Haute Happenings This Weekend In Boston

While shoppers are celebrating Black Friday today, it’s time to get in on a few other haute happenings around town. From Jose Mateo’s performance of the Nutcracker to the opening of Boston Winter on City Hall Plaza, here’s a look at some fun things you won’t want to miss this weekend.

Today marks the opening of Boston Winter‘s return to City Hall Plaza. From beer and wine tastings, an outdoor skating path and an expanded holiday shopping market to live entertainment, bars and food vendors, it’s no surprise last year was such a success with more than 300,000 visitors. The holiday market runs now through the end of the year.

lululemon today opened its third Boston store in the Seaport District at 62 Seaport Boulevard. Opening festivities include a party tonight with DJ Costa, a run tomorrow mornning with Chris Capozzi (3 and 5-mile options) and a KICK IT by Eliza Class along with a Pilates class being held on Sunday led by Kara Duval. Be sure to keep an eye out for lululemon Seaport’s collaboration with local artist Markus Seabastiano whose artwork can be found at the check-out and on fitting room doors.

A new pop-up store has appeared in the Fenway just in time for this weekend’s Small Business Saturday. The Provincetown haute spot Room 68 Contemporary Art & Design opened their newest location at 1323 Boylston Street, offering sleek furniture, modern décor, and fine art collections from emerging New England artists. They will be hosting tastings and art shows every Thursday starting next week from 5 to 8 p.m.

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Boston

The Mandarin Oriental, Boston has just partnered up with nearby Saks Fifth Avenue this holiday season to offer a shop-til-you-want-to-drop experience in Back Bay. From today until December 31, you can sign up for this VIP haute package that includes a stay at the luxe property, valet parking, a $200 gift card from Saks Fifth Avenue, exclusive access to the Fifth Avenue Club for a private four-hour shopping experience with a personal stylist, complimentary gift wrapping and package delivery in-room, and a gourmet breakfast in bed dining experience or at Bar Boulud.

José Mateo Ballet Theatre is returning again this weekend with its haute performance of The Nutcracker at The Cutler Majestic Theatre. The cast will transport you into Clara’s dream world with its 30th annual interpretation of this timeless classic. Performances will be held here until December 10. After then, be sure to check out their extended run at The Strand Theatre in Dorchester (Dec.15–24). Over 200 children, ages 6-18 from throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, join Ballet Theatre’s company dancers as Clara, Party Children, Mice, Soldiers, Polichinelles, Cherubs, and Angels and is the only professional Nutcracker production in the area to hold open auditions for students outside of its own school.