We’re seeing Green (Line) 💚

Green Line Extension rides into Medford

Green Line train on tracks heading to Union Square

It’s a big day for Boston transit enthusiasts. | Photo by @kareemxt

By the time you’re reading this, Green Line trains will be journeying along five brand new stations. That’s right, it’s finally opening day for the Green Line Extension.

ICYMI, the Union Square Station opened in March. Now, the remaining stations — East Somerville, Gilman Square, Magoun Square, Ball Square, and Medford/Tufts — are ready for passengers.

Why is this a big deal?

The project has been planned for three full decades, has a price tag of $2.3 billion, and will lead to an estimated 50,000+ train trips per day.

The City of Somerville summed up just how much work has gone into this effort:

“After decades of advocacy, a lawsuit, endless planning, delays, a miraculous win of federal funding, more advocacy, an 11th hour save via a $50 million payment, bridge closures, travel disruptions, and several years of less-than-welcome construction impacts, the Green Line Extension is finally here.”

What’s different?

Get ready for a brand new sound. Frank Oglesby, who has been the voice of the MBTA since 1997, is being replaced with a text-to-speech service on all train lines.

Plus, payment looks a bit different at these new stations. Here’s a look at how to validate your fare before hopping on board.

How can I mark the occassion?

There will be plenty of pomp and circumstance at two community events hosted in Somerville.

🗓️ Opening Day Celebration | Monday, Dec. 12 | 7-8 a.m. | Ball Square Station | Perhaps you were on the historic first ride at 4:45 a.m. If not, you can still stop by to chat with Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and fellow commuters + grab opening day memorabilia.

🗓️ Go Green Line! Community Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 2-4 p.m. | Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave. | Enjoy live music, a children’s choo-choo train, a food truck, hot cocoa, and the opportunity to participate in an oral history project.

Plus, there will be an MBTA ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Medford/Tufts station today at 10 a.m.

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Dec. 12

Peach Pit: Right Down the Street Tour | Monday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston | $73-$128 | See the indie pop band from Vancouver.
The Twelfth Day of Bookmas | Monday, Dec. 12 | 4-10 p.m. | All She Wrote Books, 451 Artisan Way, Somerville | $20 | Book your own 30-minute private shopping experience at the bookstore.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Sacha Lamb Author Talk | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 7-8 p.m. | Coolidge Corner Branch Library, 31 Pleasant St., Brookline | Free | Head to the library for a chat with the author of “When the Angels Left the Old Country,” followed by a Q&A and book signing.
Trivia Tuesday at Lamplighter Broadway | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lamplighter Broadway, 284 Broadway, Cambridge | Free | Show up with a team of 2-6 players and test your knowledge.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Boston Music Awards | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. | Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St., Boston | $20 | Celebrate Boston’s local music scene with some of the biggest regional performers.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Charlestown Holiday Night Out | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 5 p.m. | Various locations, Charlestown | Free | Visit your favorite shops, restaurants, and makers in the Charlestown neighborhood.

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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

35º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

State

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has given Encore Boston Harbor the Bay State’s first license for in-person sports betting. Expect a late January start for sports betting and an early March start for mobile betting at the Everett casino. 🏈 (NBC 10)

Closing

The Dogwood is closing after 27 years in Jamaica Plain. Visit before the last day of service on Saturday, Jan. 14 for wood-fired pizzas, craft beers + cocktails. (Boston Restaurant Talk)

Stat

Boston has seen a 44% decline in individual youth homelessness over the last three years. The city’s “Rising to the Challenge” plan launched in 2019 and has resulted in housing for more than 500 homeless youth.

Featured

Union Oyster House was featured in Food and Wine’s list of “The Oldest Restaurants in the World Where You Can Still Eat a Meal.” The historic downtown eatery was noted for its fresh seafood + the booth commemorating John F. Kennedy’s favorite table. 🦪

Ranked

No. 1. Market Basket is the top Boston-area supermarket in terms of price + quality, according to a recent ranking by Consumers’ Checkbook. The grocery chain beat out contenders like Star Market, Wegmans, and Roche Bros. 🛒

Sports

Now’s the time to buy the sports lover in your life a holiday present, because Fanatics is offering sitewide sales. Easily find licensed sportswear and collectibles like jerseys, hoodies, and outerwear for the world’s most popular sports teams and win the holidays.*

Travel

Where do you plan on traveling in 2023? Prep for authentic exploration with Babbel, the No. 1 language app in the world. Choose from 14 languages and learn through bite-sized, 10-minute sessions that focus on everyday phrases + relevant topics. Snag 55% off your subscription today. 🌏 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Just call us Santa

3 gift shops around Boston

Exterior shot of "Flat of the Hill" in Beacon Hill

There’s no shortage of unique gift shops in Beacon Hill. | Photo by @maddie.yardley

If you tend to procrastinate gift buying or haven’t had much shopping luck at Boston’s many holiday markets, fear not. We’re sharing three of our favorite local businesses with a variety of gift options for everyone on your list.

🎁 Boston General Store
This Brookline shop is all about craftsmanship and sustainable goods. Shop the selection of gift boxes with themes like movie nights, breakfast in bed, or “snuggle + sip.”

🎁 On Centre
Get super local for the holidays with a Jamaica Plain-themed gift, or browse for other gifts like cookbooks, puzzles, and spa day sets.

🎁 The Flat of the Hill
Shop bags, pillows, soaps, jewelry + treats for furry friends at the Charles Street gift shop.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: I recently checked out the Miracle pop-up bar at the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, and it was the perfect dose of holiday cheer.

If you’re planning to stop by, I highly recommend the “Jingle Balls Nog.” It’s a creamy eggnog with Cognac — what more could you want?

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Read up on the concert venue coming to Suffolk Downs.

Connect with us.

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

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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