The Tewksbury Weekend Happenings column is back thanks to a new collaboration between the Carnation and Tewksbury Connected.

By Alexia and Christine Chesbrough

If you have yet to drop a toy off, the Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks are making it easy tomorrow. Just drive up and make a child happy.

Gingerbread House Dropoff
When: Friday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury Public Library

Gingerbread House Judging
When: Friday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Tewksbury Public Library

Does your family’s gingerbread house have what it takes to stand out? Enter our Gingerbread House Contest and see how your house compares. There will be one $25 gift card awarded in each of four categories — adults, children, teens and families Winners will be determined by anonymous voting on Saturday, Dec. 18. Winners will be notified on Monday. Find the rules here.

Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks Lodge #270 Toy Drive
When: Sat., Dec. 18 – 9 a.m. to noon
Where: 777 South St.

Bring a gift for a child in need. Drive up and drop off. Toys go to local children.

Wreaths Across America
When: Sat., Dec. 18, noon
Where: Spring Grove Cemetery (MASGCA), 124 Abbot St., Andover

Wreaths Across America will be at Spring Grove Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Sponsors, donations and volunteers needed. Learn more.

It’s A Wonderful Market @ Mill No. 5
When: Sat., Dec. 18, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: 250 Jackson St., Lowell

Merrimack Valley Black & Brown Owned Holiday Market
When: Sun., Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 250 Jackson St., Lowell

This weekend is the last chance to grab a handmade gift at the open marketplaces at Mill No. 5.

Mini Holiday Craft Fair at Open Space Gift Shop & Creative Studio
When: Sun., Dec. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 1875 Main St.

Join us for our last Mini Craft Fair if the season and do some holiday shopping of various unique and handmade items! Our gift shop has over 50 makers in store and hundreds of items! We’ll have 7 local makers popping up with tables full of handmade items.
Makers joining us:
-Secret Stash Sweets (stashable sweets!)
-Krafty Bellas (ornaments, decor, mugs, and more!)
-I Love Events & Creations (gift baskets, centerpieces and more!)
-Two Sisters Crafting Around (glassware, ornaments, sights, decor, dish towel aprons, and more!)
-Turn, Turn, Turn Wood Design (wood decor and houseware)
-Louie’s Dog Cookies (dog treats)

Local organizations that want their events listed are invited to contact Christine Chesbrough via the Connected Facebook group or send their info to editor@tewksburycarnation.org.