Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
December 19,  2016
Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Deals & Promos
Announcements
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
In The News
Boston Herald: Photos of 243rd Boston Tea Party Anniversary and Reenactment 12/16/16

Boston Globe:
12/16/16

Boston Globe: ArtsEmerson's 'Mala' One of the Best Theater Performances in 2016 12/16/16

WBUR: A Letter to the Mailman in the Post Office Truck in Downtown Crossing 12/14/16

Voice of Downtown Boston: Caffe Nero and Thinking Cup Two Great Places for Hot Cocoa 12/13/16

Sprudge.com: An Interview with George Howell of George Howell Coffee 12/13/16

Boston Globe: Ed Kane Wants to Bring French Restaurant to Masonic Temple on Boylston Street 12/13/16

Boston Globe: Boston Ballet Breaks Ground on New Studio 12/12/16
This Week's Featured Event
Vocal Revolution Performing in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 22nd

The all-male a cappella group Vocal Revolution is performing on Summer Street outside of Macy's on Thursday, Dec. 22nd

This year's winners of WGBH's Sing That Thing, Vocal Revolution, will be singing barbershop-style melodies in Downtown Crossing. They will perform 
from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. This is a free BID-sponsored event.
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Seasonal Sing-Along 
Hosted by Downtown Boston 
Residents' Association on Dec. 21st

The Downtown Boston Residents' Association is hosting a Seasonal Sing-Along to sing carols, hymns and other seasonal favorites. This session will be held at the Paramount Center (Bright Family Screening Room) on Wednesday, Dec. 21st

There will be a cash bar available at 6:30 pm and the event is from 7 to 9 pm. This is a free event, but please click here to register. 
 
CIC Boston Hosting 
Winter Solstice Social on Dec. 21st

CIC Boston (50 Milk St.) is inviting clients, partners and friends to celebrate the winter solstice at its brand new Lighthouse event space on the 20th floor on Wednesday, Dec. 21st.
There will be merry-making, drinks and food in CIC Boston's sleek and spacious venue overlooking the Boston skyline. The CIC team will be available to answer any questions about hosting events in Lighthouse or other venues at CIC Cambridge or CIC Boston. This is a free event, but registration is requested by clicking here. This event is from 4:30 to 7 pm  
Arch Street Band Performing Dec. 21st 

The Arch Street Band will be performing a concert "Enter Into Participation" at St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St., 2nd Floor Church) at 6 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 21st. Refreshments will be served after the concert.  
 
Last Week for Santa, Holiday Bands and Carolers  in Downtown Crossing

This is the last week for people to visit Santa Claus in Downtown Boston because he's got to get his sleigh ready for the big night! It's also the last week for the very popular BID-sponsored strolling musicians and carolers. 

Santa Claus will be outside of Macy's on Summer Street on weekends through Dec. 23rd from noon to 2 pm and 3 to 4 pm. It is free to visit Santa, but please bring your own camera if you want to snap a photo with St. Nick.

Three four-piece strolling bands: brass, dixie and trombone are roaming the Downtown Boston area daily from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm through Dec. 23rd
There are also three four-piece strolling caroling groups daily through Dec. 23rd from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm. They will be singing holiday-themed songs throughout the Downtown Boston area.
Get Your Tickets Now for Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' 

The Boston Ballet's beloved "The Nutcracker" will be at the Boston Opera House through Dec. 31st

See dancing sugar plum fairies, mice and more as The Nutcracker comes alive. Click here for tickets and showtimes. 
 
There's a Winter Wonderland on 
City Hall Plaza

The first-ever Boston Winter wonderland is on City Hall Plaza and lots of people have already enjoyed the ice skating path, holiday market shops and more.
All photos by Craig F. Walker for
The Boston Globe
The ice skating path loops around a main stage and marquee Boston sign. There are ice skating lessons at select time and dates, Saturday skating with cartoon characters and a rock 'n skate on Friday nights. Skates are available for rent and you can also bring your own skates. Click here for hours of operation, prices and more info about the skating path.

The Holiday Market features 40 varied shops in heated holiday-themed sheds selling specialty gifts, jewelry, clothing, ceramics and glasswear, ornaments and decorations, and of course, food. Click here for a full list of all participating vendors and hours of operation. 

There are also other special attractions, including an Urban Lodge, a pedal-powered Christmas tree and menorah, a wine exhibit, and an  educational and delicious journey called The Chocolate Story. Also, Santa and his elves will be at Boston Winter on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Click here for more info about Boston Winter.  
Music on the Porch Series at St. Paul's on Mondays and Thursdays

The BID-sponsored Music on the Porch Series outside of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St.) features solo artists performing on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm.

Austin Lightfoot will perform on Thursday, Dec. 22nd.
A Great Holiday Tradition:
Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Strolls
 
The Freedom Trail Foundation's Historic Holiday Strolls, one of Downtown's best holiday traditions, is being offered through January. 

These merry 90-minute tours are led by Dickensian costumed guides leaving from Faneuil Hall Thursdays through Sundays at 3:30 pm. The stroll includes a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail, and a visit to the Omni Parker House for signature refreshments and its world-famous Boston Cream Pie.

Guests receive discounts off museum store purchases at several Freedom Trail sites. Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children and reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For reservations and more info please call 617-357-8300.
 
BID Services & Links
BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services  in Downtown 

The  Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.

B ID Ambassadors  provide walking escorts all day or night  -- they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining or snowing! Please call 617-261-0066 to arrange an escort or for other BID ambassador services. You can also email help@bostonbid.org.  
       
  • Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
  • Ambassadors clear handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
  • Ambassador powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather
  • Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping by watering flowers
  • Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
Additional BID Services & Info
  • Communication and Business Networking
  • Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood issues 
  • Entertainment programming
  • Member Advocacy
  • Capital/Public Improvements
  • Wayfinding
  • Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about the transformation of Downtown Crossing 
  • For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at dmeyer@bostonbid.org.
City of Boston Services

Featured Stories
Mayor Walsh and Boston Bruin Matt Beleskey Team Up for Macy's Annual Coat Drive

Mayor Martin J. Walsh was joined by Boston Bruin Matt Beleskey at the annual Macy's Coat Drive on Dec. 12th in which more than 100 children received new free winter coats. 

"This is my third year doing this and it's absolutely incredible. The smiles on the kids faces when they get a brand new jacket. And Macy's is very generous," said Walsh.  

The children got to choose their own coat and received help trying on jackets from Walsh and Beleskey.  
How You Can Help 
Those In Need During Wintertime

Temperatures have been in single digits recently with more frigid days ahead. While many of us have warm homes, clothes and food, there are many who need the bare necessities of life. There are numerous organizations in Downtown Boston who help those in need, and they definitely need your assistance.

There are several ways to help the Boston Rescue Mission (39 Kingston St.)Volunteer to serve meals in their kitchen, on the Boston Common, or with your religious group by contacting volunteer@brm.org or calling 617-338-9000 ext. 1230. You can also donate money or grocery store gift cards to help the meal programs. Contact Eric Grenfell-Muir at egrenfell-muir@brm.org or 617-338-9000 ext. 1209 for details. You can also donate new or gently used twin-sized sheets or winter hats, gloves and mittens. A full wish list is available by clicking here.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters (47 West St.) supplies runaway, homeless and high-risk youth with backpacks with basic necessities. That includes medium to large backpacks filled with items such as travel-sized toiletries, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, socks, seasonal clothing and gift cards. You can find these items and more on Bridge's Amazon Wish List here. You can also donate online here.

New England Center and Home for Veterans (17 Court St.) needs monetary donations and gift cards in denominations from $5 to $15 for veterans. The veterans usually love to receive gift cards from Dunkin' Donuts, CVS, Walgreens, supermarkets, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target, Macy's -- really any place that they can go to get things they need in their daily lives. Gift cards can be brought to NECHV or mailed to: New England Center and Home for Veterans, Advancement Office, P.O. Box 845257, Boston, MA 02284-5257. You can also donate here. If you're interesting in volunteering please email 
community.support@nechv.org to inquire about openings.


St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St.) would appreciate donations of funds that can be put to the area of greatest need throughout its various ministries at the Shrine. You can donate by clicking here. D onations of brand new women's and men's socks and toilet paper are also wanted. 

St. Francis House (39 Boylston St.) has more than 20 volunteer slots vacant for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (daytime hours). Click here to volunteer and learn more about volunteering. St. Francis House distributes 35 full sets of clothing each day and 175 people per week. Thus they always need coats, shoes and winter wear such as socks, long underwear, boots, scarves and gloves. Donations are always welcome by clicking here
 
Mayor Walsh, DeLeo Ring 
Salvation  Army Bell in Downtown Crossing

Even in frigid temperatures Mayor Martin J. Walsh was joined by Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo (wearing white hat) to ring the Salvation Army bell in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 13th.

State Rep. Kevin Honan, D-Boston, right of DeLeo, and State Rep. Paul McMurtry, D-Dedham, left of Walsh, also joined in, as did Salvation Army representatives. 
New Interactive Info Screens 
Now Available at Shoppers Park 

There is now a trio of interactive TV touchscreens in Shoppers Park on Washington Street to provide directions, info on businesses and more. On the other side of the column is a clock. 

The top TV screen provides a weather feed, a news ticker and the Downtown Boston BID's Twitter feed. The middle and bottom TV screens are interactive and provide access to the BID's retail map. Anyone can touch the screen and see where they are located, learn about local restaurants, jewelers, clothing stores and more. The BID's online calendar is also available for users.

The touchscreens and clock are co-sponsored by Millennium Partners and the Downtown Boston BID.  
 
Meetings & Notices
Next Public Meeting About
Winthrop Square Proposal on Jan. 5th;
Public Comment Period Extended 

The Boston Planning & Development Agency has been hosting several public meetings about the proposed redevelopment of 115 Winthrop Square

The proposed development at 115 Winthrop Square by Millennium Partners is for a tower up to 775 feet tall. The tower would include residential units, retail space, restaurants and commercial space. 

The meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 19th, has been tentatively rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 5th at Suffolk University's Law School (101 Federal St. 29th Floor) at 6:30 pm.

The public comment period has also been extended, based on community request, until January 16th.

This meeting is open to the public. Please contact Christopher Tracy at Christopher.Tracy@Boston.gov or 617-918-4259 for more info and to offer public comments about the project.
 
Deals & Promos
Restaurants Open on 
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

If you don't want to cook on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day there are a bunch of restaurants open serving up delicious meals. 

Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St.) is offering its regular menu on Christmas Eve and cookie decorating and hot cocoa for kids from 5 to 10 pm. On Christmas Day they are offering brunch from 7 am to 3 pm and dinner from 5 to 10 pm. A children's menu is available. Call 617-574-7176 for more info and reservations.

Avery Bar (10 Avery St.) is open from 1 to 9 pm on Christmas Eve. Call 617-574-7100 for more info.

Back Deck (2 West St.) is open and offering brunch on Christmas Eve from 11:30 am to 3 pm. Call 617-670-0320 for more info or reservations.

Legal Crossing (558 Washington St.) is open 11 am to 9 pm on Christmas Eve and noon to 8 pm on Christmas Day. Call 617-692-8888 for more info and reservations.

Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) is open 11 am to 10 pm on Christmas Eve and offering its Feast of the Seven Fishes, as well as its regular menu. The Seven Fishes menu includes insalata di Mare, Sicilian octopus, diver scallops with crab ravioli and Faroe Island salmon. The menu is $70 and served over three courses. The Seven Fishes menu is available starting 5 pm until 10 pm. Call 617-422-0004 for more info and reservations.

Mast' (45 Province St.) is open on Christmas Eve from 4 pm to 1 am. Call 617-936-3800 for more info and reservations.

The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is open on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 7 pm. Call 617-482-6060 for more info and reservations.

RUKA (505 Washington St.) is open on Christmas Eve from 5 pm to 1 am. Click here to make reservations.

Teatro (177 Tremont St.) is open on Christmas Eve from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Call 617-778-6841 for more info and reservations.   

Mayor's Holiday Special 2016 Offers Discounts on Holiday Events and Dining

You can save money on lots of events and restaurants with the annual Mayor's Holiday Special. It features discounts and deals on two months of performing arts, offering thousands of tickets to more than 500 performances, dining deals and free festivities.

Some of the shows included are the Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker," Boston Pops performances and more. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
 
Announcements
Shoveling, Parking and More:
What to Know About Winter in Boston

The snow is coming and whether you're a property owner, a homeowner or a resident with a car it's important to know about shoveling and parking regulations, snow emergencies and more. The City of Boston has a resourceful webpage providing all necessary info here, and below is important info to know for when the white stuff comes down.

Shoveling Info:
Click here for City of Boston rules on clearing snow.
Property owners must:
  • Clear sidewalks within three hours of snowfall ending or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight, and
  • Clear at least a 42-inch-wide path for wheelchairs and strollers.
Do not shovel snow into the street or you can be subject to fines.  Also please remember to: 
  • Remove ice to bare pavement or make as level as possible and treat with sand, sawdust, or similar material.
  • Please clear any snow that may be blocking a handicap ramp, fire hydrant or catch basin.
  • Don't leave snow or ice on stairways or fire escapes. All common means of exit must be clear in case of fire or another emergency.
What To Do With Your Car When It Snows: 
During a snow emergency main roads need to be clear for plows and emergency vehicles. If you're parked on one of these main roads during a snow emergency, you may be ticketed and your vehicle may be towed.  How do you know if you can't park on a street during a snow emergency? Check the signs posted on the street. Also, here is a map of restricted roads due to a snow emergency.

Click here for a City of Boston list of discount parking garages available during snow emergencies. Click here for the BID's webpage of local parking garages. It is recommended you contact the parking garages to see if they are open for vehicles.  

Please also call the BID's dispatch line at 617-261-0066 to report sidewalks, handicapped ramps or other Downtown Crossing public ways that need to be shoveled. Our Ambassadors will be out in the snow 24 hours a day making sure the sidewalks are clear!
You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website

If you have an upcoming event you can now submit it to the Downtown Boston BID website. Click here to submit your own event.
 
Once approved by BID staff your event will be on the BID's calendar section and could be featured in the newsletter or on the BID social media accounts and promoted elsewhere. 
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects and More

Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. 

Looking for the latest u pdates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click  here.  
THANK YOU!
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: dertischek@bostonbid.org