December brings with it many things: shorter days, colder nights, and all kinds of unpleasant weather. However, this month is an excellent time to explore all that the Fenway has to offer. The holiday season inspires a myriad of exceptional arts and cultural activities that are perfect for all ages, whether you are from Boston or just visiting! Here are some suggestions:
SUNDAY DECEMBER 14th
DESIGN FOR RESILIENCE: DEC 10TH, 2014 – FEB 6TH, 2015
McCormick Gallery / Boston Architectural College / 320 Newbury Street, Boston
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-10:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-9:00pm
Free admission
Design for Resilience asks us to think, discuss, and take action as we consider how to better connect ourselves to our ecology and our infrastructure to ready ourselves for the future. What will Boston look like in 2050? What will our coastal cities look like in 2115? For more information, click here.
MONDAY DECEMBER 15TH
CHIMING CONCERTS @ CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PLAZA
12pm / Christian Science Plaza by the Reflecting Pool / free admission
Come listen to short holiday chiming concerts outside by the Reflecting Pool, held every day Dec 15-19. For a full list of concert times and other information, click here.
BERKLEE COLLEGE JAZZ ORCHESTRA CONCERT
8:15pm / Berklee Performance Center / tickets are $12 for adults
136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
Each semester, the Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra (BCJO) presents a concert of original student compositions and jazz composition masterworks. Under the direction of trumpeter/composer Greg Hopkins, this concert is always a treat! For ticket inquiries and other details, click here.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 16TH
CHIMING CONCERTS @ CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PLAZA
12pm / Christian Science Plaza by the Reflecting Pool / free admission
BERKLEE GLOBAL JAZZ INSTITUTE CONCERT SERIES & JAM: CREATIVITY IN THE ARTS
8pm / Berklee College of Music / Zero Gravity Room / free admission
1260 Boylston Street, Boston
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) will feature an original repertoire as well as other arrangements. The BGJI is a performance program designed to foster creativity and musicianship through various musical disciplines. It provides a comprehensive contemporary music environment where students are given opportunities to explore their creativity to the highest level possible. Click here for more information about this unique event!
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 17TH
CHIMING CONCERTS @ CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PLAZA
11:30am / Christian Science Plaza by the Reflecting Pool / free admission
COLE ANDRADE AND DAVIS COLEMAN: CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
1:00PM / Berklee College of Music / David Friend Recital Hall / free admission
921 Boylston Street, Boston
Percussionists Cole Andrade and Davis Coleman perform the music of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” arranged for marimba and vibraphone. Come enjoy music from a beloved holiday film, perfect for all ages! Visit the event post on Berklee’s website by clicking here.
MFA PRESENTS – HANUKKAH: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
6:00pm-9:45pm / MFA / event is free with museum admission
465 Huntington Ave, Boston
Enjoy an evening of art and activities celebrating Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Between 6 and 9:45, engage in gallery tours highlighting the Museum’s collection of Judaica, artmaking activities, olive oil tastings, and musical entertainment. Don’t miss the Oculus Rift motion-controlled, virtual reality, art installation in the Druker Family Pavilion windows, a preview of 8 Nights, 8 Windows, a project of New Center NOW and CJP bringing the miracle, illumination, and innovation of Hanukkah to Boston. For the full schedule of events for this evening, visit the MFA website.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 18TH
CHIMING CONCERTS @ CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PLAZA
12pm / Christian Science Plaza by the Reflecting Pool / free admission
THURSDAY @ ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM: WINTER SOLSTICE
5:30pm / tickets are $5 – $15 and can be bought online or by calling 617.278.5156
25 Evans Way, Boston
Hibernation is not an option, so we might as well celebrate. Embrace the season and join us for pagan revelry to kick off winter in style. December’s event features A Century of Songs, directed by Alain Mallet. Bask in the glow of brilliant jazz from Berklee in Calderwood Hall at 7 pm and 8 pm. Welcome winter with a shimmer in the studio with a simple gold leaf project, and join Gardner staff for a fireside chat in the Tapestry Room. Warm up with laid-back grooves of Ricardo De Lima by the Courtyard all night long. Visit the ISGM website for more info or to purchase tickets.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19TH
CHIMING CONCERTS @ CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PLAZA
12pm / Christian Science Plaza by the Reflecting Pool / free admission
DELEASA | THE WEEKEND RIOT | ANDY SUZUKI | THE HOUSE ON CLIFF
8:00pm / Berklee College of Music / Cafe 939 / tickets starting at $18
939 Boylston Street, Boston
Berklee presents four groups for a night of diverse musical styles and sounds, it is sure to be a fun night! For more information about the performances or to purchase tickets, click here.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 20TH
THE HISTORY AND COLLECTIONS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY (TOUR)
10:00am-11:30am / Massachusetts Historical Society / free admission
1154 Boylston St, Boston
The History and Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society Tour is a 90-minute docent-led walk through our public rooms. The tour is free, open to the public, with no need for reservations. For more information about this tour and other events at the Massachusetts Historical Society, click here.
ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM – Studio Activity: PRINT PRODUCTIONS
12:00pm / ISGM / event is free with museum admission
25 Evans Way, Boston
Drop by the Education Studio to spark your creativity through hands-on projects for visitors of all ages. Visitors are invited to explore the unique collection of etchings in The Short Gallery and then create their own dry-point print! For more information about this event, click here.
LEE DeWYZE @ Berklee
8:00pm / Berklee College of Music / Cafe 939 / tickets starting at $20
939 Boylston Street, Boston
Lee DeWyze,Illinois-born singer-songwriter (and American Idol winner!) will be performing at Cafe 939. Come enjoy the guitar and vocals by this indie/folk-rock artist! For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.