By the sea is a wonderful place to spend any holiday, but Christmas by the Sea at Mystic Seaport is a must. Now through Jan. 1, the Seaport is celebrating with Christmas trees and wreaths decorated with seashells, stories of the season spent at sea and hands-on activities that will give you an authentic glimpse of a 19th century Christmas. Charming and not in a cutesy-quaint kind of way. You will be transported.

The Buckingham-Hall House has winter meals cooking on the hearth and candle dipping activities. You can also print an old-time Christmas card at Mystic Press, or hang out by the fire with music at the local tavern. The kids can check out the toys from the late 1800s, and if you’re there during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, there will be a magic show. Dress for the weather as there is a bit of walking to be done between exhibits.

The annual Lantern Light Tours have begun too, happening every weekend through Christmas. The tour tells the story of Christmas Eve 1876 by taking visitors in small groups through a dramatic performance that takes place across the Seaport with a cast of 70 actors. You will see a tavern dance, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the real magic of a holiday on the water by lantern light.

Mystic Seaport holidays warm your spirit, so carve out some time this December to feel it.

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