Enchanted Village and Santa

In the 60's and 70's a popular department store in Boston's Downtown Crossing displayed this lovely Enchanted Village. These charming displays quickly became an integral part of New England's holiday celebrations until it closed. A popular furniture store purchased many items from the Enchanted Village and now displays them to the public for free.

Brad's time off school seemed to go quickly and we wanted to make at least one special family outing before Christmas. I pretended that Brad hadn't already stopped at the mall Santa with the kids and we excitedly went to the Enchanted Village.

One of many darling scenes!

Look closely--it is snowing!

Our cute friend Bridger.

David seemed to really like some of the animatronic people and things there in the displays.

Santa arrived at 12 noon and we finished the Enchanted Village about 10 minutes before that time. We waited in a very short line. A grandmother in front of us said that that last year she and her daughter had taken her three grandkids (one was just a month or so old) the weekend before Christmas. They'd driven quite a distance and the place was packed. They waited in line TWO hours before they finally had to give up and go home. She estimated that they had spent five hours total and didn't even make it to Santa. I'm also assuming she didn't even make it inside the Enchanted Village part.

I had no idea this event was so popular! I was thankful that we went on a quiet Wednesday morning. I thought Will might be unhappy with Santa but he did very well. The photographer whispered to me that he'd only ever seen one kid freak out with this sweet guy.

Merry Christmas!

It was a fun little outing and even better to go with friends. We ended with lunch at Ikea.