Holiday Bake Sale
Harvard Ambassador Girl Scout Troop 30898 is having a Holiday Bake Sale Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harvard Transfer Station. All proceeds are to benefit the Abby's House Holiday Gift Program, for mothers and children staying at Abby's House. Visit the bake sale table, enjoy one of the Girl Scouts' homemade pies, cakes or breads, and help them support a worthy cause. Abby's House houses almost 30 mothers and their children who are in need of shelter this time of year.
Lego Club
The Harvard Public Library will host Lego Club for ages 5 and up Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the library to have fun building Lego creations with other Harvard Lego fans. Parents are encouraged to join in and to assist with supervision. See the Children's Librarian for more information and to preregister.
Annual Christmas Pageant
The annual town Christmas Pageant, presented by the children of the town's three churches and their friends, will be held Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Doors will open at 3:15 and 4:20 p.m., with reserved seating for seniors available at the first performance. There will be hayrides courtesy of Chris Green and Harvard Parks and Recreation on the common starting at 4:15 p.m. after the 3:30 p.m. performance. Local musicians will provide Christmas music after both performances at the Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, where hot chocolate and cookies will be served until 6 p.m. Following the pageant's second performance, residents are invited to sing carols, with music provided by the Harvard Town Band, at the town Christmas tree lighting on the Common at 5:15 p.m.
Knit Wits
All levels of knitters in grades 4 four to 12 are welcome at the Harvard Public Library's Knitting Group, Monday, Dec. 12, at 3:30 p.m. run by teen volunteer Janet Sorrells. Projects will depend on skill levels of group members; more advanced knitters may bring their own projects. Limited to 12; preregistration is requested.
Music of the Beatles
The Bromfield School Music Department is proud to present an evening of music celebrating one of the most acclaimed bands of the 20th century, the Beatles. The Beatles are being celebrated for their immense contribution to the genre of pop and rock music. The concert will take place in the Cronin Auditorium on Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.and will feature a performance by every Bromfield Music Department ensemble (choruses and bands) in grades six through 12, as well as some individual solo and trio performances. The concert will take listeners through the years while highlighting some of the Beatles' most famous hits. The evening will be narrated by student representatives. The concert is free of charge to the public.
Garden Club Greens Workshop
The Harvard Garden Club will hold its annual Greens Workshop Monday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Holy Trinity Church. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in joining the Garden Club to meet club members. Participants will put together simple fresh arrangements to bring cheer to Harvard residents who are housebound or in care facilities. They will also make arrangements for themselves. Guidance and supplies—including greens, cones, seedpods and berries from members' gardens—will be provided. For more information contact Deb Dowson, 978-391-1090.
Shaker Restoration Talk at Annual HHS Meeting
The Harvard Historical Society will hold its annual meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Society at 215 Still River Road. Robert Adam will present an illustrated talk, The Infirmary or Old Office, about the moving and restoration of the Old Office of the Shirley Shaker South Family. Adam is a craftsman and expert in historic preservation who has worked with major museums and preservation projects, including current work on the Houghton-Sprague house in Harvard. The meeting and talk are open to the public. The presentation will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity to acknowledge outgoing board member Jared Wollaston. Admission is free, donations are suggested.
Holiday Cookie Decorating for Teens
The Harvard Public Library will host a Holiday Cookie Decorating afternoon for students in grades six and above Thursday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m.
Jacqueline Schwab in Concert
Jacqueline Schwab will perform a concert of holiday music Saturday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. at the Harvard Public Library. Schwab is best known for soundtracks she did for Ken Burns documentaries. Seating is limited and advance reservations are a must. Call the library at 978-456-4114 to reserve tickets. Admission is free, but donations will be appreciated.
"Messiah" Interfaith Community Sing-In
The Annual Anne Marie Arnold Memorial "Messiah" Interfaith Community Sing-In directed by Harvard Unitarian Universalist Music Director Ted Johnson will take place Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. at Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church. The public is invited to join the orchestra and superb professional soloists to sing or listen to George Friedrich Handel's Glorious Oratorio. Bring your own score or purchase one at the door. Supported by the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church and generous donations to the Community Messiah Sing. For more information call 978-779-2876 or email eltoth@verizon.net.
Christmas Caroling Party
The Harvard Historical Society will host a Christmas Caroling Party in Still River Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. beginning at Harvard Historical Society at 215 Still River Road. Christmas caroling in Still River will be followed by a pot luck reception at the Society. Open to all who love to sing and celebrate the season. Dress for the weather and mile walk and bring a flashlight and a sweet or savory treat to share. Admission free, donation suggested.
OUT OF TOWN
Concert Series at the Bull Run
The Bull Run Restaurant on Route 2A in Shirley continues its concert series with:
- Saturday, Dec. 10: Bill Kirchen's Honky-Tonk Holiday;
- Sunday, Dec. 11: The Dublin City Ramblers' "Christmas In Ireland"
- Friday, Dec. 16: Savoy Brown with Kim Simmonds
- Saturday, Dec. 17: Paul Geremia
- Saturday, Dec. 17: James Montgomery
- Saturday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Party with J. Geils & Jeff Pitchell with Texas Flood and the Jeffettes
Ticket prices and more information at tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com.
"Glass Menagerie"
Former Bromfield theater teacher Michael McGarty is directing a production of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" at the Acme Theater at Art Space, 61 Summer St. in Maynard. Harvard residents James Turner and Steve Hayward perform in the production. The play runs Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17 adults/$15 students and seniors. To order, visit Acmetheater.com or call 978-823-0003.
Annual Acton Jazz Benefit
Littleton jazz pianist Molly Flannery will host her fourth annual Holiday Extravaganza to benefit Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry Saturday, Dec. 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Acton Jazz Café at 452 Great Road in Acton. All are welcome in exchange for a donation of canned foods, new and unwrapped toys, gently used jewelry, and/or $10.
"In a Manger" Exhibit
The tenth annual "In a Manger" Nativity Exhibition will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Parish Hall at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 7 Faulkner St., Ayer. More than 300 Nativity sets from around the world will be on display. The public is welcome to display favorite Nativity scenes and ornaments by dropping them off at the Parish Hall before noon on Friday, Dec. 9, with pickup after noon Sunday, Dec. 11. Admission is free. For more information or directions call 978-772-2615 or visit www.standrewsayer.org.
Holiday Concert in Ayer
The Nashoba Valley Concert Band will perform a joint concert with the Ayer-Shirley High School Chorus Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. in the Ayer Town Hall. The free concert for all ages will feature traditional holiday music. The Nashoba Valley Concert Band comprises over 40 musicians from many local towns. For more information www.nashobavalleyconcertband.org.
Guitarist Eric Baldwin and Friends
Guitarist Eric Baldwin and friends will perform Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. at Indian Hill Music School, 36 King St. in Littleton. Admission is free. For more information call 978-486-9524, ext. 114, or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
12 Days of Christmas Pageant
St. Matthew's United Methodist Church will offer The 12 Days of Christmas, an annual Christmas performance of the popular Christmas carol at its 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 11, at 435 Central St. in Acton. For more information contact: 978.263.2822, office@saint-matthews.org or www.saint-matthews.org.
Nashoba Youth Orchestra Concert
Nashoba Youth Orchestra will perform Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Blanchard Middle School in Westford. The concert will include selections performed by the Nashoba Youth Orchestra Camerata Strings Orchestra, the Sinfonia Apprenticeship Program members, and the Nashoba Youth Orchestra Sinfonia Strings Orchestra. The snow date is Dec. 19. Admission is free.
Bach's Lunch Concert
Indian Hill Music School's free monthly faculty series will present an all-Bach program, with harpsichordist Joseph DiMarino, at two performances Thursday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served; bring your lunch. For more information visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Voice Soiree
Indian Hill Music School's Voice Department students will perform a variety of classical and popular songs with a nature theme Friday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m, at 36 King St. in Littleton. Light refreshments will be served. Donation is $5 at the door. For more information, call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Holiday Market at the Wholesome Cafe
The Collaborative Network will present their Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Wholesome Cafe, 25 Main Street, Ayer.
Come wrap up your holiday shopping. There will be free admission, free giveaways, and free refreshments.
Concord Women's Chorus Concert
The Concord Women's Chorus will present its annual holiday concert, Lights of Memory, Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm St. in Concord. The snow date will be Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. Tickets for Lights of Memory are $25 general admission, $20 for seniors (65) and students, and $15 for children under 12. Reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended. To order tickets, call 978-852-4239. Further information about the chorus can be found at concordwomenschorus.org.
Family Holiday Sing-along
Indian Hill Music School's Early Childhood Department will present its free annual Holiday Sing-Along for young families Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. All ages are invited to sing, dance, play instruments, and celebrate songs and stories of the season. Call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org for more information.
Irish and Folk Music Concert
Indian Hill Music School's Irish Music Department will present an Irish and Folk Music Concert, featuring fiddler Laurel Martin and singer/guitarist Liz Simmons, Thursday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. There will be an open session after the concert. Bring your instrument for an informal evening of playing traditional tunes. Admission is free. Call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.