holidays

As people across Massachusetts continue to grapple with some of the nation’s highest costs of living, families in Greater Boston are reaching out for help as the holiday season approaches.

Nantucket may be a quintessential New England summer destination, heavily populated by those in a high tax bracket, but in December, it transforms into an egalitarian winter wonderland focused on supporting small businesses and celebrating the holiday season.

Celebrate the festive season with holiday concerts, parties and markets throughout Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and beyond.

It’s the most festive time of the year, and food and drink are essential parts of celebrating the holidays. At these themed pop-ups at local bars and restaurants, you can enjoy a seasonal beverage with a hefty side of holiday décor.

As the holiday season approaches, I want to take the time to remind our Black community to buy products made by people of color, and to buy them from stores owned by Black people in your community.

Cirque du Soleil gets into the festive spirit this year with “’Twas the Night Before… ,” the company’s first-ever holiday show, playing at the Boch Center Wang Theatre through Dec. 11.

The holiday season is just around the corner. And, as we comb through our collections of treasured holiday ornaments, put Santa and his reindeer on the lawn, and plan elaborate feasts, health experts advise us to devise a strategy to keep our beloved friends and family safe from COVID-19 infection. This is especially important to protect elderly family members.

Every December, the Boston Holiday Pops concerts ring in the festive season with carols, holiday stories and an appearance by Santa Claus. But in addition to the traditions that symphony-goers cherish, conductor Keith Lockhart brings in new, diverse components to the program every year.

Though there’s still the Thanksgiving meal to prepare and fall foliage lingering around Boston, it’s officially November, which means holiday shopping season has begun. Get a head start on your loved ones’ wish lists with these products from local Black-owned businesses.