At the library
The library is located at 4 Pond Road.Register for all children’s programs at eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=HARVARD.
Story times
Registration is required for all story times.
- Ages 2 and younger: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
- Story time for ages 2 and 3: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
- Stories for ages 4, 5, and older: Mondays, 1:30 p.m.
- Saturday story time: winter stories, ages 3 to 7: Saturday, Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m.
Children’s programs
- Game hour, grades 1 to 6: Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Play Set, Scrabble, Mille Bornes, chess, and more. Registration required.
- Toe Jam puppet band winter show, all ages, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
- Children’s literature book discussion group for grown-ups, Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. December’s book is “The Stars Beneath Our Feet” by David Barclay Moore. This group meets in a hybrid model; attend in person in Volunteers Hall, or virtually via Zoom. Membership is limited to grown-ups with a Harvard, Devens, or HES connection.
- 3D paper snowflakes, ages 7 and up, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 3:45 p.m.
- Book discussion group for first- and second-graders, Monday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.
- Fourth-grade book group, Monday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m.
- Fifth-grade book group, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m.
- Sixth-grade book group, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m.
Teen programs
- Teen book group, grades 9-12, Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. To join, contact Jill Hayes at jhayes@cwmars.org or sign up at the reference desk.
- Teen advisory board: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m. Help the library shape teen collections and programs.
- Teen maker day, grades 6 to 12: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 3 p.m. Create craft projects.
At Fivesparks
Fivesparks is located at 7 Fairbank Street. Visit fivesparks.org.
- “Destination:Nature,” juried art show and video installation, on view through Dec. 17.
- New—holiday de-stress and relax yoga workshop, Sunday, Dec. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Fukai Kankei Taiken (Deeply Connected Experiences). Immersive classes, summer semester, and stewardship journey to Japan. Information sessions: Fridays, Dec. 16 and 30, 6 p.m. Experience Japanese culture while supporting the experience for underprivileged children from surrounding areas. Weekly classes for youth and adults begin January and March 2023; trips March and summer 2023.
At The General
The Harvard General Store is located at 1 Still River Road.
- Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. The Paul Rodriguez Band plays classic rock and oldies. $10 cover.
- Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. Candle-making night with Kitchen Sink Candle Co. First candle $30, each thereafter $15.
- Thursday, Dec. 29, 6 p.m. Open Mic Night. No cover.
Learn more about the store at harvardgeneralstore.com.
Lighting the tree
The town’s annual tree lighting and Christmas pageant take place Sunday, Dec. 11, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the Common. The pageant and festivities will include caroling, hayrides, and a cocoa and cookie reception. Performances of the Christmas story will take place at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Church, 9 Ayer Road. Attendance is free and all are welcome.
Holiday tea for seniors
Members of the Girl Scouts will host the annual senior holiday tea Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Theresa Church, 15 Still River Road.
Messiah Sing
The Annual Messiah Community Sing-In returns Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m., at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, 9 Ayer Road. Join the chorus or just come to listen. Suggested donation: $15. Bring your own score or buy one at the door. For more information call 978-779-2876. Masks must be worn.
OUT OF TOWN
Marigold flea market
The First Friday Flea Market takes place Friday, Dec. 9, at Marigold Groton from noon to 7 p.m., at the Prescott Community Center, 145 Main Street #104, Groton. This combination studio-retail shop features the handmade clothing and jewelry of Sharon Correnty, a retired Harvard schools art teacher. The Loquat Shop of Portland, Maine will present a pop-up shop at Marigold, Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 to p.m., with Chef Paul catering refreshments.
Here comes Santa Claus
Santa is coming to ReStore, 637 Lancaster Street (Route 117), Leominster, Sunday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet Santa and join in kids’ crafts and a scavenger hunt. Free to the public. Learn more about Habitat for Humanity and ReStore at ncmhabitat.org.
Music at Groton Hill
Groton Hill Music Center is located at 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton. Visit grotonhill.org for more information and tickets.
- Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. The Flute Orchestra of Groton Hill will present Nigel Hess’ “A Christmas Overture,” excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” and Z. Randall Stroope’s “There Is No Rose.”
- Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m. The Miguel Zenon Quartet plays a mix of Latin American folkloric music and jazz.
Light and healing
All are invited to a service of light and healing at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Road, Acton, on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. The service incorporates the Taizé traditions of simple chants, meditation, and readings, providing a supportive space to those in need of an alternative to traditional Christmas services and celebrations.
