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Top Holiday Events Your Kids Shouldn't Miss

- By Jill Rosenthal Notkin

There's no excuse for boredom during the month of December, especially in a city with so many diverse events going on during the holiday season.  There are events left and right, as well as traditions to be created and repeated. 

12/16/11- Family & Pets – Family Guide to the Best Holiday Light Displays and Activities in Boston – Pink lighted tree
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Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting

147 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
617.635.4505
December 1
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
website

Talk about traditions, this one has been ongoing since 1940!  The Boston Common Holiday Tree Lighting annual event includes the lighting of Boston's official non-denominational holiday shrub and trees throughout Boston Common, The Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall.  The 46-foot white spruce lights up when Mayor Menino, together with Santa Claus, throws the switch.  The celebration includes live entertainment, refreshments, and plenty of memorable family fun.

edaville
(Photo Credit: Edaville Railroad)

Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights

5 Pine St
Carver, MA 02330
508.866.8190
Open: December 7-11 and December 14-January 1 (Closed Christmas Day)
$18 per person – Under 2 Free
Visit Website for Hours

After a summer season of remaining closed, Edaville USA is open and ready to be part of your family's holiday plans.  Christmas is a special time at Edaville, as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with over 7 million sparkling lights you can view from your seat in their famous steam train, visits from Santa, and holiday treats galore.  Visitors can also enjoy Edaville's amusement rides including an antique carousel and illuminated Ferris wheel.

star
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture

100 Stockwell Drive
Avon, MA 02322
508.580.4900
Admission: Free
Monday–Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
website

If a visit to a furniture store isn't typically on your list of things to do during the holidays, then you haven't seen Jordan's Enchanted Village.  From mid-November until the New Year, the store's Avon location features the Enchanted Village, a Victorian era holiday display featuring facades, figurines, and Yuletide scenes, first made famous by the now defunct department chain Jordan Marsh.  Purchased and restored by the folks at Jordan's in 2009, this new holiday tradition draws over 200,000 visitors per season and can be enjoyed alongside a Motion Odyssey Movie, and a high-energy laser light show, also featured at the Avon store.

Christmas Spectacular
(Photo Credit: CitiCenter.org)

Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2011

Citi Performing Arts Wang Theatre
270 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116
December 2 through December 28
Tickets: $25 - $130
617.482.9393
website

Typically synonymous with a premiere New York City attraction, the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes now makes Boston its home for a few weeks in December.  If you're thinking The Rockettes are a dance show with lots of legs, then you're in for a big surprise. The famous kicks do top off almost every number, but the Christmas Spectacular includes a storyline, dozens of traditional holiday characters, perfectly synchronized sequences, and visual effects created from little other than stellar choreography and outstanding costumes.  The Rockettes is literally a visual treat from start to finish and a holiday event not to be missed.

 

Jill is a mom of two little girls and founder of The Daily Grind. She is also the owner of Alex Casey Baby, an online store specializing in baby and children's items.  Read more of her work at http://workathomemom.typepad.com.

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