During the bustling holiday season, I long for a moment to witness snowflakes dancing across the winter sky. I seek twinkling lights and decked-out halls. And even though my calendar is decorated with parties and plans, I crave lazy days to write letters in front of a crackling fire. Luckily, I've discovered places where such holiday wishes come true: Area bed-and-breakfasts and small inns.

I've waded through my share of frou-frou lace and dusty knick-knacks to find pretty, welcoming inns with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, but no televisions in sight. Most of my favorites offer comforts such as luxe bathrobes scented with lavender or a jar filled with warm cookies. But, the real gift is one of time - to peruse local shops for gifts, to soak in a whirlpool tub and to linger on a feather bed.

After a few days of pampering, the holiday bustle seems less daunting. There are dozens of inns that spread holiday cheer and good will. Here are a few of the best.

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1 RED WING

MOONDANCE INN

1105 W. 4th St., Red Wing

651-388-8145 or 866-388-8145

www.moondanceinn.com

Inside the mustard-yellow stone house with purple trim, innkeepers Chris Mahoney and Mike Waulk have created an elegant retreat.

During the Christmas season, a pretty angel dressed in a burlap gown sits atop a 12-foot-high tree. Outside, heaters allow guests to enjoy the spectacular front porch even when temperatures are cold enough to crystallize breath. And what better way to take in the illuminated outside wonderland, but with cookies and hot cocoa?

The suites offer many amenities, including roomy tubs and billowy beds. In the King Suite, golden curtains surround the bed. In the Queen's Room, the rose-colored decor brightens wintry days.

One recent morning, cantaloupe and grapes started off the breakfast feast. Lemon poppy seed muffins frosted with cream cheese followed, along with French toast stuffed with homemade jam, chicken-spinach-asiago sausage, and cardamom oat breakfast cakes with vanilla sauce. Don't pass on the coffee - it is a special roast made just for Moondance Inn by the Great River Roasters in Pepin, Wis.

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2 STILLWATER

THE OUTING LODGE AT PINE POINT PARK

11661 Myeron Rd. N., Stillwater

651-439-9747