A brutal arctic surge was predicted for all of Massachusetts this past weekend, which did not bode well as locals looked ahead to outdoor holiday events scheduled for Manchester and Essex. Alas, the region dodged plunging temperatures and frigid winds and events like Christmas by the Sea, the Jingle Bell Walk, and the Manchester Woman’s Club’s Lighting of the Friendship Tree at the Manchester Town Common, seen here, went off Sunday without a hitch. The Common was busting with attendees, eager to celebrate the season and enjoy cozy hot chocolate and each other.
