Upcoming holiday festivities in Waltham

Waltham’s calendar is filling up with holiday season programs ranging from social gatherings and concerts to theater and live music, offering plenty of ways to connect with neighbors this month. The list below highlights upcoming holiday-themed activities. Visit our Events calendar for a complete listing.

• Dec. 5–7. Festival of Trees, Sacred Heart Church, 311 River St. A free three-day festival held in the church’s stunningly decorated foyer. Attendees can enter to win their favorite tree, enjoy delicious baked goods and hot beverages, take festive family photos, and more. Schedule:

– Thursday, Dec. 4, noon–4 p.m. By-appointment Christmas tree set up

– Friday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Christmas Festival of Trees

– Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Christmas Festival of Trees

– Sunday, Dec. 7, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Christmas Festival of Trees

– Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. Drawings for Christmas trees

– Sunday, Dec. 7, 4–7 p.m. Winners to pick up trees.

– Monday, Dec. 8, 9–11 a.m. Winners to pick up trees.

• Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. A Christmas Carol. Holiday reading of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale at historic Gore Place, 52 Gore St. All ages.

• Dec. 7, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Boston Area Jewish Education Program Hanukkah Celebration, Hanukkah Celebration at Brandeis University. Face painting, music, fun activities, and crafts. 

• Dec. 7, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Breakfast with Santa, Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted, 920 Trapelo Road. Purchase tickets in advance by noon on Dec. 3 as an individual ($15) or as a family of 4+ ($60). Enjoy a continental breakfast with Santa. The event includes a  continental breakfast, arts and crafts, a balloon artist, letters to Santa station, games and the annual basket raffle.

• Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Waltham Garden Club – Holiday Magic, at Stonehurst, 100 Robert Treat Paine Drive. Enjoy a light luncheon, a brief tour of the home, raffle baskets, holiday gifts and a floral presentation. The presenter will also create five to six pieces to be raffled.

• Dec. 7, 1–3 p.m. Holiday Embroidery Workshop, Gore Place, 52 Gore St. Fun embroidery class for teens and adults. Intended for beginners but all skill levels welcome. General admission $45, Gore Place Member $35, Card to Culture $15.

• Dec. 7, 2–6 p.m. Ukrainian Art and Handicrafts Show. New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton. Fine art by Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American artists past and present. Free.

• Dec. 7, 3–5 p.m. Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert. Waltham Government Center, 119 School St. Featuring the co-winners of the WPO’s Student Concerto Competition and an array of wonderful musical works. Visit link for ticket prices.

• Dec. 10, 7–8 p.m. John Muratore Holiday Concert. Gore Place, 52 Gore St. Acclaimed guitarist John Muratore will perform a special holiday program in the beautiful 1793 Carriage House. General Admission $21, Members $19, Card to Culture $5.

• Dec. 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Jingle & Mingle. Craft Food Halls, 200 Fifth Ave. Waltham Chamber’s annual holiday party. Refreshments, networking and raffles. The Chamber is supporting the Middlesex Human Services Agency by collecting donated items, especially warm winter clothing and toiletries. $50 per person and cash bar.

• Dec. 11, 6:30–9:30 p.m. A December Evening — A seasonal celebration to benefit Gore Place. Gore Place, 52 Gore St. See the 1806 Gore Mansion transformed with one-of-a-kind holiday decorations. Enjoy live music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a curated holiday boutique. Visit link for ticket prices.

• Dec. 13, 7–9 p.m. Holiday concert with Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen. 50 Church St. Experience a New England Christmas from long ago for a unique evening of warm and brilliant holiday music. Visit link for ticket prices.

• Dec. 14, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Hanukkah Songs Past and Present. Explore Hanukkah songs from around the world to understand what they say about the holiday, and ourselves. Contact Rabbi Ben for location and more details. Temple Beth Israel,  25 Harvard St. 781-894-5146.
  
• Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Breakfast with Santa at Saint Jude’s, 147 Main St. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, pastries, juice and hot chocolate. Door prizes, raffles, games and crafts. St. Jude’s has an active ministry to people who are deaf and deafblind. ASL will be used throughout this event for those who need it. Tickets available for advance purchase online. Individual $5, Family $10. Tickets can also be purchased after all weekend Masses through December 13. (Ticket prices at the door: Individual $10, Family $30.

• Dec. 17, 7–8 p.m. Music for the Holly Days. Gore Place, 52 Gore St. Waltham’s own Moody Street String Band will play traditional tunes to ring in the holidays. The concert will take place in the 1793 Carriage House. Admission is $21.