Harvard Conservation Trust’s New Year’s Day walk
The Harvard Conservation Trust will host a New Year’s Day walk through either the Pin Hill conservation land or Dean’s Hill Thursday, Jan. 1, at 11 a.m. Join for a refreshing hike through Harvard’s scenic outdoors to shake off the winter chill, reconnect with neighbors, and explore the beauty of conservation lands. Meet at the soccer field parking lot at 55 Depot Road, and be sure to dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear for the terrain. For more information and to register visit harvardconservationtrust.org/new-years-day-hike-2026.
At the library
The Harvard Public Library is at 4 Pond Road. For the full calendar of events and to register for events, visit harvardpubliclibrary.org/services/events.
Children’s programs
- Exhibit: “Celebrations Around the World” features Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. On view through December in the children’s room.
- Sensory playtime, all ages, best for under 6. Saturday, Dec. 20, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Write stuff, grades 4-6, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 3:45 p.m. Share writing in a small group.
- Baby and toddler disco party, ages 0 to 3+ and their grown-ups, Thursday, Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m. Dance and have fun with your child; includes flashing lights and noise.
- Family movie night, Friday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. Rated PG.
- Bagels and books for fifth-graders, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 4 p.m.
- Lego club, grades K-6, Saturday, Jan. 17, 1:30 p.m.
Teen programs
- Teen advisory board, grades 7-12, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 3 p.m. Help shape collections and programs for teens.
Adult programs
- Monday afternoon at the movies, Monday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
- Cookbook club, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. Browse a cookbook and bring a dish for potluck.
At Fivesparks
Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule, hours, and more information.
- Exhibit: “Becoming,” Judith Schutzman. On display through Jan. 3.
- Felt a reindeer, Friday, Dec. 19, 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
- Snapology winter vacation program, “Science of Superpowers,” Monday, Dec. 29, through Friday, Jan. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No class Jan. 1.
- Fused art glass, Mondays, Jan. 5 through April 13, 6 to 8 p.m.
- “Canvas and Cocoa” for grades 2 through 5, Thursdays, Jan. 8 to Feb. 12. Classes held at Hildreth Elementary School.
Christmas goose class
The Goose and Hen farm will offer a class on processing a goose for the holiday dinner table Friday, Dec. 19, 2 to 5 p.m., at 85 Old Littleton Road. Bring a bird or purchase one at the farm, or just come and observe. To sign up send email to kerry.thegooseandhen@gmail.com.
How animals prepare for winter
On Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., come to the Bill Ashe Visitor Facility at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, 80 Hospital Road, Devens, and learn about the behavioral and physical adaptations animals rely on to survive the winter. Nashua River Watershed Association educator and naturalist Gaynor Bigelbach will use camera trap video clips and photographs to illustrate how local wildlife is ingenious, industrious, and amazingly adept at weathering the season.
Free, advance registration is required. Visit nashuariverwatershed.org/how-animals-prepare-for-winter.
The ‘Messiah’ sing
The Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, 9 Ayer Road, will hold a community sing of Handel’s “Messiah” oratorio Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m. Bring your own score or buy one at the door, and join professional soloists and orchestra in the 61st year of this annual event. Non-singers are also welcome to come and listen. Suggested donation $25, but no one is turned away.
Goal setting hike at Fruitlands
Nature educator Stacie Korroch will lead a New Year’s Day journey through the Fruitlands trails Thursday, Jan. 1, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at 102 Prospect Hill Road. Learn about the ways the natural world resets each winter, take time to explore and reflect during guided nature journaling opportunities, and be inspired to put your best foot forward into the new year. Meet in front of the gift shop, and wear weather appropriate hiking gear. Members $9, nonmembers $15, includes journaling supplies. Register at thetrustees.org/event/442597.
Introduction to Zen Buddhist meditation
Linda Shinji Hoffman will conduct an introduction to Zen Buddhist meditation Monday, Jan, 12, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Old Frog Pond Farm & Studio, 38 Eldridge Road. Learn about posture, breath, how to hold awareness, and what to do as thoughts arise. After this introduction, there will be a guided meditation that will move participants into silence followed by an opportunity for questions. Free, but donations welcome. To register or for more information email lindahoffman studio@gmail.com.
Save the date
Friday, Jan. 23: Warner Free Lecture. Dan Boudillion and Strong Bear Medicine, “Nashobah Praying Indians: A Living People, A Living Landscape”
Thursday, Feb. 5: PTO game night at HES.
Out of town
McCarthy to play in Westford
Singer/songwriter Cormac McCarthy will perform Friday, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m., at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln St., Westford, as part of the PCA’s Coffeehouse Series. Tickets are $20 for members, $22 for nonmembers, and $25 at the door if available. Bring your own food and drink. Seating will be cabaret style, and doors open at 7 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended at pcawestford.org.
Nashoba Indivisible opens new campaign
Nashoba Indivisible invites concerned citizens to join a new visibility campaign held along Route 117/Main St. in Bolton Saturday, Jan. 10, noon to 1 p.m., and on the second Saturday of the month thereafter. For information and to join the January event, go to nashobaindivisible.org.
Jam night at Groton Hill
Groton Hill Music Center will host its next jam night Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7 to 9 p.m., at 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton. Irish, jazz, bluegrass; three rooms, one bar. Pick a favorite genre and play, move from room to room, or just hang out with friends to listen over a pint. Ages 16+ welcome.
No online sign-up required; $10 entry upon arrival. Find details at grotonhill.org/jam-nights.
Groton concert: Bach, Britten, Beethoven
The Nashoba Valley Chorale will open its 50th season with a concert on Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m., at the Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center, 344 Main St., Groton. The performance will include music by Bach and Britten and will close with Beethoven’s Mass in C, featuring four professional vocal soloists and full orchestra. Tickets are pay what you can, available at www.nvcsings.org.