The Weekender: December 10 to 13

Photo by Marcio Silva/iStock

Eat, shop, go

Congratulations! You’ve just about made it through Boston University’s first-ever Learn from Anywhere (LfA) semester. We put together a list of things to do and places to visit that’ll add some holiday cheer while keeping you safe in this time of COVID. 

This will be our last “Weekender” until next semester. Look for a holiday and New Year’s–themed event listing later in December.

Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar 

Jaho has quite the holiday drinks selection—one that rivals, and in this writer’s opinion, surpasses that of Starbucks. If you’re ready to embrace Christmas cheer, try one of their many holiday drinks, including the dirty gingerbread man chai latte, the eggnog latte, and the holiday joy mocha. Missing the flavors of fall? Order the maple soy latte or the pumpkin pie macchiato. If espresso drinks aren’t your thing, there’s also a selection of bubble teas, smoothies, ciders, something called Zodiac teas (blends tied to the astrological signs), and more. Regardless of what flavors you fancy, you’re sure to find something.

Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar has locations in Boston, with the closest to campus at 116 Huntington Avenue in the Back Bay. They’re open from 7 am to 10 pm all week and have options for pickup and delivery. Check out their menu and order online here.

Boston Women’s Market

If you’re still scrambling to get Christmas gifts for friends and family, check out the Boston Women’s Market (BWM) website and its holiday vendors. BWM is a collection of local women-owned businesses that sell products ranging from jewelry and soaps to workout gear and more.

End of the Semester Pilates

It’s time to celebrate the end of a long, hard semester, and what better way to do that than through pilates? This session is run by the dance program in the Physical Education, Recreation & Dance department, and will get your heart beating and body moving—a great option for a study break. 

The virtual dance class is this Friday from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. No registration required, just hop on the Zoom link here. 

Hanukkah Pop-Up: Care Package and Campus Candle-Lighting

Today marks the beginning of the Festival of Lights and BU Hillel has you covered for all things Hanukkah-related. Stop by Marsh Plaza or FitRec for a special care package with themed goodies, including a menorah, candles, and more. Stick around after collecting your care package for a community candle-lighting on Marsh Plaza at 5 pm. Don’t forget to wear your mask and observe social distancing.

Hanukkah Pop-Up is Thursday at Marsh Plaza, 735 Commonwealth Ave., and at FitRec, 925 Commonwealth Ave., from 3 to 5 pm. The candle-lighting ceremony is on Marsh Plaza beginning at 5 pm.

Holiday Lights

Before you head home for break, grab a mask and a friend and check out these holiday lights around the city. This is a great way to get some fresh air and holiday cheer in between studying. There’s the tree dressed in multicolor lights on the Boston Common, the white lights on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the purple glow of the holiday trellis at Christopher Columbus Park, and the yellow lights of the tree at Seaport—regardless of your preference for Christmas lights, Boston has a spot for you. 

Urban Adventure West Scavenger Hunt Adventure

This scavenger hunt is an opportunity to explore Boston with a competitive and adventurous perspective. If you liked The Amazing Race, this could be your chance to get a feel for what it’s like. Teams of two to five have three hours to complete this city tour. You’ll get clues and a map on your smartphone, solve clues, complete challenges, and gain some historical knowledge throughout. The scavenger hunt launches Friday, but you can download the app anytime. If you use the promo code THEBOSTONCALENDAR, you can save 20 percent. 

Sign up here for the scavenger hunt. For teams of two to five, the cost is $39.20. If you have more questions, check out the event’s website for more information and details.