Five Reasons to Leave the House this Weekend
Photo by Mario Testino. Currently on display at the MFA.
Outdoor
Holiday on Ice
It’s officially winter in the city, so dig out those old ice skates from the back of your closet. Ice skating is the perfect holiday activity to enjoy with family and friends, and this event at the outdoor rink in Cambridge combines holiday fun with a free skating show. Frozen Frog Productions kicks off their live show at 2 p.m., with professional skaters and performers who have performed all over the world. After the show, free admission to the rink resumes and skaters can skate with and meet the performers. Local performers will also be featured later, and there will be free food and hot beverages all day. Admission to the rink is free from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., so stop by early or stay late. If it’s anything like last year’s event, it’s sure to be a fun day for the whole family.
Free; Saturday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Kendall Square Ice Rink, 350 Kendall St., Cambridge; 617-492-0941; blog.paddleboston.com
Music
Kenny G Holiday Show
Relax this weekend by going to this renowned jazz musician’s concert at the Wilbur Theatre. Kenny G is a smooth jazz saxophonist, and arguably the most influential musician of the modern era. Not only is he the best-selling instrumental musician, he is also the best-selling jazz musician of his time. His global sales reach over 75 million, and his holiday album, Miracles, is the best-selling holiday album of all time. If all these records weren’t enough, he also holds the Guinness World Record for longest note every held on a saxophone. Don’t miss your chance to catch the modern legend in concert.
Tickets $40-49.50; Sunday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m.; Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St.; 617-931-2000; thewilburtheatre.com
Royal Art
Royal Tea at the MFA
Have all the news about a royal baby brought out your inner-Anglophile? This event can help, which is a complement to the Museum of Fine Arts’ exhibition “Mario Testino: British Royal Portraits.” The MFA’s restaurant Bravo will host Royal Tea on Sunday, and will serve an assortment of finger sandwiches, savories, and confections. Aside from these delicious British treats, there will also be a wide variety of teas, and you can even indulge on a glass of champagne, sherry, or brandy from Bravo’s extensive wine list. This is the last Sunday the event will happen, so enjoy your opportunity to channel William and Kate for the day. Reservations are recommended.
$28 (alcohol not included); Sunday, Dec. 16, 3-4:30 p.m.; MFA, 465 Huntington Ave.; 617-369-3474, mfa.org
Sweets
Boston Chocolate Workshop
This event is a chocolate-lover’s heaven. Put on by the Boston Chocolate School, the class will make you regret saying you ever hated school. Taught by a professional chef, this workshop is designed for people with no prior knowledge. Learn how to make your own amazing truffles, with anything ranging from champagne to peanut butter. Get educated in the chocolate-making process and in the different varieties of chocolate. Best of all, you leave the class with a supply of 30-40 truffles. Advanced tickets are required, so reserve your space early (workshops happen every Saturday).
$75, Saturday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.; Elephant & Castle Restaurant, 161 Devonshire St.; 781-784-7469; bostonchocolatetours.com
Holiday Theater
Black Nativity
This theatrical show uses dance, music, and poetry to tell the story of the traditional Christmas. The show, called “the Black community’s holiday gift to the world,” has been running since 1970. Produced by the National Center of Afro-American Artists, it is based on the Gospel of St. Luke and combines the powerful story with the poetry of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes. It promotes messages of joy, hope, victory, and liberation for this holiday season. This Boston production is the longest play based on Langston Hughes’ powerful poetry. It opens this weekend and runs through the 22nd.
Tickets $18-45; Dec. 14-Dec. 22; Blackman Auditorium, 342 Huntington Ave.; 617-585-6366; blacknativity.org
