10 things to do in Boston this weekend
BosTen is your weekly guide to not-lame events in the city.
BosTen is your weekly guide to events and cool happenings in and around Boston. Skip Netflix this weekend—here are 10 ways to get out of your home and not be bored in the city. If you’d like BosTen delivered to your inbox every Thursday, click here. Want more things to do? Check out our events calendar at boston.com/events.
Run a Turkey Trot
Hoping to work up an appetite before the big meal? Many towns in the area are holding Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving morning, including Boston, Lowell, and Attleborough. No matter where you are in the state, there should be a Thanksgiving-themed 5K nearby. (Thursday, November 24; various times, locations, and prices; all ages)
Manchester by the Sea
Manchester by the Sea has been getting lots of positive buzz for months now, including a recent four-star review from The Boston Globe‘s Ty Burr. Now, the film set on the North Shore about a Quincy janitor (Casey Affleck) forced into raising his nephew is in theaters this weekend. Burr tries to avoid building the film up too much in his review, but we’ll say it: Kenneth Lonergan’s latest is a masterpiece. (Limited engagement begins Thursday, November 24; various times, locations, and prices; rated R)
The Nutcracker
Along with the arrival of many other holiday standbys, Boston Ballet’s first performance of The Nutcracker is on Friday. Choreographed by Boston Ballet artistic director Mikko Nissinen, the performance is sure to be masterful as always. (Opens Friday, November 25; various times; The Boston Opera House; $35+)
Skating at Frog Pond
With a cold but successful free opening day of skating on Tuesday, the Frog Pond ice rink reopened for the season. Even though skating was only free for opening day, the prices (and the atmosphere) make the Frog Pond a bargain. (Friday November 25 and Saturday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Boston Common Frog Pond; $6 for skaters 58 inches and over, free for skaters 58 inches and under; all ages)
Photos on the Field with Santa at Gillette Stadium
Ever dreamed of standing on the same gridiron that Tom Brady patrols on any given Sunday? Patriot Place is opening its doors for a chance to step on the field and snap a photo with Kris Kringle in exchange for a donation of a gently used coat or hat and glove set to Cradles to Crayons. There will also be free grilled cheese, music from 103.3 AMP Radio, and ice skating while you wait. (Saturday, November 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; Gillette Stadium; donation of clothing or $20; all ages)
Helping the Homeless
Thanksgiving isn’t just about giving thanks, it’s about giving back. We highlighted 60 ways you can give back this holiday season, but one in particular is the Blessing Bags for the Homeless event, hosted by the United Sisters of Color, a local organization that hits the streets each November to hand out bags full of living essentials like toothpaste, soap, and pairs of socks to those in need. (Saturday, November 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Lena Park Community Center; free; all ages)
The Charles Hotel Annual Tree Lighting Event
Though it may not match the pageantry (or television coverage) of the Faneuil Hall tree lighting, Cambridge has a holiday tree lighting ceremony of its own outside the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. Along with live performances and an appearance from Santa Claus, this family-themed event will also have free hot chocolate and cookies from Shake Shack and Henrietta’s Table, respectively. (Saturday, November 26; entertainment starts at 4 p.m., tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.; The Charles Hotel; free; all ages)
Boston Tuba Christmas Concert
More than 150 tuba players will serenade Faneuil Hall with loads of holiday tunes for the 31st consecutive year. (Saturday, November 26 at 2 p.m.; Faneuil Hall Marketplace; free; all ages)
Star Wars Night and Zoo Lights at Stone Zoo
With Rogue One flying into theaters next month, the Stone Zoo is celebrating with a themed Star Wars night that coincides with the opening of Zoo Lights, the festive animal-themed light display that takes over the zoo each winter. Scattered among the animals and twinkling displays will be local members of the 501st Legion dressed in movie-quality Star Wars costumes, on hand to take photographs with adoring fans. The zoo is encouraging visitors to wear their own Star Wars costumes as well. (Sunday, November 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; $9 general admission, $8 for zoo members; all ages)
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