Moviegoers packed West Newton Cinema to watch Hamnet, a reimagining of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes as they confront the love and loss that inspired Hamlet. Shakespeare scholar Michelle Ephraim sat down with historian, writer, and Newton native Stephen Greenblatt to unpack the film and its place within modern…
Posts published in “Villages”
Following a 75-year-old tradition, the Nonantum Children’s Christmas Party Association hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday evening, December 7th. As they waited in the brisk air for the human Santa and the tree lighting, at least 300 people – and a number of dogs — joined the…
Newton Centre’s Holiday Shop & Stroll event drew shoppers, strollers, carolers, and good cheer to the sidewalks and warm shops and restaurants encircling Newton Centre Plaza. Teams from Newton Police and Fire Departments welcomed Touch-a-Truck fans who braved the cooler-than-chill weather. See this year’s gallery at https://photos.figcitynews.com/2025/2025-Newton-Centre-Holiday-Shop-and-Stroll/n-rbMw5C. Photos by Jack…
On December 1, the City Council approved three remaining items needed for Mark Development’s project to proceed adjacent to the Riverside MBTA station. The project needed approval of a revised special permit and two zoning changes, and if these were not approved by the end the current City Council’s term…
As snowflakes swirl in the air and temperatures drop below freezing, you might be tempted to curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa this December. While staying warm, though, you’d be missing out on a magical, memorable event: the Newton Centre Holiday Shop and Stroll from…
The City Council voted unanimously on November 17 to award $1.97 million in Community Preservation Act funds to West Newton Cinema Foundation for 50% of the cost of the first of four phases to repair and renovate the historic West Newton Cinema, built in 1937. The Foundation is committed to…
John Rice will soon close out 20 years as executive director of the Hyde Community Center. In January, he will take on a new role in City Hall as Chief Community Services Officer in Mayor-elect Marc Laredo’s administration. For decades, he’s been known as the unofficial “Mayor of Newton Highlands,”…
Newton Centre gastropub Thistle & Leek has received recognition from Michelin, one of the culinary world’s most prestigious authorities. It is one of only 26 Greater Boston restaurants so honored. The Michelin Guide announced on November 18 that Thistle & Leek has been named a Recommended Restaurant in its inaugural Boston…
For the first time in about 20 years, Newton now has regular express bus service between Riverside Station and Logan Airport. Blue Apple Bus started service on November 14 with over a dozen buses a day in each direction, at a cost of $15 per ride. Passengers purchase tickets online,…
Hilliards Chocolates, the century-old Massachusetts candy company, cut the ribbon on Friday, November 21, on its new West Newton store, turning the former Bank of America building on Chestnut Street into a warm, bright chocolate shop – just in time for the holiday season. Homecoming The opening marked a return…
Just over two years after Bigelow Cleaners closed its doors following 90 years of operation in Newton Centre, the iconic neon sign that graced the building’s facade since 1957 is slated for removal as part of a major renovation project at the corner of Langley Road and Sumner Street. The…
On November 9, over 30 residents of Newton Lower Falls gathered by the Hamilton Community Center for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the installation of two information signs that celebrate the history of Newton’s westernmost village. The Lower Falls Improvement Association (LFIA) and Historic Newton began collaborating in 2022 to…












