Watertown Man Pilots Special Flight to “North Pole” to Bring Joy to Some Special Children

Delta Capt. Steve Teager and the Delta North Pole Staff. (Courtesy Photo)

Watertown resident and Delta Airlines Pilot Steve Teager made a special flight recently to spread some holiday joy. Teager, who is a longtime volunteer at the Watertown Food Pantry, flew to the “North Pole” in Detroit to “bring joy to some very special kids and let them ‘just be kids’ for an afternoon!” shared Watertown Food Pantry Coordinator Kathy Cunningham. He was selected to be the Captain by Silverliners International, a charitable organization founded by retired Eastern Airlines flight attendants.

See the Holiday Hours for City Hall, Senior Center, Library and DPW

Photo by Charlie BreitroseA decorated Christmas tree at the Commander’s Mansion Holiday Open House. Watertown’s City Hall and other facilities will be closing for Christmas, and hours on other days will be impacted. The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

Watertown City Hall, Senior Center, and Department of Public Works office are closing at noon on Friday, December 22 and will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023. The Library is closed on Sunday, December 24 and Monday, December 25, 2023, and open limited hours on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 1 to 7 PM. Please be aware that there is a one delay for trash and recycling pickup for the week due to the holiday.

Holiday Road, Transit & Logan Travel Tips from MassDOT

The following information was provided by MassDOT:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging members of the public to plan for upcoming holiday travel by recognizing that traffic volumes and the number of travelers on public transportation are anticipated to be higher than normal. Motorists and public transportation customers should check websites for real-time travel information on major statewide roads, MBTA schedule information and the weather forecast before leaving home.   

The MassDOT Highway Division is taking several steps to ensure safe and efficient travel on roadways and will be shutting down scheduled construction activities from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, and from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2.    

In addition, the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will extend its afternoon hours by opening at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29. The HOV lane will be closed on Monday, December 25, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, December 26, and on Monday, January 1, with deployment resuming on Tuesday, January 2.   

MassDOT will not be closing the Sumner Tunnel the weekend of December 22 or the weekend of December 29 due to anticipated high traffic volume on roadways nearby.

Watertown Church Holding Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

The following announcement came from Grace Chapel Watertown:

December finds us looking up. The skies are dark, and the night feels long—until the angels appear to tell a weary world once more: There’s glory all around us, and a peace no conflict can take away. Come and hear the story of the greatest reconciliation humanity has ever known, and the hope it offers each of us—here, on earth. Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Services are a beautiful blend of new and traditional, creative and timeless. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, everyone is welcome at Grace Chapel.

Watertown Ballet School Performing Nutcracker Suite

Watertown’s Koltun Ballet Boston will perform the Nutcracker Suite featuring dancers of all ages from the school. The company is led by former principal dancers Alexandra Koltun and Alex Lapshin. The performance showcases the emerging talent in their Children’s and Pre-Professional dancing program. The young ballet dancers will dance the highlights from this classic holiday production, featuring performances prepared by each level (ages 5-19). Ticket-holders can enjoy a champagne reception following the performance. BU Dance Theater (915 Commonwealth Ave., entrance at 10 Buick St.), Saturday, Dec.

Watertown Real Estate Office Collecting “Letters to Santa” for Children With Cancer

The following announcement was provided by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate:

Join us for “Letters to Santa,” a heartwarming Sunshine Kids Foundation event! Elevate the holiday magic for your children by bringing them to write special letters to Santa and drop them into our enchanting North Pole mailboxes. Now thru December 18th! Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday: 12-4 p.m.

Where: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate, 161 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Watch your child’s face light up with joy as they receive a personalized letter from the jolly old man in red!

Get a Photo with Santa at Watertown Families Together Event

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Families Together:

Santa Holiday Photos without the hassle! Join us on December 9th at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 9 Russell Ave., Watertown to capture that all important holiday photo in a relaxed setting. We will again be offering a photo with a Santa who has more than 35 year’s experience – PLUS

• A musical concert where kids can dance, clap and sing• Crafts to keep the children busy while they wait to see the “man in the red suit”• Coffee for parents so they can relax and treats for the children• Take home crafts and a small gift from Santa

Join us as we again hope to make your holiday a bit easier. This free event is brought to you by Watertown Families Together and the Church of the Good Shepherd

Holiday Events at Arsenal Yards: Black FridAY, Holiday Pop Up, Hannukah Celebration & Santa!

Arsenal Yards has a lineup of events for the Holidays. (Courtesy of Arsenal Yards)

The following information was provided by Arsenal Yards:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Arsenal Yards, the bustling new neighborhood in Watertown, invites area residents, workers, and visitors to make their holiday season merry and bright with holiday happenings now through December. Guests can enjoy a packed schedule of seasonal activities and entertainment along with plentiful opportunities to give back to the Watertown community. The festivities will kick off on Black Friday, November 24th,with the Black FridAY Celebration + Gift Drive. While getting ahead on holiday shopping, visitors can enjoy festive activities, treats, crafts & more.