Tis the season of excess, from spending to indulging, but my favourite kind of excess is overloading the calendar with so many wonderful holiday, community, seasonal events.  It is fun if you don’t try to have your cake and eat it too.  Choose the ones you want to go to and (if you have young kids especially) be flexible if you don’t make it to everything.  It’s supposed to be fun remember?

Il neige!

It is snowing and chef Tony Maws is embracing winter this year in several languages.  This week is Québec week at Craigie on Main and next week will be winter in Alsace.  Both regions have the French connection but with their own special twists.  There is a choice of the 6 course tasting menu ($98) or the eight course ultimate tasting menu ($118).

Prince and Princess Tea

This week is for your favourite princes and princesses, and next week begins a series of Christmas Teas at L’Espalier. The Princess tea is December 15, $50 for adults, $35 for princesses & princes (under 12) This tea service is especially planned to enjoy with the little royals in your family! Bring your children for a tea service that will delight them, complete with tiaras and crowns. L’Espalier’s Fantasy Tea service will also be available on this day.

Open House at EHChocolatier

EHChocolatier in Somerville is having their open house on Saturday, December 14th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. They are located at 561 Windsor St. B206 in Somerville.

Eat Boutique Pop Up at Fringe Union

Eat Boutique will be at Fringe Union in Somerville from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14th.  Shop local at the Holiday Pop Up Shop featuring hand selected items from Eat Boutique and members of Fringe Union including Cuppow, Foret Design, Repeat Press, Brian Hart, Chen Blume, Marianne Mercier and more! Plus, there will be warm drinks and treats from the one and only Union Square Donuts!

Harvard Square Celebrates

From concerts to artisan fairs, Harvard Square is celebrating winter and making it sparkle and shine.  This Sunday, is Ciclismo Classico’s Jingle Ride beginning at Kickstand Café in Arlington and riding through Harvard Square with a cookie and carolling stop in Harvard square.  On Sunday, December 15th is the opening of The Rink at The Charles Hotel! This annual community event is open to the public and includes: complimentary skating; a kids’ activity room; skating performances; and more! Enjoy hot chocolate from The Charles Hotel.The kids’ activity room and performances will take place between 12:00pm-3:00pm. Guests can enjoy complimentary skating and rentals all day from 12:00pm-6:00pm.

Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll

The Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll is on Thursday, December 12th from 6-9pm. There will be a tree lighting at 7:15, brass ensemble, Victorian Carolers, Apollo Club Singers, and Boston City Singers wondering the street. Enjoy complementary horse and carriage rides. Many stores are open until 9 pm and serve refreshments. Charles Street will be closed to vehicular traffic during this event.

Save the date for: 

Flour Bakery’s Cookie Swap
Sunday, December 22nd

L’Espalier’s Holiday Tea
December 21 & 22, 28 & 29, $50 per person
L’Espalier’s Holiday Tea service will feature a special L’Espalier Holiday Tea blend, a ‘Tea Nog’, and festive foods. Join us for a celebratory tea just in time for the holidays.