Theater

10 things to do in Boston this weekend

BosTen is your weekly guide to the best events and coolest things to do in Boston.

A scene from Boston Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker." Liza Voll/Boston Ballet

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Welcome to BosTen, your weekly guide to the coolest events and best things to do in Boston this weekend. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter here. Have an idea about what we should cover? Leave us a comment on this article or in the BosTen Facebook group, or email us at [email protected].

View the ISG in its holiday best

That’s the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, by the way. Through the end of January, the museum’s iconic courtyard will get a festive makeover with some holiday-inspired red, green and silver plants. And fun fact: Some of them are grown right in the museum’s greenhouse. (Now through January 31 at various times; 25 Evans Way, Boston; $15-22)

Get your holiday shopping done in the coziest fashion

A.k.a., a holiday stroll. If you’re unfamiliar, a holiday stroll is a cozy night where local businesses stay open to encourage the community to walk around, nibble, sip, and shop together. This week alone, there are strolls in the South End, South Boston, Beacon Hill, JP, Time Out, and way more. (Various times and locations)

Groove to an R&B legend

Ever heard of Trey Lorenz? Well, you’ve definitely heard his voice. He’s a Grammy-nominated R&B artist and producer who has worked with artists like Mariah Carey, TLC, Selena, and Usher. This Wednesday,, he’ll be at Grace by Nia in the Seaport to sing some magical Christmas music. Bonus: There’s an early bird ticket discount! (Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston; $10-15)

Shop fabulous Indigenous-made goods

November might officially be Native American Heritage Month, but the Cultural Survival Bazaar is keeping the party going this week at the Pru, where it’ll be setting up shop Thursday through Sunday. The bazaar is a cultural festival that aims to give Indigenous artists and artisans a space to show (and sell) their work to the masses, from live music and storytelling to art, clothing, and jewelry. (Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 5-8 at various times, 800 Boylston St., Boston; free)

Experience Boston’s newest winter wonderland

Step aside Snowport, there’s a new winter extravaganza in town, aptly named Winterfest, that’s set to open on Thursday in Charlestown’s Hood Park. There will be ice skating, an artisan market, performances, a life-sized gingerbread house, food and drink (including beer and wine) and more. (Thursday, Dec. 5 through Jan. 25; 500 Rutherford Dr., Boston)

See some fine arts, after dark

This Friday marks another one of the Museum of Fine Arts’ “First Fridays,” a late-night music, dancing, and art-making sesh in the museum with cocktails and bites. This time, it doubles as a last chance to catch the “Tender Loving Care: Contemporary Art from the Collection” exhibit before it leaves for good in January. (Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.; 465 Huntington Ave., Boston; $27 GA, free for MFA members)

Make new friends to some old tunes

Greater Boston’s resident “make friends after college” group is meeting up at The Burren in Somerville for a night of ‘80s to ‘00s throwback music this Friday. The group is aimed at 20-to-30-somethings who want to make new friends in the area, and, surprise surprise, it has over 25,000 members. (Friday, Dec. 6 at 8:30 p.m.; 247 Elm St., Somerville; free)

Snag a $25 ticket to a holiday show

Seriously, we’re talking everything from “The Nutcracker,” to “Christmas with the Back Bay Ringers,” and more for the low price of 25 bucks (and a trip to BosTix’s Faneuil Hall BosTix booth). This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the booth will be offering discounted tickets in-person. If you can’t make it, there are also plenty of other deals on its website. (Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston; $25)

Shop on top of the city

And support local women-owned businesses while you’re at it. This Saturday, the Boston Women’s Market is heading to View Boston at the tippy top of the Pru for a sip and shop with city-wide views. There will be food, drinks, and entertainment. Bonus: The Pru’s Holiday Stroll is happening at the same time, back on Earth. (Saturday, Dec. 7 from noon to 5 p.m.; 800 Boylston St, Boston; $10-20)

Have a Merry Drinkmas in the Fenway

The best way to spread holiday cheer … is drinking lots and lots of beer? Well, maybe not, but if you want to, you can find out at Boston’s “biggest santa bar crawl,” aptly named SantaCon. One ticket gets you into eight different bars, all hosting simultaneous holiday parties. Themed outfits are encouraged. (Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8 from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.; various locations; $15-25)

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