New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

Santa biking in Stoughton on Christmas day (photo by Joan H.) Yesterday while driving to my sister-in-law's in Brockton, Mass., for a Christmas dinner, we spotted Santa Claus riding a bicycle in Stoughton, Mass.  Perhaps the reindeer were under the weather? We did an Internet search and found that the distance from Boston to the North Pole is 3,291 miles. Stoughton is about 20 miles south of Boston, so the challenge would be even greater if bicycling to the North Pole! Hopefully, this Santa was also traveling to his sister-in-law's in Brockton, which would make the ride a tad easier. With that Routes 27 and 24. intersection, though, we are not so sure.

Enchanted Village, Jordan's Furniture, Avon, Mass. (photo by Eric) Enchanted Village proves that great Christmas traditions span the generations with equal enthusiasm. Once a landmark at the former Jordan Marsh department store at Downtown Crossing in Boston, Mass., Enchanted Village is now a suburban Boston staple at Jordan's Furniture in Avon, Mass. Truly spectacular with its life-like yuletide scenes and animated figurines created by a 1930s Bavarian toy maker, Enchanted Village is simply an instant memory. While furniture stores aren't exactly known as Christmas destinations (other than shopping, of course), Jordan's has wonderfully carried on the tradition by allotting 8,000 sq. ft. of space to this amazing Boston attraction. Of course, Santa is there, too, to meet and greet kids that are frequently in awe of the whole Enchanted Village experience. True to tradition, also, admission is free. Just as good news: the legendary Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins ...

If you dream of celebrating a traditional New England Christmas, then Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Mass., is probably the greatest travel gift of the local holiday season. Set in an expansive 1830s New England living history museum, Christmas by Candlelight stays true to time warp form by sticking to authenticity. You'll experience sleigh rides, roasting chestnuts, gingerbread making, cider mulling, yule logs, holiday magic and puppet shows, a display of a miniature New England village, and  Christmas carol sing-a-longs and Victorian Carolers. Of course, the kids will have a chance to meet Santa (not the mall kind, more true-to-life), -- he will even perform readings of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and How the Grinch Stole Christmas . OK, Rudolph and The Grinch are not from the 1830s, but the spirit of Santa reading classics is timeless! The Old Sturbridge 2014 Christmas by Candlelight takes place 4-9 p.m., Friday Saturday and Sunday eve...

Anyone who tells you that coastal New England isn't compatible with Christmas celebrations is clearly out to sea. A grand holiday tradition dating back to 1973, the Christmas Stroll on Nantucket features historic walking tours, tree decorating, caroling, craft shows and artist displays, raffles, cookie decorating and music events, just to name a few. Merchants often take the extra effort to make the holiday season special with warmly decorated stores, one-of-a-kind gifts, and discounts. What started as an event to keep locals from leaving the island to holiday shop on Cape Cod is now a renowned event that brings in people worldwide. Cheers! This year's Christmas Stroll on Nantucket stroll will take place Dec. 5-7. Log onto the Christmas Stroll on Nantucket web site to keep updated on what the 2014 season will bring.