Where to celebrate the holidays in Weston

The turkey is going from table centerpiece to leftovers this weekend, as the winter holidays are around the corner. Throughout December, Weston residents will gather to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with family and friends.

The festivities start just after Thanksgiving, with organizations from across town gathering at the Golden Ball Tavern to decorate each room in red, white and blue for the third annual Trimming the Tavern event. Visitors are invited to walk through and see the displays from Dec. 6 to Dec. 13 free of charge.

Katie Campbell, the museum’s executive director, said the event has grown over the last several years to include more organizations.

“This year, we really wanted to make it a townwide event,” she said. “We’re very excited.”

Although the rooms will be decorated to celebrate the winter season, she said it isn’t strictly Christmas-themed. This is, in part, because current Christmas traditions weren’t around when the museum was functioning as a tavern in the 18th century.

The fun continues on Dec. 7 with a Christmas tree lighting in Knox Park, hosted by the Weston Community League. There will be hot chocolate and candy canes for guests who come to see the tree and listen to the high school choir sing carols.

Mary Ann Riordan, League president, said it is important to give kids a place to celebrate.

“We’re always trying to do something for the town,” she said. “We want the community to be welcoming to families.”

Riordan added that Santa will make an appearance at the tree lighting. He and Mrs. Claus will also be at the Lands’ Sake farmstand earlier in the day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to say hello and take photos.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas will be back in town on Wednesday, Dec. 17. As is his tradition, he will ride through the town, visiting the north side around 6 p.m. and the south side around 7 p.m. He will be at Town Hall around 6:45 p.m., although his liaisons at the Fire Department stress that the times are approximate.

For residents who want to help Santa make sure children receive gifts this Christmas, there are donation boxes for Toys for Tots at the Weston Fire Department, the Police Department, Town Hall and the Community Center through Dec. 10. Donations should be new, unwrapped toys.

Jewish residents will have a chance to celebrate Hanukkah in Weston. On Thursday, Dec. 18, Wellesley-Weston Chabad will host a celebration at the Weston Shooters Club at 6:30 p.m. The menorah lighting will be held at Town Hall on Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m.

On Christmas Eve, Weston residents are invited to the Josiah Smith Tavern for the annual community caroling event. Music will be played by the high school and candles will be available for lighting.