Community Corner
Monday Manual: Quadruple Santas, Grand Opening, Housing Survey
See seven important things happening this week, including tree lightings and a deadline for a sweater contest.
WORCESTER, MA — Welcome to the Nov. 29 edition of Monday Manual, where we highlight important events coming up during the week (plus a local fact) in seven Patch communities between Framingham and Worcester.
This week we're starting in Worcester, which is home to one of the largest outdoor skating rinks in the region. The Worcester Common Oval rink opened on Saturday and features 12,000 square-feet of skating space — about 4,000 square-feet bigger than the famed rink at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.
1) Worcester
The first Worcester Festival of Lights since 2019 will be held Friday beginning at 4:30 p.m. centered around the Worcester Common Oval rink. There will be a visit from Santa plus plenty more festivities.
2) Framingham
Framingham will also hold its first tree lighting since the pandemic began on Friday. The 30th annual lighting will feature a block party — and Santa will be there too.
3) Wayland
If you're interested in the future of affordable housing in Wayland, the town is collecting feedback about the formation of a new housing production plan under the state 40B law. The survey will be open until Dec. 2.
4) Sudbury
Have you finished your sweater yet? Entries in the town's "Sweater Throwdown" holiday contest are due by Dec. 2.
5) Milford
Help welcome Santa Claus to Milford this year on Sunday at the "Welcome Santa Parade." Local firefighters will meet St. Nick and give him a ride through town on the back of a fire truck. Find route details here.
6) Natick
On Saturday, a new store in Natick will hold a grand opening ceremony. The store uBreakiFix, 843 Worcester St., repairs small electronics like cell phones, flatscreen TVs and video game consoles.
7) Marlborough
Marlborough will hold its "Home for the Holidays" tree lighting on Friday. The event at Union Common will feature treats, the Marlborough High School Choir — and a visit from Santa on the back of a fire truck.
If you have an event or activity you want included in Monday Manual, email neal.mcnamara@patch.com.
