50 things to do in Boston this winter
Keep cold-induced cabin fever at bay with the season's essential events.
1. 6th Annual Yule Ball, Hogwarts-style
If your Deathly Hallows high lasts longer than the time it took to watch the film, head to the Middle East's Annual Yule Ball on Sunday, December 19. The lineup of Harry Potter-inspired bands include wizard rock originators Harry and the Potters, Jason Anderson, Draco and the Malfoys, Math the Band, Potter Puppet Pals and the Whomping Willows. There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of butterbeer available from the unfortunately all-Muggle bar staff (this is no Three Broomsticks, people). 480 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge (617-864-3278, mideastclub.com)
2. 20th Annual Boston Wine Expo
Brush up on your wine knowledge and try the sexiest new varietals this January at the Seaport World Trade Center. This massive event is the largest of its kind in the country, featuring 450 wineries from around the world (translation: over 1,800 wines). Your ticket includes guided tastings, presentations from celebrity chefs, and winemaker “meet and greets.” Advanced warning: prepare to fend off mucho snobs—or better yet, beat them at their own game. Jan. 22-23; $85-$95; 1 Seaport Ln, Waterfront, Boston (877-946-3976, wine-expos.com)
3. 58th Annual Beanpot Hockey Tournament
Originally designed as amateur sports filler event, this annual hockey tournament is a thrilling showdown between the BC Eagles, BU Terriers, Harvard Crimson, and Northeastern Huskies. Even non-students can get caught up in the fierce rivalry between these schools, and tickets to these games are some of the most sought-after in town. Monday nights, starting Feb. 1; locations vary (beanpothockey.com)
4. 237th Anniversary Boston Tea Party Reenactment
John Adams spoke of the Boston Tea Party as an event “so bold, so daring, so intrepid and flexible...that I can't but consider it an epoch in history.” These days, people speak of it in a way that unfortunately usually involves Sarah Palin. Take back this bad-ass piece of Boston history by watching an old-timey cast and crew—including bewigged John Hancock and Samuel Adams—prevent the tea on three loaded ships from landing on American soil, lest citizens be taxed for it. And remember people—we have representation now. $7–$9; 5:30pm, Sunday, Dec. 12; 10 Washington St, Downtown, Boston (617-482-6439, oldsouthmeetinghouse.org)
5. A night at Improv Asylum
Improv Asylum (216 Hanover Street, North End, Boston; 617-263-6887, improvasylum.com) is Boston's standby for locally-sourced improv comedy. Check their website for info on weekly and monthly events. And since the theater is on the North End’s iconic Hanover Street, there are countless options for a post-performance snack or drink. After the show, we suggest heading to nearby Caffé Vittoria for the North End’s best cappuccino. 296 Hanover St, North End, Boston (617-227-7606, vittoriacaffe.com)
6. Art-house films and Southern fare
Exaggerated explosives, saccharine rom-com and lackluster 3D just don't do it for you anymore? For those craving art-house, documentary, indie or foreign films, Kendall Square Cinema offers a sweet reprieve. The winter lineup is stellar: Tiny Furniture will resonate with liberal-arts majors, Bhutto is the Benazir Bhutto biopic, and who isn't looking forward to Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in Black Swan? (1 Kendall Square, Cambridge; 617-499-1996, landmarktheatres.com) Tip: If you go to nearby Hungry Mother (233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Kendall Square, Cambridge; 617-499-0090, hungrymothercambridge.com) beforehand, you can actually order movie tickets with your meal. Step 1: Eat hearty yet elegant Southern cuisine. Step 2: Walk across the street. Step 3: Watch movie. Easy as pie.
7. The Boston Music Awards
The BMAs are in their 23rd year, but it’s not the same old song and dance this time around. With up-and-coming party-throwing powerhouse Hub Media taking the reins (they were the muscle behind this past summer’s Boston Urban Music Project Fest that brought 35,000 people to Government Center), expect more irreverence and local relevance. They’ve even swapped out that lame old French horn logo for an image of our boy Paul Revere with a boombox, and picked up some fresh new media sponsors, Time Out Boston (wink, wink). Dec. 5, 8pm. The Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St, Beacon Hill, Boston (617-224-4000, libertyhotel.com)
8. Brunch at Aquitaine
Anywhere else, $10 will get you a burrito and a large soda. But at Aquitane you get a satisfying prix fixe brunch, which includes fresh juice, coffee, house-made cinnamon buns and an array of continental omelettes in a proper restaurant with white tablecloths and stemware in the posh part of the South End. Aquitaine brings out the Holly Golightly in us: if we must pinch pennies this year, we'll do it in style, thank you very much. Try to make reservations beforehand, as it does tend to get packed in the mornings on account of the outrageously low price. 569 Tremont St, South End, Boston (617-424-8577; aquitaineboston.com)
9. Candlepin bowling at Sacco's Bowl Haven
For those seeking fun, cheap and unconventional group activities, candlepin bowling at Sacco's is a frequent favorite. This oasis of TV-free, retro splendor uses paper scorecards, has a jukebox and has generally retained much of its character despite recent renovations. They also serve organic pizza with eccentric toppings, plus an impressive selection of wine and local beer. 45 Day St, Davis Square, Somerville (617-776-0552, saccosbowlhaven.com)
10. Cambridge Antique Market
Compulsive garage sale browsers, jewelry collectors, interior decorators and treasure-hunters of all kinds love the Cambridge Antique Market for its five floors of vintage and antique finds and its T-accessible location. Most of the dealers specialize in specific items and eras, so ask around if you’re looking for something specific. They've also got an entire basement of refurbished vintage bicycles. Only the bravest of cyclists would consider the New England winter ideal riding weather, so you might just get a great deal. 201 Monsignor O’Brien Highway, East Cambridge (617-868-9655, marketantique.com)
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