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December 27,
2016
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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
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This Week's Featured Event
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Celebrate First Night in Boston
The New Year's tradition of First Night in Boston is a great day and night of events for people of all ages and it's free and open to all.
This year's entertainment and special attractions are centralized mostly in Copley Square and the Boston Common.
There will be numerous arts and musical performances at indoor and outdoor venues around Copley Square from noon to midnight. Click here for a full schedule.
At 6 pm the People's Procession leaves from Copley Square and makes it way to the Boston Common. The Procession features giant puppets, dancers, a Chinese dragon and more.
There will be fantastic ice sculptures in Copley Square during the day and night, as well in front of surrounding businesses in Copley Square. Click here for a full list of which businesses will have ice sculptures. This year's ice sculpture theme is Maritime Legends.
There will also be light displays and the Boston's Family Fireworks over the Boston Common at 7 pm.
The Countdown to Copley pyrotechnics and light show in Copley Square will take place at midnight to cap off First Night. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Last Week to See
Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'
This is the last week to see Boston Ballet's beloved "The Nutcracker" at the Boston Opera House. Its run ends on Dec. 31st, so see it now or you'll have to wait for 2017.
See dancing sugar plum fairies, mice and more as The Nutcracker comes alive. Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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There's a Winter Wonderland on
City Hall Plaza
The first-ever Boston Winter wonderland is on City Hall Plaza and thousands have already enjoyed the ice skating path, holiday market shops and more.
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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. The market ends on Dec. 31st.
There are also other special attractions, including an Urban Lodge, a pedal-powered Christmas tree (ended on Dec. 31st), a menorah, a wine exhibit, and an
educational and delicious journey called The Chocolate Story.
Click here for more info about Boston Winter.
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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. |
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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!
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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.
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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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.
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
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Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Downtown Crossing
Are you looking for a restaurant at which to celebrate New Year's? There are several Downtown Crossing restaurants offering special deals, menus and more. It is recommended you make reservations or call the restaurant before visiting as places will book up.
Avenue One (One Avenue de Lafayette, inside the Hyatt Regency Boston) is offering a 4-course menu for $52. Click here for the menu. Call 617-912-1234 for more info and to make reservations.
Avery Bar (10 Avery St., inside The Ritz-Carlton, Boston) is offering its Taste and Share Menu all night as a light fare option. Call 617-574-7100 for more info or reservations.
Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St., inside The Ritz-Carlton, Boston) is offering a menu featuring fresh local and seasonal dishes and handpicked wine pairings. They are also open for brunch on New Year's Day with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Call 617-574-7176 for more info and reservations.
Back Deck (2 West St.) is offering a special menu that can be seen by clicking here. Call 617-670-0320 for more info and reservations.
jm Curley & Bogie's Place (21 Temple Place) is offering a 4-course prix fixe menu at Bogie's Place. Click here or call 617-338-5333 for info and reservations. jm Curley is serving its regular menu and not offering reservations.
Legal Crossing (558 Washington St.) is offering its regular menu. Call 617-692-8888 for more info and reservations.
Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) is offering its regular menu until 11 pm with a Prosecco toast at midnight. Call 617-422-0004 for more info and reservations.
MAST' (45 Province St.) is offering a full dinner menu until midnight with a complimentary glass of bubbly and wood-fired pizza. Regular tickets include a live DJ performance by Danny T and party favors. VIP packages include all of the above, plus Express Entry, a VIP table area and bottle service with a personal waitress. Contact Danny T for more info on VIP packages at 781-801-4062. Tickets cost $25 to $50 and can be purchased here. Call 617-438-6682 for more info.
The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is offering a 3-course pre-fixe menu. Click here for the menu and to make reservations. Please call 617-482-6060.
RUKA (505 Washington St.) is open. Click here to make reservations.
Scholars American Bistro (25 School St.) is hosting its 6th Annual New Year's Eve Ball. This is a Creative Black Tie event. Tickets are $77.50 and can be purchased here. Tickets include complimentary hors d'oeuvres, Champagne toast and a midnight balloon drop with a 4-hour set from DJ Swytch. Call 617-248-0025 for more info and reservations.
Yvonne's (2 Winter Place) is open. Click here to make a reservation or call 617-267-0047 for more info or reservations. |
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Hyatt Regency Boston, St. Francis House and BID Team Up for Winter Clothing Drive
During the past several weeks the Hyatt Regency Boston (One Avenue de Lafayette) has been collecting clothes for St. Francis House (39 Boylston St.) and the BID to distribute to those in need in the Downtown Boston area. On Dec. 20th, St. Francis House and the BID received two full bins each of scarves, hats, pants and more.
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| Left to right: Cara Shannon, Area Marketing/PR Manager for the Hyatt; Danielle Wilkes, Corporate Engagement Officer for St. Francis House; Terry Dunbar, GM of the Hyatt; Steve Brookes, BID Clean & Hospitality Operations Manager; Lindsay Johnson, BID Outreach Coordinator. |
"St. Francis House is proud to be a part of the downtown Boston community, working together with partner organizations to ensure homeless individuals do not need to suffer the brutal cold," said Maggie Burns, Vice President of Philanthropy & External Affairs at St. Francis House.
"During the holiday time, we always look forward to giving back to our downtown community. Working with the Downtown Boston BID and St. Francis House on the Winter Necessity Drive has allowed us to reach the part of our community that is affected by the winter," said Kim Lowthers, Director of Sales, Marketing and Events for the Hyatt Regency Boston.
"We greatly appreciate our partnership with the Hyatt Regency Boston and St. Francis House to help those in need in the Downtown Boston area," said Steve Brookes, BID Clean & Hospitality Operations Manager.
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Governor Baker Rings Salvation Army Bell in Downtown Crossing
Governor Charlie Baker cheerfully rang the Salvation Army bell on Dec. 20th in Downtown Crossing while a Salvation Army band played behind him.
Baker was joined by several Salvation Army representatives and many people stopped to take selfies with Baker. |
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Downtown Boston BID Welcomes
Rebecca Kilgallon as Program Associate
The BID welcomed Rebecca Kilgallon recently as a Program Associate for the organization.
Kilgallon previously worked in the Downtown Boston area as an insurance associate at Marsh Private Client Services.
"I have seen the growth of Downtown Boston and look forward to being part of the continued success," said Kilgallon, a Boston resident.
"We are excited to have Rebecca Kilgallon join the BID. Her background in real estate and property insurance will be a great asset to the organization," said BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone.
Kilgallon has an English degree from UMass-Boston, a Realtors License, and a Property and Casualty Insurance License.
The Program Associate will be responsible for providing administrative and analytical support to ensure efficient operations in the BID office. |
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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 next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 5th at 101 Federal St. 29th Floor at 6:30 pm.
The public comment period ends on 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. |
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Buy One, Get One 25% Off Sale at
Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages (252 Washington St.) is hosting a buy one, get one 25% off sale on all home accents items, which includes tabletop items, baskets, wall art and more. This sale is through Dec. 30th.
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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. |
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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
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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.
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