😘💕 We’re sending you on a blind date

😂 Cue the laugh track. Our friends at The Nova Comedy Collective are giving away five pairs of tickets to A Very Nova Christmas Carol — a 21+ variety show packed with the year’s favorite sketches, new sketches, and special guests at a late-night start. 

🎁 Want in? Start a free trial to enter the giveaway!

👀 What’s on tap today:

Up first…

12 DAYS OF B-SIDE

On the eighth day of B-Side, the newsletter gave to me … 10 two-hour private Moki Sauna rentals — plus one six-person group session (a total value of $1,050!). Moki Sauna’s Nordic-inspired mobile saunas offer a restorative, wood-fired escape perfect for unwinding after finals, reconnecting with friends, or simply taking a moment to breathe during the winter rush.

Whether you’re looking for a solo reset or planning a cozy group experience, this giveaway brings the warmth straight to you.

Start a 30-day free trial of the B-Side Membership to be eligible for this prize — just be one of the first members to fill out the form in your email TODAY between 3-4 p.m. to win a two-hour rental and/or a six-person sauna voucher.

B-SIDE GUIDE

Welcome to the wildest member perk lineup yet: We’re playing Cupid (!), Chipotle is basically giving away burritos, Aeronaut said “yee-haw,” and Scrooge is feeling ... generous?

Buckle up for another round of the best bites, bargains, and buys this month:

😘 Another reason to delete Hinge: We’re teaming up with “Love Letters” to host the ULTIMATE matchmaking night at WBUR’s CitySpace. Step 1: Buy your ticket (members save $5). Step 2: Fill out our *very scientific* dating quiz (provided after you buy your ticket). Step 3: We play Cupid. Step 4: Show up for an organized blind date alongside dozens of other brave souls (that also comes with a few surprises). 

👠 Bust out THE holiday fit. Girlfriends Boston is throwing a holiday party on Dec. 20 at Alibi Bar, and you’re invited! Expect a cozy night of bites, wine, and easy friend-making vibes. The best part? Your ticket comes with a free drink! B-Side members can get 10% off their ticket. 

🏠 Build a house you can afford. Hint: It’s sweet. Second hint: It’s happening at Aeronaut’s festive gingerbread house-decorating event on Dec. 14. Pro-tip: Tickets are usually ~$23 with fees, but members can take 25% off.

🤠 Ring in the New Year — rodeo style. Aeronaut is once again coming in clutch with the deals for its NYE rodeo night on Dec. 31. Expect line dancing, a mechanical bull, a photobooth, and a complimentary pour in a commemorative flute that’s yours to keep. Bonus: Save 25% on TOP of their early bird discount.

📚 Friendly freebie reminder: Members can snag a FREE tote from the Harvard Bookstore if you sign up for their Frequent Buyer Program (also free to do). Just flash your B-Side pass! Visiting the Brighton Bazaar’s holiday market this weekend? Show your B-Side Membership pass again for a free poster!

💸 Consider this your excuse to order in. As if the sub-20 temps weren’t enough, we’re sharing some DoorDash discount codes that get you $8 off $30+ at the following restaurants:

The rest of this newsletter, including where to see Emily on-stage in Boston (and for a discount!), is for our premium members who contribute to our journalism.

If you start a 14-day trial below, you’ll be able to continue reading today’s issue at bside.beehiiv.com!

👀 Plus, our members get access to curated Boston Globe content every Saturday — paywall-free. Here are this week’s reads:

❄️ Will Boston see its first measurable snowfall this weekend? Here’s what the models are saying.

🍪 Be the star of the cookie swap. This chocolate espresso brownie cookie recipe will launch you into sweet treat stardom. Bonus: You probably have a ton of the ingredients already.

😬 Introverts’ final boss: The office holiday party. Here are expert tips for enjoying (or just surviving) the winter festivities.

😎 Who said vacation needed to be two weeks? Okay yes, we love a long break. But these tiny vacations close to home in Mass. are just as fun. This spa in Plymouth looks BEYOND.

🏊 Is making the Charles swimmable worth the cost? It’s come a long way. But how much should ratepayers spend, and how quickly, to finish the job?

🧠 Hot take: Young people are getting dumber. Like, shockingly dumber. At least that’s according to this guy. Here’s why.

🥐 Add this to your foodie bucket list. This new Somerville bakery is so cozy it feels like a hug on a wintery day. It also doesn’t hurt that the cinnamon rolls look like this. 

😷 It’s the season of the SICK. Winter virus season so far isn’t too bad … but doctors worry about suffering to come …

🤑 Have membership questions? Reach out to [email protected] with questions.

💭 Have specific feedback you’d like to share? Send comments and suggestions to [email protected].

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