Student’s Tips for Seasonal Fun on a Budget
By Marissa Shea | Observer Contributor
Photo by Ian Stauffer from Unsplash
With the Holiday season approaching quickly, it can be difficult for some of us to justify spending boatloads of money on a night out with our significant other. There are holiday dinners to attend, gifts to give, and expenses to be paid. If you are looking to take your significant other on a romantic night out without breaking the bank, this is the article for you. It will discuss three date ideas, at three different price points, at varying travel times.
The first date idea is the cheapest and most local. Every year in Gardner at 509 West St, there is a magical Christmas light show with hundreds of colorful lights going to the beat of music. After you tune your car radio to 87.9 FM, you will be blown away by how much effort the homeowners put into the light show.
Every inch of the house is covered in Christmas lights that are programed to flicker on and off to music. The homeowners use a good mix of classic Christmas music and top radio hits, so it gives everyone a chance to sing along.
Each light show usually lasts around thirty minutes. This is a perfect holiday activity to do with your significant other, and the best part is it’s completely free. If you have a few extra dollars to spare after, try one of Gardner’s local gems, Sawa Asian Cuisine and Lounge. They have great food for reasonable prices and have a 4.5 rating on Google Reviews.
The second date idea is also free, but it is a little more of a drive. It is a huge light show called Millis Wonderland, located on 60 Causeway St. in Millis. I have been to this lightshow ever since I was little, and it will always be my favorite.
When you visit, you drive down the homeowner’s long driveway, which is filled with elaborate Christmas decorations such as Santa with his elves and reindeer. There is often classic Christmas music playing and an array of Christmas lights and trees.
Driving through the exhibit takes about fifteen minutes but there is often traffic, so it could possibly take longer. No matter how cold it is outside, you get to stay cozy in your warm car. If you are looking to go out to dinner afterwards, there is an Italian restaurant called Primavera right nearby with a reasonably priced menu and a 4.2 on Google Reviews.
The third date idea is the furthest away and most expensive, the Tree Lighting Festival at the Boston Common Visitors Center, located at139 Tremont St. in Boston. There, you and your significant other can walk around and enjoy the beautifully festive city. The event itself is free but keep in mind you will have to pay for transportation there and back.
This year, the tree lighting will be held on Thursday, December 5th, with festivities beginning at 6:00 pm. The lights will be lit just before 8:00 pm. You can walk through over 50 acres of the Boston Common, and there will be free entertainment and appearances from Santa.
Instead of driving and paying for parking, it is easier to take the MBTA Fitchburg train into Boston. The train will cost you and your significant other around $50 round trip. You can also save a few dollars by driving to the Alewife MBTA station in Cambridge and taking the red line into Boston.
If you are looking for a bite to eat, after the tree lighting, head to Mike’s Pastries in the North End. I can promise you will not be sorry. They specialize in cannoli and have a 4.5 on Google Reviews.
Even if you don’t have a significant other, don’t worry. You can still share these fun activities with a group of friends. Enjoy your holiday season!
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