Awkward silences? Not on our watch

5 Boston table topics for the holiday season

View of Boston skyline over the BU bridge

Bring these local conversation starters to the table. | Photo by @jeffrey_prohaska_

Dreading the debates and cringe questions that tend to take over holiday meals? Consider employing one of these five local table topics — they may just lead to your favorite conversation yet.

💬 Thoughts on the “Beantown” nickname

Ah yes, a classic Boston conversation starter. Check out our explanation of how our city first earned the “Beantown” nickname and discuss whether or not it fits our city. For what it’s worth, the BOStoday team thinks we should swap nicknames with Chicago, aka “The Windy City.”

💬 Choose your fighter: North End cannoli edition

Skip the debates on which sports team is best (those can get heated with Bostonians) and opt for the ultimate foodie question: Mike’s or Modern? If you want to know our hot takes, read our cannoli taste test — complete with pro tips for visiting both North End shops.

💬 Is Chris Evans really the Sexiest Man Alive?

Sudbury’s finest was recently dubbed “The 2022 Sexiest Man Alive” by People. You can either chat about whether or not the title was earned (we say absolutely yes) or your favorite films featuring the Massachusetts native.

💬 Chat about (local) cranberries

Here’s a fun foodie fact you can share to flex your local knowledge — cranberry is our state’s official berry. This talking point goes pairs with a side of homemade cranberry sauce.

💬 Dive into the history of the Great Molasses Flood

Any history buffs out there? Tell the tale of Boston’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919 and teach friends and family about the sticky situation.

When all else fails, you know have Dunkin’ talk to lean on. Bonus points if you bring iced coffees for the group to sip.

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Thursday, Nov. 24

Thanksgiving Dinner | Thursday, Nov. 24 | Multiple locations | All day | Price of purchase | Check out our list of local restaurants offering holiday dine-in service, from Bistro du Midi to The Merchant.

Friday, Nov. 25

Black Friday Record Store Day | Friday, Nov. 25 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Tres Gatos, 470 Centre St., Jamaica Plain | Free to attend | Visit the local JP record store to check out books, tapas, and rare vinyl all under one roof.
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes | Friday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m. | Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St., Medford | $34-$54 | Watch “The Princess Bride” on the big screen and catch a conversation with the actor who played Wesley.

Saturday, Nov. 26

Shop the Block: Small Business Saturday | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 1-6 p.m. | Bruce C. Bolling Building, 2300 Washington St., Boston | Free | Explore three floors of the Roxbury building to shop more than 50 small businesses and enjoy lunch and brunch from local restaurants.

Sunday, Nov. 27

CeleBETTY Sighting in Snowport | Sunday, Nov. 27 | 12-3 p.m. | 88 Seaport Blvd., Boston | Catch “Betty the Yeti” outside of Present Place. Pro tip: if you have a $50 receipt from a participating store, you can snag Betty swag.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

48º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain

Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving. However you celebrate, make today a day of rest, reflection, and community. We here at BOStoday are thankful for our city, and of course, our readers. Yes, we mean you.

Traffic

Another holiday weekend, another traffic advisory. See the city’s list of parking restrictions + street closures ahead of the Thanksgiving Day 5K and upcoming tree lighting events here. 🚗

Transit

The JFK/UMass Columbia Road concourse will be closed for at least a month due to structural issues. MBTA riders can access the station through the busway ramp + van service is available between the street and the busway. (Boston Globe)

Seasonal

Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 28 for the New Hampshire Ice Castles. Guests can race down ice slides, stroll an illuminated path, drink at a frosty ice bar + enjoy other wintry fun. Find pricing and learn more. 🧊

Regional

Non-MBTA buses will be free throughout Massachusetts for the holidays. Regional transit authorities with bus services in areas like the Berkshires and Cape Cod will eliminate fares from Friday, Nov. 25-Saturday, Dec. 31 as part of the “Try Transit Holiday” initiative. (WBUR)

Number

$40,000. That’s how much The New England Revolution Players Collaborative Fund donated to local organizations working to promote social equity. The soccer group donated $10,000 each to Chica Project and Breakthrough Greater Boston + $20,000 to the Women of Color Entrepreneurs. 💸

Travel

According to TripsToDiscover, three of the best small towns to visit for Christmas are in New England. Take a day trip to Taunton, MA, Woodstock, VT, or Newport, RI to get in the holiday spirit.

Announced

If you love this newsletter (and supporting local) as much as we love strolls in Piers Park, morning lattes from Gracenote Coffee + Saturdays spent on Newbury Street (which is a lot) — we’ve got something for you: BOStoday just launched a membership program. Learn more + sign up. 🎉

Shop

Amazon’s best deals of the year begin today and last just 48 hours. Snag gifts now for everyone on your list — like this portable waterproof speaker and this Bluetooth movie projector. Plus, select Amazon Fire TV devices are up to 50% off for a limited time.*

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Events

Meet us in the city 🏙️

People walking down sidewalk across from Tatte in Boston

We’re making our way downtown for the holidays. | Photo by @bostonsbrownie

Mayor Wu recently announced a new tourism initiative called “Meet Me in the City,” aiming to bring Bostonians and tourists alike to local businesses + special events during the holiday season.

The campaign builds on the relaunched PLAN: Downtown and a reimagined future for our city’s downtown area.

With both new events and familiar traditions on the agenda, the city is sharing holiday highlights like the Urban Nutcracker, the annual First Night New Year’s Eve celebration + the Fenway Bowl.

Pro tip: Check out our guide to winter happenings for even more holiday fun in Boston.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: There’s nothing better than a cozy neighborhood tavern during the holidays.

I recently checked out Warren Tavern in Charlestown, which dates back to 1780 and is dubbed the oldest tavern in our state. I’d recommend checking it out for a little side of history with your beer + fish and chips.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get to know Chef Lambert Givens from Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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