As the year 2013 comes to a close, we’ve got all the right resources to help you feel prepared for the holidays and ready to face the new year!
For the holidays, we have tips on things to do, places to shop for gifts, and ways to save money. For the upcoming new year, we offer resources for college and career readiness so that you can start off on the right foot! Happy Holidays!
There are so many exciting holiday events going on in the City of Boston for the month of December. Take part in the “Deck the Rooftops” competition on the overall design and appeal of your residence’s lighting and decoration display. Take advantage of the City’s light extravaganza show, “Boston Blinks,” in Faneuil Hall, or take the family ice-skating at the Frog Pond. Head to “A Christmas Story” at the Wang Theatre, or get your holiday shopping done at Downtown Crossing’s Holiday Market. However you decide to celebrate this season, you can find a complete list of Boston’s holiday events at the Lights on Boston homepage.
Boston Youth Environmental Network is inviting young people to attend this month’s dinner to meet folks working in green jobs. From 2012 – 2013 clean energy jobs grew 11.8%! Come to learn about career opportunities this growing industry can offer the young people of the Commonwealth. The dinner will be on December 11th, from 4:30–6pm at 89 South St in Boston. To register, contact Helen Christou at hchristou@environetwork.org or 781-308-9530.
Take advantage of the City of Boston’s multi-functional holiday planning website. Enjoy great discounts, thousands of half-price show tickets, and more this holiday season!
If you enjoy ice-skating, then this is the perfect way for you to kick off the Holiday Season! Join The Skating Club of Boston at the Boston Common Frog Pond for a FREE world-class figure skating ice show featuring national and international ice skaters before the Boston Common Tree Lighting on December 5th at 5pm.
The City of Boston is offering two hours of free metered parking at all city parking meters every Saturday during the month of December (12/7, 12/14, 12/21 & 12/28).
Sign up to receive email, voice, and text message notifications for snow emergencies, parking bans, and school cancellations. Register at www.cityofboston.gov/alertboston or call 617-635-4500.
Artists for Humanity’s Greatest Gifts on Earth
Support young, talented artists in our community and get your holiday shopping done all at once! Artists for Humanity are holding a holiday sale and party for individuals to visit the Studios, meet teen artists, and create your own art. Admission is FREE and holiday treats will be served. The event will be on December 10th from 4-8pm at 100 W 2nd St. in South Boston.
Jamaica Plain Holiday Art Fair
Find unique gifts at the art fair while supporting local artist and contributing to a good cause at this event hosted by the Urbano Project. The fair is on December 14th from 10am-5pm at 284 Amory St., 1st Floor.
MFA December Holiday Vacation Week
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is opening their doors to enjoy free, drop-in activities for families to do together in the galleries all week long. Learn to draw, paint, and print like the masters, and create your own art to take home this holiday season! The holiday week will take place everyday from December 26–31 from 10am–4pm.
High school seniors who are looking for help completing the common application for college are invited to a FREE workshop. Get individual help from experienced college counselors, advice on essays and supplements, and information on financial aid and scholarships. Bring a copy of your transcript and resume. The workshop will be on December 8th from 10:30am-4:30pm (stay for 2 hours) at Northeastern University, 429 Dana Research Center.
NEXT STEP: College Success & Independent Living program
This program is for students, grades 9-12, who have a social language deficit, Asperger’s Syndrome, NLF, or related learning disorders, and are serious about attending college after high school. NEXT STEP gives students a chance to hone executive functioning, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills that are necessary for living with other students on a college campus. Each Saturday session will include a skill focus, individual and group problem solving activities, as well as a college campus excursion. All Saturday programs will begin and end at the Judge Baker Children’s Center facility in Boston, and include a weeklong overnight dormitory experience based at Boston College. The dates for this year’s Saturday sessions include December 7, 2013, February 8, 2014, and May 10, 2014. For more information, contact nextstep@jbcc.harvard.edu or 617-278-4119.