Around Town

Holiday Road, Transit & Logan Travel Tips from MassDOT

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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.

Around Town

Watertown Church Holding Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

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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.

Entertainment

Watertown Ballet School Performing Nutcracker Suite

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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.

Around Town

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

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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!

Around Town

Get a Photo with Santa at Watertown Families Together Event

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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

Entertainment

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

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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.

Entertainment

Watertown Church Hosting Free, Festive, Fun Christmas Event

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Watertown’s Grace Chapel, 525 Main St., invites families to join in Jingle Jam on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2-4:30 p.m. See the announcement below:

Get ready for a day of holiday cheer, as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. From festive games and activities to live music and delicious treats, the Christmas story, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends and family along to share in the Christmas spirit. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to create lasting memories and spread the holiday magic.

Around Town

Watertown Doctor & Singers Carol for Patients at Local Hospital on Christmas

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The Cardiotonics performed for patients at Brigham & Women’s Hospital on Christmas. Among those sharing the cheer was Watertown’s Dr. Thomas Michel, who played his accordion. Patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital received some Christmas cheer this year when a group of carolers paid them a visit, including a doctor from Watertown. Thomas Michel is a familiar face, and voice, to visitors of the Watertown Free Public Library in warmer months. He often gathers fellow musicians on his porch (which overlooks the parking lot) on weekends for a good song.