With the winter holidays approaching, Beacon Hill Civic Association (BCHA) has changed its annual events to better suit a world restricted by COVID-19.

The group's annual holiday party will be held virtually this year, and the neighborhood will be decorated only on Charles, Cambridge and Beacon Streets, instead of throughout.

Ivy Turner, who has organized the holiday decoration for 25 years this year, said that the usual group of hundreds of volunteers who help with the process will be replaced by hired professionals this year to keep everyone safe. On the weekend when the decorating usually takes place, BHCA will hold its virtual holiday party.

"The core of what holiday decorating has become is the group of people who do it and know each other," Turner said.

"We'll be continuing the spirit together and doing what we're always known for, which is holiday magic."

The theme of this year's holiday party, which will be free of charge, is "Bringing the Holidays into your Home." The event will include demonstrations by bartenders at 75 Chestnut restaurant, chefs at Hampshire House and florists from Rouvalis Flowers on holiday cocktails, desserts and decorating. There will also be music performed by the Back Bay Ringers.

The party will be held December 5 beginning at 6:30pm.

"The most important part of holiday decorating is the sense of community, where neighbors see each other after not having seen each other for a while," said Patricia Tully, executive director of BHCA. "Everyone can feel like they have a part of making things beautiful for the holidays."