4 min read
Exhale’s arts and entertainment expert has curated Boston’s best weekend happenings, so you don’t have to.
It’s a Date
Saturday, Nov. 24
Photo: Diablo Glass School/Facebook
Heat up date night at Diablo Glass School for a glassblowing demonstration.
Do This
Heat things up this date night with a wine tasting and glassblowing demonstration at Diablo Glass School. Sip on a full-bodied merlot paired with a wedge of brie while expert glassblowing instructors explain the history and science behind their craft and show you a number of different techniques. Like what you see? Diablo offers classes for making stained glass, vases, pendants and more.
Diablo Glass School
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
$35 per person
123 Terrace St., Boston
Limited street parking, Roxbury Crossing T stop
Then What?
Walk 15 minutes to The Squealing Pig, a comfort food and craft cocktail hotspot. Sample the seasonal braised sirloin Guinness stew or try one of five different burgers running the gamut from veggie to beef to lamb. If you’re more interested in liquids try the Boss Hog with bacon-infused bourbon, maple syrup and bitters.
The Squealing Pig
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Appetizers $5-$10, entrees $10-$17
134 Smith St., Boston
Limited street parking, Brigham Circle T stop
Friends Zone
Friday, Nov. 23
Do This
Photo courtesy of Macy's
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at a tree-lighting. Macy’s in Downtown Crossing hosts one of the first.
It only takes Boston one day after Thanksgiving to get into the holiday spirit. Embrace the festivities starting with the tree lighting at Macy’s Downtown Crossing. At 5 p.m. the tree will be lit outside the store and onlookers can enjoy performances by The Boston Children’s Choir, Grammy-nominated R&B singer Keri Hilson, and Indie pop/rock duo Heffron Drive. If you do any holiday shopping while you’re there, Macy’s will throw in a free gift.
Macy’s Downtown Crossing
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Free admission
450 Washington St., Boston
Limited street parking, Downtown Crossing T stop
Then What?
Photo: Classic Harbor Line
Warm drinks, jazzy tunes and holiday decor set the mood on this festive cruise around Boston Harbor.
From there, take to the seas for a Cocoa & Carols Cruise on Classic Harbor Line’s vessel Northern Lights. The luxury yacht will be dressed to the nines in festive decorations and you can dance to (or just sit back and enjoy) jazzy holiday tunes performed by The Benjamin Young Quartet. Hot cocoa and treats will be provided to keep you cozy during the cruise around the Boston Harbor.
Northern Lights
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
$48 per person
60 Rowes Wharf, Boston
Limited street parking, Aquarium T stop
Then What?
Photo: Caitlin Cunningham
Better Sorts Social Club knows how to sling a martini.
Enjoy a night cap at the newly opened Better Sorts Social Club downtown. Female bar lead Naomi Levy serves up cocktails that turn kitchen basics like kale, pasta water and collared greens into delectable drinks. Start with the bestselling El Chopo with mezcal, zucchini syrup, lime and pineapple tepache and see where the night takes you from there.
Better Sorts Social Club
5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Cocktails $11-$17
90 Tremont St., Boston
Limited street parking, Park Street T stop
Family Fun
Sunday, Nov. 25
Do This
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science
Museum of Science features a fun model trains exhibit, which is great for kids.
Check out the Museum of Science’s newest temporary exhibit “All Aboard! Trains at Science Park.” The show delves into a winter wonderland of miniature trains in three different scales and styles. Kids can create their own tracks, engineer a layout, and move trains throughout their routes. Expert model train makers will be on hand to answer questions about the art and science behind their craft. Don’t forget: You can get free passes at your local Boston Public Library branch.
Museum of Science
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$28 per adult, $23 per child
1 Science Park, Boston
On-site parking $23 per day, Science Park T stop
Then What?
Photo courtesy of CambridgeSide Galleria
Photographer Steve Bennett and designer Luis Socorro have created contemporary, moving art at CambridgeSide Galleria.
Pop by CambridgeSide Galleria, just a five-minute walk from the museum, to see its newest video wall art display. Photographer Steve Bennett has partnered with designer Luis Socorro to create engaging, moving art projections. If your family celebrates Christmas, your kids can also get professional photos taken with Santa for free while you’re at the mall. Families receive two prints and a digital download.
CambridgeSide Galleria
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free admission
100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge
On-site parking $3 for 3 hours with validation; Lechmere T stop
Then What?
Top off a sweet weekend with a scoop of Toscanini ice cream. The local favorite boasts an outpost just a three-minute walk from the Galleria and features seasonal flavors like pumpkin Fluff, burnt caramel, Vienna Finger cookie, and apple cider. Grab a coffee or tea from an extensive café menu to keep up with the kids, or treat yourself to your own sundae — we know you deserve it.
Toscanini’s
10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
One scoop $4.25, two scoops $5.50
159 First St., Cambridge
Limited street parking, Lechmere T stop
