What to do this weekend, Dec. 23-25
Making plans this Christmas and Hanukkah weekend? Short on ideas? No worries. See Nicole Cammorata and June Wulff's picks for the top things to do around the Hub this weekend. Now get out and go to it!
[Erin McKeown; Top of the Hub; DJ Questlove]
THURSDAY
GRINCHY GOOD TIME: Described as “a sleigh filled with profanity, irreverence, and just plain bad behavior,’’ Erin McKeown’s Anti-Holiday Show is sure to please Scrooges one and all. The singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist will perform her anti-holiday album backed by a chorus of cranky carolers. Dec. 22 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. $20. Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. 617-492-7679. www.passim.org
POUR-TLY:The portly guy in the red suit isn’t the only Santa to celebrate. At Seasonal Sips at Meritage, sommelier Betsy Ross will pour wines from Santa Barbara, Santa Lucia Highlands, and Santa Rita Hills. Next up is Festive Bubbles on Dec. 29. Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. $25 (includes sips and tastings). Reservations recommended. Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston. 617-439-3995. www.meritagetherestaurant.com
FRIDAY
UNMERRY CHRISTMAS: For those who like their Christmas with a twist of macabre, try “Silent Night, Deadly Night,’’ part of the Coolidge @fter Midnite film series. When his parents are murdered, a tormented teen dresses as Santa and goes on a murdering rampage. Dec. 23 at 11:59 p.m. $9. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 617-734-2500. www.coolidge.org
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: The ancient Southern Italian Christmas Eve tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes can include 7-13 fishes. Prezza executive chef Anthony Caturano serves several at his five-course dinner including crispy shrimp, wood-grilled squid and octopus, scallops, shrimp, and swordfish. Dec. 24 from 5-9 p.m. $60. Prezza, 24 Fleet St., Boston. 617-227-1577. www.prezza.com
STILL CUTTING IT UP: Back away from the wrapping paper and leave the cutting to the capable cast of “Shear Madness.” This long-running comedy whodunit is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the longest running play in the country. The show has birthed more than 40 productions in the United States and has been translated into 10 foreign languages. That’a a lot of combing and comedy. Friday at 8 (ongoing). $50. Charles Playhouse Stage II, 74 Warrenton St., Boston. 617-426-5225. www.shearmadness.com
SATURDAY
TOP OF THE HUB: The only competition for this four-course dinner is the fabulous view of our city. Executive chef Mark Porcaro prepares salmon gravlax, Muscovy duck breast, gingerbread cheesecake, and more. The lounge serves the Steve Soares Trio from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 24 from 4-10 p.m. $82, $35 under 12. Reservations recommended. Top of the Hub, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 617-536-1775. www.opentable.com
J BALL: While Christmas revelers are waiting for Santa to come, Jewish singles are invited to mix and mingle at the annual J Ball. The event will be spread across two floors: for those in their 20s and 30s, the party will be at The Estate, while those in their 40s and above will be upstairs at The Kiki Lounge. Both floors will have cocktails and complimentary snacks during the first hour. Dec. 24, 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $25, $30 at the door. 21+. The Estate. One Boylston Place. Contact Jeff Popkin at 781-444-7771, www.tjcboston.com.
COMEDY AND CHOPSTICKS: The Jewish Christmas tradition is Chinese food and a flick, and comic Cory Kahaney offers one-stop celebrating at Moo Shu Jew. A five-course dinner will be served, and the comedians serving laughs are Kahaney, Jim David, Ross Bennett, and Ophira Eisenberg.Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. $65, $75 at the door, $40 limited seating for under 40. Hei La Moon, 88 Beach St., Boston. 617-531-4610. www.newcenterboston.org
SUNDAY
Merry Christmas! Wear a funny sweater and open some presents.
MONDAY
HAPPY HOLIDAZE WITH DJ QUESTLOVE: As a drummer with his Grammy Award-winning band The Roots, Questlove (real name Ahmir Khalib Thompson) keeps the beat going five days a week on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Check out his DJ chops and hear him spin a special holiday set at District after The Roots play the House of Blues. DJ Frank White will open. Dec. 26, 10 p.m. Tickets: $15, $20 at the door. 21+. District Boston. 617-426-0180, www.futureclassic.net
Contributors
Nicole Cammorata is a Mass. native who is keen on antique hunting, musical theater, and the great outdoors.
Milva DiDomizio is a New England native who's fond of cooking, singing, and Boston's arts and culture scene.
Emily Sweeney is a Boston native who goes out all over, from Irish pubs in Southie to the roller rink in Dorchester.
