HOPE Task Force Presents ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ at Winter Recovery Event Dec. 9

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.

Salem Animal Rescue League Hosts Winter Carnivale and $2,500 Shopping Spree Raffle

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.

AHEPA Acropolis Chapter 39 Holds Holiday Craft Fair Saturday

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.

Atkinson Congregational Church Begins Advent with Candle Lighting Service Sunday

Atkinson Congregational Church begins the Advent season Sunday with a service lighting the first of four candles representing hope, peace, joy and love in the lead-up to Christmas. The service begins Sunday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m., at the church, 101 Main St., Atkinson, N.H. Celebrations continue with a kids’ craft area during the town’s Christmas tree lighting celebration Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5:30-8 p.m., at Atkinson Country Club, 85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson, N.H.

Other holiday services and events include a “Blue Christmas—Longest Night” service Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., both in the church’s sanctuary and live streamed at atkinsoncc.org; Christmas concert featuring traditional and contemporary music, the Atkinson Bell Choir and the Kokopelli Flute Ensemble, Sunday, Dec.

Buttonwoods Museum Festival of Trees Opens Friday with Candlelight Tour of the John Ward House

The Festival of Trees at Buttonwoods Museum kicks off the season Friday night with a first night viewing of the many trees and wreaths on display followed by a Candlelight Tour of the John Ward House. The annual fundraiser to help maintain the museum properties and pay for educational programs for all ages, opens at 5 p.m., at Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St., Haverhill. John Ward House tours takes place between 6 and 7:30 and the night concludes at 8. Called a “Holiday Jubilation,” it lasts two weeks through the second weekend in December. Admission for adults is $7 each; seniors, $5 each; children ages 6-17, $3 each; and children 5 and under are free.