Christmas by Candlelight, Old Sturbridge Village MA

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 evenings, Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14, and Dec. 19-21. For more information on this classic New England event, log onto the Old Sturbridge Village web site.

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Lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse Christmas Event, York Beach, Maine

The lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse in York Beach, Maine, truly shines like a beacon during the Christmas season.

The friendly Parks and Recreation folks up in York have taken one of New England's greatest lighthouses and made it even better. The lights really define the beautiful shape of the lighthouse while the frigid Maine air almost seems to warm up to the incredible illumination.

The 2014 Lighting of the Nubble takes place on Sat., Nov. 29, at 5 p.m. Holiday music entertainment, Santa, cookies and hot chocolate are traditionally part of this classic New England Christmas season event.

Log onto Nubble Light web site for updates on the 2014 Lighting of the Nubble. Or call 207-363-1040 for more information.

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A Christmas Stroll on Nantucket

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.

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