A Guide To Thanksgiving Weekend In Boston
So many of us look forward to the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend - enjoying a meal with family and friends and simply relaxing for a few days. Thanksgiving is only one day, and once the allure of leftovers wanes and family and friends head home, you might be left wondering what to do with the rest of your weekend. This guide to activities on Thanksgiving weekend in Boston will give you enough ideas to get out of the house and work off those leftovers.
GET MOVIN'
Road Races
For some, exercising during the holiday weekend is simply not in the cards. For others, however, it's the day to pound the pavement in the name of charity. There are a number of annual Thanksgiving races benefiting local organizations:
Head to Davis Square for the Somerville Gobble Gobble 4 Miler, which benefits Project Soup, a regional free supper program, and the Somerville Track Parents and Alumni Club, providing scholarships to Somerville High School students. The Allston/Brighton neighborhood hosts the annual Boston Volvo 5k Race, which benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. If you're a serious runner, both courses are USATF certified and chip timed. What a better way to burn calories before you stuff your face with turkey, mash potatoes and apple pie?
Frog Pond Figure Skating
Boston Common
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-2120
Admission: $4 for Adults (14 and older); Free for Children (Under 13)
website
The Frog Pond opens every year in mid-November just in time for the long, Thanksgiving Day weekend. Welcome winter with open arms and visit this quintessential Boston landmark to enjoy outdoor ice-skating and perhaps a cup of hot chocolate. In addition to skating, the Frog Pond offers custom programming including a New Year's Eve fireworks display, for those of you already planning your New Year's Eve celebrations. Do you have your own skates? Skate sharpening is offered on site for $7.
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
SOWA Vintage Market
460C Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
Sunday's Through December 18th
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
website
It's the day after Thanksgiving, and the holiday shopping frenzy is now in full swing. From Newbury Street to the Prudential Center to local shopping meccas like Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Davis Square in Somerville, and Inman Square in Cambridge, there's no shortage of options for the gift-seeking Bostonian. During the Massachusetts holiday shopping season, many stores open early and stay open late making it easy for you to get all of your shopping done. If you're looking for something unique, try the SOWA Vintage Market. Located in the South End, this Market will definitely offer something for your unique loved one.
ENJOY A LITTLE CULTURE
The Boston Ballet's Nutcracker
The Boston Opera House
539 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
website
The Boston Ballet's seasonal performance of The Nutcracker traditionally opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through December 31st at the Boston Opera House. If you have not yet enjoyed this holiday classic, make the 2011/2012 holiday season your year.
Cristy is a Boston-based blogger in constant pursuit of fun activities in the city. Read more of her work at http://bostonurbansafari.blogspot.com
