Dear Members and Friends:
Happy Holidays!!!
Holiday Giving – looking for a good cause to support? Please consider donating to FENWAY CARES. Established in 2020 during COVID-19 to address the urgent issue of food security, which has only grown–especially with the elderly and those on fixed incomes. Funding is a constant challenge. Follow this link to the Fenway Cares page, scroll down to see the food distribution donation options. Thank you!
Winter Solstice – the longest night has passed!
The Winter Solstice for the Northern Hemisphere in 2025 occurred on Sunday, December 21, at 10:03 AM EST, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year as Earth’s North Pole tilts furthest from the Sun, beginning the astronomical winter and the slow return of daylight.
Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god and that winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They celebrated the winter solstice because it meant that, at last, the sun god would begin to get well. Evergreen boughs reminded them of all the green plants that would grow again when the sun god was strong and summer would return.
Celebrations of light and joy abound throughout the area… all culminating in the upcoming New Year’s celebration. As with most everything, Boston has a storied past celebrating the winter holidays.. Not all fun and games for the Puritans! It was really the German immigrants and Queen Victoria who ushered in the modern Christmas tree traditions. For a look back, from outlawed celebrations, to claims of paganism, rowdy carollers, to the modern light-hearted approach.. Here’s a link to New England Historical Society: We Won’t Go Until We Get Some: New England Colonial Christmas Traditions.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Thursday, December 25th is Christmas Day, a city Holiday City Hall is closed, please check with individual offices and businesses for local closures and schedules.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Holiday Lights abound! Check out this list from the City’s Parks & Rec dept, and brighten your nights…from the Common, to the waterfront, up to Charlesgate, it’s getting festive!
12 holiday arts events to attend in Greater Boston | WBUR News
12 Best Boston Winter Holiday Christmas Markets 2025
Holiday & Christmas Shows in Boston MA 2025/26
ARTS & PERFORMANCES
Kaji Aso Studio presents https://www.kajiasostudio.com/
New England Conservatory of Music– Performances + Events – NECMusic
TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT
MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions. The Green Line is shut down between North Station and Babcock/Kenmore/Heath through December 22nd. https://www.boston.gov/departments/transportation/boston-mbta-shutdowns-2025
The Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:
APPROVED: 58 Fenway
SOLD: 2 Charlesgate – purchased by Berklee – plans for use yet to be detailed.
ON HOLD: Fenway Center Project Fenway Center – Parcel 7 Air Rights | Bostonplans.org
HEALTH & SAFETY
FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done –
We’ve completed this year’s distributions, happy holidays!
Starting up again in 2026, on January 14th.
Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:
West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)
East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road
Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!
The MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic 1-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates. Rotates between the West and East Fenway locations (see above). Offerings may include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
Fenway Community Center on 1/14, and Morville House, 100 Norway St. on 1/28
Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 