9 Free Events to Enjoy During the Holidays in Boston
See gingerbread house art at the BSA, free films at the Boston Public Library, and take part in First Night festivities.
6th Annual Gingerbread House Design Exhibition / Photo courtesy of BSA Space
BETTER THAN LEGOS
6th Annual Gingerbread House Design Exhibition
Ever wanted to see Boston Symphony Hall in edible form? Stop by the Boston Society of Architects’ annual gingerbread house competition to see 15 designs by local architecture and landscape firms. To celebrate Boston’s years as a hub of innovation, this year’s theme celebrates the city’s “Innovations and Firsts.”
Through Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Boston Society of Architects Foundation, 290 Congress St., Boston, architects.org
TIME FOR A TRIM
Blink! Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree for Charity
The famous Blink! music and light show in Faneuil Hall is partnering with Mobile Cuts Boston this Sunday the 23rd. Get a haircut at their booth, with 10 percent of all proceeds going towards hurricane relief. Meanwhile, enjoy entertainment by Dances with Energy and listen to live music DJ’d by 103.3 AMP RADIO with “Ya Girl Corinne” from noon to 2 p.m.
Dec. 23, 12-4 p.m., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 South Market St., Boston, eventbrite.com
WALKING TOUR
First Night Scavenger Hunt
If you’re the type of hardy New Englander who doesn’t mind spending a little time outside, this event might be for you. Download the free app GooseChase and participate in a scavenger hunt around the city, courtesy of the First Night festivities. A variety of prizes are available, including a one night stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. How well do you know your city?
Dec. 26, various locations, firstnightboston.org.
FILM
Movies at the BPL
Get your sleuth on with the finale to the Boston Public Library’s series of Nick and Nora films. The movies starred William Powell and Myrna Loy, and the series concludes with the second to last film the duo made together as Dashiell Hammett’s detective pair on December 26 at 2 p.m. And if that’s not your taste, there’s also the final film in the library’s French New Wave film series, the Claude Chabrol classic Le Boucher, on December 27 at 3 p.m. Or you can see Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in An Affair to Remember at 2 p.m. at the Central Library on December 28. On December 29, you can see the last of the library’s Gary Cooper series, Friendly Persuasion. And if you’re just not ready to accept that the holiday is over, there’s still one more Christmas themed movie to go: Catch Babes in Toyland on December 29 at 2 p.m.
Various BPL locations, bpl.org.
WHO NEEDS PINTEREST
New Year’s Craft
The holiday season is pure DIY heaven. Join the Boston Public Library for a fun craft workshop to make your own colorful New Year’s hat. Supplies will be provided to the first 20 participants.
Dec. 28, 10-11 a.m., Fields Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library, 1520 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, facebook.com
Music
Boston Baroque Community Concert
Hear a little Handel at the annual free community concert from Boston Baroque. The program features two Handel pieces, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, and singing from soprano Mary Wilson. Don’t forget to register for your free ticket early, though.
Dec. 30, 2 p.m., Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, bostonbaroque.org.
ICE ICE BABY
Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll
Sixteen unique ice sculptures will be lined around Boston’s waterfront this New Year’s Eve. Boston Harbor Now partnered with local waterfront businesses to bring the winter magic all around the harbor.
Dec. 31, 1-4 p.m., Boston Harbor, 15 State St., Boston, facebook.com
HELLO 2018
Boston’s First Night
Boston’s First Night brings special entertainment to Copley and Back Bay every New Year’s Eve since 1975. From noon to midnight, First Night is packed with performances from ImprovBoston, Unitas Ensemble, and TEMPO International Rhythm Section. When the clock strikes 12, stick around Copley Square for a pyrotechnics and light show.
Dec. 31, various times and locations, Boston, firstnightboston.org
START THE YEAR WITH A BANG
Midnight Harbor Fireworks
Ring in 2018 with a sparkling fireworks show synchronized to music. The event is the result of a nearly 40-year tradition and partnership with Boston Harbor Now and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park.
Dec. 31, 11:59 p.m.-Jan. 1, 12:19 a.m., Boston Harborwalk, Boston, facebook.com
