Johnny’s List of Quirky Boston Events: 12/21/08

12/21/08 by

It’s a tough week out there if you want a break from family goodness or merchant madness! But I found a few gems for you. Happy holidays. 🙂

-Johnny


The Week in Weird
Scandal Tour of Gore Place Dec 26 Metro West
The event of the week is a breath of fresh non-Xmas air at Gore Place, the historical mansion. They’re doing a special “scandal tour” all about what made for 18th and 19th century scandals in the time where you couldn’t show a little ankle. It’s essentially the only non-Xmas thing happening this week.
52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA.(781) 894-2798. more
All-Night Israeli Dance Marathon Dec 24 – Dec 25 Boston Metro
But wait! Here’s another. Who doesn’t like dancing? I’m guessing this event is a lot of fun and they’re inclusive of anyone interested in Israeli dance. Dec 24 @ 6pm-4am.
MIT Walker Gym, 142 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA. more
Xmas Day: Movies, Chinese Restaurants, and a few Bars Dec 25 Boston Metro
Now Christmas Day itself, that is a problem. A few movie theatres will be open. Restaurants are closed by law but a few bars will be open. Here’s one, for example, The Fireplace in Brookline. And see IMDB for a list of movie theatres.
Various Locations, Boston, MA. more
more
Explore Jewish Boston by Foot on Christmas Day Dec 25 Boston Metro
Also Christmas Day, see a walking tour of Beacon Hill, focusing on Jewish history. Reserve in advance.
Meet at Milk St near Devonshire St, Boston, MA. more
Grand Menorah Lighting on Boston Common Dec 21 – Dec 29 Boston Metro
And there will be menorah lightings on Boston Common every day, including Xmas.
Boston Common near Park St. Subway, Boston, MA. more

Ho Ho Holidays
Holiday caroling – High Street Hill Dec 24 Boston Metro
Always Christmas Eve at 5:45pm on the Upland Road Green.
Upland Road Green, Brookline, MA. more
Various Churches Have Xmas Concerts Dec 24 – Dec 25 Boston Metro
You won’t have to look far to find a church that has a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service. A couple top picks would be the First Church in Boston, which is Unitarian and shouldn’t be too preachy, 12/24 at 5:30pm. Or the Christmas Pageant at Trinity Church, which is that huge church in Copley Square, 12/24 @ 4:30pm or the Xmas Day Service at 11am.
Various Locations, Boston Area. more
more
ImprovBoston Holiday Spectacular: What the Dickens!?! Dec 18 – Dec 27 Boston Metro
Also if you’re a little tired of the holidays, ImprovBoston will be lampooning the Season of Shopping, Dec 21 @ 8pm, Dec 22, 23, 29 @ 8pm & 10pm.
Cambridge, MA. more

Recurring Events
Harvard Square Holiday Crafts Fair Nov 29 – Dec 23 Boston Metro
Here’s one that looks promising: a church selling goods. I seem to recall that made Jesus angry. Whatever, it’s Christmas! Sat 10-7, Sun 12-6, M-F 12-7:30. Daily Dec 18-23.
Church at corner of Church St & Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA. more
Shaker Supper @ Hancock Shaker Village Nov 8 – Dec 27 Western Mass
You get a tour by re-enactors, an authentic dinner, and a cappella Shaker music from the 1830s. Nov 8, 29, and Dec 27.
34 Lebanon Mountain Rd., Hancock, MA. more
Petting Zoo in front of Seasons Four Furniture Store Nov 21 – Dec 28 Metro West
It’s a merchant event with a petting zoo, Santa, elmo, face painting, singers, balloon animals, etc.
1265 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA.(781)861-1200. more
The Nutcracker Nov 28 – Dec 28 Boston Metro
And… It’s The Nutcracker. If you’re ever going to check out ballet (I haven’t), this would probably be it.
Opera House, Boston, MA. more

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