While the temperature is dipping lower and Christmas is on its way, the emergence of a festive ambience full of sparkly lights and fancy decorations, cheerful carolers and magnificent attractions is becoming more intense than ever. As long as your wishes and expectations remain limitless, your chances of visiting Boston are bound to increase.
New England’s old-style buildings and cobblestone paths sprinkled with snow, beautiful restaurants and coffee shops full of young people, as well as amazing museums, galleries and theaters scattered across the city are some of the things that will definitely blow your mind. Let us get rid of the last remains of your frustrating routine and focus on everything you crave for!
Sharpen your senses
Want to kick-start your day with a birds-eye view of Boston before you delve into its very neighborhoods? At the Top of the Hub, which can be found on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower, you can have your coffee and brunch while enjoying Boston’s dramatic view suffused with the morning sunlight. But if you prefer ‘down-to-earth’ conversations, Thinking Cup is the ideal place to be. Here you will find people speaking Greek in its every corner as it’s the Greeks’ favorite place to catch up. As for cold winter afternoons, while you are lying in the arms of your loved one, you will discover there is one thing missing: the chocolate ‘touch‘! In bits or as a drink, coating a biscuit or a cake, always with a smooth taste and a pleasant aroma, chocolate is the necessary menu ingredient of places such as Max Brenner and L.A. Burdick.
Move slowly around the city
A typical walk through the city takes on a whole new meaning if you happen to be Greek or if you simply love Greek Mythology. Boston-based sculptor Nancy Schön undertakes a visual arts intervention, decorating Copley Square with two amazing bronze sculptures based on a Greek Aesop’s fable. The Tortoise and the Hare sculptures are inspired by the story of a slow-moving tortoise that wins the race over a confident speedy hare. The mixing of art and mythology at Copley Square creates an open relation between the works and the surrounding city space, giving it breath and soul, and an overpowering message; the importance of patience and persistence in our daily lives.
Get rid of homesickness
This Christmas, there is a special present for all the incurable devotees of Classical History and Mythology. You can now visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) to admire a fabulous ancient Greek collection dating from the sixth to the fourth century BC. The collection is recently conserved and exhibited for the first time in years at the museum’s three new galleries at the George D. and Margo Behrakis Wing of Art of the Ancient World and it is dedicated to ‘Wine, Poets, and the Performers in Ancient Greece.’ We propose you don’t miss this opportunity!
Greece on a platter
All those who confess their addiction to Greek culinary delights have now found their new hangouts. Gyro City with its unbelievable souvlaki has managed to become the talk of the town. Desfina Restaurant is known for its wide variety of appetizers, refreshing salads, homemade soups, fascinating entrées and delicious homemade desserts. But if you want to dive into classic sweet temptations, such as Christmas honey cookies (melomakarona) or baklava, visit Athan’s Bakery as soon as possible.
Miracle on Ice
The Frog Pond at Boston Common, backdropped with picturesque Beacon Hill, breaks ground and becomes your favorite ice-skating destination. Put on your rental ice skates, test your skills on ice and enjoy the ultimate winter fun experience! If you prefer axel jumping while enjoying a marvelous sea view, go to the Boston Harbor Hotel. Another good option, for those who are seeking to try ice-skating under sparkling holiday lights, is the rink of Faneuil Hall Marketplace. For a panoramic view of Harvard Square, explore The Charles Hotel rink and if you are near MIT, stop by at Kendall Square rink. If you prefer the great indoors, Steriti Ice rink at North End is a great skating option.
Shop ‘Till You Drop
Choose the right clothes and accessories, ‘vote’ for color and luxury, and wander in your own wonderland at Newbury Street, Boston’s most trendy neighborhood. Choose between internationally renowned designers, fashionable boutiques, nationwide merchants and independently owned shops. If you are looking for brands like Gucci, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Club Monaco, Vera Bradley, Kate Spade, Vineyard Vines, Sephora and Swarovski, go to Prudential Center and find them all under one roof. Boutiques at places like Boylston Street, North End, South End, Beacon Hill and Harvard Square will also flirt with your desires and awaken your consumer instincts. If you want your shopping experience to have a different twist, you can visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace (or Quincy Market) to watch a huge Christmas tree in a continuous miraculous light show under festive music tones.
Midnight Stories
The clock strikes midnight. We are in a magic world made of the ingredients of our childhood’s sweetest story. The night finds us surrendered to an unprecedented spectacular celebration of colorful toys. ‘The Nutcracker and the King of Mice’ fairytale, written in 1816 by Ernest Theodor Amadeus Hoffman is brought to life this year at the Boston Opera House by Boston Ballet through December 31. Mikko Nissinen’s choreography is designed not only to entice ballet lovers but also to attract others who are not familiar with classical ballet.
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
If you plan to stay in Boston to celebrate the First Night 2015, we inform you that there are plenty of wonderful events in Copley Square, Hynes Convention Center, Berklee Performance Center or other central places to choose from. You can enjoy great views of local firework displays all night long, colossal ice sculptures, live music performances, visual art installations, free outdoor parties, the Grand Procession parade and a miraculous midnight fireworks cruise, all designed to make your first night of the year special!