Sparklefest is in full swing in Harvard Square. Artisan and craft fairs and holiday pop up shops are popping up rapidly like the bubbles in that New Year’s eve glass of Champagne.   And, the kids might be seeing double, triple and quadruple as Santa finds his way all over town.  This weekend is the weekend of Santa brunches and breakfasts.  But, there is plenty to do that doesn’t involve Christmas at all too.

The Santa Paparazzi

The Royal Sonesta has their Santa breakfast this Sunday morning, from 10 .m. to 12 p.m.  They will have a beautiful and delectable breakfast buffet in the ballroom.  Instead of paying for a mall santa photo, because your iPhone or fancy digital camera takes better pics anyway, put that money towards a family experience at the Royal Sopnesta with breakfast, cookie decorating, and holiday movies.

In Harvard Square, The Beat Hotel’s Santa brunch,Saturday, December 13^th, 2014 is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will have live holiday music from guitarist Bobby Keyes.  The menu is à la carte featuring Executive Chef Ignacio Lopez’s delicious brunch fare such as quiche made with Tuscan kale, sundried tomato & goat cheese served with a house salad ($14.50), wild flower honey & lemon pancakes with wild blueberry compote ($14) and eggs shakshuka, poached eggs, north african tomato sauce, peppers and polenta ($14.50) while children can order scrumptious selections off the “Flower Children” menu including kiddie scrambled eggs & toast ($7.50), grilled cheese ($7.50) and pancakes ($7.50).  Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 617-499-0001. Regular brunch pricing and specials offered. No cover charge.

Governor Gore mansion is hosting Santa Teas starting this weekend Sunday, December 14, 1:00 and 3:30 pm (Sold Out), Saturday, December 20, 10:00 am.  Tickets are $35/pp, all ages; $30 members and their children.  Advanced tickets are required so call 781-894-2798 to reserve a spot for next weekend.  Gore mansion is an enchanting setting for this unique Santa visit.  It is a three-tiered tea with scones, dainty sandwiches and dessert served in the Great Hall and Oval Withdrawing Room of this 1806 home.  The Santa Teas feature a hands-on activity, story time and songs with Santa. In addition, each child will receive a gift presented by Santa himself.

Running from the Malls

This weekend is Holly Fair in Harvard Square.  This weekend, Stroll the shops and pop into the Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE)  for Holly Fair at the CCAE on Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm.   There is also Holly Fair at the First Parish Unitarian Church  where you will find just the right handmade gift for everyone on your list.  Holly Fair runs through December 23rd  (Weekdays 11:30 – 7:00, Saturdays 10-7:30, Sundays 12:00-6:00) at the First Parish Unitarian Church and just this weekend at CCAE.

Or Perhaps you want to Skate Away…

On Saturday, December 13th, Community Ice Skating at Kendall in Cambridge will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with free admission all day.  Skate rentals are available at the regular rate.  There is a free skating show at 2 p.m. as well.

Or, sing your way into the holiday spirit…

The Flip Flops host a Hottenanny at Club Passim.  Come join this audience-participatory hootenanny led by the soaring vocal harmonies of Julie and Vanessa, backed by a great home-grown Flip Flops band (Adam Michael Rothberg, Andy Santospago, and Ian McMillan), and most importantly, YOUR voices chiming in! Join Julie and Vanessa for their Flip Flops debut show! Tickets: $10 adults, $8 kids, available at the door or by calling 617-492-7679 or at www.clubpassim.org