T’was the week before Christmas and all through the city,
The villages were draped in lights, so pretty.
And Chanukah, too, was on its way here,
For a dazzling end to a very strange year.
Zoning and school debates rested a bit,
So people could enjoy all the holiday… stuff.
Latkes, mistletoe, menorahs and holly,
Had Newton feeling festive and jolly.
While scrambling to finish their shopping in a hurry,
Newtonians made time to eat, drink and be merry.
Both Christmas and Chanukah are next week, and this weekend offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Here are five things to do in Newton this weekend.
Friday, Dec. 20
From 6:30 to 10 p.m., Temple Emanuel, at 385 Ward St., will host its “Yisod Jewish Christmas Shabbat Dinner,” starting with a Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Chinese cuisine dinner with games and activities.
Saturday, Dec. 21
At 6 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Society of Newton will host its annual “Solstice Service” featuring inspirational readings and music to celebrate the shortest day of the year and the subsequent return of the sun.
Sunday, Dec. 22
From 10 to 11 a.m., The Street at Chestnut Hill will host “Hannukah & Holiday Sing-Along,” featuring family-friendly Music at the Blissful performing seasonal songs and melodies specific to Chanukah. The event is outside on The Green, so dress accordingly.
At 10:15 a.m., First Universalist Unitarian Universalist Church will host its “Christmas Pageant and Carol Sing,” featuring the Christmas story told by children and adults in the Pageant and lots of Christmas songs to sing along to.
At 3 p.m., Trinity Parish will host a concert, “Light from Deepest Heaven,” by the Seraphim Singers, at 11 Homer St. The concert will be enhanced with carol singing by all and the majesty of The Bitumen Brass Quartet. The program will include works by Daryl Bichel, Graham Gordon Ramsay, Jason Robison, John Rutter, Timothy Takach and Patricia Van Ness, as well as Cambridge composer James Woodman’s “The Midwife’s Tale,” and “Christmas Cantata” by Daniel Pinkham.