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The Mayor’s Holiday Special is an annual event designed to shine a light on arts and cultural events that take place in Greater Boston during the holiday season. This two-month celebration of performing arts features thousands of great deals to over 500 mostly holiday performances, as well as dining experiences and an online calendar of free holiday events across the city.
“The holiday season brings out the best of every neighborhood, and I am proud that through our partnership with ArtsBoston, we are able to ensure even more residents can have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s holiday celebrations,” said Mayor Walsh. “Boston’s thriving performing arts scene provides some of the best memories for families. Together with ArtsBoston, we are making these performances more accessible to all, fostering the spirit of community as we celebrate our holiday traditions.”
From local arts groups to national touring shows, the 2017 Mayor’s Holiday Special offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Looking for a traditional performance this year? Don’t miss the Boston Pops Holiday Pops or José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. Interested in a different type of Nutcracker this year? Check out Tony Williams’ production of Urban Nutcracker at John Hancock Hall.
For those interested in a performance that’s a little less festive but still rings in the fun, the Mayor’s Holiday Special has you covered. Check out shows like Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse, Man of La Mancha, presented by New Repertory Theatre, or Bedlam’s Sense and Sensibility, presented by American Repertory Theater.
“Boston is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene throughout the holiday season and it’s important to us that everyone is given the chance to experience these performances,” said Catherine Peterson, Executive Director at ArtsBoston. “The Mayor’s Holiday Special offers that opportunity, making it easy and affordable to create special lifelong memories with family and friends through the performing arts.”
Family outings during the holiday season are made effortless by the variety of family friendly shows included in the Special. Kids create cherished lifelong memories with their parents seeing shows like Boston Children’s Theatre’s production of A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Velveteen Rabbit, the American Repertory Theater’s Charlotte’s Web, and Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy the arts and cultural offerings that Boston is known for, especially this time of year,” said Blake Jordan, Executive Director of Highland Street Foundation. “The Highland Street Foundation is proud to partner in these efforts to bring new audiences from all of Boston’s neighborhoods to the performing arts.”
Generating more than $54 million outside of ticket sales, through dinner, shopping, and parking, holiday season shows are a huge contributor to Boston’s local economy with more than 2.2 million people attending throughout the short season.
“There is no place like Boston during the holiday season. For residents and visitors alike, Boston becomes a destination for family and friends to share joy and celebrate,” said Patrick Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The Mayor’s Holiday Special helps to make this happen, offering an easy way to get tickets to a show, find a restaurant for a holiday meal and access information on free events across the city. It’s a valuable resource for everyone visiting Boston this holiday season.”
Interested in avoiding traffic and parking in Boston this year? ArtsBoston is proud to announce a partnership with Lyft, the fastest growing on-demand transportation service in the United States. In 2017, Lyft will be the exclusive Rideshare Partner for the Mayor’s Holiday Special, offering new Lyft riders $10 off each of their first two rides from November 1 to December 31, 2017 with promo code MHS17.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh has launched of the 14th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Special supported by the Highland Street Foundation, produced by ArtsBoston and created in partnership with the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tickets are on sale now at www.MayorsHoliday.com and at the ArtsBoston Booths located at Copley Square and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
