For some, this holiday season marks the first spent away from home, while others have done it all before. Winter break lets students escape work and studying, but what is there to do in Boston during the holiday season when students are still here?
As most universities have breaks that allow for a full month of vacation, what can students do for fun while in Boston? Boston is a major city with tons of things to do. Whether it is shopping, sight-seeing or ice skating, there is something for everyone.
During the winter months, the Frog Pond at Boston Common transforms into an ice skating rink. It costs $3 to ice skate and $7 to rent skates. Ticket sales stop half an hour before closing. The rink hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. until 9 p.m, (except Monday , when the rink closes at 5 p.m.) and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Open from Nov. 12 to March 17, the Frog Pond can be one pre-exam stress reliever.
If students are not tied down because they have to cram for finals, there is a tree lighting ceremony at the Boston Common on Thursday, Dec. 4. It takes place on the south side of Beacon Hill and begins at 6 p.m.
From Nov. 14 through Dec. 24, Boylston Plaza will be turned into the “Back Bay Holiday Market.” There are over 100 vendors selling all types of gifts including jewelry, home items, and clothing.
“I’d like to check out the Holiday Market,” said Jenny Lussier, a freshman mathematics major. “It seems like a good place to look for gift ideas. I need to find some things to bring back home for family members and everyone loves crafts and homemade gifts.”
The Winterlights Festival takes place on Dec. 6 and 7 in the Prudential Center. There will be cookie decorating, bell ringers, Nutcracker Players, dance groups and Santa Claus spreading holiday cheer.
“My friends and I are going to find Santa and sit on his lap for a picture,” said Valerie Greenhagen, a freshman political science major.
Also this year, be sure to check out the Enchanted Village at the Hynes Convention Center. In early November, Mayor Menino announced the Enchanted Village would be moved to the Convention Center from its previous location, City Hall Plaza. The Enchanted Village is a “recreation of a New England turn-of-the-century village of brownstones and storefronts covered with snow, populated by animated figures, teddy bears and enchanting animals,” according to the searchboston.com Web site.
The opens on Dec.6 and remains so through Jan. 2. Admission is $1.
Boston has a holiday remedy to offer to music fans. The Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall is one of Boston’s most famous traditions.
Performances begin Dec. 9 and continue through Dec. 31. Tickets range from $22 to $105. For more information, check out www.bso.org or call 617-266-1200.
Another holiday tradition is The Nutcracker. This year is set to be the last of the Nutcracker ballets at The Wang Center. Next year, the theater is going to be home to a traveling performance of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.”
Nutcracker performances are scheduled Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, and tickets range from $19 to $77. Call 617-482-9393 or visit www.wangcenter.org for more details.
Some students’ minds are full of holiday ideas and plans.
“There are some really nice lights and decorations throughout the city. I’ll be shopping at Quincy Market; they have lots of lights there, too. I’m going to see the Nutcracker and maybe the Pops Symphony,” said Lindsey Rynk, a freshman biology major.
Don’t forget that this is the season of giving. There are many children who will not receive anything this holiday season. From Dec. 1 to 12, drop off a new toy or gift at the Customer Service desk at the center court of the Prudential Center. These gifts will go to The Home for Little Wanderers. Presents for teens and babies are particularly needed.
Students can contact this organization by visiting www.thehome.org or calling 888-HOME-321.
Going to be in Boston on New Year’s Eve? First Night Boston is a non-profit organization that hosts a unique alternative New Year’s celebration.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Dec. 31, there will be over 200 performances and activities taking place throughout the city of Boston. The purchase of a $15 First Night button grants admission to all events.
There is a Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center as well as ice sculptures on display throughout the city. Northeastern University’s Ice Sculpting Team will even have a giant Husky on display in Krentzman Quad. Boston’s sky will be illuminated by fireworks twice throughout the evening starting at 7 p.m. and midnight. Be sure to check out www.firstnight.org for more details.
There are many things to do in Boston during this holiday season. Even walking the streets wrapped in layers and scarves drinking hot chocolate will provide a good time and could put anyone in high spirits. In between studying for finals and stressing over what to buy for everyone on those gift-giving lists, take a break and enjoy what Boston has to offer.
