Category Archives: Events

Newton Holiday Craft Show

It happens every holiday season…“What can I get for Aunt Sarah? My next-door neighbor’s baby? My boss?” With 40 talented artisans displaying their one-of-a-kind treasures, you are sure to find something for the most discerning person on your shopping list at the Newton City Hall Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, December 5th, from 10am – 5pm. Admission is Free! As you wander the many hallways of Newton City Hall, you will discover stall upon stall of beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, hats and scarves, pottery, cards, glass works, ornaments, paintings, purses, delicious chocolates and cheeses and so much more that will help you solve your gift giving challenge this year.

Be sure to pick up a map when you arrive as the booths are tucked into every nook and cranny of the building and you don’t want to miss any! With ample free parking on the streets around City Hall; both east and west entrances will be open. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Newton Food Pantries. For more information, please visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org or call 617-796-1540.

December 5th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Newton City Hall

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

After you have strolled through all the delightful artisan booths at the Holiday Craft Show, and crossed several names off your holiday shopping list, come back (or stay) for the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 pm. Join in the Community Sing-along with the Stacey Peasley Band to get into the Holiday mood, and enjoy free hot chocolate, tea (courtesy of David’s Tea of Chestnut Hill) and cookies as you watch Mayor Warren flip the switch that will turn the City Hall grounds into a twinkling winterland.

The Holiday Lighting Ceremony is outside, so make sure to bundle up! Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Newton Food Pantries. For more information, please visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org or call 617-796-1540.

December 5th, 5:00 pm
Newton City Hall (front entrance)

Newton Family Singers sing the music of Johnny Cash and the Carter Family

When Johnny Cash wed June Carter, the Man in Black married into the First Family of Country Music. The Carter Family defined country music with their plain spoken lyrics and Maybelle Carter’s distinctive guitar picking style. The Carters were the first country music stars… and Johnny Cash was the biggest, with records like I Walk the Line and Ring of Fire.

Sing along to those Cash hits, as well as Carter favorites Keep On the Sunnyside and Can the Circle Be Unbroken when the Newton Family Singers sing the music of Johnny Cash and the Carter Family. Tickets can be purchased online at www.newtonfamilysingers.org.

December 13th, 4:00 pm
Newton South High School

December 10th Newton CPC Public Hearing on $3.3 Million for Newton Highlands Playground

The next Community Preservation Committee meeting includes a public hearing on the Parks & Recreation Dept.’s request for $3,320,000 in construction funding for Newton Highlands Playground at Winchester & Dedham Streets.

The full proposal and December 10th agenda are online at www.newtonma.gov/cpa. For assistance, contact Program Manager Alice Ingerson at 617-796-1144 or aingerson@newtonma.gov.

December 10th, 7:00 pm
City Hall, Room 204

An evening with Amy Cuddy

An Evening with Amy Cuddy at the Druker Auditorium: Learn how to take on all of life’s challenges with more presence! You have probably seen Amy Cuddy’s TED talk online (over 29 million people have!). Now you have a chance to see your Newton neighbor do an onstage workshop for members of the community, along with a special performance by the student musicians of the West Suburban YMCA Center for the Creative Arts (YCCA).

All attendees will receive a free copy of Amy’s forthcoming book Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges. Please register online.

Tuesday, December 1st, 7:00 pm
Newton Free Library

Book Discussion of Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be

College admissions has become an increasingly frenetic and pressured process. While our high schools in Newton have developed a college planning philosophy designed to support students and families, the energy, angst and resources devoted to the process can push some students and their families to the brink.

What should we do about a phenomenon that can feel out of control? Join Newton Superintendent of Schools, David Fleishman, and a panel of experts in the admissions process as they discuss key themes from Frank Bruni’s book, Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be.

The panelists will include:

  • Jennifer King, College Consultant and Retired Guidance Department Head, Newton South High School
  • Daniel Rubin, Guidance Department Head, Newton South High School
  • Beth Swederskas, Guidance Department Head, Newton North High School
  • Ronne Patrick Turner, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions – Northeastern University

You do not need to have read the book to attend the discussion. Feel free to visit the website for articles relevant to the discussion; http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/bookdiscussion2015.

December 2nd, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Newton South High School

Holiday in Newton on December 5th

It happens every holiday season…“What can I get for Aunt Sarah? My next-door neighbor’s baby? My boss?” With 40 talented artisans displaying their one-of-a-kind treasures, you are sure to find something for the most discerning person on your shopping list at the Newton City Hall Holiday Craft Show. Admission is Free! As you wander the many hallways of Newton City Hall, you will discover stall upon stall of beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, hats and scarves, pottery, cards, glass works, ornaments, paintings, purses, delicious chocolates and cheeses and so much more that will help you solve your gift giving challenge this year. Be sure to pick up a map when you arrive as the booths are tucked into every nook and cranny of the building and you don’t want to miss any! With ample free parking on the streets around City Hall; both east and west entrances will be open.

After you have strolled through all the delightful artisan booths, and crossed several names off your shopping list, come back (or stay) for the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 pm. Join in the Community Sing-along with the Stacey Peasley Band to get into the Holiday mood, and enjoy free hot chocolate, tea (courtesy of David’s Tea of Chestnut Hill) and cookies as you watch Mayor Warren flip the switch that will turn the City Hall grounds into a twinkling winterland. The Holiday Lighting Ceremony is outside, so make sure to bundle up!

Holiday Craft Show, December 5th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Holiday Lighting Ceremony, December 5th, 5:00 pm
Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Newton Food Pantries. For more information, please visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org or call 617-796-1540.

Historic Newton Upcoming Events

Community Weekend at Historic Newton
Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to both our museums. Please note that part of the Jackson Homestead is closed for renovations.

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue and
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street
December 5th and 6th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

From Ginger to Jello: Unexpected Christmas History
The nineteenth century poem that begins, “‘Twas the night before Christmas” has given us visions of sugarplums, but in reality, the Puritans banned Christmas in 1659 and celebrations were somewhat muted until Christmas became a Massachusetts holiday in 1856. This program traces the authentic history of Christmas celebrations in New England through popular foods of the 1770s, 1850s and 1930s. Sample and smell the tastes of Christmas and leave with historic recipes to try.

Tickets are $10 per person; $8 for seniors, students, and members.

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue
December 9th, 7:00 pm

Wellesley Theatre Project presents Disney’s High School Musical, Jr.

See Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical come to life onstage! Join Troy, Gabriella, and the rest of East High as they deal with first love, making new friends, and the challenges of being in high school. When basketball team captain Troy and brainy Gabriella decide to audition for the school musical, they cause an upheaval within their own cliques by going against the grain. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

Purchase tickets online HERE  or by calling 781-235-1550.

December 3rd, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
December 4th, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
December 5th,  2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
December 6th, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Ellsworth Theatre at Pine Manor College
400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill

FIRST Lego League Competition on November 21st

The LigerBots are hosting a FIRST Lego League (FLL) qualifying tournament. FLL teams have spent the past two months designing and building robots, researching their projects, and practicing their FIRST core values, and are ready to show off their acheivements. Come and watch the robot games, see the project presentations in an “FLL Idol” event, and explore the mini-Maker’s Faire. This event is free and open to the public, and suitable for kids kindergarten age and older!

FLL is part of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and is open to students in grades 4-8. FIRST is an international non­profit youth organization created specifically for “to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders”. Student participation in the FLL enhances independence and personal growth, while also highlighting skills needed for teamwork and leadership.

November 21nd, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Newton North High School