Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Photo by divertingbailey on Flickr

Nudity! (Sort of)
The SSRun

Santa hats and Speedos are a match made in the North Pole, apparently. Boston’s 14th annual SSRun (lovingly referred to as the “Santa Speedo Run”) will unleash hundreds of men and women donning only Santa hats and bathing suits on Boylston and Newbury Streets. What started in 2000 as five friends looking to spread holiday cheer has grown into a major charity event, raising more than $1.6 million for children in need. This year, proceeds will be donated to the Play Ball! Foundation. “It’s a very quick jaunt,” says SSRun Coordinator Jen Harney. “There’s a direct correlation between the duration of the run and how cold it is outside.”

Saturday, December 6, 1 p.m., beginning and ending at Lir, 903 Boylston St., ssrunners.org.

Mystery
A Deadly Christmas Carol

Mystery Cafe presents A Deadly Christmas Carol this weekend, putting a comical and sinister twist on the Dickens classic by introducing Scrooge’s new trophy wife, Holly. This murder mystery dinner theatre show takes place at the MIT Endicott House, a 1934 French manor-style mansion. Sleuthing will work up an appetite for the holiday buffet style menu, which includes broiled Thai salmon, penne pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and vodka sauce, a carved beef station, and more.

$75, Friday, December 5, 7 p.m., MIT Endicott House, 80 Haven St., Dedham, zerve.com.

Art
CraftBoston Holiday

Calling all artists, collectors, and craft-enthusiasts: Boston’s premier holiday craft fair will showcase one-of-a-kind creations from 175 exhibitors. Presented by The Society of Arts and Crafts, CraftBoston also includes a free lecture series which will include Meet the Makers and Community Perspectives series. “What’s wonderful about it is the audience is invited and urged to talk to the artists and learn a little bit about the process,” says Lisa Mackin, marketing and communications manager for the Society of Arts and Crafts. “Our goal is to educate the public about contemporary craft as well as its impact in our lives.”

$15, Friday, December, 5, through Sunday, December 7, Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., societyofcrafts.org.

Fountain Street Open Studio

Fountain Street Studio in Framingham is holding its 21st Open Studios Weekend, opening its doors for the public to visit artists in their workspaces and learn about their process. Art ranging from photography and sculptures to jewelry and mixed media will be on display—and for sale. “We have about 30 artists who will be showing their works,” says Amy Weader, chairwoman of the Open Studios event. “Each individual artist has their own vision and way of working, so it gives you a chance to talk to the person who created the art to find out how it was done and why it was done.”

Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fountain Street Studio, 59 Fountain St., Framingham, fountainstreetstudios.com.

Shopping
Holiday Shopping Stroll

The North End is offering more than delicious Italian food during the evening this weekend, as 20 boutiques and shops stay open late for the 8th annual Holiday Shopping Stroll. By getting your “passport” stamped at each shop, you’ll have a chance to win a gift basket filled with goodies from participating stores like Cataldo Interiors and Luigi & Lola. There will also be free hot chocolate and postcards at the holiday tree on Cross Street.

Friday, December 5, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Hanover and Salem Sts., northendwaterfront.com.