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10 things to do in Boston for Thanksgiving weekend
BosTen is your weekly guide to the best events and coolest things to do in Boston.
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Give a warm welcome to Boston’s holiday tree
The 45-foot-tall white spruce is scheduled to make her grand entrance on the Common Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. Fun fact: This is the 53rd year a tree has been donated and commemorates 106 years of friendship with Nova Scotia after Boston gave emergency assistance to Halifax after it was devastated by a harbor explosion in 1917. Say “thank you, Nova Scotia!” (Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m.; 139 Tremont St., Boston; free)
Put the FRIENDS in friendsgiving
If you and your pals are still in town, head to Trident Wednesday for its Friendgiving night. The plan is to gather in Trident’s upstairs dining room for a few rounds of board games and to watch Thanksgiving episodes of “Friends.” Plus, there will be some special Thanksgiving meals on the menu to give you the full Friendsgiving experience. (Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m.; 338 Newbury St., Boston; free)
Celebrate Thanksgiving eve three ways
When you think of Thanksgiving eve, you probably think of having one too many at your hometown bar. But this year, you’ve got options. There’s a classic bar crawl downtown with Thanksgiving-themed drinks, a night out at this iconic Dorchester bar, or this lit party at The Grand (in the clurb, we all turkeys). (Wednesday, Nov. 27; various times and locations)
Unwind with a *super chill* game night
Board, card, video, trivia, and drinking games are on the menu at this “playing games” night hosted by Woody Rockwell and Miranda Rae on Wednesday. Bonus: There will be drinks and snacks! (Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 6 to 10:30 p.m.; secret location; $20)
Pre-game Turkey Day with a 5K
Most turkey trots around Boston may be booked, but there are some spots left at Donohue’s Bar & Grill’s 19th Annual Turkey Trot in Watertown. And you wont just feel good from the endorphins: Proceeds benefit the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, too. (Thursday, Nov. 28 at 8:30 a.m.; 87 Bigelow Ave., Watertown; $40)
Cheers the return of a Christmas classic
Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy re-enter the holiday chat at the kick off of the Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Friday. From the grand pas de deux to the enchanting snow scene, expect to see some of the most technically challenging choreography in classical ballet. Bonus: 83 students from the Boston Ballet School will also perform. (Various times and prices; 539 Washington St., Boston)
Visit New England’s largest indoor holiday market
The SoWa Winter Festival opens its doors for the season Friday, bringing together over 100 of the region’s best small businesses slinging everything from food to art to crafts to fashion. A healthy lineup of beloved Boston food trucks will also be making an appearance. (Friday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 22; various times; 550 Harrison Ave., Boston; $10)
Cure your holiday hangover
If you need an excuse to peel yourself off the couch during this week’s inevitable turkey haze, head to SPIN Boston in the Seaport for a round of ping pong. The table tennis club has a $10 deal where locals can play a round for an hour (it’s usually $19), and enjoy their favorite food and beverages for $10 or under all day long. (Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1; 30 Melcher St., Boston; $10)
Shop local on Small Business Saturday
And do it all in one place (or two!). The Long Live Roxbury taproom is hosting a Small Biz Saturday market featuring local makers, food from Flying Boar Kitchen, and live music. Then head to Somerville’s Bow Market for its own Maker Market pop-up. Expect tons of small biz specials, entertainment, prizes, and more. (Saturday, Nov. 30; various times and locations)
Watch the Bruins on the big screen
Can’t stomach coughing up hundreds of bucks for the B’s centennial game? How about $10? NESN is hosting a game watch party on Dec. 1 at the AMC Causeway 13 right next to TD Garden (so, basically the same thing). Attendees will receive NESN x Bruins swag to take home, too. (Sunday, Dec. 1 from 2 to 6 p.m.; 60 Causeway St. Boston; $10)
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