Christmas

Travel Tips and Advisories for Christmas Travelers Released by MassDOT

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding the public to plan ahead if traveling this holiday season, make informed decisions before heading out onto the roadways or using mass transit, utilize MassDOT’s many travel tools and resources, and to drive sober and limit distractions if behind the wheel of a vehicle, according to a press release. “Safety is our greatest priority and we want everyone who is traveling by car, bus, or public transit to reach their holiday destination in order to enjoy their time with friends and family,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “We encourage members of the public to try our online technology resources to find the best time and route for travel and exercise safe driving behavior including minimizing distractions, remaining sober or using a designated driver, and devoting their full attention to the road ahead.”
MassDOT is taking steps to ensure safe and reliable travel for all citizens who utilize transportation systems across the Commonwealth and will be shutting down scheduled roadway construction for the Christmas travel period effective at 12 p.m., Friday, December 22. Normal scheduled construction operations will resume at the start of business on Tuesday, December 26. “With winter weather expected at times throughout the Christmas holiday period, we advise everyone to check roadway and traffic conditions before traveling,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Our snow and ice crews will respond as necessary and travelers should reduce their speed during inclement weather, remember our message, ‘Don’t Crowd the Plow,’ and make smart travel decisions so we all can have a safe and happy holiday.”
For traffic and road conditions, drivers may use the following options to make decisions:

Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

Around Town

Hundreds Greet Santa Claus at 2017 Watertown Tree Lighting

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Hundreds of small children, parents and people just looking to share the Season’s spirit converged on Watertown Square Friday evening for the annual Watertown Tree Lighting Ceremony. Anticipation was thick in the air as youngsters waited for Santa Claus. At about 5:15 p.m. he rolled up in a Watertown Fire Department SUV with red and white lights flashing. Children looked on in awe as he waved and patted a few kids on the head. Santa posed for some pics before heading over to the tree decorated in Christmas lights and ornaments.

Around Town

Contest Looking for the Best Holiday Lighting and Decorations in Watertown

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Proud of your holiday lights display … Do you have the most Christmas spirt – enter the Watertown Holiday Lighting and Decoration Contest! Once again, Watertown Real Estate Broker Bob Airasian will sponsor a contest for the best decorations in town. The home judged to have the best Holiday Cheer will win a $250 American Express Gift Card and a $250 donation to the Watertown-based charity or nonprofit of the winner’s choice. Decorations will be judged on the following criteria:
• Unique design and creative use of lights and decorations
• Story line or theme
• Display and placement of decorations, animated objects, etc.

Around Town

Watertown Church Hosting Holiday Art Show & Sale With Activities and Demos

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Looking for unique, one-of- a-kind gift items this holiday season? Saturday,
December 2, 2017, members and friends of the First Parish of Watertown will host their annual Holiday Art Show & Sale, organizers announced. The hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Parish church, 35 Church Street in Watertown Square. More than 20 artists and crafters, along with the church’s youth group, will showcase a wide array of fine arts and crafts. Included will be paintings, photography, pottery, candles, jewelry, woven items and more.

Entertainment

Commander’s Mansion Holiday Open House Features Food, Fun and Santa

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Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion has big plans for its Holiday celebration. Organizers sent out the following information:

SAVE THE DATE Commander’s Mansion Annual Holiday Open House

Tuesday, December 12th house opens at 4 p.m. for free self tours

 

First Floor – Eat, Drink & Be Merry demos with Tastings Caterers and Cass the Florist additional details coming soon …

Second Floor – Santa’s Village – FREE geared for kids grade K through 5th

Santa arrives 5:30p.m. He will be escorted to the front of the mansion escorted by the Watertown Police Department bring your camera for your own photo op!  Thank you Watertown Savings Bank

Story Time with Mrs. Claus 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Kids Crafts 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Rudolph’s Café 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with Hot Cocoa & Cookies

The mansion is located at 440 Talcott Ave. Watertown, MA 02472

Facebook: commandersmansion – 617-926-7755

Entertainment

6th Annual Watertown Tree Lighting Ceremony Coming to Watertown Square

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The Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce (WBCC), Rotary Club of Watertown, and the Town of Watertown are pleased to announce that the sixth annual Tree Lighting ceremony will be held on Friday, December 1 in Watertown Square. Organizers sent out the following information:

A reception will follow at the Watertown Savings Bank (WSB) main office in Watertown Square. Santa Claus will arrive to the Square by fire truck at 5:15 p.m.; the tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m.; and the reception to follow immediately after at WSB, where attendees will enjoy refreshments, holiday music, and of course visit with Santa Claus! Parking will be available at WSB after 5 p.m.

“We’re really excited for this year’s tree lighting, and to continue with this wonderful holiday tradition,” said WBCC Community Relations Liaison Paul Airasian. Once again this year, radio station 105.7 WROR will also be outside in the Square with giveaways, games, music and with a special guest of their own beginning at 4:30 p.m. Watertown Rotary will also have refreshments out on the Square.

Entertainment

Auditions for Revels’ Christmas Performance Coming to Watertown

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Auditions for the 2017 Christmas Revels, which this year is a celebration of Renaissance Venice, will be held in Watertown in March, the group announced. 2017 Christmas Revels: A Venetian Celebration of the Winter Solstice

Directed by Patrick Swanson; Megan Henderson, music director

Auditions: Sunday, March 5  & Monday, March 6, 4-6 p.m. children, 7-9 p.m. adults

WHERE:  Grace Vision Church, 80 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA

Revels seeks a diverse and talented volunteer chorus of adults and children (ages 7-12) to join our family for 18 performances of The Christmas Revels at Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, Dec. 8-27, 2017. While Revels uses a number of professional performers in its productions, its volunteer chorus of adults and children are at its core.

Around Town

See What’s Closed for Christmas and the Holiday Weekend

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While stores are open for last minute shopping on Christmas Eve, most thing shut down for Christmas. The holiday will be observed by government offices and many businesses on Monday, Dec. 26. Closed on Christmas

Retail Stores

Liquor Stores

Supermarkets

Convenience Stores

Bars

Banks

Municipal, state, federal offices

Libraries

Post offices

The MBTA’s subways, buses, and commuter rail on Sunday schedule. Hingham and Charlestown commuter boats will not operate.