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“A Christmas Carol” returns to the stage this weekend at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. Continuing a college tradition, performances take place from Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m., in the Chester Hawrylciw Theater, on the third floor of the Spurk Building on the Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St.
It’s shaping up as a busy, seasonal weekend with a wide array of activities from Buttonwood Museum’s Festival of Trees to various gift fairs and even a hike. Here’s your guide to events. Buttonwoods Festival of Trees
Buttonwoods Festival of Trees is open until 8 p.m., tonight, with $1 off admission for seniors, at 240 Water St., Haverhill. Events include a senior tea party featuring the Comedy Masque Review, old-time radio shows from holidays past and a Candlelight Tour of the John Ward House from 6-7:30 p.m. On Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., the Festival of Trees offers Family Day with coloring and crafts for the kids and a visit from Santa between 1 and 3 p.m. and music by Currier Square with a buffet for $15. Sunday activities, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., include Greater Haverhill Art Association art demonstrations and a holiday concert by Currier Square with light refreshments.
Haverhill’s final leaf and organic waste pickup at the curb takes place Saturday. The city accepts leaves, grass clippings, pumpkins, mums, gourds, corn stalks and hay bales for collection. Residents may place waste in open barrels or paper leaf bags by 6 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. Plastic bags and brush or branches are not permitted.
The West Newbury Police Department is participating in this year’s Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. West Newbury Police Chief Michael Dwyer said the department will be collecting new, unwrapped and unopened toys for children of all ages through Dec. 12 at a collection box in the department’s lobby, 401 Main St., West Newbury. Toys can be dropped off at the station any time of the day on any day of the week. Those with questions may call the non-emergency line at 978-363-1213 or e-mail [email protected].
Diana Teel shares her recovery journey when the Haverhill Outreach Prevention and Education Task Force hosts “Brighter Days Ahead” at its Winter Recovery Event next Monday. Aimed at adults, the forum offers free Narcan and a Narcan training workshop along with community recovery resources. There will be food and grab bags an opportunity for participants to craft their own holiday keepsakes. The Winter Recovery Event takes place Monday, Dec. 9, from 4-6 p.m., at Haverhill Public Library’s Johnson Auditorium, 99 Main St., Haverhill.
The Salem Animal Rescue League’s Winter Carnivale, featuring an artisan chocolate tasting, live and silent auctions, carnival games, dancing and more, is set for Friday night. There will be food and drinks, a selfie station, contests and a $2,500 Holiday Shopping Spree Raffle. Raffle tickets are $20 each, with a total of 500 tickets available. The winner will be drawn during the Winter Carnivale, but does not need to be present to win. Proceeds from the event and raffle benefit the animals in Salem Animal Rescue League’s care.
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Acropolis Chapter 39 opens its annual Holiday Craft Fair this Saturday. The fair offers a variety of crafts, baked goods, holiday decorations and gifts for Christmas. It’s open to the public, offering attendees a chance to shop for holiday items and enjoy festive treats Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 40 Buttonwoods Ave., Haverhill. Those who wish to learn more may call Pat Coveney at 603-707-7320.
The Haverhill Public Library is asking for the public to donate non-perishable foods during a drive that begins next Monday. The Patron Pantry Food Drive begins Monday, Dec. 9, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 21. Donations to benefit Sacred Hearts Food Pantry.
The Merrimack Valley Concert Band will perform its annual holiday concert, featuring a selection of Christmas music. The concert takes place Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m., in the Pentucket Regional Middle-High School Auditorium, 20 Main St., West Newbury. Admission is by donation. For more information, email Kathy Peavey at [email protected] or call 978-360-8756.
