Boston rings in 2013 with the 37th edition of First Night, the country’s oldest and largest New Year’s Eve arts festival that showcases the work of 1,000 artists in 200 performances and exhibits at 35 indoor and outdoor venues in downtown Boston.
The New Year's Eve celebration starts at 1pm on Saturday, 12/31 and features music, dance and theater performances, a Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, a Grand Procession down Boylston Street, colossal ice sculptures, and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight to welcome in 2013.
For many Bostonians, Memorial Day is quite often the unofficial kickoff to summer, complete with backyard barbecues, trips to the Cape or New Hampshire, and a welcome day off from school.
But Memorial Day also has a more serious side, as its true meaning is to remember the many military men and women who have given their lives serving our country. Many families do this by attending their local Memorial Day parades, which take place in towns all over Massachusetts. We’ve rounded up some other activities that take place on Memorial Day weekend (this year: May 25 to May 27) in and around Boston.
Who ever came up with the idea of breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day as a special treat for mom? Both my kids love to cook, but I would never turn over my kitchen to them for them to fix a surprise meal for me (even with Dad supervising). Plus, as much as I enjoy eating together, sharing the time in the kitchen is at least as special.
This year, we’ve found a way to have our cake and eat it, too (see dessert!). What follows is simple Mother's Day meal kids can put together almost all by themselves. With a guiding hand from mom (or dad), kids can get almost everything prepared on Saturday, and add the finishing touches just before serving on Mother’s Day. Thanks to our grandma for the inspiration!
Forget the flowers, the bath salts, and the foot soak. Indulge your mom, your wife (or yourself!) in the most glorious brunch of the year, a splurge-worthy meal to celebrate the fine art of motherhood. Boston’s special kid-friendly Mother’s Day brunches take it up a level with cruises, crafts for kids, and decadent drinks. [Updated April 2013]
Patriots Day commemorates the April 19 anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It is a Massachusetts state holiday, officially observed on the third Monday in April and is celebrated with parades and ceremonies from Boston to Roxbury, and all along the Battle Road.
Thousands of members of local minute men companies, militias, and historical societies participate in the re-enactments in Boston, the Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord's Old North Bridge, Lexington's Battle Green, and other historic sites in the Boston area.
We’ve rounded up some of the key re-enactments, parades, and special events for Patriots Day, as well as special events at local museums, historical houses and the Minute Man National Park. Note that most of the events listed are free, but they are very popular, so plan to arrive early and expect crowds.
We're glad you're here at Mommy Poppins Boston, your free online resource for everything for families and kids in the greater Boston area. We'd love to hear from you with any questions or suggestions! — Tara and Audrey