Holiday Happenings In Somerville 2018

SOMERVILLE, MA – Feeling festive already? Mark these events on your calendar to get you in the holiday spirit. We will update this list with happenings throughout the holiday season, so check back for updates.

If we missed your event, email alex.newman@patch.com and let us know!

City of Somerville

Join Mayor Curtatone and City staff for Somerville’s annual holiday celebrations, kicking off on Thursday, December 6, with the Christmas Tree Lighting and visit from Santa Claus, on the City Hall Concourse. Also part of the 2018 events are a ceremonial lighting of a Menorah on the City Hall Concourse on Sunday, December 9 at 4:30 p.m., and the Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations Tour on December 15.

The annual Christmas Tree lighting will start the holiday festivities on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a meet and greet with Santa Claus in the Somerville High School Culinary Arts Bistro (atrium entrance). Santa Claus will be escorted by the Somerville Fire and Police Departments for the ceremony and will be available for photos following the tree lighting. All children attending the ceremony will also receive a gift from Santa. Live entertainment for the event will feature: the Somerville High School Band and Chorus, the Somerville Community Chorus, and El Sistema Somerville. Following the tree lighting, refreshments will be served in the SHS atrium, where children will be able to meet and take a complimentary photo with Santa.

On Sunday, December 9, a ceremonial Menorah Lighting will take place on the City Hall Concourse, beginning at 4:30 p.m., with Rabbi Eliana from Temple B’nai Brith. All members of the community are invited to join Mayor Curtatone and City staff for a brief ceremony and photo on the City Hall Concourse. The Menorah will be lit each night of Hanukkah. Light refreshments will be served.

On Saturday, Dec. 15 (snow date: Sunday, Dec. 16), residents and visitors are invited to the Somerville Arts Council’s annual Illuminations Tour. Tour guides will lead trolleys past some of the City’s most spectacular displays of holiday lights, sharing stories about the families that decorate and providing local historic trivia en route. Due to construction on the City Hall Concourse tours will depart from the Somerville High School field house (use the atrium/public library driveway entrance) every 45 minutes beginning at 4:30 p.m. Refreshments, choral music and craft activities will be available inside the SHS atrium.

Trolley Tour tickets will be available at the Blue Cloud Gallery, 713 Broadway, beginning Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and for children ages 12 and under. Please note: tickets may only be purchased using cash or check. For more information, visit http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/illuminationstour.

For more information on the City’s holiday events, please call 311 (617-666-3311 from outside the City).

Assembly Row

November 21, 7am: Matty’s Turkey Toss – KISS 108

Annual high school competition hosted on-site

November 23: Black Friday

Great deals at select retailers help kick off the holiday season. Plus, throughout the season enjoy any of the three special holiday photo backdrops including a winter scape, a kissing ball and a beautifully decorated 25-foot tree.

All Saturdays in December: Holiday Music on the Row-(Noon-4pm)

Get into the holiday spirit with holiday music provided by Boston Free Radio every Saturday on the Row. FREE and open to the public.

Saturday, December 1: Stress Free (and free) Holiday Family Photos (10 am - 6pm)

Our photographer will be on hand to capture holiday memories in front of our scenic winter scape. Pre-registration will guarantee a specified time slot and reduce wait times. Complimentary photos will be available via digital download. Space is limited.

Thursday, December 6: Ice Sculpture Stroll-(6-8pm)

Assembly Row will host their 2nd Annual Ice Sculpture Stroll. Bundle up and follow a map to discover sculptures and treats throughout the property. Enjoy music, giveaways and a chance to win holiday prize packages. FREE and open to the public with registration.

Saturday, December 8: “Detox to Retox” Fitness Event: Holiday Edition-(Noon -2pm)

This special edition of Detox to Retox will feature FITRow studios and give guests the opportunity to work out for charity. Proceeds from the event will benefit RESPOND Inc., New England's first violence prevention agency. Guests are invited afterwards for a mixer hosted by Fitness Hub Boutique.

Sunday, December 9: Santa Paws Pet Photos (11am-2pm)

Keepsake photos taken of visitors’ canines and felines with Santa Claus. Photos are $20 and partial proceeds benefit the MSPCA. FREE and open to the public.

Image via Shutterstock