Around Town

Hatch Has Holiday Craft Workshops, a Creature Creation Lab, and Drop In Classes

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See what’s happening at the Watertown Free Public Library’s Hatch Makerspace in December. Hatch provided the following information:

Holiday Craft Drop-InsNeed some last-minute holiday gifts or stocking stuffers? We’ll have three Saturday sessions in December to make gift tags, votives and more! Come anytime during 1-3PM on 12/8, 12/15, or 12/22

Workshop spotlight: Art Studio – Creature LabBring your imaginary creature to life! Whether it’s a cute critter or a terrifying monster, all are welcome. More about the artist: www.smrth.net

Drop-Ins

Drop-ins are weekly themed sessions that are designed to give you insight into the subject matter.

Around Town

See When Watertown’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Will Take Place

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The Watertown Tree Lighting Ceremony returns to Watertown Square in December. The Rotary Club of Watertown are pleased to announce that the ninth annual Tree Lighting event will be held on Friday, Dec. 6 in Watertown Square. 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 lights come on at 5:30 p.m.; and the reception to follow immediately after at WSB, where attendees will enjoy refreshments, holiday music, and visit with Santa Claus.

Transportation

MassDOT’s Holiday Travel Tips, MBTA Schedules & More

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The following piece was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising the public to plan ahead for travel during the upcoming holiday season from Dec. 20, 2018 through Jan. 2, 2019, to drive sober and to take note of holiday schedules for the MBTA, use of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy, and for visiting Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) customer service center locations. AAA is forecasting a record-breaking holiday travel season this year, with 2.45 million Massachusetts residents expected to be on the move. In a public statement, AAA said 2.1 million of these travelers are expected to travel by motor vehicle. The highest volume of traffic in the Boston area, according to AAA, is expected to be Wednesday, Dec.

Around Town

Santa Claus Greeted by Hundreds at Watertown Square Tree Lighting

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Hundreds turned out on a cold Friday evening for the annual Watertown Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo by Charlie Breitrose

Delivered on a big red fire truck, the guest of honor at Friday night’s Watertown Square Tree Lighting Ceremony was swarmed by his many fans. The annual event on the Delta in Watertown Square drew a big crowd once again. Before Santa Claus arrived, children got a chance to say hi to Frosty the Snowman, and enjoy some cookies, hot cocoa and cider. 

Town Councilor Anthony Donato, who is also a Rotary Club member, greeted everyone, and remembered longtime community leader and supporter of the event, Paul Airasian, who passed away in September. He also thanked the veterans on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day.

Christmas

Watertown Mall Hosting Winter Wonderland Event

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Mall:

The Watertown Mall, located at 550 Arsenal Street, Watertown, with Watertown Families Together will be hosting a “Winter Wonderland” event on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

Usher in the new season with the Watertown Mall! Children and their parents/caregivers are invited to join us for a fun wintery morning by attending our “Winter Wonderland” event on Dec. 20. Sponsored by Watertown Families Together and led by Arlene Smith, this event consists of crafting projects, singing songs, reading and listing to stories, and will be featuring an appearance by Santa himself.

Around Town

Commander’s Mansion Adds Some Holiday Cheer to Watertown

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Commander’s Mansion Facilities Manager Tammy McKenna takes a photo of a family visiting Santa Claus during the Holiday Open House. Photo by Charlie Breitrose

The Commander’s Mansion was decked out for the season Thursday evening as the historic home in Watertown hosted the annual Holiday Open House. Dozens of families visited the home to view the Christmas trees, enjoy some cookies and hot cocoa, and listen to some carols. Rooms in the historic Commander’s Mansion were decorated for the holidays, including this Christmas tree. Photo by Charlie Breitrose

Santa Claus arrived at the Mansion with a special escort from the Watertown Police Department.

Christmas

Wartertown Mall Hosting a Variety of Holiday Entertainment This Month

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The Watertown Mall provided the following announcement:

The Watertown Mall is proud to present holiday performances by local elementary and high school bands, choral and string groups as well as professional music groups from the Greater Boston area throughout the month of December! The following is an entertainment list for December. Please visit our website at
www.watertown-mall.com for updates on December events and entertainment. Holiday Entertainment Calendar:
December 2 @ 2:00 pm: Neighborhood Children’s Theatre. December 5 @ 4:30: Boston University Academy Swamp Cats Jazz Band.

Around Town

Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion Presents Holiday Open House

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Watertown’s historic Commander’s Mansion hosts the Annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., featuring two floors of fun, food and drink, and visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The organizers of the event provided the following schedule and information:

First Floor – South Pole

6:15 to 6:45 p.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m. – La Bonne Maison presents an intimate tasting demo of holiday cocktails and app

For ages 21+ (limited capacity) $8.00 per person with pre-registration — please call 617-926-7755 to register — and $10.00 per person at the door (cash only)

5:45 to 6:15 p.m. – Perkins Secondary Chorus and Instrumental Ensemble performs Christmas Carols

Second Floor – North Pole – FREE – geared for kids grade K through fifth grade

5:30 p.m. – Let’s welcome Santa! Escorted by theWatertown Police Department
meet in front of the mansion

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Visit with Santa and don’t forget your camera thanks to Watertown Savings Bank

Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Elves Workshop with Ms. Smith with take-away kid’s craft

Rudolph’s Café opens at 5:30 p.m. with free hot cocoa and cookies

The Mansion will be open for self-tours

Organizers thank Dunkin’ Donuts, Season to Taste Catering, Tastings Caterers,
Off the Vine Catering, Peppers Artful Events, BG Events & Catering,
Forklift Catering, Cuisine Chez Vou, Sensational Foods, and Better Life Food & Taylor Rental of Haverhill