Wellesley Holiday Happenings 2024

EVENT: WHS Winter Choral Concert
DATE: Tuesday, Dec. 10
TIME: 7pm
LOCATION: Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St.
COST: Free
DESCRIPTION: Featuring Overtones, Subharmonics, Concert Choir, Keynote Singers, Rice Street Singers

EVENT: Arrais Ballet’s The Nutcracker
DATES/TIME: Thursday, Dec. 12, 7pm & Friday, Dec. 13, 7pm
LOCATION: Regis College, Casey Theatre, 235 Wellesley St, Weston, MA 02493
TICKETS HERE
DESCRIPTION: The Holiday Season is approaching and Arrais Ballet’s excitement is growing every day, as they prepare to present their version of the holiday classic. Come watch the Arrais Ballet students in this original production. 

EVENT: Wellesley Theatre Project presents Elf Jr.
DATES: December 13th, 14th & 15th
LOCATION: Sorenson Center for the Arts, 19 Babson College Drive Wellesley, MA
TICKETS HERE
DESCRIPTION: Santa narrates the story of Buddy, an oversized elf who has been raised in the North Pole. Buddy overhears the other elves discussing how he is really a human but hasn’t realized. He is devastated and Santa must reveal that baby Buddy mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag of gifts on Christmas Eve many years ago and was transported to the North Pole on Santa’s return home. Buddy decides to travel to New York City to find his real father (who is on the naughty list).

EVENT: Wellesley Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
DESCRIPTION: The Wellesley Orchestra holiday concert will feature music of Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johann Straus II, traditional songs, and the annual Sing-A-Long.
DATE: Saturday, December 14
TIME: 2pm
LOCATION: MassBay Community College, 50 Oakland St., Wellesley, Mass.
Get Tickets

EVENT: Wreaths Across America
DATE: Saturday, Dec. 14
TIME: 11am
LOCATION: Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central St.

DESCRIPTION: Join the Amos Mills-Lucy chapter of the DAR during the patriotic groups annual Wreaths Across America event on Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am, at Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central St. Wreaths will be placed on 36 veterans’ graves in the church’s historic cemetery. The cemetery, along with the church building, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bagpipes, Wellesley High School  trumpeters, historian Bradford Harding, and others will speak before the presentation of the wreaths.

Please sponsor a wreath today to be placed on a Wellesley veteran’s grave.

EVENT: Metrowest Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker: Clara’s Dream
DATE: December 14
TIME: Two performances, 1pm and 7pm. Tickets here.
LOCATION: Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St.
DESCRIPTION: A beautiful family-friendly performance of this holiday classic performed by students of Metrowest Dance Academy. Journey with Clara from her dream of a battle between mice and soldiers and then through a Land of Snow and Sweets in this abridged holiday classic.  Skip the traffic and parking fees of Boston and enjoy our enchanting performances at Wellesley High School!

EVENT: Sensory Santa—a free special needs community event
DATE: Saturday, Dec. 14
TIME: 10am-2pm
LOCATION: Bierman Autism Centers, 145 Rosemary St., Ste A, Needham
COST: Free
RSVP: Space is limited, so please RSVP today to secure your spot.
DESCRIPTION: Join us for a magical, sensory-friendly experience at Bierman Autism Centers in Needham! Skip the busy and noisy malls and enjoy a calm, welcoming atmosphere where your child can meet Santa, take free photos, and participate in festive activities designed with their unique needs in mind.

EVENT: TBE Dreidel Dash
DESCRIPTION: Celebrate the joy of Chanukah! Events include the signature 5k race and kids races. Stick around for the costume contest, food, fun, and activities for all ages. All proceeds benefit the TBE Youth Engagement Fund. This event is hosted by Temple Beth Elohim, and is open to all.
DATE: Sunday, Dec. 15
TIME: 8:15am, registration and bib pickup; 9:30am, start of 5k race
LOCATION: Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley

EVENT: Linden Square Holiday Stroll
LOCATION: Linden Square Courtyard
DATE: Sunday, Dec. 15
TIME: 11am to 1pm

DESCRIPTION: Ho, Ho, Ho Holiday Stroll, FREE fun for everyone!

• Kiddie-sized hot cocoa + donut bites*   *while supplies last
• Food sampling: Playa Bowls, Oath Pizza, Qdoba & Sweetgreen
• Singing Elsa
• Playful character, Bluey
• Temporary Tattoos
• Wellesley High School Carolers
• More Fun with Bach to Rock & Wellesley Lions Club
• Be sure to bring a donation for the Wellesley Food Pantry & Cradles to Crayons
• Ho, Ho, Ho Sweepstakes Gift Card prizes. Enter for your chance to win prizes valued over $500.

EVENT: Wellesley Town Band Winter Concert, conducted by Pam Choinski
DESCRIPTION: Seasonal songs to get you in the spirit.
DATE: Sunday, December 15, 3pm-4pm
LOCATION: 50 Rice Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
COST: Free
DESCRIPTION: Seasonal songs to get you in the spirit.
PROGRAM:
Vuelo, Salvador Jacobo
English Folk Song Suite, Vaughan Williams
O Magnum Mysterium, Lauridsen, arr. Reynolds
Music from Wicked, arr. Saucedo
Tritsch Tratsch Polka, Strauss, arr. Reed
Ye Banks and Braes o’Bonnie Doon, Percy Grainger
Ukrainian Bell Carol, arr. Philip Sparke
Sleigh Ride, Leroy Anderson

EVENT: The Community Messiah Sing
DESCRIPTION: An annual event hosted by UU Wellesley Hills. All members of the congregation and people of all ages from the surrounding community are invited to the sanctuary to enjoy this seasonal classic, whether singing along or listening. The performance features professional soloists and a chamber orchestra, with UU Wellesley Hill music director Suzie Cartreine conducting and playing harpsichord. Entry is always free, though donations are greatly appreciated to help offset the cost of putting on this grand event.
DATE: Sunday, Dec. 15
TIME: 1:30pm
LOCATION: UU Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St., Wellesley Hills

EVENT: Winter Concert with Meatloaf and the Boys
DATE: Saturday, Dec. 21
TIME: 3pm
LOCATION: Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St.
DESCRIPTION: This talented jazz combo, made up of Wellesley High alumni and current students, brings holiday classics to life with their unique jazz flair. All ages welcome. Meatloaf and the Boys is a student-led jazz trio that has been playing for the town of Wellesley since 2021. Started during the members’ time at Wellesley High School, Meatloaf and the Boys has gone on to win several awards across Massachusetts for their music, reinvigorating the jazz scene at WHS after the epidemic shut everything down. Now, Meatloaf and the Boys reunites when the three members (Zachary Dupont, Sebastian Papa, and Ben Harris) return to Wellesley during their breaks from college (other than Ben, who continues his studies at WHS as a senior). They performed with the 3:00 Jazz Band over the past two summers and are writing an album this winter, planned to be released on Spotify. This concert marks the first of Meatloaf and the Boys’ public holiday concerts, and as a special treat, they will perform with nationally recognized clarinetist Ethan Kasparian-Weisma

EVENT: Commonwealth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker
DATE: Nov. 29-Dec. 22
LOCATION: Eleanor Welch Casey Theater, Regis College, 235 Wellesley St, Weston, Mass.
TICKETS HERE
DESCRIPTION: Share the merriment of the holiday season as the accomplished dancers of Commonwealth Ballet and guest artists frolic, battle and dance through Clara’s holiday dream! Join the family party set before a magical tree and enjoy the laughter, magic, and wonder of this holiday classic accompanied by the beloved Tchaikovsky score. This fully staged production is sure to captivate and entertain all ages. The performance lasts approximately 2 hours, including one intermission. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

A special sensory/family friendly performance will take place on Friday, Nov. 29, 1pm, featuring a shortened version of the ballet, mostly Act I, and suitable for younger audiences including children of all ages.

Religious activities and services, Christmas

Christmas Eve takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day is Wednesday, Dec. 25.

The Swellesley Report‘s Where to Worship page has information on many of the activities and services.

Don’t see your religious organization’s holiday information on our Where to Worship page? Contact deborahcb100@gmail.com for inclusion.

Religious activities and services, Hanukkah

Hanukkah starts at nightfall on December 25, 2024, and ends with nightfall on January 2, 2025, lasting for eight days.

Check in with Temple Beth Elohim for their full roster of activities and celebrations.

FREE PARKING: Shop local and enjoy free parking in Wellesley at all 2-hour bagged street meters during the holiday season.
START DATE: Monday, November 25, 2024
LAST DAY: Friday, January 3, 2025
REMINDERS: Look for bags designating specific free meters. Fees WILL be charged in all municipal parking lots, and at 4-hour, and 10-hour street meters. Parking attendants will ticket cars after 2 hours. Please do not move cars to a different meter; that will also result in a ticket.

MassHort Festival of Trees

EVENT: Massachusetts Horticultural Society‘s annual Festival of Trees
DESCRIPTION: Showcases dozens of decorated trees, the Snow Village, and a festive model railroad display.
DATES: Nov. 29-Dec. 29
LOCATION: 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA
COST: Adults, $22-$27. Other pricing options. Tickets here.

Don’t see your low-cost or free community-oriented holiday event here? Contact theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for inclusion.

These events have passed:

EVENT: H.O.M.E. Store
DATE: Saturday, Dec 7–Sunday, Dec 8
TIME: All day
LOCATION: Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central St., Wellesley
DESCRIPTION: Support a good cause and do some holiday shopping. H.O.M.E., Inc. enhances the quality of life of people who have fallen on challenging times. Whether you are looking for a Maine souvenir or an interesting craft, the Home Store has something for everyone. Quilts, knit/crochet items, birdhouses, jams and jellies, pottery, stained glass, and more.

EVENT: St. John – St. Paul Collaborative Choir, Lessons and Carols
DATE: Sunday, December 8
TIME: 2pm
LOCATION: St. Paul Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley
COST: Free
DESCRIPTION: All are invited to attend a service of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas featuring readings from scripture telling of the coming and birth of Christ paired with music sung by the combined choirs of St. John and St. Paul.

EVENT: Advent Service of Lessons & Carols
DATE: Sunday, December 8
TIME: 5pm
LOCATION: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 79 Denton Rd., Wellesley
COST: Free
DESCRIPTION: The parish choir will be singing under the direction of Helen Ward Mannix, with guest organist Thomas Handel. Music by Orlando Gibbons, Elizabeth Poston, Edgar Bainton among others, plus Advent carols. All are invited to a candlelight reception following the service. Free and open to all. Handicapped accessible

EVENT: Vespers
DATE: Sunday, December 8, 7:30pm (Entry to the venue begins at 7pm.)
LOCATION: Houghton Chapel, Wellesley College
COST: Free
PARKING: Founders Lot and the Davis Parking Garage
DESCRIPTION: The Wellesley College Choral Music Program and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life present an evening of candlelight, music, readings and carols. A long-standing Wellesley tradition, Christmas Vespers heralds the arrival of the holiday season in the beautiful setting of Houghton Chapel.

EVENT: Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll and Scavenger Hunt
DATE: Sunday, Dec. 8
TIME: noon-6pm
LOCATION: Wellesley Square
DESCRIPTION: The Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association is getting ready for the always festive Holiday Stroll. Free parking, fun traditional activities, and Scavenger Hunt.

• 12:30-5:30 Dozens of carolers will be strolling throughout Wellesley Square.
• 12:00-5:30 Meet Frosty, Rudolph and Barbie as they stroll throughout the Square. You’ll find Barbie in Lower Square, along Washington Street as well as Church Square; Frosty and Rudolph in Upper Square along Central Street.
• 1:00-5:00 Pictures with Santa on Central Street.
• 5:00-5:30 Town Tree Lighting Ceremony and Menorah Lighting at the Wellesley Square Fire Station.

EVENT: St. John School Trees & Trimmings Christmas Market
DATE: Saturday, December 7
TIME: 8am-2 pm
LOCATION: St. John School, 9 Ledyard St., Wellesley

EVENT: Guild of Carillonneurs: Holiday Tower
DIRECTOR: Margaret Angelini
DATE: Saturday, December 7
TIME: 1pm
LOCATION: Wellesley College, Galen Stone Tower

DATE: Thursday, Dec. 5
TIME: 7pm–9pm
LOCATION: Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St.

EVENT: Needham vs. Wellesley Football
DATE: Thursday, November 28
TIME: 10am–12:30pm
LOCATION: Needham High School Memorial Field, 1134-1154 Highland Ave, Needham
DESCRIPTION: The Wellesley Raiders will travel across the border to face the Needham Rockets during the oldest football rivalry in the country.

EVENT: Wellesley Turkey Trot
DATE: Thursday, Nov. 28
TIME: 5K,  8am; Kids Fun Run, 8:45am (check for availability…these events may be sold out)
LOCATION: 181 Linden St., Wellesley
DESCRIPTION: The Wellesley Turkey Trot returns to Linden Square on Thanksgiving morning with a 5K run, plus a fun run for kids 10 and under, all in support of good local causes.

This Wellesley tradition kicks off at 8am on Thanksgiving Day with 5K race participants following a course from Linden Square that traverses through Wellesley Square and the Wellesley College campus before returning to Linden Square. Awards are given to individuals and teams, with special awards to the fastest Wellesley High students and alums.

The Fun Run for kids starts at 8:45am in the back of the parking lot near CVS.

EVENT: Wellesley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
DATE: Monday, November 25, 2024
TIME: 7pm-8pm
LOCATION: St. John the Evangelist Parish, 9 Glen Rd., Wellesley
DESCRIPTION: Join local faith leaders for the annual Wellesley Interfaith Thanksgiving service, this year hosted by St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative. Clergy will lead a sacred liturgy of prayer, music, reflection, poetry, and presence. All are welcome. Dessert and refreshments to follow.

EVENT: Wellesley Marketplace
DATE: Saturday, Nov. 23
TIME: 10am-4pm (9am for VIP ticket holders)
LOCATION: Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St.
TICKETS HERE.
DESCRIPTION: Wellesley Marketplace is a beloved annual holiday market for those seeking unique gifts for family and friends. Shop from local makers and business owners and support the community in the process! Food trucks will be in front of WHS to keep you going.

• 200+ local artists and vendors
• Handmade art, holiday gifts, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing and more
• 100% of proceeds fund scholarships and grants supporting the local community