Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Amy via the Boston Mamas Facebook page:
Hey Boston Mamas, It's me again! The "new to Boston" mama you helped out before with great toddler-friendly activities. Well, I have another question! This is our first year staying here for Thanksgiving and I am wondering if you know of any Thanksgiving Day parades or activities like that? (Again, we live in Watertown.) I know this [past] weekend [was] the lighting of the tree at Faneuil Hall...any more activities like that (Thanksgiving or Christmas) would be appreciated!
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Dear Amy,
Thanks for writing in again; I'm always happy to entertain questions from readers! Here are some ideas to enjoy your first Thanksgiving in Boston and get into the holiday spirit.
As someone who actually went to band camp once upon a time, the 25th Annual Boston TubaChristmas Concert at Faneuil Hall totally caught my eye. I think families would love the music and kids would especially love the spectacle of seeing all of those brass instruments assembled.
A couple of summers ago, a reader pointed me to Elm Bank in Wellesley as a wonderful summer spot to romp, and Elm Bank just opened their Festival of Trees exhibit, which looks twinkly and spirited.
Also in the lights department -- and with the added bonus of animal education -- ZooLights will return to the Stone Zoo in Stoneham on November 25.
And if you're willing to drive a bit further for a holiday lights spectacular, there's Edaville USA in Carver, which just opened its Festival of Lights extravaganza.
And how about taking a spin downtown and supporting Downtown Crossing's revitalization efforts? The Downtown Crossing events calendar includes details about the Macy's tree lighting and other Downtown Crossing area holiday events that will kick off during Thanksgiving weekend.
And while you're downtown, check out the Boston Handmade Downtown Holiday Gallery, which opens November 26. I'm a huge fan of indie crafts and Boston has so much talent to offer.
Finally, skating is a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit. Check out my post on local rink leads to find a rink near you (many rinks will open in late November or early December) and the Boston Common Frog Pond just opened yesterday for the season.
I hope these leads are helpful Amy -- enjoy your first Thanksgiving in Boston!
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Image credit: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Comments
FYI - I heard that Edaville may be going up for sale again this year, so if you ever went as a kid and want to show your own kids, this is the year to go as they may not be around again next year!
Posted by: Wendy T | November 22, 2010 9:47 AM | Reply to this comment
Do you know of any parades to take the kiddos to?
Posted by: Samantha | November 24, 2010 11:51 AM | Reply to this comment