3 min read
Take a moment to exhale this weekend. We’ve curated weekend plans for couples, friends and families so you don’t have to! This is all the information you need in a step-by-step guide to make your planning easier.
It’s a Date
Saturday, Dec. 22
Photo courtesy of Assembly Row
Assembly Row offers festive decorations and free holiday concerts every Saturday.
Do This
Add some rhythm to your holiday shopping with a free holiday concert by local deejays Guillermo Hamlin of Guowcast and Convivial Uncle Dan of All that Jingles at Assembly Row. Every Saturday leading up to Christmas, the commercial hub plays festive tunes among their holiday decorations. Even better, Assembly Row has partnered with Lyft so you can get 50 percent off a ride to the concert with the code “ASSEMBLYROW18.”
Assembly Row
12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Free admission
355 Artisan Way, Somerville
3 hours free parking on site, Assembly T stop
Then What?
Photo courtesy of Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
Put your Sherlock Holmes knowledge to good use at this Murder Mystery dinner.
Spice up your dinner date with the drama (and comedy) of the Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show at the Holiday Inn in Somerville. You’ll solve a hilarious murder case while being treated to a four-course, plated dinner. Part meal, part show, part interactive investigation, this Sherlock Holmes-style event is America’s largest interactive murder mystery dinner show. Study up before you go: whoever has the best sleuthing skills wins a special prize package.
Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill
6 p.m.–9 p.m.
$69.95 per person
30 Washington St., Somerville
Free parking on-site
Friends Zone
Sunday, Dec. 23
Do This
Combine brunch and shopping this weekend at the Row 34 Holiday Pop-Up Shops. Catch up with your friends over a mimosa and a dozen oysters (they’re known for them!), then browse the offerings of local makers. Among others, local artist Lisa Knox offers ocean-inspired prints and ornaments, perfect for the New England home, and Elisa H. Hamilton features paintings, prints and cards bringing everyday items to life with her signature, bold color palette.
Row 34
4 p.m.–6 p.m.
Free admission
383 Congress St., Boston
Limited street parking, South Station T stop
Then What?
Courtesy Gabrielle Schaffner
Find ceramic pieces by artist Gabrielle Schaffner at Fort Point Art Community Gallery
From there walk down the street to the Fort Point Art Community Gallery at the Envoy Hotel. The chic space features local FPAC artists and beautiful views of the Financial District across the water. If you feel like sweating out some toxins, the space will have a pop-up mobile sauna from 1–5 p.m. or you can pop up to the Envoy rooftop bar, which uses heated, technicolor igloos to keep drinkers toasty warm in the outdoor space.
Fort Point Arts Community Gallery at the Envoy Hotel
12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Free admission
70A Sleeper St., Boston
Limited street parking, South Station T stop
Family Fun
Friday, Dec. 21
Photo courtesy of Stone Zoo
Enjoy a holiday light show this weekend at Stone Zoo.
Do This
Bring the kids out to Stoneham for ZooLights, a holiday lights festival bringing cheer to the animals and exhibits around the Stone Zoo. Stroll through the brightly lit Yukon Creek area and see bald eagles, Canada lynx, Arctic foxes and reindeer, appropriate for the season. Even the new Caribbean Coast exhibit is decked out for snow season. You can purchase extra tickets to have hot chocolate with Santa’s reindeer, and zookeepers will be chatting about the animals at scheduled times throughout the evening.
Stone Zoo
5–10 p.m.
$12 per adult, $10 per child
149 Pond St., Stoneham
On-site parking
Then What?
Drive eight minutes to Turner’s Seafood Grill and Market in Melrose for dinner. After four generations in the wholesale fishing industry, Turner’s has branched out into restaurants (they have three around Massachusetts). The menu is based around fresh, high-quality seafood and cozy New England classics like clam chowder, lobster and scallops. For picky eaters they offer a separate kid menu with standards like mac and cheese and chicken tenders.
Turner’s Seafood Grill and Market
3:30–10 p.m.
Appetizers $6-$13, Entrees $15-$32, Kids $6.50-$13.99
506 Main St., Melrose
On-site parking
