November 29
40th Annual Tree Lighting: A Storied Night in Harvard Square
The Charles Hotel
4-7pm
Step into a magical storied night with actor/comedian Jimmy Tingle, as our 40th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration takes on a literary twist inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! This year’s celebration offers even more reasons to gather and glow — including a life-sized gingerbread house, festive drinks and snacks, cozy lounges, and special appearances that will warm even the Grinch’s heart. Enjoy live holiday music filling the air, and celebrate community, creativity, and a touch of magic as we light up Harvard Square for the holiday season! More information available here.
December 1
Maccabee Bar
Noir Bar
December 1 – December 31
Boston’s Hanukkah Bar is back for its 4th run at Noir Bar!
This year’s Maccabee Bar features returning favorites and brand-new Hanukkah-inspired cocktails, plus noshes ranging from special snacks crafted in Noir’s kitchen to house-made jelly donuts.
New this season, we’ll also be hosting two special Maccabee Trivia & Dinner nights with Phrenology Trivia on 12/7 and 12/28—perfect for a festive night out.
December 2
Giving Tree Kickoff
5pm – 6pm
The Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA), members and friends are generously donating hats, gloves, socks, mittens, t-shirts, and scarves. These items will be placed in water-tight zipper bags along with candy canes, chocolates and treats and will be hung on the Annual Holiday Giving Tree, located on Brattle Plaza in front of Bluestone Lane at 27 Brattle Street. Please bring your own items similarly packaged or come and help us place ours. People are encouraged to take what they need.
To celebrate the installation of the Giving Tree on December 2nd at 5:00 pm, The Boys of the St. Paul’s Choir School will perform joyous hymns and songs beginning at 5:30pm. These young boys have performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein on the legendary stage of Carnegie Hall, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for Pope Francis, and countless Boston Red Sox and Celtics games. Consisting of singers who are both artistically and technically highly developed, it may be surprising to discover that the boys range from grades 3 through 8.
Complimentary treats for those attending and for passersby will be served by HSBA staff.
The Harvard Square Business Association is collecting donations in support of the Giving Tree. All proceeds will be used to purchase items, including clothing and gift cards for food.
To make a donation, please contact Bill Manley.
December 4
Holiday Jazz with Brian Friedland and Friends
Lou’s
6:30pm & 9:00pm
Holiday Jazz with Brian Friedland and friends Composer/pianist Brian Friedland’s music displays creativity through a large and varied body of works. Friedland has released 9 albums of original music, performed at venues across the US and internationally, and frequently performs and collaborates in his home town of Boston. Grammy nominated composer and musical collaborator Kim Richmond describes Friedland’s music as “inspirationally crafted, an excellent and interesting mix of art works. He shows his dedication towards creating and performing new music.
Passim
8pm
Tony Trischka hosts a banjo-driven celebration of the season where he turns his considerable melodic inventiveness loose on Bluegrass and Americana music for the holidays. A diverse, highly textural seasonal collection, Trischka also revels in songs long forgotten and little known. Truly a sumptuous feast for the ears presented as only Tony Trischka can. Tickets available here.
December 5
SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light
Mount Auburn Cemetery
December 5 – 21
SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light is an annual event at Mount Auburn Cemetery that includes an outdoor journey with large-scale light and sound artworks created by MASARY, and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting. Guests are invited to walk through the light-filled landscape, explore the Winter Solstice atmosphere, and to reflect on moments of change as the year ends and a new cycle begins. Connect to a landscape of exceptional beauty, consider an intention for the new year, or commemorate the memory of a loved one. Let SOLSTICE light your way as you encounter the unique spirit of Mount Auburn. Tickets.
Kuumba Singers of Harvard Winter Concert
First Parish Cambridge
December 5 & 6
8pm & 10pm
Tickets are now available for the Kuumba Singers FREE Winter Concert. Performances will take place from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm each evening.
Get your tickets here or at the door.
December 6
Let’s Sew a Holiday Stocking *In-Person*
Cambridge Center for Adult Education
10am
Let’s Sew a Holiday Stocking
It’s the time of the year to create your own Holiday stockings! Join us for this three-hour workshop will enable you to create different stockings, right on time for Holidays. The instructor will provide the instructions and will guide you through the project. Students must provide their own sewing machine. To take advantage of this workshop, you need to know how to use your sewing machine and have the basics of sewing. Instructor: Elodie Bordry – $70.00
Seasonal & Holiday Classes | CCAE
The Nutcracker
Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre
December 6 – December 21
Tickets are now on sale for José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker!
Choreographed by Founder and Artistic Director José Mateo and set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, JMBT’s The Nutcracker brings Clara’s dream world to life with festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing. With over 100 children ages 6-18 joining professional guest artists this year, José Mateo’s Nutcracker creates memories that will last a lifetime.
December 7
“Be Set Free”
First Church of Christ, Scientist
2pm
Free public talk on Christian Science
by Nicole Virgil, C.S.
“Be Set Free“
Circumstances often present what appear to be significant obstacles to living freely, something that everyone wants to do. Whatever it is that seems to stand between us and the full range of motion that we would like to have in our lives — it’s not so much the presenting impediment that is the problem — it’s not knowing how or where to access our God-given liberty.
To live a life of liberty, we have to find the nature and substance of liberty, which is spiritual, purposeful, unburdened, and given to all. To do that you have to know where to look, to the source of liberty — God, good itself, all-inclusive.
In this talk, we will examine liberty from a Biblical perspective; and see how real people today find their freedom from all kinds of physical, emotional and circumstantial restrictions that seem clearly beyond their control so that they may Be Set Free.
Child care will be provided.
Christmas in Harvard Square
Saint Paul’s Choir School
December 7th & 14th, 3pm
We are excited to announce our beloved holiday tradition: Christmas in Harvard Square! Join the Boys and Schola of St. Paul’s as they offer an assortment of carols and classics capturing the wonder, hope, and joy of the season. Whether this is your first time attending or part of your own cherished annual traditions, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience in one of Boston’s finest acoustic settings.
General Ticket Price: $50 (additional service fees apply)
Approx. 90 minutes
General admission tickets are available now!
December 8
Hanukkah Jelly Donuts, Sufganiyah *In-Person*
Cambridge Center for Adult Education
6:00pm
Hanukkah Jelly Donuts, Sufganiyah
In preparation for Hanukkah, join this hands-on class to learn how to make your own Sufganiyah. This classic Hanukkah treat celebrates the miracle of the oil burning for 8 days. You will learn to make the dough, proof, fry and fill your donuts. We will fill our donuts in class with classic jelly, as well as explore less traditional fillings. Instructor: Sophie Frazier – $95.00
Seasonal & Holiday Classes | CCAE
December 9
Wonder
American Repertory Theater
December 9th – February 8
Wonder
“We can change the way we see.” Based on R.J. Palacio’s novel and Lionsgate & Mandeville Films’ hit feature film, this uplifting new musical follows the Pullman family as they navigate change, identity, and what it means to belong. Auggie Pullman has been homeschooled his entire life, often retreating to outer space in his imagination. But when his family decides it’s time for him to start going to school, Auggie must take off the space helmet he has used to hide his facial difference. As Auggie navigates a world filled with kindness and cruelty, his parents and sister go on their own journeys of transformation and discovery. Featuring a driving, pop-inspired score, Wonder celebrates empathy, resilience, and the power of choosing kindness. More information and tickets available here.
December 11
Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra present the Big Easy Holiday Bash 2025
Arrow Street Arts
December 11 – 13, 7pm
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season with Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at the Big Easy Holiday Bash 2025—a festive showcase of New Orleans’ greatest music and musicians!
Join us for three unforgettable nights at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, MA. Experience an evening filled with holiday classics, New Orleans R&B, and a jazzy rendition of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. This year’s celebration features:
– NEA Jazz Master Delfeaya Marsails
– Grammy Award – winnng vocalist Nicole Zuraitis
– Choreography by Adrienna T. Hawkins
Created to spotlight the vibrant artistry of New Orleans, the Big Easy Holiday BashPa unites exceptional vocal and instrumental performances with dazzling jazz dance. Adrienne Hawkins’ whimsical choreography honors tradition while infusing modern energy and flair.
Prepare for a musical odyssey that carries you from the streets of New Orleans to the nightlife of New York—and all the way to the grand concert halls of the old country! Tickets
December 12
HARVARD SQUARE HOLIDAY FAIR 2025
Fridays: 12-7
Saturdays: 11-7
Sundays: 12-6
The Harvard Square Holiday Fair (www.harvardsquareholidayfair.com) is one of the oldest and most popular fairs in Boston – the original rock and roll holiday fair. Now in its 40th year, the fair runs for two consecutive weekends, Dec 12-14 and Dec 19-21 at 57 JFK Street in Harvard Square. The fair is juried and includes a changing mix of New England craftspeople and world traveling importers featuring a great selection of beautiful, original and affordable gifts. Talking to the craftspeople who make what they sell gives shoppers a connection to what they are buying that is just not possible at the mall, through a catalog or online.
This is not your average craft fair – it’s more like a party where you can buy stuff! It’s a high energy alternative marketplace with a great soundtrack – a taste of the old Harvard Square.
The fair is open Fridays: 12-7, Saturdays: 11-7 and Sundays: 12-6.
Admission is free
HARVARD SQUARE HOLIDAY FAIR – Alternative marketplace of exciting local and world crafts: Jewelry, Pottery, Clothing and Art.
Dec.12th – 14th and Dec.19th – 21st at 57 JFK Street, Cambridge (corner of Winthrop St)
Hours: Fridays: 12 – 7pm, Saturdays: 11am – 7pm, Sundays: 12 – 6pm Admission Free.
www.harvardsquareholidayfair.com Telephone: (413) 625-9779
Don’t Open Till Christmas
Brattle Theatre
9:30pm
In the annals of Yuletide slashers, DON’T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS is particularly infamous. With a litany of methods as varied as Jason’s, the twisted psychopath at the center of this unhinged sleaze-feast is determined to gorily murder anyone they cross paths with who is dressed as Santa during the holiday season. Tickets
4th Annual Black Business Holiday Marketplace
Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts
December 12 – 14
Celebrate the Season and Support Local Black-Owned Businesses.
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, Cambridge Local First, and the Harvard Square Business Association invite you to the 4th Annual Black Business Holiday Marketplace! CSBBN is part of Cambridge’s “Shop Local – I’m Local” small business campaign during the winter holidays.
Event Dates & Times:
• Friday, Dec. 12, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Reception – with light refreshments: 5-7PM
• Entertainment –
• Saturday, Dec. 13, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday, Dec. 14, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free! 2025 Holiday Marketplace Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
It’s a Wonderful Life
Brattle Theatre
December 12- 15
It’s that time of year again, folks! Time to round up family and friends (or just your favorite hankie) and head on down to The Brattle for our annual screenings of this Yuletide classic. Sure, it’s sentimental—it’s supposed to be! But it also strikes so many chords of humor, pathos, fantasy, and true emotion that it rises far above being a standard melodrama. Tickets
A Scandinavian Story for Christmas
Revels
December 12 -28
Midwinter Revels 2025 A Scandinavian Story for Christmas
Inspired by Gregory Maguire’s Matchless
Revels’ joyous blend of music, storytelling, song, and dance brings to life the radiant story of Matchless, by Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked.
Set on an island so far north that it snows from September to April, a young boy finds warmth and light in the darkest days. Woven together with festive Scandinavian song and dance performed by virtuoso musicians, actors, and Revels’ intergenerational chorus, this story is Gregory Maguire’s illumination of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.
“In selecting this tale for revisiting – illumination, perhaps – I hope to honor the original by finding a way to return to the story a sense of the transcendent.” – Gregory Maguire
Tickets available here.
December 13
Jeff Williams Holiday Brunch
Lou’s
11:30am – 2pm
Jeff Williams Quartet plays music from classic jazz, standards from the Great American Songbook, pop and Latin genres.
Lou’s Harvard Square | Jeff Williams Holiday Brunch
17th Annual “Everyone Loves Latkes” Party
1pm – 2pm
The Harvard Square Business Association is delighted to celebrate Hanukkah by serving complimentary latkes on Saturday, December 13th at the 18th Annual “Everyone Loves Latkes” Party! Hot and delicious potato pancakes will be sampled between 1:00pm – 2:00pm on Brattle Plaza (in front of Bluestone Lane at 27 Brattle Street).
This year’s latkes will be prepared by Executive Chef Jason Bond of Lou’s, Harvard Square’s newest restaurant. These vegetarian potato treats will include fresh apple sauce made with Empire Apples sourced from Verrill Farm in Concord, MA and sour cream made from cream from High Law Farms in the Berkshires. In keeping with tradition, fresh jelly donuts and gold chocolate coins will be provided. Joe Kessler and his Klezmer band, Klezwoods, will be on hand to entertain the crowd with traditional songs of the season.
More informations coming soon.
December 14
A Jazz Tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas
Regattabar
4pm & 6pm
Vince Guaraldi’s timeless A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack is brought to life in this special live performance, featuring the full score (and more!) by a five-piece ensemble of acclaimed touring musicians. Entertaining kids from 1-92, the quintet puts its own spin on Guaraldi’s Christmas classics with extended improvisation and horn lines injected into the arrangements you know and love. The band is comprised of an eclectic group of internationally touring musicians who hail from jazz, prog, pop, and rock backgrounds, coming together for a show that will leave everybody in the holiday spirit.
Tickets
Children’s Christmas Play &
Caroling on the steps of First Parish
First Parish Cambridge
10:30 am – Join us for a fun worship service where we’ll have our Children’s Christmas Play. Follow Mary, Joseph and the donkey on their journey to the place where they welcome new life and light! This year we will offer three magical advent stories, along with musical accompaniment. There will be baby lambs, wise shepherds, angels, a stubborn ox and Christmas mice!!
12:30 pm – Caroling on the steps of First Parish
The First Parish choir, accompanied by families and children will serenade shoppers and strollers from the front steps of the church! Kids will be passing out candy canes too!
Holiday Party at Herbwell Cannabis
Brunch with Santa at Nubar
December 16
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony
Passim
December 16 -18, 7:30pm
Wintery Songs in Eleventy Part Harmony is a loose collaboration of Boston-based musicians organized by veteran singer/songwriter Jennifer Kimball, who celebrate the holiday season with their delightful annual program of sacred, secular, and wintery pop music rearranged, reharmonized, and often just plain turned on its head. Wielding fiddles, cellos, ukes, guitars and glockenspiels, this ensemble re-envisions the sounds of the season by reharmonizing classic songs, reinterpreting pop tunes, composing new songs for the season and bringing unknown pop gems to the lexicon of holiday-ish music. Tickets
December 19
(Last Minute) Shop Over Weekend
Harvard Square
December 19 – 21
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better place to spend it than historic Harvard Square. With so much to see and do, come for the weekend!
Hotels! Shopping! Dining! Ticketed Events! Outdoor family-friendly free events! Come Friday and stay for the weekend. Shop until you drop! Dine on the run or sit down for a luxurious dinner. When you’ve shopped and eaten your way through the Square, take some time to enjoy a show, concert, movie or a play.
More information coming soon.
Christmas in 16th-Century Spain
Blue Heron
December 19 – 20
Blue Heron’s Christmas celebration returns to Spain for mystical motets by Morales, vivacious villancicos by Guerrero, and a dash of comedy—Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, La Bomba. Tickets
December 20
Santa Claus Jazz Band and Treats
Harvard Square
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Join the Harvard Square Business Association as we present the Santa Claus Jazz Band. Bask in the glow of the sights, smells and sounds of the season! Plenty of hot chocolate and cookies will be available to give you that extra energy boost as you holiday shop!
Outside of Bluestone Lane, 27 Brattle Street, Brattle Plaza
Community Carole Sing at Harvard Epworth United Methodist Church
A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS – MOTOWN AND MORE
Scullers Jazz Club
7pm
Lamkin3 Entertainment presents A Soulful Christmas: Motown and More at Scullers Jazz. Get ready for a show guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit! Come and enjoy some of your favorite Soulful Christmas classics from Otis Redding, Clarence Carter, Motown, and more.
Join us for an evening filled with music, laughter, fun, and soul to make your season bright.
All Ages. Tickets.
December 21
A Nat King Cole Christmas
Regattabar
4pm
An unforgettable evening of holiday music & Nat King Cole songs by Gordon Michaels & Friends with special guest, Lori Dow. Tickets.
Holiday Party with Will Smalley, Andrew Mayer & Live Band Karaoke
Comedy Studio
7pm
Join us for The Comedy Studio’s annual Holiday Party Show hosted by beloved Boston comics Will Smalley and Andrew Mayer. Will and Andrew have an all-star lineup of comedians to help you get into the holiday spirit. Dress in your ugliest Christmas sweater and come on down for a holiday spectacular you’ll never forget. And be sure to stick around after for the real party. Christmas music included! HO!, HO!, HO! Tickets
Winter Solstice Service–Filling the
Dark with Light & Singing
First Parish Cambridge
December 21
10:30 am
On the winter solstice on the shortest and darkest day of the year,, it is easy to dwell on all the things that make us fearful and uncomfortable in the dark; so instead let us respond with joy! Come join us for an intergenerational service to welcome in the new solar year with smiles on our faces and music in our hearts.
December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Swedenborg Chapel
4:30pm
As autumn leaves fall and winter approaches, we look ahead to the season of gathering with family and friends before the year comes to a close. Accordingly, we cordially invite the Cambridge community – residents and visitors alike – to join us for our annual candlelight Christmas Eve service at Swedenborg Chapel, a simple service of carols, prayers, and a Christmas message inside our historic gothic chapel at the corner of Quincy and Kirkland streets. We look forward to greeting you on December 24, at 4:30pm. All are welcome.
Christmas Eve Lunch & Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols
First Parish Cambridge
11:00 am–2:00 pm
Christmas Eve Lunch at our Wednesday Meal Program. We’ll serve a festive lunch to those in need. Volunteer opportunities available
4:30 pm
Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols
Join us for this traditional candlelight service of lessons and carols. Rev. Rob Hardies will deliver a Christmas message.
December 27
All the Bubbles! Sparkling Wines and the Party Treats that Love Them
Commonwealth Wine School
6:30pm-8pm
As we wrap up the holidays, everyone prepares for one last hurrah – New Year’s Eve. That final celebration that ushers in a new year with cheer and excitement. What better way to celebrate than with a glass of bubbles?
We’re pulling out all the stops for this incredible end-of-the-year tasting. Join our own educator and author (and bubbles enthusiast) Adam Centamore for an elevated evening exploring the glorious world of sparkling wines and party treats. You’ll try a variety of bubbles from around the globe, paired with foods that are right at home on your next celebratory table. Think gougères, smoked salmon, and chocolates brought straight from Italy’s chocolate capital, Torino…it’s sure to be an evening worthy of cheering in the new year! Tickets
December 31
Catherine Russell
Regattabar
8:30 PM & 10.30pm
Grammy® Award winning and three-time Grammy® nominated vocalist, Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist/composer/bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist/guitarist/bassist who performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver.
Tickets
RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH ELAN TROTMAN
Scullers Jazz Club
8.30pm AND 11pm
RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH ELAN TROTMAN
Join us on New Years Eve for a Scullers favorite, Elan Trotman and his band. All Ages
Ellis Paul and Friends
Passim
Monday, December 29th, 7pm: Beatles Singalong Night!, Sam Robbins opens
Tuesday, December 30th, 7pm: Ellis Paul & Friends, Shanna in a Dress opens
Wednesday, December 31st, 7pm & 10pm: Ellis Paul & Friends, Laurie MacAllister opens.
Tickets
Wusong Wonderland
Wusong Tiki Bar is turning up the holiday cheer with its spectacular transformation into Wusong Wonderland, a magical December pop-up in the heart of Harvard Square that blends tropical tiki vibes with festive wintry décor for the perfect seasonal escape. From the moment you walk through the doors at 112 Mt. Auburn Street, you’ll find twinkling lights, sparkling trees, and tropical touches that feel like stepping into a holiday paradise. The cocktail menu is filled with playful, holiday-themed creations served in fun glassware, paired with a special menu of small bites with a festive twist to keep your night merry. For a perfect gift, don’t miss the limited-edition Christmas Wusong tiki mugs. Whether you’re stopping in for a cozy drink with friends, planning a holiday party, or simply taking in the décor, Wusong Wonderland is the place to be this season. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot in this holiday hideaway; call 617.528.9125 or book online to plan your winter visit.
Help Keep “The Fridge in the Square” Full
In Harvard Square, there’s a simple idea that works: a community fridge and pantry outside First Parish Church where anyone can take what they need—no questions asked. We call it The Fridge in the Square. It’s run with heart by the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) alongside partners and volunteers, and it’s become a lifeline. For more information and to donate, click here.
Help Keep “The Fridge in the Square” Full – Harvard Square
12th Annual Winter Warmth Drive
City of Cambridge
Dear friends,
For the past 11 years, I have worked with First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist, Harvard Square Business Association, Hilton’s Tent City, and the Central Square Business Improvement District, on the Winter Warmth Drive, a fundraising effort to purchase sleeping bags for unhoused people in Cambridge
Today we are launching year 12! These sleeping bags are essential as the weather gets cold. Our goal is to raise $20,000. The sooner we raise these funds; the sooner we can purchase the bags. Any amount is welcome.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.
Thank you!
Marc McGovern
Toys for Tots
The Harvard Square Business Association is partnering with the Harvard University Police Department to support Toys for Tots this Holiday Season. You can drop off your donation at the Cambridge Savings Bank branch located at 1374 Massachusetts Avenue during regular banking hours prior to December 15th.
Secret Santa for Senior Program
