Who is nuts enough to go to Snowflake Lane the weekend before Christmas, on a clear night? Me, apparently.

The last time we tried Snowflake Lane, the boys were so little and the crowd was so aggressive, I vowed we'd never do it again. But we happened to be near Bell Square, so I gave it another try. Tonight's mob was mostly civil, except for a group of pushy Mainlanders. The performers radiated positive energy and handed out lollipops to the kids.

Snowflake Lane is a 20-minute parade every night at 7 p.m., between Bell Square and Lincoln Square, through Christmas Eve.