A Few of Our Favorite Holiday Things…

Christmas-time in Boston! It’s a magical season, with snowflakes in the air, the jingle of holiday bells, and the aroma of fresh evergreens everywhere. Be sure to make time to savor some of the area’s unique holiday treats -- here are some of our favorites:

Lighting of the Orchard
One of our favorite places at any time of year becomes extraordinary during the holidays. On Saturday, December 1st from 4-7 pm, the orchard at Nashoba Valley Winery will be magically transformed into a winter carnival of sight and sound. Visit with St. Nick or take a hay ride through the fields and of course, tour the winery and taste their fine beverages. This event is held rain, snow or shine, so be sure to dress appropriately! Call 978-779-5521 for details.

Family Trees
The Concord Museum's annual celebration of children’s literature, Family Trees, charms with trees whimsically decorated with ornaments inspired by classic and contemporary children’s books. This year, from December 1 to January 1, the Museum will be filled with trees of all shapes and sizes, whimsically and wonderfully decorated with original ornaments inspired by the cherished children’s books of New England luminaries like Jasper White and Senator Kennedy. Visit the museum's web site or call 978-369-9609 for additional information.

The Light Show at the Stone Zoo (Stoneham)
We know, we know: everybody hangs lights at Christmas time. And in every community there are a few folks who really take the time to do it right with lots of lights and maybe a Santa with some reindeer. And then there are Arthur and Shirley LaBrie. For more than a decade, their lovely home atop a steep hill in Peabody was the scene of huge crowds who came to bask in the splendor and glow of hundreds of thousands of tiny white lights. Photos cannot do justice to the magical atmosphere that make up their Christmas fantasy. The LaBries expanded their display each year, until it finally became so extensive that they donated it to the Stone Zoo, which is better equipped to handle the traffic and crowds of visitors who visit each December.

There are Santas, elves, and reindeer, bears, skaters, and all the traditional characters of the winter holidays set up around a replica of the LaBrie’s famous indoor pool. Many of the figures are animated and piped-in music adds to the festive mood.

Details: the Light Show takes place each night from 5 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 30. The zoo will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Tickets are $4 for general admission, $3 for zoo members, and free for children under 2.

Getting There: The Stone Zoo is located at 149 Pond Street in Stoneham. Take I-93 north to Exit 34 (Route 28 north). At the first traffic signal, turn right. The zoo entrance is a short distance ahead on the right.

Insider Tip: If you don’t have young children of your own, volunteer to baby-sit for friends and bring their kids! The wonder in the youngsters' eyes will be a memory you will cherish.

Where the Insiders Shop
Although the sights described above are fun, they won't help you cross any items off your shopping list, so here are some tips for some serious holiday shopping:

For gifts of clothing and accessories, we always stop in at Downtown Crossing, where our favorite store is Filene’s Basement - the original bargain basement. We also like Frugal Fannies and MenSmart in Reading and Westwood, where bargains abound in a jolly warehouse atmosphere. For the kid in all of us, check out Charles Ro, “America’s largest toy train store.”

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