Boston - December 14, 2006

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

Give it a rest. Shopping, that is.

GIVE
95th Annual Christmas for Horses
What: Feed the city’s hardest workers with carrots from the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Miniature horses will be on hand, and the Liberty Jazz Band performs.
Why: These guys aren’t horsing around.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Samuel Adams Park, Faneuil Hall.

GO
Winter Wonderland at Lookout Farm
What: Train rides, Victorian carolers, hay rides, and photos with Santa.
Why: Vegas-meets-North Pole-meets-New England farm.
When: Mon.-Fri., 2-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon-9 p.m. Thru Jan. 7.
Where: Belkin Family Lookout Farm, 89 Pleasant St., South Natick (508-653-0653).

BRING
Dancing Deer’s Eggnog Cake
What: Locally made masterpiece of nog, vanilla, brandy, nutmeg, and pecans.
Why: A hundred times better than fruitcake, however you slice it.
When: Showing up empty-handed isn’t an option. Then again, neither is baking.
Where: Online at dancingdeer.com.

EAT
Breakfast Tapas
What: Chef Ryan Jaronik introduces brunch treats like chicken and goat cheese empanadas; jalapeño biscuits with chorizo gravy; and poblano, chorizo, and Chihuahua spring rolls.
Why: Small plates rock, no matter what time of day.
When: Sun., 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Masa, 439 Tremont St., South End (617-338-8884).

DRINK
Afternoon Tea
What: Take in tea, Christmas cookies, and chamber music performed by a string quartet.
Why: To keep things civilized.
When: Sun., 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: UpStairs on the Square’s Soiree Dining Room, 91 Winthrop St., Harvard Square (617-864-1933).