45°
Sugar plums, red and white ribbon candy and trays of pies are only a slice of Christmas's rich sensory feast. In addition to special treats, we yearn for the authentic look and feel of Christmas. Mystic Seaport's "Christmas by the Sea," a new maritime experience, transports visitors back in time to the 19th century for the holiday's recreation in a village of seafarers.
Created in the 1940s, Mystic's 19th century village is sprinkled with more than 30 New England trade shops and businesses dating to the 1800s. These real, historic buildings were moved from locations around New England and re-assembled at the Seaport. Included among them are shipsmiths, coopers, a clam shack, an oyster house, a woodcarver's, riggers and more. Walk the village's streets, decorated for an old-fashioned Christmas and encounter historians, musicians and storytellers. Or duck in to any of these buildings to see how each experienced the holiday.
There is music, seasonal and sea shanties, as well as crafts, including a chance to do some candle-dipping and print a Victorian Christmas card. St. Nicholas Workshop is set up so kids can build a take-home, old-fashioned toy, and Gingerbread Blast Workshop is where they'll create something edible. There are also 19th-century toys, games and puzzles in a special kids' activity space. At Mystic's "Christmas by the Sea," families can get a taste of life in an authentic 19th century village at Christmastime. The holly, pine, gingerbread and salt air aroma will likely send out its own heady, holiday message. "Christmas by the Sea" takes place Thursdays through Sundays, November 26 - January 2, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's included in admission which is $15-$24. For more information, visit Mystic's website.
Tell us about trips you've taken to Mystic and what you and your family love about it. Post below or e-mail me at cfortier@mainstreetconnect.us.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
