Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1313443
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 44 DECEMBER 2020 L I V E + P L AY There's no need to hibernate now that the mercury has plunged—from twinkling lights or sleigh bells to the thrill of a downward plunge, it's possible to satisfy your winter wonderland wanderlust this year. Whether it's in your own backyard or farther afield, there's plenty of seasonal fun to make spirits bright on the North Shore and beyond. Holiday bonus: For those who have vacation time to burn since they've been glued to a desk working from home, combine some fun and gift yourself a fun-filled getaway. L E T T H E R E B E L I G H TS Here: Meet reindeer, snow leopards, arctic fox, and more at ZooLights at Stone Zoo, where thousands of twinkling holiday lights illuminate a canopy of trees across 26 acres. This year there's even more sparkle, with large- scale lantern displays throughout the property in Stoneham. There: The Berkshires offer up opportunities for breathtaking beauty at two historical properties: Winterlights at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, and NightWood at The Mount in Lenox. The former includes an illuminated path through the gardens with different "sets" and festive treats for sale. The latter transforms Edith Wharton's former estate by curating several experiences with musical and lighting vignettes. Treat yourself: Travel back in time to discover Main Street in Stockbridge, home to the Red Lion Inn's more modern cousin, luxurious 17-room Maple Glen House. The Red Lion complex is part of Norman Rockwell's idyllic "Home for Christmas" painting, and no holiday visit is complete without checking out live greenery and live music indoors and outside on the wraparound porch. T R I M T H E T R E E Here: Santa Claus is coming to Smolak Farms in North Andover, where families can grab precut trees, or cut their own. There's no lap sitting this year, but socially distanced "selfies with St. Nick" tickets include cider donuts, ornament making, and a bag of feed to treat on-site reindeer. Other activities include stories and crafting with elves and a gingerbread house workshop. One can't-miss highlight is the annual free tree pull with the Saint Bernard Club of New England on December 6. The pooches will whisk Fraser firs and balsams to visitors' cars. There: One of Massachusetts' few remaining tree farms, family-owned and run Mistletoe Christmas Tree Farm in Stow offers free hot cocoa and candy canes for each guest. They're open additional weekdays this year for the work- from-home crowd's flexible schedules. Treat yourself: Lovingly restored 18th-century colonial Amerscot House Inn in Stow has just Zoo lights at Stone Zoo is fun for little ones this season. Red Lion Inn is a great place to stay when visiting the Berkshires. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RED LION INN (TOP), COURTESY OF STONE ZOO (BOTTOM)