Take a moment to Exhale this weekend. We’ve curated Weekend plans for couples, friends & families so you don’t have to! All the information you need in a step-by-step guide to make your planning easier.
It’s a Date
Saturday, Dec. 15
Do This
Channel your inner Michelle Kwan with a night of ice-skating in Kendall Square. The Community Ice Skating Rink is free all day for the 13th Annual Holiday on Ice Celebration. Show off your skills on the rink or your outfit at the hot chocolate bar (no judgment). At 2 pm Joy Skate Productions will put on a free, professional skating show with international competitors.
Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square
11 am–9 pm
Free admission
300 Athenaeum St., Cambridge
Limited street parking, Kendall Square T stop
Then What?
Warm up after your skating frenzy at Cambridge Brewing Company just down the road. Their house beers utilize only water, malt, hops and yeast to create nuanced flavors from caramel notes to herbal gruit. If you’re hungry they offer an extensive food menu. Snack on salt and vinegar fries (you did just burn all those calories on the rink). Or choose from a selection of salad, pizza, entrees and burgers for a larger meal.
Cambridge Brewing Company
11 am–11 pm
Appetizers $4-10, Sandwiches $11-14
1 Kendall Sq., Building 100, Cambridge
Validated parking at One Kendall Square Garage, Kendall Square T stop
Friends Zone
Friday, Dec. 14
Do This
Forget Pinterest, visit the CraftBoston Holiday show for maker-made products and DIY inspiration. The three-day festival celebrates contemporary art, craft and design and features over 175 local and national artists. In addition to product and supply booths the show features lectures by local crafters. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, for yourself or just looking to get inspired, CraftBoston has something for every creative spirit.
Hynes Convention Center
11 am–7 pm
$15/person
900 Boylston St., Boston
Limited street parking, Hynes Convention Center T stop
Then What?
Once you’re tuckered out from shopping, head to the South End for “Man in the Ring,” a powerful show at the Huntington Theatre Company that tells the story of boxer Emile Griffith. Threaded with music and the physicality of a life in the ring, the production highlights Griffith’s multifaceted personality as a gay man, a boxer and an immigrant.
Calderwood Pavilion
8 pm
$20-89
527 Tremont St., Boston
Limited street parking, Back Bay T stop
Then What?
Grab a nightcap at Wink and Nod, a speakeasy down the street from the theater. The old-school decor makes a perfect backdrop for sipping cocktails like 30 Seconds Over Tokyo with Glendalough gin, wasabi syrup, cucumber shrub and smoked paprika. If you’re hungry try one of their house made pastas or choose from a selection of appetizers ranging from grilled squid to confit duck.
Wink and Nod
5 pm–2 am
Cocktails $12-15, Appetizers $10-15, Entrees $19-42
3 Appleton St., Boston
Limited street parking, Arlington T stop
Family Fun
Sunday, Dec. 16
Do This
Head to the Boston Children’s Museum for their Snowmazing! program featuring sock skating and performances by children’s characters from the Wheelock Family Theatre. Kids can skate in a scenic simulated rink with just their socks on and fuel up a nearby hot chocolate bar. For an additional price you can see the children’s show “We are in a Play!” featuring lovable local characters.
Boston Children’s Museum
10 am–5 pm
$17/ticket
208 Congress St., Boston
$9 all-day parking at Atlantic Wharf Garage with museum validation, South Station T stop
Then What?
Walk five minutes to Flour Bakery to sweeten the afternoon with a sticky bun or a chocolate chip cookie. Founded by chef and restaurateur Joanne Chang, Flour sources local ingredients to make delicious and innovative baked goods, breakfast and lunch. If you’re looking for something more substantial try the roasted sweet potato sandwich with blue cheese, walnut pesto, apple and mustard greens.
Flour Bakery
8 am–6 pm
Baked goods $3.50-5, Sandwiches $9-11
12 Farnsworth St., Boston
Limited street parking, South Station T stop