365 Things to Do in Boston - New Tips Daily

"“A Nutcracker…with real soul”

Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker, Boston’s original holiday classic, is back for its 15th season and packed with more magic for the whole family.

Urban Nutcracker puts a modern spin on the 19th Century fairy tale and transports the audience to an enchanted world not unlike their own. Say hello to Clarice & co…you’ve entered the world of the Urban Nutcracker. Strains of Duke Ellington dovetails with the buzz of neon driven by the heartbeat of Tchaikovsky. You could say it is a fusion of modern, multicultural and classical dance…but it’s more! It’s an organic interpretation brought about by a unifying of cultures. This is how art succeeds. This is why classic ballet, urban tap, hip hop, swing, flamenco, step and jazz blend into something special.

Each year the Urban Nutcracker runs at the Back Bay Events Center (John Hancock Hall) in Boston’s Back Bay."

Click here for discounted tickets.

’Tis the season for holiday cheer. There is no shortage of Boston events to put you in the Christmas mood. Check out these 3, provided by Boston.com.

1. Caroling at the Carousel

"The Rose Kennedy Greenway’s Carousel will get even more magical with the holiday season as carolers grace the grounds. Head down to the Carousel to catch performances by The Revels of Cambridge, Chorus Pro Musica of Boston, and the Boston Children’s Chorus on three Fridays in December, respectively. You’ll get free hot chocolate and treats from Boston Public Market vendors likeThird Cliff Bakery, Taza Chocolate, Red Apple Farm, and Daniele, Inc. Plus, the Carousel will be open extra late so you can take a spin until 7 p.m. (December 4, 11, and 18 from 6 to 6:30 p.m., free)"

2. Kiss108's Jungle Ball at TD Garden

"If you have teens, this veers into can’t-miss territory. This year, IHeartRadio and Boston’s Top 40 radio Kiss108 will host a killer lineup for their annual holiday blowout concert, including artists like Calvin Harris, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, 5 Seconds of Summer, and The Weeknd. (December 10 at 7 p.m.; TD Garden; $20+)"

3. Paint Nite Gingerbread House-Making

"Paint Nite, Boston’s grown-up arts-and-crafts corner, is hosting a slue of gingerbread house-making events throughout the season at various bars and pubs around town. Attendees are welcome to sip on beverages and decorate gingerbread houses, pre-built for your convenience (geometry and archictecture don’t mix well with wine). Tickets for any of the 10 upcoming gingerbread house nights are available online now. (December 2-22; $50)"

Click here for the full list of events. 

"This is not your average craft fair - it's more like a party where you can buy stuff!

The Harvard Square Holiday Fair, one of the oldest and most popular fairs in Boston, will celebrate its 30th season in 2015. This year the fair moves to two new locations;

+From December 11 - 13, the fair will be at 50 Church St, 4th floor, with some vendors outside in the courtyard on the corner of Church St. & Mass. Ave.
+From December 18 - 23, the entire fair will move to the lower hall of St Paul's Church at 29 Mt Auburn St. (corner of Bow St. & Arrow St.).

The fair is juried and includes a changing mix of New England craftspeople and world travelling importers featuring many wonderful gift items. There is always a great selection of beautiful, original and affordable gifts. Talking to the craftspeople who make what they sell gives shoppers a connection to what they are buying that is just not possible at the mall, through a catalogue or online.

It's a high energy alternative marketplace with a great soundtrack, where people see old friends and make new ones - a taste of the old Harvard Square. Admission is free."

Treat your loved one to a meal with a view at one of these great restaurants around Boston:

1. Top of the Hub: "A window side table at Top of the Hub may guarantee you one of the best seats in Boston. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows all around, and though it’ll cost you (save a trip here for a special occasion), the bird’s-eye, 360-degree view of the Hub can’t be found anywhere else."

2. Bristol Lounge: "Bristol Lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows give way to a front-row view of the Boston Common. It’s the kind of place you go to for a bougie Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, or the restaurant’s “Burgers and Burgundy” on Wednesdays (choose four variations of the Bristol burger paired with tastings of two Burgundian-style wines)."

3. Legal Harborside: "The third floor of Legal Harborside, the rooftop lounge and bar, offers a killer view of the harbor and the Boston skyline. Cozy up next to the fireplace and order one of 27 wines available while you catch the city’s winter sky."

4. 75: "75 on Liberty Wharf serves up panoramic harbor views. You can enjoy the scene from within the fully enclosed glass walls or take a seat at the outdoor patio surrounded by heating lamps and eat up contemporary dishes such as a tower of crisp fried calamari and roasted garlic bread."

5. Venezia: "Venezia is tucked away in Dorchester. Its location right on the water and away from the hustle and bustle of the city is perfect for taking in the scent of the harbor and the sight of the city skyline."

"Let Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker capture your imagination and transport you to a magical world of brave toy soldiers and dancing candy canes. Follow Clara as she embarks on her journey filled with colorful characters, breathtaking costumes, and majestic scenery. From the captivating dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this enchanting holiday classic - set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky - continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. Whether you're seeing it for the first time or it's an annual treat, kick off your holiday season in grand style making memories to cherish with the ones you love."

Click here for the full schedule.

"Don we now our worst apparel! The Ugly Sweater Run is rolling through Boston, December 12th 2015! Run, walk or prance your way through a winter wonderland of holiday inflatables, music, hot chocolate and even some nice beverages for those folks over 21. Bring your holiday best in sweater form as Best Ugly Sweater, Best Kids Sweater and Best Pet Sweater are dished out with some great prizes. Sign up now with code "BOSTONCAL" for $10 off registration!"

Register by clicking here. 

"ZooLights promises to dazzle visitors of all ages this holiday season. Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to bald eagles, Canada lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes.

• Meet Stone Zoo’s reindeer up close during nightly photo opportunities.
• Enjoy holiday hot chocolate with the reindeer (see registration and full details below).
• Have your photo taken with Santa (see video below).

• Lights, Camel, Action!
  Known as "ships of the desert," dromedary camels are incredibly adapted to harsh, arid environments. Learn more about these animals and enjoy a camel's-eye view of ZooLights!
  Camel Rides: $10 per person
• Gift Shop Discount on Member Mondays: Members receive an additional 10% discount on all gift shop purchases on Mondays. That's a 20% savings! Learn more about becoming a member."

"Kick-off the holiday shopping season with Chrismukkah @ SoWa, the new 3-day holiday festival opening with a very special SoWa First Friday on December 4th.

In addition to amping up the outdoor decorations, turning on the music, and spreading some holiday cheer, they'll be erecting a 6,500 square foot heated tent in the 450 Harrison Ave lot, set to be packed with 50 incredibly talented local artisans ready to show off their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods & treats.

Outside of the "Big Tent", along Thayer Street, they'll of course have their usual assortment of 90 artist studios, 60 boutiques & galleries, and the always amazing SoWa Vintage Market open for business.

For those bringing an appetite, they also have you covered with a few of Boston's most iconic Food Trucks setting up shop outside, as well as Mohr & McPherson Cafe, Cinquecento & Gaslight just next door.

And if that wasn't enough to get you there... parking & admission will be FREE for all patrons!"

Friday, Dec 4: 5-9PM
Saturday, Dec 5: 10AM-5PM
Sunday, Dec 6: 10AM-5PM

Start your weekend off with a bang at the Institute of Contemporary Art. On the first Friday of each month, from 5pm-10pm, the ICA hosts an after hours event, themed around the current gallery exhibitions. First Fridays feature DJs, live performances, gallery talks, specialty cocktails, and more. The Water Cafe at the ICA offers a small bites menu and full bar - this is where you can find the cocktails inspired by the current exhibitions.

This, Friday, December 4th is Wintry Mixer: "It’s holiday party season and no one does it better than the ICA. First Fridays gets festive with spiced hot toddies, holiday song karaoke, art, and revelry. Watch out for the mistletoe."

"The 4th Annual Celebrity Holiday Tree Auction and Toy Drive Kick-off will be held Thursday, December 3rd at the Seaport Hotel. The evening will feature an auction of extraordinary Christmas trees lit and fully decorated by the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins with priceless items from each team attached! This year’s auction will also include the chance to win a dinner with members of the real life ‘Spotlight’ team (who also had roles in the movie!)…and many more exclusive items.

100% of money raised from tickets sold and the auction and raffles will go to Christmas in the City

The Seaport Hotel will be providing tasty nibbles and a cash bar for guests to enjoy during the event; the hotel will again serve as a toy drop-off location for Christmas in the City, beginning Monday, November 30th. You can literally valet your toys, by pulling up to the valet and either handing them off or running them in to the lobby yourself, to make donating quick and easy!

Christmas in the City (http://www.christmasinthecity.org), a 100% volunteer organization, will hold its 27th Annual Holiday Party this year and is expecting to serve thousands more children this year – so they need more support than ever to meet the need. 5,000 children living in shelters, hotels or transitional housing will attend the celebration with their Mom or guardian. The following day, Christmas in the City will give out toys and clothing, serving 13,000 more children whose families have fallen on hard times and otherwise might find nothing under the tree.

Who: Celebrity guests include Santa Claus and Jake & Sparky Kennedy (founders of Christmas in the City) in addition to the many fabulous supporters of Christmas in the City!

Admission price is a donation of $20! Guests are also asked to please bring ONE toy to donate.
Tickets are available at https://citc2015.eventbrite.com

Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center
Situated on the historic waterfront just minutes from the city’s finest shops, museums and attractions, guests will find a fresh approach to hospitality in the AAA Four Diamond, service fee inclusive, Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center. For more information, please visit www.seaportboston.com"