10+ Decemberish Things To Do In Tewksbury This Week

‘Tis also the season for scams, so drop into the Senior Center on Wednesday for a fraud prevention seminar

The annual tree lighting and Tewksbury Congregational Church pie social drew about 300 residents, despite some rain. State Representative Dave Robertson, left, event organizer Alex Lowder, center, and Select Board member Pat Holland, right, helped out with the marshmallows.

Residents can gather back on the Common for the annual Community Menorah Lighting to celebrate Chanukah on Monday, Dec. 11, at 5:30 p.m. That event is hosted by Chabad of the Merrimack Valley.

On Sunday, December 10, the Wilmington/Tewksbury Elks will host their annual Drive-By Toy Drive from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at their Lodge at 777 South St. All toys collected during the drive will be given to local children. Just pull into the designated area, drop off a new and unwrapped toy and the Elks’ elves will do the rest.

If you miss the Community Market, good news — the Senior Center is collaborating with the TPL and hosting a series of indoor Winter Community Markets. Mark your calendars from 4 – 7 p.m. on December 28, January 25 and February 29. Each market will feature 30 vendors, including many favorites from the Tewksbury Community Market’s summer season at Livingston Street Park, along with a few new additions. Two food trucks will be in the Senior Center’s parking lot, while the remaining vendors  selling an assortment of prepared foods and artisan goods  can be found inside the large hall. A full list of vendors will be announced soon. 

Monday, Dec. 4

Meet the Elf on the Shelf!
When: 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Library

Meet Holly, the Elf on the Shelf, live and in person. The Elf on the Shelf will tell interactive stories, sing songs, play games and ring bells with the children. It should be lots of fun for all ages. No registration required – please drop in! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library.

Consignment Boutique Intake
When: 2 – 5 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Bring in your like-new clothes, jewelry, home décor and decorations. Volunteers will help with pricing your items. Consignment sellers get 50% of the marked price when the item is sold, with the balance going to the Senior Center. If an item hasn’t sold in 60 days, the item becomes the property of the Senior Center, the price will be marked down and the Center receives all proceeds. After 30 additional days, marked-down items are donated to local charities. Learn more.

100+ People Who Care Tewksbury Giving Event
When: 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Wamesit Tavern

100+ People Who Care Tewksbury will meet for the 11th time and give its fourth and final Impact Award of 2023 to one of three nonprofits serving Greater Lowell. The meeting will be held at the tavern at Wamesit Lanes, with social hour from 6 – 7 p.m. and presentations from 7 – 8 p.m. You can arrive around 5:30 for dinner. AdvisorsLiving and Kyoto Japanese Steak House will sponsor. All Tewksbury residents are invited to attend with no obligation to donate or join. Learn more.

A Christmas Carol
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Join actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby for a funny, heartfelt journey through Charles’ Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. With Stephen playing Scrooge and Poornima swiftly changing between the other characters, this fast-paced, playful adaptation keeps the beauty and humor of Dickens’ original text, interspersed with melodious Christmas carols, and even a lively English folk dance. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Sourdough Starter Workshop with Sourdough Brandon
When: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Learn how to make, maintain, and store a sourdough starter from Sourdough Brandon, who is an expert sourdough baker and food blogger. You will leave with a piece of Brandon’s sourdough starter so you can get baking. You’ll receive many tips and tricks on how to keep your sourdough starter active and what to make with your starter. Please note the 6:30 p.m. start time. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library through a generous donation from 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury. 

Baking Demo & Discussion with Cookbook Author & Chef Erin Jean McDowell
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Chef Erin Jeanne McDowell will demonstrate how to make one of her favorite recipes and then chat with attendees to answer all their “burning” questions. McDowell is the author of three cookbooks and also shares baking videos in her award-winning series, “Bake It Up A Notch.”

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Scam and Fraud Prevention Seminar
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center, all residents invited

Select Board member and cybersecurity expert James F. Mackey III and the Municipal Cyber Association will present a seminar on spotting scams and fraud. Based on guidelines and research from the National Council on Aging. Call 978-640-4480 to sign up. Walk-ins welcome. 

School Committee
When: 6 p.m.
Where: TMHS LG1 or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (22) or Verizon (34)

At its final meeting of 2023, the School Committee will recognize academic achievement including MCAS standouts, National Merit Scholarship Commended Students and 2024 John & Abigail Adams Scholarship recipients. Agenda

Friends of the TPLibrary Meeting
When: 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Virtual, email for link

The Friends monthly meetings are virtual for the winter. All are welcome to attend to learn about what’s going on at the Library. Please email friendstplibrary@gmail.com by Monday for the Zoom link.

Thursday, Dec. 7

New: Infant/Toddler Playgroup
When: 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Where: Library, no registration needed

The first playgroup of the month will now be for infants and toddlers. Learn some literacy skills and have some fun while you’re at it. This program is hosted by Community Teamwork.

Friday, Dec. 8

Tewksbury State Hospital Craft Fair
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: TSH Events Room

A holiday craft fair will be held in the Events Room at the Tewksbury Hospital from 9 am – 3 pm. There will be just under 60 vendors and 5 food trucks this year. “What the Fork”, Rafiki (Mediterranean), Uncle Joey’s Cannoli, Shiskaberry hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, and the Whoopie Pie Wagon. And of course Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be here and available for pictures for all staff, patients and visitors. Profits benefit the patient activity and canteen fund.

All Ages Reading Rivals 2023 Team Tewksbury Celebration
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Library, no registration needed

After 7+ weeks of fierce competition, the third annual Reading Rivals competition with Wilmington Memorial Library has come to an end. With a team of 598 readers, Tewksbury took home the win this year. The final score was 1,923,838 minutes to 1,898,106 minutes. To celebrate the exciting conclusion of this annual challenge, stop by the library’s lobby for refreshments for all ages while supplies last, beginning at 10 a.m. Reading Champ stickers will be available to the first 100 visitors. 

USS Constitution’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

The public is invited to attend USS Constitution’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The free event will include a visit and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, free hot chocolate and cookies, holiday music, ship tours, and remarks from the ship’s commanding officer. Guests are invited to view the ship’s gun firing in observance of evening colors, a ceremony for lowering the American Flag on the ship at sunset, which will be at 4:13 p.m. The tree-lighting ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. and photos with Santa Claus will be available after the ceremony. Entry to board USS Constitution will begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. and guests will be allowed to remain on the ship for free tours until 6 p.m.

Film Screening — Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny
When: 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases. Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history. Starring Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Antonio Banderas. Rated R, 2 hours, 34 minutes. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. New this fall: Play a game of team trivia about the film between 6:40 p.m. and 7 p.m. while enjoying your pizza. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club. 

Virtual: Holiday Movie Trivia Night
When: 7 –  8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Test your knowledge of Christmas films and other winter holiday films. Play solo or organize a team. For security purposes, participants’ videos will be disabled, so no need to worry about having a working webcam to play. The ability to view slides on a screen is all you need for this fantastic trivia fun. Please note that trivia questions are geared towards adults in terms of difficulty. There is a 50-team limit. 

Saturday, Dec. 9

Great New England Dog Rescue Pics With Santa
When: 12:30 – 2:30
Where: Creature Comforts Doggie Daycare, 10 Broadway, Salem, MA

Come meet some GREAT adoptable puppies and young dogs, and Santa! Just in time for the holidays, come fall in love with an adoptable pup or bring your own dog to get their picture taken with Santa. All proceeds go directly to GDRNE. All ages welcome. $5 suggested donation for pictures with Santa.
Street parking available. Please do not park in the Creature Comforts lot to the right of the building.

lala books’ Story Time with Author Mike Puglielli (free, ages 3-7)
When: 1 p.m.
Where: lala books, 189 Market St., Lowell

A STEM-focused children’s book wherein a young girl, Ouva, imagines journeying into space and becoming an astronaut. Ouva Hugs a Star is great for kids ages 3-5, and anyone who has ever dreamed of traveling to the stars. Books will be available for sale, and the author will be happy to sign them for you.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Billerica Christmas Parade
When: Noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Holiday movie characters will parade around Billerica on Sunday afternoon, spreading holiday joy. See the parade route online and pick the best spot for viewing! 

Wilmington/Tewksbury Elks Drive-By Toy Drive
When: 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Elks Lodge at 777 South St.
All toys collected during the drive will be given to local children. Just pull into the designated area, drop off a new and unwrapped toy and the Elks’ elves will do the rest.

Tewksbury Interfaith Choir Christmas Concert
When: 7 p.m.
Where: St. Williams

The Tewksbury Interfaith Choir will present its annual, and reportedly final, Christmas concert. The performance will be at St. Williams Church, 1351 Main St., at 7:00 p.m. and is free. This will likely be the last appearance of the group after 45 years of sharing music with families, friends and neighbors. There will be a variety of music performed. Learn more.