The global MoI brand is all about science-meets-illusion exhibits. Boston visitors can expect 80+ immersive, mind-bending “Illusion Rooms,” intriguing installations, and images that question our perception vs. reality. The 9,000-sqft STEM experience plays with light and psychics, too.
One of the exhibits is the “Ames Room,” which uses slanted floors to create the optical illusion that makes a person on one side of the room look teeny tiny and the other look giant.
The Boston location also features exhibits with a local twist, like the “Reversed Room,” honoring our city’s rich basketball culture. Meanwhile, the “Building Illusion” exhibit is modeled after one of Boston’s surviving cast-iron arcaded buildings.
MoI Boston is open daily starting at 10 a.m. Get tickets.
Events
Events
Saturday, Dec. 14
HollyGay Market | 11 a.m. | House of Blues | $15 | Shop more than 60 vendors showcasing LGBTQ+ artists, vendors, and makers while drag performers put on a show.
Christmas at the Manse | Through Sunday, Dec. 29 | 11 a.m. | The Old Manse | $9 | The historic home has been transformed for the holiday season — take a 45-minute tour and uncover the enchanting tales woven into its walls.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” | Saturday, Dec. 14-Monday, Dec. 16 | Times vary | The Brattle Theatre, Cambridge | $13+ | Relive the James Stewart + Donna Reed holiday classic shown in 4K.
Sunday, Dec. 15
CraneOutdoors: King Tide Hike | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Castle Hill on the Crane Estate | $24 | Explore nature while learning about extreme high tides and their impacts on the coast, including erosion, debris + salt water damage.
Christmas with the Copley Singers | 3-5 p.m. | Cathedral of the Holy Cross | $10+ | The choral group welcomes the Christmas season with this show directed by Andrew E. Clarkson.
Monday, Dec. 16
Wicked Good Aht Mahket | Monday, Dec. 16-Tuesday, Dec. 17 | 4-10 p.m. | Center for Arts at the Armory, Somerville | Free | Browse and buy creations from local artists at this holiday art market.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
The Millenial Book Group | 7 p.m.-8 p.m. | The Public Library of Brookline | Free | Join other readers from your generation to talk about books.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Lights Run Club | 6 p.m. | Remnant Brewing, Somerville | Free | Lace up your sneakers for a holiday run through festive lights, followed by a post-run pint with your new friends.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics | 7:30 p.m. | TD Garden | $100+ | Cheer on The Cs as they take on the Bulls — they’re not afraid of the horns.
Friday, Dec. 20
Carolers & Cocoa at Prudential Center | 4-6 p.m. | Prudential Center | Free | Get in the holiday spirit with a cup of cocoa + a holiday a cappella quartet featuring NYC and Boston-based singers — what a combo.
Local restaurants are vying for one of 225 liquor licenses available soon thanks to new legislation. Applications will be reviewed next month, and the Boston Licensing Board will begin awarding the coveted licenses in early 2025, mainly across 13 zip codes that could use an economic boost. (The Boston Globe)
Transit
The final MBTA closure of 2024 runs through Friday, Dec. 20. When the Green Line reopens on Saturday, Dec. 21, the subway system will be entirely free of those dreaded slow zones. More T diversions are coming in 2025, but officials say “it won’t be to the level of this year.” (WBUR)
Announced
The city has selected Flour Bakery to manage the Boston Common Concession Pavilion. The local business will start renovating the space this winter, aiming to open in spring 2025. The location will offer the brand’s beloved pastries, salads, sandwiches, and other treats.
Open
Marcelino’s Seaport — a swanky new cocktail bar + Mediterranean-inspired restaurant — is now open on Northern Avenue at the former site of The Daily Catch. The concept hails from Marcelino’s Boutique Bar in Providence and offers elevated craft cocktails with postcard views. Make a reservation.
Concert
“Close to You” hitmaker Gracie Abrams will bring “The Secret of Us Deluxe Tour” to TD Garden on July 24, 2025 with special guest Role Model. Tickets are on sale now.
Arts
The 2025 “Dancing With the Stars” live tour has added a stop in Boston. The show will take over Boch Center’s Wang Theatre on Thursday, Jan. 16 + Friday, Jan. 17, with contestant and Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik hosting. Snag your tickets.
Kids
Boston Family Days — a program that gives Boston Public School families free access to local cultural institutions twice a month on Sundays — is expanding to include three more museums. Starting next month, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, JFK Presidential Library and Museum, and Museum of African American History will join the lineup.
Number
$1,936. Per WalletHub, that’s the average 2024 holiday budget of a Bostonian. The research calculated the max holiday budget for 550+ US cities using metrics like population, income, age, and ratio of savings to monthly expenses. Pro tip: Start with our gift guide.
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by touching grass at a local park or heading to one of these museums in Boston. (Time Magazine)
Holiday
Jingle all the way to The Fenwayfor festive fun. Grab your greenery at The Fenway Tree Farm, then cozy up at The Fenway Chalet, an outdoor beer garden with Cisco Brewers. Enjoy drinks, food trucks, live music, and more — all while supporting Fenway Cares. Plan your visit.*
Theater
Celebrate the holidays with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Boch Center, running now through Monday, Dec. 23. Featuring timeless songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” this festive show brings Dr. Seuss’ heartwarming tale to life on stage. Snag tix.*
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
City Guide
City Guide
✈️ Prepare for takeoff
Delta Airlines is located at Terminal A. | Photo by @kbosairspot
The busy holiday travel season is upon us, and we’ve got a little gift for you. If you’re flying via Boston Logan International Airport, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking + terminal upgrades, to nonstop flights. Smooth travels, friends.
What to know
TSA — according to Logan Airport’s website, Massport and TSA recommend you arrive two hours prior to domestic departures and three hours prior to international departures. We’d say that’s fairly accurate, unless you’re flying during busy hours.
Food and drink
Logan is a hub of eateries with more than 60 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, such as:
Harpoon Tap Room | Terminal A | Settle down after you get through the security line with a local brew.
Pei Wei | Terminal B | Fill up on fresh Asian fare before your flight.
Mija | Terminal C | Grab Mexican cuisine from this Faneuil Hall staple.
Delta One Lounge at Logan | Terminal E | Delta debuted this space on Dec. 11, 2024 at the Sky Club, just off the “living room.” The lounge features a fine dining seafood menu, shower rooms, and a comfy place to relax for passengers with Delta One tickets.
Touch screen compatible gloves. Beat winter dryness + rough skin by keeping hands protected when you’re out and about, thanks to gloves that still let you use your phone.
Hi Boston. The holiday season is flying by, so let’s get some local Hanukkah events on your radar. Don’t miss these:
Latkepalooza | Sunday, Dec. 15 | 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Enjoy storytime and a latke brunch at this family-friendly event at The Vilna Shul; tickets cost $25 per family.
Menorah on Boston Common | Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 4 p.m. | The Chabad of Downtown Boston will lead the lighting of the 22-ft menorah; stay for the live music after.
Seaport Menorah Lighting | Sunday, Dec. 29 | 4:30 p.m. | The Chabad of Downtown Boston will light the community’s 9-ft menorah.
}})
