Entertainment

Perkins School’s Holiday Concert Available Live & Remotely

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Perkins School for the BlindPerkins School for the Blind students will perform two holiday concerts in 2022. The following announcement was provided by Perkins School for the Blind:

As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to invite you and your families to attend one or both of our upcoming holiday concerts this December in person and virtually. Sunday, December 11 at 4:30 p.m. (In person)Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. (In person and virtual)No RSVP is required.Please note that guests are asked to wear a mask and ensure they are not experiencing any of these symptoms before arriving on campus. You can view the full guidelines on our website. We’re delighted to welcome our community back to campus to what’s always been a highly-anticipated and simply awesome annual performance by our students.

Entertainment

Whoville is Back and Bigger Than Ever at the Commander’s Mansion

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Charlie BreitroseThe entry to the 2021 Whoville Jubilee lit by holiday lights. The Commander’s Mansion announced the annual Whoville Jubilee and Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 from 4-8 p.m.

The celebration takes place at the Mansion, located at 440 Talcott Ave., Watertown (enter the east entrance of the Arsenal on the Charles). The tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Come by and enjoy:

Photos with Santa! Holiday Bazaar!

Around Town

Watertown Rotary Club Invites Public to Holiday Mixer & Toy Drive

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The Rotary Club of Watertown is excited to announce that it will be hosting a Community Holiday Mixer and Toy Drive! The event will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites Boston/Watertown on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

In the spirit of Rotary’s mantra “service before self,” the club is pleased to announce that it will be collecting unwrapped toys for the Sonny Whooley Foundation in cooperation Lexus and Toyota of Watertown. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, the proceeds of which will directly support the clubs community service initiatives in the coming year.  

Members of the greater Watertown business, philanthropic, and civic communities are invited to join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration as we kick off the holiday season and raise a toast to our community.  

Attendees should plan to bring an unwrapped toy for the Whooley Foundation, but the event is otherwise free of charge. Complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres will we served. 

The Hampton Inn is located at 25 Bond St., Watertown, in Arsenal Yards.

Around Town

See 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, but a few will remain open for at least part of the day. Get some coffee, a bite to eat, or visit a pharmacy or convenience store. Government

State and Federal offices: Closed

City 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

Most CVS stores will be open on Christmas but hours may vary.

Transportation

Travel Tips for People Driving, Using Public Transportation During the Holidays

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The following announcement was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan ahead for the holiday travel period in the coming weeks. Traffic volumes and public transportation are anticipated to be higher than normal. 

Drivers and public transportation ridership customers should use available real-time tools and resources for current travel conditions on major roadways such as dialing 511, visiting www.mass511.com or using the GoTime mobile app, and check MBTA schedule information available at mbta.com/holidays and the weather forecast before leaving home. “During this holiday season, we are reminding drivers to expect more people traveling by car, public transportation, and in airports and to plan for any trips by checking conditions ahead of time and building in extra time,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “Make sure to drive sober and hands free, follow speed limits, and be patient as more people return to traveling this season.”

The Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on state-owned roadways. There will be no construction work on major arterial roadways from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 24, 2021, through the normal start of business at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021, and from 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021, through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022. In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane located on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2021, and on Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Around Town

Temporary Suspension of Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban Over the Holidays

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Clipartpanda.com

The Watertown Police Department announced a temporary suspension of enforcement of the overnight parking ban over the holidays. The City sent out the following announcement:

Effective December 23, 2021, enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will be temporarily suspended – barring any snowfall that would require plowing or sanding. Should there be a snow event please refer to the City website for available off-street parking locations. 

Police Chief Michael Lawn encourages all homeowners to continue using available off-street parking during the overnight hours. Enforcement of the All Night Parking Ban will resume on January 3, 2022.  

Have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Entertainment

Watch Perkins School’s Students Perform in the Annual Holiday Concert

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Students at Perkins School for the Blind sang in the annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 16. Perkins School for the Blind held its annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 16, and if you missed it (or want to catch it again), the concert can be viewed online. The school included the following message with the concert announcement:

“Every year, our student musicians perform beautiful choral and instrumental works, showcasing the ways music can be accessible for all.

Around Town

Entries Wanted for Watertown Holiday Lighting & Decorations Contest

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Enter the Watertown Holiday Decorations and Lights Contest and win money for yourself and your favorite local charity. Which house in Watertown has the best holiday display? If you think it is your home, enter the Watertown Holiday Lighting & Decoration Contest. The winner will receive a $250 American Express gift card and $250 for your favorite Watertown charity or non-profit organization. Homes will be judged on the following criteria:

Unique design and creative use of lights and decorationsStoryline or themeDisplay and placement of decorations, animated objects, etc.Overall presentation

Judges will not enter the home or walk in the yard.