Curious about your fellow Bostonians search history? Let’s take a look together. | Photo by @oschapov
It may come as no surprise that Damar Hamlin was one of the most-searched people on Google this year — but what about the fact that Boston ranked second in the US for “bike shop near me” searches? Boston was also in the top five trending searches for the TV Show “Shrinking.”
2023’s “Google Year in Search” is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were Googling most this year (plus, our answers to your searches — we may not be Google, but we know a thing or two about where to find bike shops and local workouts).
Unique local searches
Top trending tours | Taylor Swift and “The Eras Tour” took the top spot, with “Renaissance World Tour” in second.
Top trending shows | We clearly all needed to see how Boston was depicted in the top show, “The Last of Us.” The second most-searched show was “Daisy Jones and the Six.”
Five top trending “near me” searches in the Boston area
Air quality near me | We might be a resource for the weather, but we will leave the air quality rates to the experts.
Movie theaters near me | You might already know your favorite nearby theater, but let us turn you on to a local community home theater: Wenham Street Cinema. Visit the Jamaica Plain home for “Elf” on Friday, Dec. 15.
Holiday Truffle & Beer Pairing Flight | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 12-9 p.m. | Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston | Price of purchase | The exclusive flight will feature four delicious truffles: Nilla Wafer, Oreo, gingerbread cookie, and sugar cookie, perfectly complemented by a curated selection of four brews.
Holiday Party 2023 | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Sanofi, 450 Water St., Cambridge | Free | Join the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and get in the holiday spirit with a charitable donation to Cambridge-based organizations.
Murder Mystery Dinner: Theater Camp | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St., Boston | $45 | Dive into the world of suspense, intrigue, and high school drama as participants mingle with the the local drama scene and work to solve a murder mystery.
Friday, Dec. 15
Ugly Sweater Party | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7-10:30 p.m. | Lamplighter Brewing, 284 Broadway, Cambridge | Free to attend | Don your most festive pullovers and enjoy decadent seasonal ales.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker | Saturday, Dec. 16-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Boch Center, 270 Tremont St., Boston | $29-$69 | This modern holiday retelling features a ballet, jazz, and hip-hop performance.
Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m. | TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston | Prices vary | Cheer on the local NHL team against the Rangers.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Ugly Sweater Drag Bingo | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 6 p.m. | Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr., Boston | Free to attend | Play a round or two of bingo with a side of sensational drag performances at the Fenway food hall.
The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement is accepting applications for its annual 2024 Community Empowerment grants. Nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $500,000 to support programs that empower and improve outcomes for men and boys in Boston.
Film
Matt Damon and Casey Affleck were spotted at Boston City Hall this week filming scenes for their movie “The Instigators.” The pair had been seen earlier in the year working on this film at several locations in Boston, like Bova’s in the North End, Back Bay, and Cambridge. “The Instigators” is expected to be released next year. (7 News)
Number
5,500. That’s the number of tea donations collected from all 50 states for the 250th Boston Tea Party anniversary. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Staff have filled crates with donations, plus 250 pounds from London’s East India Company. All tea will be thrown into Boston Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 16 as part of the reenactment.
Active
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the 2023 Winter Soccer 7v7 Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 26-Saturday, Dec. 30. The free tournament is open to youth players in grades 7-12 at Northeastern’s Carter Playground Bubble. The deadline for registration is Monday, Dec. 18.
Prepare to ride for a cause on Feb. 24, 2024 — The Parkinson’s Revolution is hosting a fundraiser at B/Spoke Studios at 54 Old Colony Ave. to generate awareness and funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Riders who reach $250 will get a tank top (or t-shirt) to ride in at the event.
Wellness
This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. (Even better? Our readers get 30% off.)*
Shop
Wondering what to gift your favorite beer lover? Enter: The Luminary Society — Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s membership program filled with perks like access to exclusive bottles, beer tastings, and member-only events all year long. Learn more + sign up for 2024.*
Featured Deal
Need gift ideas? Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with one of Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport’s special room offers and packages (think: a Bed & Breakfast Package, a Breve Spa Package, special rates + more). Happy holiday shopping, BOS.*
Drink
Warm up with these hot chocolate sips
Hot chocolate sips in Boston
It’s not just a cup of hot chocolate it’s the Worlds Best Cup of Hot Cocoa. | Photo via Night Shift Brewing
No matter how you top it (we vote for extra marshmallows + a candy cane to stir) hot chocolate is one of the most festive drinks of the season.
Here’s where you can find a cup of cheerful cocoa in Boston.
L.A. Burdick Chocolates, 220 Clarendon St. + 52 Brattle St., Cambridge
For the finer chocolate drinkers, this store has the classic flavors and single source options with something for every palate.
Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Hwy., Everett
Head over to the Everett location to sip one of the seasonal specials, like the World’s Best Cup of Hot Cocoa made with rum, orange spritz, whipped cream, and orange zest.
Stephanie’s on Newbury, 190 Newbury St.
Don’t miss out on the hot chocolate flight, which you can enjoy with or without cordials.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St.
Cozy up with a book and a cup of hot chocolate or white hot chocolate at this Newbury Street cafe.
The Buy
The Buy 12.14.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A tried-and-true gift recommended by our editors. Think: cozy slippers, cordless vacuums, and weighted blankets.
If you’re going to be downtown for the 250th Boston Tea Party anniversary, stop by the oldest continuously running restaurant for a historic libation. The Union Oyster House will be pouring a few drink specials ahead of the tea party.
Sip on the “Boston Tea Party,” a “Louis Phillippe,” or try a “JFK.” Cheers.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.