Entertainment

A Variety of Winter Fun This Month at Arsenal Yards — Photos with Santa, Meet Frozen Characters, Crafts & More

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Arsenal YardsArsenal Yards will host Winter Wond-AY-Land in December. The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

Watertown’s Arsenal Yards invites guests, residents and visitors to experience a Winter Wond-AY-Land all month long, with festive decorations, special events and yuletide photo ops! Holiday merriment abounds at Arsenal Yards this holiday season, along with plentiful opportunities to give back to the local Watertown community. Visitors can head to Bond Square, the newly unveiled community courtyard space at Arsenal Yards, to immerse themselves in a forest of dozens of evergreen “Giving Trees”. The trees make the perfect backdrop for family photos, and will be donated to families in the Watertown community later in December through the Watertown Boys and Girls Club and other local community organizations.

Business

Hundreds of Toys Collected by Mall for Watertown Police Gift Drive

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Retired Watertown Police Officer Dave Collins and Patricia Stenson, the General Manager of the Watertown Mall, pictured with the gifts donated to the Whooley Foundation at the Watertown Mall. This December, the Watertown Mall collected gifts to donate to the Watertown Police Department’s Whooley Foundation, which makes sure no children in Watertown go without a Christmas present. The last day of gift collection was Dec. 21 and a total of 165 gifts were donated. Retired Watertown Police Officer Dave Collins, who helps run the Whooley Foundation, welcomed Patricia Stenson, the General Manager of the Watertown Mall, with the gifts collected at the Mall.

Transportation

MassDOT Holiday Travel Tips, Post-Travel Quarantine Reminder

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The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding members of the public to plan ahead for the upcoming holiday season, utilize the appropriate technology tools to make informed decisions, and be aware there may be limited public amenities on trips due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, travelers should pack essential items including face coverings, and, if visiting specific states, travelers will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Massachusetts. “As per the CDC’s strong recommendation, we are asking people not to travel during these next few weeks of the holiday season because of Covid-19,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, adding, “But if you must be on the roadway, you are advised to plan ahead, minimize stops, be aware of all out-of-state quarantine requirements, wear a face covering if you are traveling with someone not living in your household, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.”

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has information about the pandemic and regulations pertaining to COVID-19, including the need to quarantine for 14 days when returning to Massachusetts after visiting specific states. Information can be found at: www.mass.gov/coronavirus. The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its hours to be open from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 22, and from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 23.

Entertainment

A Double Dose of Small Saves Christmas Comics

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Cartoon by James DeMarco

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal–then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Entertainment

Meet Santa Claus in Virtual Event Hosted by Gore Place

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Santa Claus will be streaming live from Gore Place this year. Gore Place sent out the following information:

We’re bringing our popular annual Santa Tea experience online this year. Santa will be broadcasting live from the Carriage House right to your home! During this live online event, families will play games, sing songs and hear a story or two from Santa. Sign-up early and get some great recipes for sugar cookies and spiced cocoa. Dates and Times:Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 at 10 am and 3 pm ET

Details:$20 per household.Event is online via Zoom.Tickets must be purchased by Friday, December 18 at 3 pm.Live captioning will be available at select times. See website for details.

Around Town

Christmas Tree Disposal & Styrofoam Recycling Event

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With the holidays over, it’s time to take down the tree and get rid of the styrofoam packaging. The Watertown Department of Public Works can help you with both of these tasks. Christmas trees will be picked up from the curbside on your regular trash collection day through the month of January. Please no ornaments or plastic bags. The trees will be chipped.

Around Town

Find Out What’s Open & Closed on Christmas in Watertown

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Most government offices, retail stores and restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day. A few will remain open, at least part of the day. Government

State and Federal offices: Closed

Town Hall: Closed

Library: Closed

Senior Center: Closed

Post Office: Closed

Mass. RMV: Closed

Retailers

Most will be closed, but can be open at owner’s discretion. Liquor Stores: Closed

CVS will be open on Christmas: Watertown Square location will be open 24 hours, the Watertown Street and Mt.

Around Town

Watertown Residents Can Enjoy a Discount on Cookies and Baked Goods

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Geoff & Drew’s offers cookies and brownies made from all-natural ingredients. Watertown’s Carol Spickler is president and “chief cookie girl.” A cookie business co-owned by a Watertown resident is offering a special discount to town residents looking for a last minute gift or something tasty for a New Year’s celebration. Watertown’s Carol Spickler is the president and “chief cookie girl” of Geoff & Drew’s, which features cookies, brownies and other baked goods made with all-natural ingredients. 

Watertown residents, friends & family enjoy a 20 percent discount off any non-discount items when ordering from Geoff & Drew’s. Enter Promotion Code: NEW20 at checkout at www.gdcookies.com 

Geoff & Drew’s  Gourmet Cookie & Brownies offers a wide selection of gift boxes and baskets overflowing with their award-winning bakery treats, Spickler said. 

The business began in 2001 as Late Night Cookies — a cookie and milk delivery service in Boston.