PORT45 Presents: Festive Holiday Events

Here’s a roundup of holiday events to inspire and delight in the neighborhood! Why not bundle up and head out to these events to make this season merry and bright!  They are all just a hop, skip and jump from PORT45 – one of Southie’s newest full service developments!

South Boston Christmas Stroll & Tree Lighting! Kick off the holiday season with a host of activities as well promotions from local businesses. Have fun and, sip, shop and dine local all in one night! Enjoy a special tree lighting on East Broadway in front of the library, a visit from Santa and some old fashioned carolers!  This much anticipated neighborhood event takes place on Thursday, November 30th at 4pm.

Light Up the Seaport! The Seaport District is celebrating the most magical season of the year at their Second Annual Tree Lighting event. Enjoy live holiday tunes performed by Rich DiMare, holiday treats from Seaport restaurants, and giveaways! In the spirit of the holiday season, the event benefits Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and The Gavin Foundation.  This fun event takes place on December 1st from 6pm-8pm.

Jingle Bell Run! Put on your Santa hat, lace up those sneakers and get ready to run for a great local school – South Boston Catholic Academy. On Saturday, December 2nd at 10am join your friends and neighbors and run a 5K race along the South Boston beaches. Start and finish is at South Boston Catholic Academy at 866 East Broadway. Stick around for a post-race party with prizes, raffles, food and fun! There is also fun for the kids on deck too with two youth races. At 9:15 – 100 Meter Dash for kids (9 and under) and at 9:30 a 1/2 mile run (14 and under). If you preregister by November 30th, it’s $30. Post-registration is $35. Youth preregistration is is $15 and post-registration is $20. To register visit here!

Take a tour! This December marks the 27th annual Laboure Christmas House Tour of South Boston. Hosted by Catholic Charities, this important fundraiser features homes in South Boston decorated for Christmas by local designers.  Five homes are selected and decorated by a team of Boston professional design firms and opened to the public by the generous homeowners to raise money for the social services provided by Catholic Charities Laboure Center.  Purchase a ticket today!  There are two tours  – Saturday, December 2nd at 4pm and Sunday, December 3rd at 12pm

Santa is coming, Santa is coming!  Children of all ages are welcome to join us for this free event with cookie decorating, hot cocoa & a photo op with Santa. All of the walls at District Hall are writable and will have coloring activities and games for the kids to play! We’ll be showing some favorite holiday movies and spreading holiday cheer.  Families are welcome to make reservations for brunch at Gather, right inside of District Hall, and next to the new Seaport Square Christmas Tree in the neighboring park! Of course, Mimosas & Bloody Marys will be available for purchase, along with our brunch specialties. Make your reservations at gatherboston.com! Brew, inside District Hall will also be open and serving coffee, tea, hot chocolate & adult beverages! Guests are encouraged to bring a toy or cash donation to support the South Boston Boys & Girls Club!  The fun happens on Saturday, December 9th at 11am.  You can reserve your spot here! 

Ice, Ice, Baby! Grab your parka and head to the Envoy Hotel at the Lookout Bar’s six rooftop igloos. The 7-foot-tall, 12-foot-wide weatherproof igloos are heated, of course, and are perfect for sipping cocktails while enjoying those skyline and harbor views. The igloos are available on a first come, first served basis on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 4-10pm through the winter and fleece blankets are available to keep you extra cozy. On Wednesdays, mixologist Brian McDougall will be crafting specialty cocktails to keep you warm!

The SoWa Winter Festival is the biggest winter shopping village in Boston. Featuring over 100 of the region’s best makers and specialty food vendors, you’ll find the perfect handmade gifts for everyone on your list. While you shop, sip on winter spirits by Banyan Bar + Refuge – proceeds support our neighbors at the Haley House. Christmas trees of various sized will be available for purchase from Stow Greenhouses. On Thayer Street (450 Harrison Ave), the winter wonderland continues in a heated tent featuring live holiday music, a flower crown station with Alice’s Table, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and raclette cheese specialties by Gaslight. Right outside, enjoy food trucks, live ice sculpting from noon – 2:30 pm, as well as the galleries, artist studios, and shops that call SoWa home year ’round.  The fun happens on December 2nd 11am- 7pm and December 3rd 11am-5pm!

It’s the 9th Annual South End Holiday Stroll on Wednesday, December 6th 4pm-8pm! Visit your favorite local shops and restaurants, where they will be giving discounts and freebies to reward you for shopping small and shopping local for the holidays. Be on the lookout for the red balloons at participating businesses!

DIY: Fireside wreath making! This DIY is so popular, a second date has been added!  December 9th at 1pm! Start your holiday season off right with Capo and Alice’s Table! Grab your friends and create a custom wreath, perfect for bringing some holiday cheer to your home all season long! At the end of the event, take home your decorated wreath and stay for an early dinner at Capo and receive a special VIP appetizer, exclusive to Alice’s Table guests.  Price is $75 – you can register here! 

To learn more about PORT45 visit here!