By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
As the holiday season unfolds, a palpable sense of magic and joy permeates the air. The conclusion of November heralds a season of merriment, and December glistens with the luminosity of festive lights. Revel in the spirit of the holidays and craft cherished memories with your family by engaging in a delightful array of activities planned for the waning days of November and throughout December.
Kicking off the festive season right after Thanksgiving Day, on November 25th, Santa Claus makes two appearances. The day commences with the annual Walpole Santa Claus Parade at 11am on Common Street in Walpole, followed by Santa's visit to Lovell’s Florist and Nursery in Medfield from 1pm to 4pm. Capture the enchantment of the season with a yearly photo opportunity amidst Lovell's festive greenhouse adorned with Poinsettias and greenery, accompanied by the melodies of holiday cheer and complimentary treats. A professional photographer will be on-site, providing instantly printed pictures available for purchase.
The ensuing weekend sees M.E.M.O. in Medfield orchestrating their annual holiday parade on December 2nd, featuring another appearance by Santa Claus. The procession will traverse Main Street, commencing at 1pm.
Santa will make an appearance at the Sherborn Community Center the following weekend on Sunday, December 3rd from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Be sure to find some time to visit with Santa before he visits us all on Christmas Eve!
For those enchanted by bright and beautiful holiday lights, December 1st marks M.E.M.O.'s annual outdoor tree lighting at Baxter Park in Medfield. Simultaneously, in Needham, the annual Blue Tree Lighting unfolds at Greene’s Field at 5pm. On the same evening, Dover presents the Holiday Haybale Tree Lighting at Powisset Farm, commencing at 4:30pm.
On December 2nd, Westwood hosts its annual Diwali Festival (Festival of Lights) at Westwood High School, celebrating the global holiday with fireworks, lights, dancing, music, and art. Meanwhile, the Junior Women’s Club of Walpole organizes the third annual Festival of Trees at the Senior Center, spanning December 2nd and 3rd, starting at 10am.
Sherborn Library embraces the holiday season with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 11th at 6:30pm to commemorate Hanukkah.
The Needham Women’s Club will host their annual Holiday House Tour on December 10th at 5:00pm! A map of the route will be available online at NeedhamWomensClub.org.
For enthusiasts of holiday music, the 9th Annual Lowell Mason House Holiday Concert transpires on December 2nd at St. Edward’s Church in Medfield, commencing at 7 p.m. Additionally, on December 3rd, a Christmas concert at 4:00 pm at the Congregational Church of Needham will uplift spirits with classic and modern choral pieces and instrumental music.
Holiday shopping enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities with the annual Holiday Stroll in Medfield on December 1st, featuring over 30 artists at three indoor sites, food trucks, and live music. On December 2nd, the German-American Club in Walpole hosts Weihnachtsmarkt 2023 (Christmas Market) starting at 12pm, and Westwood inaugurates its first annual Holiday Walkabout, offering local artists, artisans, crafters, food, and music at various locations.
While the holiday season begins promptly after Thanksgiving, the official onset of winter occurs on December 21st. To celebrate the commencement of the wintertide, Hale Education presents a Winter Solstice Celebration at 5pm. As we immerse ourselves in the holiday festivities and the embrace of winter, these activities beckon us to relish the joyous spirit of the season with family, friends, and the warmth of shared traditions.
