See the world from a whole new perspective at the Mapparium. | Photo by @michellemorrow24
Boston’s museum scene is undoubtedly extensive, but some of the most interesting exhibits are often overlooked. Today, consider us your tour guides — we’ve curated fivehidden gem museums to explore.
The Mapparium, part of the How Do You See the World? experience, is a stained-glass globe from 1935. The three-story, inside-out globe uses LED lights and lets visitors view the world before World War II.
Since 1983, this museum has occupied the old firehouse in the Seaport District. It preserves the memory of the Boston Fire Department, one of the oldest in the nation, and educates the public about events like the Great Boston Fire of 1872.
Founded in 1977, The Sports Museum is located inside TD Garden. Head to the information desk to catch a tour and enjoy half a mile of Boston sports memorabilia.
Pro tip: Check the schedule before you head over, as the museum is closed during games + concerts.
Visit this Chestnut Hill museum for free or pay $15 for a special access tour to explore its collection of steam engines. Fun fact: The location was originally a pumping station of the Boston Metropolitan Waterworks.
Opened in 1929 by scientist and inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., this Gloucester castle is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided tour to learn the history of the Hammond family.
Pro tip: Visit before the end of the month to see the castle decked out inChristmas decor.
North End Holiday Stroll | Friday, Dec. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | North End, Hanover Street, Boston | Free | Stroll and shop 14 local businesses, including Soma Yoga, Good Taste Records + Polka Dog Bakery.
DOTtalk: Boston Uncornered | Friday, Dec. 2 | 2-3 p.m. | Dorchester Brewing Company, 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston | Free | Visit the taproom for the first talk in the DOTtalk series, featuring the co-founder of Boston Uncornered.
Light Up Seaport 2022 | Friday, Dec. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | 85 Northern Ave., Boston | Free | Jam out to musical performances and keep an eye out for Betty the Yeti at the Seaport tree lighting.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Fenway Flea Winter Market | Saturday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 12-5 p.m. | Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr., Boston | Free | Support local small businesses selling vintage goods, jewelry, and gifts.
The Cannabis Science Fair | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harvard University’s Science Center, 1 Oxford St., Cambridge | Free | The second annual event bring researchers, chemists + medical practitioners together for an evening of cannabis science exhibition and exploration.
Nathan Chen Book Signing | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12-2 p.m. | Barnes & Noble, 96 Derby St., Hingham | Free | Meet the figure skating champion Nathan Chen and get a signed copy of his memoir, “One Jump at a Time: My Story.”
Sunday, Dec. 4
“The Polar Express” | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Charlestown Working Theater, 442 Bunker Hill St., Boston | $12-$15 | The North End Music & Performing Arts Center’s holiday show, led by students ages 7-12, is based on the beloved holiday book.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Steven Booth, Lothair Eaton, and the cast of The Ogunquit Playhouse’s 2018 production of “Elf The Musical” at The Music Hall. | Photo by Julia Russell
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”...and seeing Elf The Musical at the Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall, of course. 🎶
Elf The Musical is sleighing through Portsmouth through Sun., Dec. 18.Based on the classic holiday movie, Buddy the Elf sets off for the Big Apple to find his father and has some magical adventures along the way.
Tickets are on sale now ($45+) and group rates are available.*
Ristorante Fiorewill close its doors after 40+ years of business in the North End. The Italian eatery’s final service will be on Christmas Day. 🍝 (WCVB 5)
Sports
World record-holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchogewill run the 127th Boston Marathon this spring. The 38-year-old Kenyan has won the London and Berlin marathons four times each. 👟 (Boston Globe)
Civic
There’s a chance that younger Bostonians could vote in local elections. Boston City Councilpassed a measure to lower the legal voting age to 16 — the petition will move to Mayor Wu next, and then the Massachusetts Legislature for approval. 🗳️ (7 News)
History
The first pieces of the “Embrace” statuehave made their way to Boston Common. The monument to honor Martin Luther King Jr. + Coretta Scott King will be unveiled Friday, Jan. 13, just in time for MLK Day. (7 News)
Community
Mayor Wu announced the schedule for this weekend’s “Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour.” Saturday’s festivities begin at 11 a.m. in West Roxbury + Sunday kicks off at 12 p.m. in Dorchester’s Codman Square. See the full schedule. 🎄
Biz
Boston Globe Magazine released its annual list of the top 30 largest employers in Massachusetts. Cambridge’s Alnylam Pharmaceuticals topped the list, which also includes HubSpot, MassMutual + athenahealth.
Tech
An MIT-led research grouphas created a spatial light modulator — a programmable wireless device that could create freestanding holograms (think: Princess Leia in “Star Wars: A New Hope”). The device could also be used to create sensors for self-driving cars. 💡
Shop
Your holiday music just got better. 1byoneaudio sells high quality and easy-to-use turntables equipped with incredible sound quality and hi-fi speakers, plus some that connect to Bluetooth headphones. Think: a great gift for the record lover in your life (or even an early present for yourself). 🎶*
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Boston Christmas Trees gives a free gift to all kids who visit. | Photo via @bostonchristmastrees
There’s something special about a real Christmas tree — whether it’s excitement of picking out the perfect pine or the woody, wintry fragrance that fills your home. Plus, snagging a fresh tree supports local businesses, so it’s a win-win.
We rounded up three spots to find your Christmas tree and deck the halls (aka your home).
EverGreen Delivery will bike your tree straight to your home. After you pick the perfect tree, hit the Snowportwinter wonderland.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Sara.
Editor’s pick: There’s a lot to talk about with this week’s royal visit, but one story takes the crown. An eight-year-old from Somervilledressed up as a British guard and was able to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday. How brilliant. 👑
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