Neighborhood Celebrations to Visit this Season
Christmas decorations on Beacon Hill./ Chris Walton via Flicker Creative Commons
With beautiful lights and one-of-a-kind shops, Boston neighborhoods really shine this time of year. To get in the spirit, visit holiday strolls throughout the city—all centered around finding unique gifts and admiring the decorations. Many local stores and restaurants will offer discounts, giveaways, and free bites. Keep your eye out for Victorian carolers in Beacon Hill, or hop in a pedi cab to get to shops in the South End.
Here are four festive holiday strolls not to miss:
When: Wednesday, December 2, 4-9 p.m.
What Not to Miss: Park for free at 540 Harrison Avenue, and take a pedi cab to any of the 32 participating shops, like Olives and Grace, Lekker Home, and Follian. Enjoy discounts at stores and restaurants throughout the neighborhood, and share a photo of your favorite purchase to enter to win a gift basket.
When: Friday, December 4, 6-11 p.m.
What Not to Miss: Pick up a passport and wind through the narrow streets to check out area wine shops, boutiques, design studios. Participating businesses, including Lulu’s Sweet Shope, Cataldo Interiors, the Wine Bottega, and others will have balloons out front. Meet Santa at the corner of Hanover and Cross Streets, where they’ll be free hot chocolate.
When: Friday, December 11, 4-8 p.m.
What Not to Miss: Stop by a gingerbread exhibition at the BSA space on Congress Street. Visit the Envoy for the Fort Point Arts Community Pop-up Shop, with crafts and jewelry by local artists. Get $1 oysters at the Barking Crab and a complimentary hot chocolate at Barrington Coffee Roaster, if you are shorter than the oxcart wheel.
The Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll
When: Thursday, December 10, from 6 p.m.
What Not to Miss: Charles Street will be closed for Victorian carolers and shoppers. Free horse and buggy rides, and a brass band are all part of the celebration. Earlier in the day, kids can visit Santa at Hill House fire house, followed by a tree lighting later in the evening.
