The Revels Weekend Guide to Harvard Square

Announcements

12.11.2025

Explore Harvard Square, Revels-style!

Coming to Midwinter Revels is a holiday tradition for families from across the Greater Boston area and beyond. However, while the magic of Revels in Sanders Theatre is certainly the centerpiece of any cold December day, you can turn your theater date into a full weekend affair with incredible restaurants, shops and attractions in Harvard Square, just a short walk from Sanders Theatre.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a cozy holiday weekend in the heart of Cambridge! Check out our recommendations below, and buy your tickets today to Midwinter Revels, a Boston holiday tradition five decades in the making.

Buy Tickets

The Irving House
Coming in from out of town? The Irving House at Harvard is the perfect choice for family-friendly accommodations. With a homey style and friendly service, The Irving House allows you to explore all of Harvard Square and Cambridge from a convenient, central location. Relax in the parlor or enjoy an afternoon snack in the dining room before taking in a performance of Midwinter Revels – and breakfast, off-street parking, and wifi are all included, and Sanders Theatre is a mere six-minute walk away!

Parking and Transit in the Square

Boston locals, have no fear – Midwinter Revels is easy to reach by car and by public transit, whether you’re attending a matinee or an evening performance! All Midwinter Revels patrons can access free parking during the show at the Broadway Garage, just a short walk away from Sanders Theatre. Parking opens for patrons one hour before the show and remains open for an hour after the show ends.Coming by public transit? Sanders Theatre is a five-minute walk from the Harvard Square stop on the MBTA Red Line. A number of bus lines also stop at or next to the Harvard Square Station, including the 1, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 96, and 109 routes.

Grafton Street Pub & Grill
Just across the Harvard Yard is Grafton Street Pub & Grill, a favorite of Revelers of all ages. Enjoy elevated pub classics and live music every Friday & Saturday. Grafton Street also offers free validated parking daily after 4 PM and all day Sundays at the Harvard Square Parking Garage to all patrons! Grafton Street’s sister restaurant, Russell House Tavern, is also a Revels favorite – visit either restaurant after a performance, and you might just run into a group of singing cast members!

Grendel’s Den & The Sea Hag
Tucked into a cozy basement by Winthrop Park, Grendel’s Den is a classic Harvard Square spot, with a full menu available until 11:30 PM every night! If you attended Revels RiverSing, you might have been lucky enough to sample one of Grendel’s Den’s delicious sandwiches, soups, or salads – now you can try the full spectrum of their delicious menu while keeping the cold at bay. Also in Harvard Square is sister restaurant The Sea Hag, which offers globally inspired coastal food and sustainable seafood in a nautical-themed dining room.

Grolier Poetry Book Shop

The Grolier Poetry Book Shop is the oldest continuously operating book shop dedicated solely to the sale of poetry books. Formerly owned by lauded poet and longtime friend of Revels Ifeanyi Menkiti, the Grolier Poetry Book Shop remains a facilitator of poets’ works under the stewardship of the Menkiti family. Browse the shelves or check out one of their many readings!

Chip City Harvard Square

Sometimes, a sweet treat is all you need to make a weekend bright! Chip City Harvard Square is here to help you indulge with delicious cookies in a variety of flavors. Plus, Midwinter Revels patrons can bring in their program books to receive 25% off a 6-box special, valid through January 1, 2026!

Petali Flowers

For over 35 years, Petali Flowers has brought their classic and elegant floral designs to Harvard Square! In the cold of winter, why not add a pop of florals to your holiday decorations, or buy a gorgeous bouquet for your favorite Reveler?

Announcements

Press Releases

share this story on social media

Related Stories