Things That Say Christmas In Lynnfield

As part of their holiday content this week, area Patch websites are taking a look at what says "Christmas" in their respective towns.

In Lynnfield, the sight of the town's common done up in Christmas lights, with or without snow, is a classic holiday scene in its own right, particularly with a traditional New England church steeple overlooking the spot.

Here's a look at some of the town traditions that make Lynnfield stand out during the holiday season:

Annual Gingerbread Contest: Each Year, the Centre Congregational Church holds a gingerbread house contest featuring elaborately-designed creations by the town's various organizations and families.

Country Store: While the gingerbread house contest is going on, the Lynnfield Historical Society usually holds its annual Country Store fundraiser in the hours before the town tree-lighting.

Santa And The Tree Lighting: Speaking of the Country Store, this event is a sign that the town's Christmas tree lighting is only a few hours away - complete with Santa holding court for the town's children from his seat right on the Common. Each year, Santa sets up on the common with help from the local fire department.

LHS Musical Events: Town residents usually get at least a couple of opportunities to hear holiday favorites sung by the talented Lynnfield school musical groups. Lynnfield High School and Middle School both hold annual events, and students from the schools also come together for an annual performance at the library. High school singers also provide the entertainment for the annual holiday luncheon at the senior center, and they also recently further showcased their talents at a coffee house event.

Art Guild Show: Another annual town tradition on the common is the Lynnfield Art Guild's winter show and sale. This is a great opportunity to meet some talented local artisans and to pick up some good gifts in the process. For much of the rest of the year, the art guild hosts annual demonstrations featuring prominent area artists.

LMS Gift Drive: For the past six years, Lynnfield Middle School students have held an annual gift drive, collecting hundreds of gifts in any given season that are then passed on to North Shore families in need. This year's drive netted presents for 18 families, and this drive is noteworthy in that the school works with the social workers to give these children the specific gifts they are asking for.