The best things to do in Boston this weekend: Nov. 21–Nov. 24

Instagram moments never-before-seen-in-Boston arrive in the city this season—just in time for winter break with the kids. The Museum of Illusions Boston opens Saturday, Nov. 23, near Faneuil Hall. T he Museum of Illusions has become a phenomenon since starting in 2015, with more than 50 locations globally. Boston is its first in New England and at about 10,000 square feet, one of the largest Museum of Illusions anywhere. Some of the exhibits nod to the city’s history and culture, such as a basketball-themed Reversed Room. Tickets for Museum of Illusions Boston are $38, $33 for children 5–12 and free for children 4 and under. 

Friendsgiving can look like a lot of different things, but essentially, it’s getting together with friends, usually the week of Thanksgiving to celebrate without all the formality and family obligations. It's a time to come together, enjoy good food and drink, and honestly, relax in the run up to the holiday. Seeking some ideas for you and yours? We have plenty.

The South Boston brewery is hosting a tap takeover all day on Saturday, Nov. 23, pouring seasonal faves from a bevy of breweries, and their own Sweet Potato Brown Ale. Guest taps include Brockton Brewery’s Ticket to Vibe (a hazy DIPA), Rushford & Son Brewing’s Bees Knees (a honey blonde ale), Cambridge Brewing’s Amber Ale and more. Bardo’s Pizza will be cranking out South Shore bar pies, because you’re going to need some carbs in your belly with all those tasty brews.

Round up your friends and head to Davio’s in Braintree for a Friendsgiving Vino Flora Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1pm. You’ll create your own floral arrangement with freshly cut flowers presented by floral artist Asusena Texada, while enjoying passed appetizers—marinated veggies, cured meats and cheeses, olives and seasonal fruit—and two glasses of Davio’s reserve wines. This hands-on experience is $105 per person.

If you’d like your Friendsgiving to be fabulous, Nash Bar & Stage is throwing a Friendsgiving drag brunch on Sunday, November 24, with doors at 11am. The show starts at 1pm, and is hosted by local drag artist Doriann Blonch. Tickets for the show are $20 per person, food and drink are additional.

It's been a spectacular year for flowers and Boston, and growing season never ends at this eclectic museum. The courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is in bloom right now with colorful chrysanthemums at their peak puffiness. Head to the Fenway palace this weekend to see the chrysanthemums in all their glory.

The holiday pop-ups are defrosting for the season! Santa's Cantina at Loco Fenway debuted this week at Loco Taqueria’s Fenway location and it sets the bar high for holiday decor. The gigantic venue just off Lansdowne Street has decked the halls with more than 1,500 sparkling baubles, festive pink and green trees, decorative avocados (look for them!), a fly Santa statue and so many more holiday goodies. To pair with the vibes, a new cocktail menu has launched for the season, including Griswold Family Tree—a blend of blanco tequila, lime, agave, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur and cranberry, served in an ornament you pour yourself—and Glen Cocoa, a frozen treat with Grey Goose, chocolate liqueur. whipped cream and mini marshmallows. Special desserts are on the a la carte menu, including a peppermint-flecked chocolate Swiss roll. Santa’s Cantina supplements the typical Loco Fenway experience and continues through January.

Need a laugh this weekend? We're with you. Check out what's on at one of Boston's best comedy clubs. The city's scene is growing, with new additions Lil Chuck—located in the Theater District basement at the Charles Playhouse—and Duck Duck Goofs, which debuted in October on McGrath Highway in Somerville.

Whether you're ready for the holiday season to begin in earnest or you just welcome a distraction, Snowport is open. A pop-up marketplace, iceless curling rink, photo backdrop and food hall from developer-organizers WS, here's what you need to know about this season of Snowport—including a new way to skip the lines on weekends. The annual tree lighting is on December 6 and holiday festivities continue through Sunday, Dec. 29. The iceless curling lanes brighten up winter in the Seaport with free outdoor fun open through February.

Unfortunately, this season is the swan song for Cambridge Brewing Company, which will close December 20 after 35 years. Founder and owner Phil Bannatyne is retiring on his terms, his longtime business partner, brewmaster Will Meyers, previously told Time Out. Before CBC closes, why not make a reservation or just drop by for world-class beers made on the spot's small but mighty system, and wholesome pub food from the kitchen. As I chronicled in an oral history story in 2019, Cambridge Brewing Company had an outsize impact on Boston's beer scene. I'll surely miss it, so I'll be paying my respects while we still can.

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.

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