The best things to do in Boston this weekend: Dec. 19–22

The time has come to bid adieu to Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square, which will close after service on Friday, Dec. 20, after 35 years. But wait! This isn't goodbye forever to some of our favorite CBC beers. Castle Island Brewing Co. announced today that it will continue to produce lables like Cambridge Amber and Flower Child IPA, and make them available at its Southie and Norwood taprooms, as well other restaurants in the area (and hopefully, retail stores to come). As I chronicled in an oral history story in 2019, Cambridge Brewing Company had an outsize impact on Boston's beer scene—so this community continuation of the beloved brand doesn't surprise me, but it does delight me. Cheers, CBC and CIBC!

This pocket-sized "adult snack bar" from celeb chef Tiffani Faison’s Big Heart Hospitality Group is the latest bar to get all dolled up for the holiday season. Fool's Errand is always ornamental, with crystal chandeliers and irreverent French wallpaper. But the blue-and-white Fenway jewel box gets a glow-up in December with twinkling lights and snowflakes on the ceiling. Enjoy the atmosphere while sipping on one of the "Foolish Cocktails," like "I Saw Dad Kissing Santa," with vodka, pomegranate, apple, lemon and allspice dram; or Fireside Indulgence, a mug of hot chocolate with bourbon and toasted marshmallow Fluff.

L.A. Burdick Chocolates has opened its third Boston-area location in Coolidge Corner. The full-service café and retail counter has an expansive retail selection from the famed New Hampshire makers of exquisite chocolate bonbons and delicious drinking chocolate, including gifts for chocolate lovers as well as the artisan company's full range of treats. It also offers counter and table service for a menu of chocolate bonbons, pastries, cookies and beverages—hopefully staving off the hanger of any last-minute shoppers.

What are your top meals and memories of 2024? Of the innumerable experiences I took on this year—I’ll never forget you, Polly Pocket house—there are certainly some that have stayed on my mind. From exciting new drinks and dishes to the best events of the year, check out Time Out Boston's new Best of the City Picks.

Earlier this year, chef Will Gilson and his Cambridge hospitality group opened two new spots on First Street: all-day café and rotisserie Amba, and a next-door farmers market and events space, First Street Market. The latter is inaugurating its first holiday season with a series of maker markets. The in-house bar will be open with libations to fuel this weekend's festivities, which continue from 5–9pm on Friday, Dec. 20, and from 11am–3pm on Saturday, Dec. 21.

If singing loud for all to hear is your idea of a good time, head to the Seaport cinema for an Elf movie party on Sunday. (Sick of Elf? See what's playing elsewhere at Boston's best movie theaters.) On December 22, Alamo Drafthouse hosts a sugar-fueled screening of the holiday classic—one of the Time Out global film critics' top picks for Christmas flicks—beginning at noon. Alongside the full food menu and specials inspired by Elf, Alamo is throwing in festive games and interactive props (including personal elf hats), with caroling, and quoting, encouraged.

The SoWa Winter Festival has been open every day since Black Friday, for the first time in the South End tradition's 10-year history. So hopefully you've already completed your shopping! But if you still need something from the expansive maker marketplace—or the Food Truck Village—now's your final chance. SoWa Winter Festival season ends Sunday, Dec. 22. Until then, it's open at 4pm on weekdays and 10am on weekends, closing at 8pm Thursday, 9pm Friday and Saturday, and 7pm on Sunday. Food trucks roll up Friday from 5–8pm, Saturday from 12–6pm and Sunday from 12–4pm.

Can’t get enough holiday wonder? Winter Fest is just what you need. From the creative minds behind Boston’s Wicked Haunt Fest, Winter Fest at Hood Park in Charlestown is a winter wonderland filled with massive light displays and family-friendly holiday magic—here's a look. Visitors can meet Santa on weekends and see a life-size gingerbread house and toy workshop. For adults, the Après Ski Veuve Clicquot Gondola Lounge transports guests to Aspen for a champagne toast. Look for treats like decadent hot chocolate adorned with seasonal toppings like house-made marshmallow and crushed peppermint. Beer and wine is also be available. It's free to attend, though food, drink, skating and meeting Santa incur charges from $10–$30.

This weekend is will be brisk, but if you clutch a hot drink with your mittens, it can be charming. One of the best winter activities—which isn't dependent on snow—is hitting an ice rink. Boston and the surrounding area has no shortage of rinks fit for all levels, but none are as iconic as the Boston Common Frog Pond. Situated on the oldest public park in America, the rink hosts a steady, multigenerational throng of newbies and aspiring Kristi Yamaguchis alike. (Those who prefer to stay on non-slippery ground can snuggle up beside the snack bar with a hot chocolate and free Wi-Fi.) Just be sure to bundle up—a wait is inevitable.

Wish you could eat at Boston’s best restaurants all in one sitting? Geppetto has you covered this holiday season with their 12 Chefs of Christmas events. Every Sunday this December, chef-owner Will Gilson is inviting over some of greater Boston’s top culinary talents to create curated, coursed meals showcasing their favorite flavors and festive takes on holiday dining. This Sunday, Dec. 22, is a dinner party with Joey Gonzales of Amba Alexis Babineau, Puritan & Co. Hal Ryerson of the Sweet Life on Martha's Vineyard, and Andre Lacroix of Herb Lyceum in Groton. You must book for this event in advance, and it will be $110 per person.

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in the Hub. The best things to do in Boston run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational.

Boston is arguably best enjoyed from the water, and thankfully, there are more than a dozen fun ways to take in the city by boat.

Believe it or not, you don’t need to travel to the White Mountains or the Appalachian Trail to get your nature fix.

From dining out to seeing shows, going out in Boston adds up—but we’re here with amazing news. There are fun things to do that cost zero dollars.

From a Victorian townhouse to—yes—an actual lighthouse, these Airbnb properties make a trip to Boston all the more special.

Our guide to the best hotels in Boston includes top picks for vacations and staycations.

Here’s your guide to the best negihborhoods and accomodations to make you fall in love with Boston.

--