Several New England residents played hockey in the Public Garden as snow fell in Boston.

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Several New England residents played hockey in the Public Garden as snow fell in Boston.

Taina Cunha (L) and Tauana Cunha both of Brazil slide on the frozen pond in the Public Garden as snow falls in Boston, Massachusetts December 14, 2013. (Jessica Rinaldi For The Boston Globe)

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Taina Cunha (left) and Tauana Cunha, both of Brazil, slid on the frozen pond.

Up to 8 inches of snow could accumulate in the city, according to the National Weather Service.

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Up to 8 inches of snow could accumulate in the city, according to the National Weather Service.

Amelia Aburn and Matt Geraty shared a moment.

Jessica Rinaldi for The Boston Globe

Amelia Aburn and Matt Geraty shared a moment.

Brunt of snowstorm expected about 8 tonight

Heavier, wetter snow that will significantly reduce visibility into the evening and overnight is anticipated to begin around 8, according to the National Weather Service.

Walsh announces plans for inauguration

Mayor-elect Martin Walsh will be sworn in on Jan. 6, at Conte Forum at his alma mater, Boston College.

Shawn Thornton was hit with a 15-game suspension for knocking out Brooks Orpik during the Bruins-Penguins game on Dec. 7.

Christopher L. Gasper

NHL losing fight with hypocrisy

Even as it punishes Shawn Thornton for knocking out Brooks Orpik on the ice, the league needs to answer for the fighting culture it tacitly condones.

photo gallery

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/14/BostonGlobe.com/Metro/Images/12122010_12speedoincap_photo2-7798455-3743-6988.jpg Santa Speedo Run

Runners gathered in the cold to participate in the annual charity race, which this year benefits the Play Ball Foundation.

Kelly Barry, left, and Jessica Howard taste their way through the offerings at Earth Eagle Brewings in Portsmouth.

travel

Cruising the craft breweries of the New Hampshire coast

The growing craft beer movement in the Seacoast area prompted David Adams and Mark Chag to begin offering brewery tours last April.

Cities in the States: Miami

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/02/BostonGlobe.com/Travel/Images/IMG_2083.jpg Cultures mix and match in Miami

Miami and Miami Beach are actually two cities with distinct neighborhoods where the cultures of the Americas mingle.

This wooden Indian statue sold for $4,250 at the auction.

Hilltop Steakhouse auctions off memories

After more than 50 years in business, the landmark restaurant was packed with people bidding for pieces of the iconic business at auction.

Opinion

opinion | h.d.s. greenway

//c.o0bg.com/rf/image_90x90/Boston/2011-2020/2013/12/14/BostonGlobe.com/EditorialOpinion/Images/karzai1214-1523--90x90.jpg Will Hamid Karzai overplay his hand?

The Americans had their own reasons to go to Afghanistan, and Karzai is betting that he has room to be difficult.

Business

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Governor Deval Patrick said that doing business in “relationship-centric” Asia turns on personal connections.

Patrick assesses Asia trade mission

Nearly done with a 10-day Asia trade mission, Governor Deval Patrick has presided over two deals and expects to lay the groundwork for more in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Lifestyle

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Nine-year-old Neely Harrington showed the item she made for her teacher.

Parents face anxieties over holiday gifts for teachers

Even for the craftiest parent, finding the perfect — or at least an appropriate — holiday gift for a child’s teachers can be a source of frustration.