Special events Dec. 5-7 in Newton and Needham 

This weekend (Fri., Dec. 5 – Sun., Dec. 7) the Newton-Needham Chamber is partnering with merchants and arts organizations on a series of Shop Local events. In Newton, the Chamber is partnering with the Newton Cultural Alliance on its 4th Annual Arts Stroll and Shop, which has been expanded to five villages across the city, including a special Shop Local Trolley running in Newton Centre on Sunday. The Chamber is also encouraging shoppers to attend Saturday’s festivities in Needham Center, culminating with traditional Blue Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. and appearances by Gov-elect Charlie Baker and Santa. Shop Local weekend festivities are also planned The Street in Chestnut Hill, Needham Center, Newton Highlands, Nonantum, and West Newton. Shoppers and diners will find special discounts, treats, pop-up art galleries, and strolling performances at all locations. Here’s some highlights Friday Dec. 5 Chestnut Hill: “Stroll the Street”, 6 – 9 p.m. Enjoy pop-up performances, local art installations, a variety of unique ice sculptures and holiday perks across the property. Friday evening the Candlelit Stroll will feature a special ice carving demo outside Polkadog Bakery. Newton Highlands: Annual holiday sing, tree lighting and special merchant special evening on Friday, December 5 from 5pm-9pm. Saturday Dec. 6. Needham Center: Shop Local during the annual Needham Merchants Holiday Stroll. There will be activities and entertainment in the Town Hall and on the Common, including lantern making and crafts, face painting, balloon art, free light-up necklaces and bracelets, Irish dancers, a rhythmic gymnastics performance, magic show, a cappella group, lantern parade, Kids Night Out, and fire show. Merchants and restaurants will be offering specials throughout the day and many will be open late. Both Governor-elect Charlie Baker and Santa are expected to attend the Blue Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. West Newton: The annual First Unitarian Church Fair and Second Church Fairs take place. The streets of West Newton Square will also be lit with beautiful luminarias at 4 p.m. Paddy’s Pub, The Cherry Tree and The Local host a pub crawl. Nonantum: Carolers from Newton Community Chorus, musicians from New Philharmonia, and special food and drink activities from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 7 Newton Centre: This year there will be a special heated Shop Local Trolley to take shoppers around the village, sponsored by First Commons Bank where the trolley will begin its route, with stops on Beacon Street, adjacent to the Newton Centre Parking Lot and at the Newton Centre MBTA stop on Union Street. First Commons will host art work of several Newton artists, pop up performances and serve food and beverage throughout the day. Shops along Union Street, Centre Street, Beacon Street, Langley Rd, and Sumner Rd will be offering specials, treats, discounts, and more all day. The New Philharmonia Orchestra program “Celebrations!” also takes place during the Stroll in Newton Centre on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, followed by an instrument petting zoo The Boston Ballet School in Newton presents a story time at Newtonville Books at 1:30pm. Chestnut Hill: “Stroll the Street” activities continue, 10am – 4pm. Showcase SuperLux Cinema fun family entertainment will be taking place with Pajama Story Time with Big Joe the Storyteller followed by a Street Wide Scavenger Hunt until 2 p.m. Ice carving will take place outside Urban Grape, along with a Rosie’s Bakery Hot Chocolate Bar as well as an Ice Cornhole Tournament at Shake Shack and David’s Tea Warming Station on the Green.

Sponsored by: