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Boston's Best 2014 Holiday Events

When the holidays come around, all of Boston is transformed by the season. Caroling is common, restaurants make seasonal foods, trees are bedecked in lights and shows happen at virtually every venue. It is easy to find a good time. Come welcome Santa and ring in the New Year in ways that are funny, traditional or just plain weird.
blink
(Photo from Faneuil Hall/Facebook)

Blink!
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
1 Faneuil Hall Square
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 635-3105
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Date: Now through Jan. 4, 2015

Faneuil Hall is one of the oldest structures in the city of Boston, but it was not until recently that Blink! became a part of the holiday celebration there. For the third year, Blink! will be lighting up the marketplace with more than 350,000 Christmas lights. Every seven minutes on every night of the extravaganza, the lights will blink to the tune of Boston Pops music. Watch the bulbs come on and off in a dance of light across the trees and structures of this beloved marketplace.

Related: Top Holiday Events Your Kids Shouldn't Miss

2013 Speedo Santa Run
Runners in high spirits before the start of the 2013 Speedo Santa Run in Back Bay. (Credit: WBZ-TV)

Santa Speedo Run
Lir Tavern
903 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 778-0089
www.ssrunners.org

Date: Dec. 6, 2014

The Santa Speedo Run is a great event for people with a sense of humor. Since the run is only a mile, very little athleticism is needed. What is needed is the willingness to run in public wearing only a Speedo and a Santa hat. Of course, women are encouraged to participate and may also don a bathing suit top. Runners must be 21 years of age or older. The run can only accommodate up to 700 people and it does fill up, so register as soon as possible.

Chorus Pro Musica Family Holiday Concert
Old South Church
645 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-1970
www.choruspromusica.org

Date: Dec. 14, 2014

Chorus Pro Musica is a large amateur choir that performs a handful of shows around Boston every year. This year, it is coming to Old South Church to sing some songs of the season. This ticketed event will also include the Boston City Singers. The venue is one of the most beautiful in Boston. Musicians have been performing there for more than 100 years. Revelers will enjoy the architecture and ambience as much as the songs.

white christmas
(Image: Citi Performing Arts Center)

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas"
Wang Theatre
270 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-9393
www.citicenter.org

Date: Dec. 16-28, 2014

This classical musical is all about Christmas, love, friends and family, which makes it perfect for people who like a little tradition in their holiday. Watch as two couples fall in love with a backdrop of Irving Berlin holiday music and even snow. This is one of those classic shows that is all about the upside. Everything is happy, lovely and fun at "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." It is based on a film starring Bing Crosby and bears the same name.

Related: Family Guide To The Best Holiday Light Displays And Activities In Boston

First Night
First Night Boston at Copley Square. (WBZ-TV photo)

First Night Boston
36 Bromfield St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-2015
www.firstnightboston.org

Date: Dec. 31, 2014 and Jan. 1, 2015

First Night is a massive organized event that rings in the New Year in Boston. It typically includes fireworks, performing arts and much more. Many local businesses in downtown Boston open their doors to revelers and provide services throughout the celebration. One of the most anticipated features are large ice sculptures that become part of the city for the day and night. Visitors will find that both the streets and local venues play host to more than 1,000 artists and performers.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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