Where to Eat and Drink at City Hall Plaza’s ‘Boston Winter’

The North Pole under construction at Boston Winter. / Photo provided

The grand opening might have been delayed due to lack of winter, but Boston Winter at City Hall Plaza softly opened over the weekend with bratwurst, Swiss fondue, Taza chocolate, and more ahead of tomorrow’s official kickoff.

Tonight, the pop-up festival’s wine attraction, Vinopolis, hosts a tasting and cooking demo with internationally-renowned Israeli chef Uri Jeremias and a lineup of Israeli wines. Jaremias is the proprietor of longstanding Acre, Israel, restaurant Uri Buri, often hailed as one of the top seafood spots in the country.

He’ll offer three courses to pair with selections chosen by Master of Wine Sandy Block, including a riesling from Galilee, a cabernet sauvignon from Samaria, and more. Wines are $13 by the glass or two tastings for $20. The tasting runs from 6-8 p.m. tonight, with Jeremias’s demonstration happening at 6:30 p.m.

If wine is your thing, check out Vinopolis throughout the month, which will continue to host sommelier-led tastings. Upcoming events feature Boston-born “smart bottle” startup Kuvée, 90+ Cellars, J. Lohr, and more.

But you should also know that mulled wine is the official drink of Boston Winter, says a rep for Millennial Exhibitions, the global production company behind the “seasonal experiences” at the Berkshire Bank-sponsored, City of Boston and Boston Garden Development partnership. Find the holiday-in-a-mug for purchase at chalets throughout the plaza (which are free to browse).

Elsewhere at Boston Winter, food fans will want to find the Bavarian Village, an homage to a traditional European Christmas market, complete with bratwurst, pretzels, Swiss fondue, and more. That’s in addition to the Urban Lodge, a beer hall-style setup with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks for sale, as well as snacks. There’s also a French-inspired food stall, called Bon Appétit, with crêpes and doughnuts; and the North Pole, with classic winter comforts, like grilled cheese and soups.

The Chocolate Story will have an educational component, but the main draw will be the daily chocolate menu by Somerville stone grinders, Taza. It will also serve up hot chocolate and cider.

After all, you’re certain to work up an appetite—and a thirst—skating around the giant ice rink.

Free admission, hours vary, beginning daily at 11 a.m., City Hall Plaza, Boston, cityhallplazaboston.com.