotia will come alive. Mayor Walsh, the New England Patriots cheerleaders, “The Voice” contestant Brittany Butler and more will perform, but a headliner and more performers are still to be announced. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m., with everything lighting up not long before 8 p.m.
Free to attend.
City Awake
December 4-13, Various venues
This ten-day event series is made up of 50 different hackathons, concerts, happy hours, workouts, panels, open discussions and more. City Awake was modeled after multi-day and purpose festivals like SXSW, and is designed to encourage collaboration for community impact, while celebrating multiple facets of the city in one long spree.
Specific events, times, venues and prices can be found here.
AMC Assembly Free Holiday Movies
December 6, 13 and 20, AMC Assembly
Earlier, AMC Assembly held a contest, asking people to vote for their three most favorite holiday movies, which the theater would then screen it on a Saturday in December – if it won the popular vote, of course. The three most-voted movies, “A Polar Express,” “Home Alone” and “Elf,” will play for free at 9:30 a.m. on December 6, 13 and 20., respectively It’s the perfect way to get yourself in the mood for holiday shopping.
Free to attend; first come, first served. One ticket per person.
15th Annual Santa Speedo Run
December 6, Newbury and Boylston Streets
What started as a crazy idea among a few friends in December of 2000 has grown into one of Boston’s winter traditions. The Santa Speedo Run returns this Saturday, when brave souls clad in nothing but holiday accessories and speedos will take to the Back Bay for a scantily clothed sprint (or run, or jog) to the finish line, blasting Christmas music along the way.
Registration info can be found here; free for spectators.
Hannukah Festival of Lights
December 17, MFA
Explore the MFA’s Judaic collections, create your own art, witness the lighting of the Menorah, and preview the museum’s “8 Nights, 8 Windows” installation. There will also be special guided tours, food and music at the MFA’s special Hannukah celebration, which will take place from 6 to 9:45 p.m.
Free to attend.
Boston Pops’ Presents: “Home Alone”
December 26 & 27, Boston Symphony Orchestra
While the official Holiday Pops season kicks off on December 3, and is a worthy season spectacle on its own, the Boston Pops is offering a different kind of holiday tradition this year for two days only. On December 26 and 27, the orchestra will screen “Home Alone” on their big screen, with the added experience of a live orchestral accompaniment. Three performances will take place over the two days.
Tickets start at $43.
First Night
December 31, Boston Common
Ring in the New Year at the city’s long-running tradition by attending First Night’s music and fireworks celebrations, presented by the Highland Street Foundation. The festivities start at 1 p.m. and continue all the way to midnight. Want to get the most out of the experience? Hop aboard the Midnight Fireworks Cruise to experience the celebration on the harbor.
First Night buttons are $10.
Image via Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism/Flickr
