This time of year, kids can find Santa ho-ho-ho-ing it up at most holiday events in the area, like tree lightings, craft fairs, festive breakfasts, and fancy teas. We've rounded up some of our other favorite places where kids can see Santa in and around Boston, especially for a photo op that can make for the perfect Christmas card.

See our list below for more than a dozen places where you can get a photo with Santa near Boston; most visits are free (with photos being available for purchase). All the kids have to do is be sure that they're good, for goodness sake! 

While our 21st century Thanksgiving feast may bear little resemblance to a 1621 celebration or to the meal popularly referred to as the First Thanksgiving, it's fortunate that we don't have to travel back in time to learn about the traditions that are at the root of today’s holiday. In fact, we only have to travel about 45 minutes south of Boston to Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA, to find what is often called the birthplace of our national Thanksgiving celebration. Curious to know what a “first” Thanksgiving would have looked like, we spoke with Kathleen M. Wall, culinary historian at Plimoth Plantation, for some insights and recipes that kids can help make.

Enjoying a film on the big screen in the great outdoors is as much a summertime tradition in Boston as taking in music at an outdoor festival. Bring a picnic dinner and sit back, relax, and enjoy the show at one of these outdoor summer movie series in and around Boston. Movies usually begin at dusk, but you'll want to arrive early for the best viewing spots and to take advantage of pre-movie entertainment when offered.