On their Christmas album, By the Fireside, The Turtle Island String Quartet interprets a number of classical pieces that fit the mood of the season, as well as recording several carols, and contributing several of their own songs. Featuring a guest vocal from Garrison Keillor, By the Fireside is designed to please their fans and it should, even if it won’t win them any new ones.
– Stephen Thomas Erlewine, allmusic.com