For some people, the holiday season comes as a series of obstacles to getting work done. For others, it’s a much-needed break.
Here we share events that give you some of both: the chance to eat, drink, and be merry with industry peers, or to immerse yourself in the latest tech while gift-prepping and networking.
Gifts That Do Good Holiday Market + Party
Thurs. 12/6, 3–7pm @ Impact Hub Boston
At Impact Hub Boston’s cause-conscious gift market, you can think about how to bring joy to your loved ones and the world. Twenty companies started by local entrepreneurs will sell their giftable products that support sustainability, equity, empowerment, or inclusion. Post-shopping, stay for Impact Hub Boston’s holiday party just down the hall to toast 2018 and gear up for a social impact-filled 2019.
Laser Cutting Mixer with Roxbury Innovation Center
Thurs. 12/6, 7:30–9:30pm @ Dudley Café
Looking to give a truly one-of-a-kind gift this year? Learn how to use a laser cutter and then create your own designs on the spot! You’ll be surrounded by inspiration from artists Chanel Thervil, Anthony Young, and Qmadeit. All the while, meet other Boston area creators and young professionals.
Fab + Friends Holiday Party
Fri. 12/7, 5–8pm @ Fab@CIC
Makers gather at this tech-immersive holiday shindig at CIC’s in-house makerspace, Fab@CIC. Check out the various tech tools in the space, enjoy refreshments, and load up on some locally-crafted gifts from Fab@CIC members. Summer Stress Brass Band will perform with “fabbed” LED horns that dance to the music. Plus, FormLabs is hosting a design challenge that you can participate in.
How Japan Sends Off the Year and Welcomes the Next
Tues. 12/11, 12–1pm @ CIC Boston
How do you mark a year gone by and prepare yourself for the one ahead? At their final Brown Bag Luncheon of 2018, Japan Society of Boston hosts a presentation on Japanese rituals for the changing of the year, a time of reflection, letting go, and envisioning. Leading the discussion of Japan’s cultural and spiritual new year customs is Yasuhiro Yamauchi, Consul Cultural/General Affairs at the Consulate General of Japan in Boston.
She+ Geeks Out Holiday Party
Wed. 12/12, 6–9pm @ Back Bay Social Club
Year-round, She+ Geeks Out supports tech and tech-adjacent women and helps companies develop their diversity and inclusion efforts. This holiday season, they’re bringing together geeks and allies of all genders for a holiday bash with delicious food, an open bar, goodie bags, and a bunch of cool companies sponsoring the evening.
Boston Tech Holiday Co-Party
Wed. 12/12, 8pm–12am @ Hard Rock Café
You cowork all year long; now it’s time to co-party! This annual shindig allows startups to go in on a fun holiday party together without the stress of planning, and with a lower tab for all. Plus, you get to meet fellow startups in the city.
Boston’s Edtech Holiday Party
Thurs. 12/13, 5–9pm @ LearnLaunch
Come unwind and connect at this open event for anyone in the education sector — whether you work in a classroom, in a lab, or at a coworking space on your first startup. This event is organized by LearnLaunch, Young Education Professionals, and the Boston Edtech Meetup Group.
Black Tech Boston Meetup Holiday Mixer
Thurs. 12/13, 5:30–8:30pm @ WeWork Fort Point
A quarterly gathering of black tech workers and enthusiasts, this meetup group is finishing out the year with a festive mixer! Come ready to have fun, talk tech, and get ready for an awesome 2019.
Branchfood Annual Holiday Bash
Thurs. 12/13, 7–10pm @ Clover Food Lab
A workspace and community for Boston’s food entrepreneurs, Branchfood brings together food industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and foodies at this celebratory gathering. Come hungry (obviously), as they’ll have new treats from Clover and beer, wine, cider, and snacks from local food startups. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and join a community that’s changing global food supply chains, launching robot restaurants, developing new food recovery initiatives, and so much more.
BUILD Boston Holiday Sales Bazaar
Tues. 12/18, 4–6pm @ District Hall
If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping by now, don’t worry. BUILD’s teen entrepreneurs have you covered. Over 30 student-run businesses will be selling their giftables at this bazaar, part of BUILD Boston’s comprehensive programs that empower students from under-resourced communities through entrepreneurship.
