Boston - December 13, 2007

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

Twelve days of shopping (left).

SHOP
South End Holiday Stroll
What: Shops within a one-block radius are putting out the tinsel (and the deals) for a night of festivities, including an appearance by the big guy in the red suit.
Why: Convenience makes things merry and bright.
When: Tonight, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Union Park to Shawmut to Waltham Streets. Info at 617-292-0079.

Midnight Madness
What: The shops along Mass. Ave. between Harvard and Porter Squares are keeping late hours for one night only.
Why: You’d be mad to miss it.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.-midnight.
Where: Kick things off at Nomad, 1741 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (617-497-6677).

GIVE
A Kid a Toy
What: Donate to Toys for Tots: Incredible Tan is giving away freebies to those who participate; a wrapped present gets you in to see Lori McKenna at First Act Guitar Studio.
Why: It’s better to give and receive.
When: Incredible Tan, thru Dec. 16; First Act, Fri., 6:30 p.m.
Where: Incredible Tan, 1223 Chestnut St., Newton (617-969-4555); First Act, 745 Boylston St., Back Bay (617-226-7859).

INDULGE
Pet Portraits with Santa
What: Read off Fluffy’s wish list as he sits on Santa’s knee. Proceeds go to the MSPCA-Angell.
Why: Bark, the herald angels sing.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Boston MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center, 350 S. Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain. To schedule an appointment, call 617-541-5083 or e-mail lhagen@mspca.org.

SEE (and DRINK)
Artweek
What: Check out pieces by local artists Tim Whitehair, Marisa Oge, and others displayed at nightspots Good Life and Zócalo.
Why: Your visit to Art Basel wasn’t nearly enough.
When: Thru Sat.
Where: Locations online at galleriaboston.com.