Charlie Baker grew up in Needham so we assume he's met Santa here at some point in his life. But tonight, St. Nick and the Needham High grad will appear together for the first time since Baker was elected governor in November. Both are expected to be present at the final Blue Tree Lighting festivities starting at 5 p.m. tonight on Needham Town Common. Retiring Fire Chief, Paul Buckley, will light the tree. In addition to the Blue Tree lighting, 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 for your shopping and dining pleasure, as well as hot chocolate stand to warm up the strollers throughout the afternoon and early evening. Find a full schedule here. Saturday's festivities -- sponsored by the Needham Merchants, NBA and Community Center of Needham -- are part of the Shop Local events the Chamber is promoting to encourage shopping locally this holiday season. Shop Local evens are also taking place all day Saturday in Nonantum, West Newton and The Street at Chestnut Hill On Sunday, First Commons Bank will sponsor a Shop Local Trolley to take shoppers around Newton Centre with stops at First Commons (718 Beacon Street)  at  on Beacon Street, adjacent to the Newton Centre Parking Lot and at the Newton Centre MBTA stop on Union Street. First Commons will also present a Historic Newton presentation on Newton Centre as well as the art work of several Newton artists and pop up performances. Shops along Union Street, Centre Street, Beacon Street, Langley Rd, and Sumner Rd will be offering specials, treats, discounts, and more all day. 

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