Christmas in the City 2021: Events are canceled, but we’re still here.

We’re beyond disappointed to announce that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be able to hold our traditional series of events this year. That means no Annual Job Fair, no Halloween in the City, no Winter Wonderland, no Monday Mania, and – most disappointing of all – NO BIG PARTY AT THE CONVENTION CENTER. We are working directly with a number of the shelters to make sure that families experiencing homelessness will still have a joyful holiday season. So we are still in need of financial donations, as well as wishlist and other items for the families and for the shelters we’re working with. And, on a smaller scale than normal, we’re still providing toys to families in need who aren’t in shelters, and we’ll also be providing food assistance for Thanksgiving.

We know that, for our thousands of volunteers, this is going to be hard. For so many of us, Christmas in the City is a major highlight of our holiday season, and is something we look forward to each year. Whether it’s wrapping gifts, decorating the convention center, cheering our guests on, playing with the kids, serving food, helping with the buses, cleaning up, or working at any of the dozens of tasks that need getting done, it’s such a joy and privilege to be part of Christmas in the City.

To say that the generosity and spirit of our volunteers is what makes CITC tick is no understatement. We’re 100% volunteer – always have been, always will be. We may not be seeing you this year, but 2022 – which we’re hopeful will bring an end to the pandemic – is just around the corner. We love you and we’ll miss you! We don’t know all of what the future will bring, but we do know that CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY WILL BE BACK!

You’ll find information on how you can get involved here. This is a work in progress! Over the next month or so, we’ll be supplying more detail on our needs, drop off locations, etc. And financial donations are always welcome.

The cancelation of our events is also sad news for the families that participate in them. We’ll definitely miss seeing those of you who’ve enjoyed CITC over the years. Since we won’t be able to offer the help we have in the past, we will be providing a list of other resources in the Boston area that you may be able to draw on if you need a bit of help over the holidays.

And even though we won’t be with you during the coming holidays, we wish everyone in the big and beautiful Christmas in the City family great comfort and joy as 2021 draws to a close.