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Harvard Square
Business Association
November 2025 Newsletter
Events/Deals/News
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Lou's Cambridge
November 15th & 16th
Live Music Brunch Every Weekend!
Catch live music all weekend with Nick Grondin & Rich Greenblatt Quartet and The Cat Tremblay Trio! The Nick Grondin/Rich Greenblatt Quartet mixes jazz tradition with blues, folk, rock, and funk for a vibrant, modern sound, while The Cat Tremblay Trio channels the classic acoustic jazz of the 1950s–60s.
Check out our menu and reserve a spot in our performance space.
View the live show schedule here.
Sip Something New
Discover our carefully crafted cocktail menu, featuring both classic favorites and inventive new creations. From crisp and refreshing to bold and flavorful, there’s a drink here for every taste.
Check out our cocktail menu and make a reservation today!
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The Comedy Studio
November 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 30th
November 17
Classroom Confessions with Orlando Baxter
The anonymous confessions too wild for TikTok, stand-up from killer comics, and jaw-dropping stories from the crowd — welcome to Classroom Confessions Live. This one-of-a-kind comedy show brings the TikTok series to the stage, blending unfiltered stand-up with real, anonymous school confessions. Tickets
November 20 - 22
Anthony Robustiano
Anthony Robustiano is a high-energy and dynamic stand-up comedian and actor known for his infectious energy, millennial relatability, and vibrant storytelling. Originally from New York, Anthony emerged as a social media star in 2024, amassing nearly two million followers and over 40 million likes across platforms. Now based in Vermont, he skillfully juggles his emerging comedy career with co-managing the family-owned business, Robo Creemees & General Store, alongside his parents. His devoted fans eagerly make the journey to the store and follow his performances across many cities. He is set to bring his charismatic personality and his must-see humor comedy in his upcoming tour. Tickets
November 30
KABOOM! Comedy and Variety
Enjoy jaw-dropping performances, astonishing physical feats, and laugh out loud comedy- it’s a nite you won’t forget! You’ll marvel at extraordinary talents you’d expect to find in Vegas, not anywhere near here! Many seats are within an arm’s reach of these death-defying performers, but reach for them and you could end up with an acrobat in your Scorpion bowl! Put on by globe trotting performers Alex Feldman & Colin Campbell. Tickets
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Regattabar
November 19th, 7:30pm
EARFULL is a performance series featuring writers and musicians doing their respective things in an intimate setting. WRITERS read from their new books, or about-to-be books, or right from their crumpled up notes. MUSICIANS range from harpists to horn blowers, from solo songwriters to full-on rock bands. EARFULL EVENINGS offer food & drink at the venue, and time between acts to socialize.
On Wednesday, November 19th we welcome authors Peter Orner and Nick Flynn, and musical acts Dead Gowns and Future Teens. More information available here.
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Cambridge Forum
November 18th
BUILDING HOPE IN CYNICAL TIMES
Cynicism has become the default lens through which many people view American life. According to Pew research, our trust in institutions is steadily eroding and being replaced by a hardened belief that our systems are broken and most government promises are empty lies. More information and tickets available here.
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Harvard Art Museums
November 19th & 25th
December 3rd & 4th
November 19, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Norma Jean Calderwood Lecture: Frederic Leighton—A Victorian Traveler and Collector in the Middle East
This lecture will highlight Leighton’s travels around the Middle East and the collection he assembled to furnish his studio house in London.
November 25, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Sketching in the Galleries: Sketch, Shade, Smudge: Drawing from Gray to Black (Advanced Level) Grab your sketchbook and pencil to join an instructor to draw a live model! Advanced-level artists will be more comfortable in this program.
December 3, 12:00 - 1:00pm
ON DISPLAY HARVARD 2025
To commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, witness a movement installation performed by students and community members.
December 4, 5:00 - 9:00pm
Harvard Art Museums at Night
Make your holiday season more festive at the Harvard Art Museums! Join us for an evening of art, fun, food, prizes, and more.
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Harvard Museum of Natural History
November 22nd & December 6th
November 22, 2:00-2:30pm
In-Person Presentation
Science Spotlights: Why Do We Walk on Two Legs? Ask a Leaf!
Meet up-and-coming scientists and learn about questions at the forefront of research today in this series of short talks.
Have you ever wondered why people walk on two legs, while monkeys and apes—our closest living relatives—still swing through trees? Harvard scientist Ruth Tweedy thinks the answer might have something to do with where early humans lived. She studies ancient landscapes in eastern Africa by looking at the waxy coatings on leaves—tiny chemical “fingerprints” that plants leave behind in the ground. These fingerprints can last for millions of years and help tell the story of what the world looked like long ago. Join Ruth to uncover how clues from leaves reveal the environments where early humans lived—and why standing tall might have been the smartest way to get around.
20-minute talk followed by 10-minute Q&A session. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Regular museum admission rates apply.
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December 6, 1:00pm–4:00pm
In-Person Special Event
Fossil Day
What treasures are found in the Harvard University paleontology collections? Meet Harvard paleontologists to find out! See their favorite fossils, learn about their research, and ask them your questions. Join us to celebrate National Fossil Day with short talks and table-top presentations for all ages.
All ages are welcome; talks recommended for ages 10 and up. Regular museum admission rates apply. Free event parking at the 52 Oxford Street Garage.
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Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East
November 23rd, 12:00–2:30 pm
In-Person Event
Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East
Join Harvard Museums of Science & Culture volunteers for a live story reading and hands-on, family-friendly activities. Recommended for ages 5–12. Admission to the museum is free.
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The Charles Hotel
November 29th, 4-7pm
The Charles Hotel presents the 40th annual Tree Lighting: A Storied Night in Harvard Square
Step into a magical storied night with actor/comedian Jimmy Tingle as host, as our 40th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration takes on a literary twist inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss!
This year’s celebration offers even more reasons to gather and glow — including a life-sized gingerbread house, festive drinks and snacks, cozy lounges, and special appearances that will warm even the Grinch’s heart. Enjoy live holiday music filling the air, and celebrate community, creativity, and a touch of magic as we light up Harvard Square for the holiday season! More information available here.
Come early to enjoy all the festivities!
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Patagonia
December 4th
When It All Burns
Join us at Patagonia Cambridge to hear author and former wildland firefighter Jordan Thomas discuss his debut book, When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World.
The book follows Thomas through a brutal fire season as he serves on elite wildlands firefighting crew, the Los Padres Hotshots, interweaving academic research into the factors exacerbating California's already extreme fire seasons. The result is an insightful and captivating work of narrative nonfiction.
In addition to a structured discussion about the book, there will be time for audience questions. Harvard Bookstore will be on site to sell books for anyone who doesn't already have one.
Per usual, we'll have food and drinks as well, the latter for donation to the nonprofit Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance.
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Mount Auburn Cemetary
December 5th - 21st
SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light is an annual event at Mount Auburn Cemetery that includes an outdoor journey with large-scale light and sound artworks created by MASARY, and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting. Guests are invited to walk through the light-filled landscape, explore the Winter Solstice atmosphere, and to reflect on moments of change as the year ends and a new cycle begins. Connect to a landscape of exceptional beauty, consider an intention for the new year, or commemorate the memory of a loved one. Let SOLSTICE light your way as you encounter the unique spirit of Mount Auburn. Tickets Now on Sale.
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Cambridge Public Library and
American Repertory Theater
December 6th, 1:30pm
Choosing Kindness: Wonder Screening at the Cambridge Public Library
Join the Cambridge Public Library and the A.R.T. for an afternoon of Wonder! In celebration of the new A.R.T. musical Wonder, CPL will screen Lionsgate & Mandeville Films’ hit feature film of R.J. Palacio’s bestselling novel. After the film plays in the library's Lecture Hall, participants are invited to browse a display of related books and enter a drawing for four free tickets to a performance of Wonder at the A.R.T.! More information can be found here.
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First Church of Christ, Scientist
December 7th, 2pm
"Be Set Free"
Free public talk on Christian Science
by Nicole Virgil, C.S.
Circumstances often present what appear to be significant obstacles to living freely, something that everyone wants to do. Whatever it is that seems to stand between us and the full range of motion that we would like to have in our lives — it’s not so much the presenting impediment that is the problem — it’s not knowing how or where to access our God-given liberty.
To live a life of liberty, we have to find the nature and substance of liberty, which is spiritual, purposeful, unburdened, and given to all. To do that you have to know where to look, to the source of liberty — God, good itself, all-inclusive.
In this talk, we will examine liberty from a Biblical perspective; and see how real people today find their freedom from all kinds of physical, emotional and circumstantial restrictions that seem clearly beyond their control so that they may Be Set Free.
Child care will be provided.
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American Repertory Theater
December 9th - February 8th
Wonder
“We can change the way we see.” Based on R.J. Palacio’s novel and Lionsgate & Mandeville Films’ hit feature film, this uplifting new musical follows the Pullman family as they navigate change, identity, and what it means to belong. Auggie Pullman has been homeschooled his entire life, often retreating to outer space in his imagination. But when his family decides it’s time for him to start going to school, Auggie must take off the space helmet he has used to hide his facial difference. As Auggie navigates a world filled with kindness and cruelty, his parents and sister go on their own journeys of transformation and discovery. Featuring a driving, pop-inspired score, Wonder celebrates empathy, resilience, and the power of choosing kindness. More information and tickets available here.
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Adam Theater and
The COOP
December 11th
Adam Theater, a theater for young audiences, invites the Harvard Square community to two wonderful events for families.
Library Lion Storytime with Author Michelle Knudsen and Adam Theater
Author Michelle Knudsen will read Library Lion and sign copies of her books at the Harvard COOP. Admission is free but requires advance registration via the following link.
Opening Weekend
10% Pre-Black Friday Discount on tickets for the opening weekend of Library Lion, January 10 & 11.
Discount code: LLBLACKFRIDAY
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Sustainable Business Newtwork of Massachusetts
December 12th - 14th
Celebrate the Season and Support Local Black-Owned Businesses December 12-14, 2025 in One Brattle Square (the former location of Eastern Bank)!
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, Cambridge Local First,and the Harvard Square Business Association invite you to the 4th Annual Black Business Holiday Marketplace! CSBBN is part of Cambridge’s “Shop Local - I’m Local” small business campaign during the winter holidays.
Event Dates & Times:
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Friday, Dec. 12, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Reception - with light refreshments: 5-7PM
- Entertainment -
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Saturday, Dec. 13, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Sunday, Dec. 14, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Admission: Free! RSVP here.
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December 12th - 28th
Travel to Lands Far North with Midwinter Revels
Why wait to buy your Midwinter Revels tickets? Tickets are selling quickly for Boston's favorite holiday tradition, Midwinter Revels: A Scandinavian Story for Christmas. Join us in Harvard's historic Sanders Theatre for 14 performances, December 12-28. Weekend matinees are especially popular, with many of our mezzanine-level seats already sold - snag yours before they're gone!
And don't miss our special celebrations throughout the Midwinter Revels run! We are excited to offer pre-show programming, including Scandinavian Cultural Day on December 14, Family Day at Revels on December 26, and an exclusive talkback with Director Debra Wise between performances on December 27. Plus, don't miss discounted balcony tickets for opening night, youth discounts for patrons 35 and under, and discounted tickets for EBT/WIC cardholders. Learn more and buy your tickets today.
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The COOP
November 20th
Inside Harvard Football Live at the COOP
Coach Andy Aurich shares his take on the legendary Harvard–Yale rivalry at the Inside Harvard Football podcast live at the COOP.
Harvard–Yale week is here — and the energy is electric! Get ready for Saturday’s showdown with Coach Andy Aurich, as he breaks down the Crimson’s incredible run and what’s at stake in the most storied rivalry in college football. Be part of the Inside Harvard Football Podcast — live at The COOP!
Join The Voice of Harvard Football, Bernie Corbett, for an unforgettable evening packed with insider stories, Crimson pride, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Harvard is gearing up to take on Yale.
Step inside the playbook with Coach Aurich, ask your own questions, and experience the passion, tradition, and excitement that make The Game truly legendary.
- Meet Coach Aurich
- Get your questions for the coach answered
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Free Joe’s Pizza
- Pick up a copy of Harvard Football by Bernie Corbett — available for purchase & signing
- Get inside the huddle with Harvard football
Since 1882, the COOP has been more than a bookstore — it’s been a place for Crimson fans, students, and the Cambridge community to connect. Come be a part of the tradition!
Please note:
- This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required.
- By RSVPing, you’ll get the latest updates on COOP events and special offers
- Harvard Football by Bernie Corbett will available for purchase and signing at the COOP
Check out past episodes of Inside Harvard Football in advance of the show.
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Swedenborg Chapel
December 24th
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
As autumn leaves fall and winter approaches, we look ahead to the season of gathering with family and friends before the year comes to a close. Accordingly, we cordially invite the Cambridge community – residents and visitors alike – to join us for our annual candlelight Christmas Eve service at Swedenborg Chapel, a simple service of carols, prayers, and a Christmas message inside our historic gothic chapel at the corner of Quincy and Kirkland streets. We look forward to greeting you on December 24, at 4:30pm. All are welcome.
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Charlie's Kitchen
Every Tuesday Night
Join us every Tuesday night for a fun time singing with friends.
We always have a good time and always have a good mix. We can't wait to hear you sing at Charlie's Kitchen.
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Noir
Every Sunday
FREE Trivia – Every Sunday at 7:00 PM, join us at Noir Bar for an exciting, quirky night of trivia hosted by Phrenology Trivia.
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Forty Winks
20% off our entire collection, both in-store and online, from Friday, November 28, to December 1.
On Small Business Saturday, we'll offer champagne and surprise giveaways throughout the day.
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Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre
Tickets are now on sale for José Mateo Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker!
Choreographed by Founder and Artistic Director José Mateo and set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, JMBT’s The Nutcracker brings Clara’s dream world to life with festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing. With over 100 children ages 6-18 joining professional guest artists this year, José Mateo's Nutcracker creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Use the code HSBA10 for 10% off!! Buy Tickets
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Off the Beaten Path
Food Tours
Fridays, Saturdays and private tours are available.
Calling all chocoholics! Join us for a delectable adventure through historic Harvard Square. You'll hear interesting stories about the Square, learn fun facts about chocolate and sample the best and most interesting chocolaty treats around. Harvard Square has a flourishing food scene with some of the best and most unique food in the city. Each tour is a fun 90 minutes and includes 4 stops with plenty of treats and less than a mile of walking. We can't wait to take you on a unique, chocolate adventure!
This tour is suitable for all ages. $40/pp. Guests must purchase tickets in advance. Use code HARVARDSQUARE and enjoy 10% off!
Harvard Square Food Tour
Haven't been to Harvard Square lately? Do you know we have a tiki bar?
Revisit Harvard Square on our new FOOD TOUR!
Booking Saturdays at 11:30am, this memorable experience is offered weekly. You'll eat a satisfying array of yummy eats, from Greek to Latin to the best pizza in the world. Tour also includes a Mai Tai or yummy mocktail.
Harvard Square Donut Tour Sunday's from 11am-12:30pm. This tour delves into the history of donuts, and it's fun for locals and visitors.
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Origins
Black Friday Promotion
November 22 - 29
30% off your purchase – value sets and select Limited Life items excluded.
Spend $100 and receive a FREE 15 piece kit of Best Sellers ($119 Value).
One gift per customer, while supplies last.
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University Place Parking Garage
University Place Evening Special - Monday thru Friday After 4pm
$6
4pm-3am Access Monday-Friday
Pick Up Coupon in the Garage office
No Overnight Parking
For more information, please call 617-491-0801
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27 year old Anna Mae Becker is fighting Stage IV Cancer; she is a long-time Harvard Square friend, supporter and worker.
A GOFUNDME campaign has been set up for her. If you would like to help support this effort, please donate here.
Sending warm wishes for Anna Mae’s recovery and sincerest thanks for your consideration.
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Help Keep “The Fridge in the Square” Full
In Harvard Square, there’s a simple idea that works: a community fridge and pantry outside First Parish Church where anyone can take what they need—no questions asked. We call it The Fridge in the Square. It’s run with heart by the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) alongside partners and volunteers, and it’s become a lifeline. For more information and to donate, click here.
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City of Cambridge
12th Annual Winter Warmth Drive
Dear friends,
For the past 11 years, I have worked with First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist, Harvard Square Business Association, Hilton’s Tent City, and the Central Square Business Improvement District, on the Winter Warmth Drive, a fundraising effort to purchase sleeping bags for unhoused people in Cambridge.
Today we are launching year 12! These sleeping bags are essential as the weather gets cold. Our goal is to raise $20,000. The sooner we raise these funds, the sooner we can purchase the bags. Any amount is welcome.
Please consider making a tax deductible donation today.
Thank you!
Marc McGovern
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International School of Boston
At the International School of Boston, we inspire students, from age 2 through Grade 12, to see the world as a place of infinite opportunity, where friendships span continents, conversations flow naturally across languages, goals and dreams expand beyond borders, and diverse experiences build empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection to humanity.
Schedule your Campus Visit today! Please note that ISB’s priority application and financial aid deadline is January 15th. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!
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Le Petit Curl Concept
Now welcoming new customers! Our salon is dedicated to embracing all hair textures and types, with a special focus on curl cutting and coloring. We proudly offer a range of color options designed specifically for curly hair, including our unique free-hand painting technique, PINTURA 🎨.
For inquiries or to book an appointment, please email us or connect with us on Instagram @lepetitssalon_devacurl. Join the curliest team in Cambridge and let us celebrate your beautiful curls!
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Rotary Club of Cambridge
Join the Cambridge Rotary!
We’re a welcoming and laid-back group that has been serving the Cambridge community since 1922. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact, build authentic relationships, and get involved in local service, we’d love to meet you! We meet on the first and third Thursday of each month in Harvard Square for a casual brown-bag lunch with inspiring guest speakers. Our club is all about connection, community, and giving back.
For membership inquiries, email us at info@cambridgerotary.org. Also, check us out at cambridgerotary.org.
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UpNext
UpNext Partner, Mayfly, Opens Upcycled Fashion Storefront at The Garage
Mayfly is now open on the second floor of The Garage. Mayfly is a sustainable art and fashion brand that creates handmade and one-of-a-kind upcycled clothing. Upcycling is the act of turning something discarded into something new again. In this disposable culture, we are polluting the earth with the overconsumption of all goods, especially clothing. We are consuming more than we can keep up with and most of our textile waste is shipped overseas to pollute other countries. Mayfly believes creating something new out of discarded material is an act of revolution in a world of overconsumption. Read more here.
| | | | Cambridge City Lifestyle is a premium, hyper-local publication dedicated to celebrating the luxurious and positive aspects of community living. We are distributed directly to affluent households and feature high-quality content on local happenings, businesses, culture, food and drink, and family life. Our goal is to serve as a trusted resource and a positive voice for the community. We offer integrated print and digital platforms for maximum reach within the Cambridge area. | | |
Harvard Square
Business Association
Two Brattle Square, Mezzanine
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 491-3434
www.harvardsquare.com
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Click here for a list of hiring businesses
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