Plan your new year right here

New Year’s Eve events in Boston

Start 2023 by watching the fireworks light up Boston Harbor. | Photo via @bostonharbornow

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, you probably want to make plans to celebrate soon. Is anyone else wondering where the time went?

We’re here to give you just a few ideas on how to ring in the new year with your friends, family, and loved ones.

🎤 First Night Boston | Various locations | Saturday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m.-Sunday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. | Free | Since 1976, this city tradition has been entertaining Bostonians with a variety of artistic performances, from Copley Square to Boston Common and beyond. Pro tip: Grab your spectating spot along Boston Harbor early for the fireworks display at midnight.

🧊 Ice Sculpture Stroll | Boston Waterfront | 1 p.m.-Dusk | Free | Don your winter boots and view 30+ ice sculptures hosted by local businesses and cultural sites. You’ll find trellis holiday lights at the Christopher Columbus Park and the Winter Optics light exhibit at the Rose Kennedy Greenway along your walk.

🗺️ Historic Wharf District Tour | Boston Harbor Island Welcome Center | 1-2 p.m. | $8 | Take a holiday walking tour of Boston’s historic wharves, led by Liz Nelson Weaver from Friends of the Boston Harborwalk.

👟 Kicks & Confetti Ball | Time Out Market | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | $95 | A ticket to this private bash includes music from a live DJ, an on-site tarot card reader, a $40 gift card for food, and the chance to snap pics in a photo booth. Be sure to leave the dress shoes behind and wear your most stylish kicks instead.

🍽️ Mamma Mia Drag Dinner | Summer Shack, 50 Dalton St. | 6-11 p.m. | $20 | There are two New Year’s Eve shows at the seafood restaurant, aka two chances to sing along to your favorite ABBA songs with the talented cast of drag performers.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20

Holiday Movie Night | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 8 p.m. | PKL, 64 C St., Boston | Free | Head to the Faded Monkey Lounge for a viewing of “Home Alone.”
Darren Criss: A Very Darren Crissmas | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 8 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston | $50-$75 | This one’s for the “Glee” fans — get in the spirit with Christmas tunes from the actor and singer.
Movie Night: “Elf” | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 7-8:45 p.m. | Somerville Public Library, 40 College Ave., Somerville | Free | Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for the Central Library movie night.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Menorah Lighting | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 6-7:30 p.m. | 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston | Free | Join Chabad of Downtown Boston for the annual event with a nine-ft menorah + individually packaged treats.
Wine School | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 6 p.m. | Wild Child, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville | $40 | The one-hour class includes three tasting pours + cheese bites.

Saturday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Brunch | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | Free to attend | Check out the Jamaica Plain brewery’s beer and waffle bar to get in the holiday spirit.

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

40º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain
For those dreaming of a White Christmas — it’s not looking likely this year. Boston hasn’t had snow on Christmas since 2009 + current predictions show rain on Friday and Saturday with sunshine on the holiday. ☀️ (CBS Boston)

Traffic

Planning to hit the road during the holidays? Boston will see peak congestion along I-93 South on Wednesday, Dec. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m., according to AAA. Find more holiday traffic predictions. 🚗

Development

Developers behind the Dorchester Bay City project have made changes to the original proposal. Plans now include more open space along the waterfront + reduced overall square footage. Learn more about the major development planned for where South Boston and Dorchester meet. (Boston Globe)

Open

Wow Tikka is now open at The Fenway. Stop by 84 Peterborough St. for Indian bowl-style entrees + small plates in a casual environment. 🍽️ (Boston Magazine)

Number

$14.5 million. That’s the amount of grant funding that has been awarded to the New England Conservatory. The money will help expand music education for Boston Public Schools students with increased scholarships to NEC Prep. 🎶

Arts

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and that’s certainly true for one Massachusetts resident. Read up on how Southborough native Karen Connell is transforming discarded Dunkin’ cups + other reusable materials into artwork. 🗑️ (Boston Globe)

Learn

You know how to order coffee at Thinking Cup. But can you order coffee in Italian? Babbel can help BOStoday readers learn how to order coffee (and other beverages) in Italian, so they’ll be ready for their next trip to Italy. Want to try it out? For a limited time, snag 55% off your subscription. ☕ *

Travel

You haven’t seen turquoise until you’ve seen this Turks and Caicos oceanfront pool. Top it off with walks on the beach, horseback riding, locally-caught seafood, and a five-star review for the property, and you’ve got yourself a dream Vrbo vacation. 🐬*

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Get into the spirit

21 spots to grab a drink after work in Boston

Cocktail against a tropical wall backdrop

Cheers to the many spots to sip in our city. | Photo by @roxannesboston

Can we interest you in a post-work beverage? Gather your closest friends and colleagues (read: drinking buddies), and hit the town with this guide in tow.

🍹 Daiquiris and Daisies, 100 High St. Pl. | Drink we love: Pineapple Daiquiri
The quintessential post-work drink spot right inside High Street Place is a modern cocktail bar from Joseph Cammarata, who shaped the bar programs at backbar, jm Curley, and Hojoko.

🍷 Barcelona Wine Bar, various locations | Drink we love: Red sangria
With locations in the South End, Brookline, and Cambridge, it’s the perfect spot to wine down with a glass of vino and some tapas.

🍸 Roxanne’s, 6 Beacon St. | Drink we love: In Tokyo
Reservations are recommended to visit the eclectic cocktail bar in Beacon Hill.

If you enjoy eating and drinking out on the town in Boston, answer a few questions to tell us about your dining out experience in this short survey.

CHEERS TO 18 MORE SPOTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: Have you ever wondered how candy canes are made? Check out this behind-the-scenes footage of preparing the sweet treat, courtesy of Hyannis’ Kandy Korner. 🍭

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Find some fun facts about our city.

Connect with us.

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

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