Christmas Eve services, Corline Cronan dinner: Holiday events around Greater Taunton
It's the most wonderful time of the year: for local holiday festivities!
With the holiday season in full swing, as so many of us turn to the comfort of twinkling lights and simple joys as the days get shorter and the nights feel darker, there are lots of holiday events happening around the Greater Taunton area.
Beloved annual traditions have already been celebrated in Taunton, including the lighting of the Menorah on Taunton Green, the Lights On festival, and the city's Christmas parade.
There are also toy drives coming up, plenty of holiday shopping featuring small businesses and local crafters, plus ugly sweater parties, holiday-themed DIY events, and even some tea time, because you're undoubtedly very busy these days and you deserve a break.
Here are some holiday events coming up around the Greater Taunton area:
Lights On (Taunton)
When: Happening right now through Jan. 2!
Where: Downtown Taunton
This year’s Lights On theme is "Unwrap the Magic." Downtown Taunton has been lit for the holiday season, now that the city’s 108th Lights On festival kicked things off Dec. 4. The lights will be on through Jan. 2.
108th Lighting of the Green: Beloved Taunton holiday tradition returns in full force
Gingerbread house decorating contest (Taunton)
When: Through Monday, Dec. 20
Where: Online
The Mayor’s Office is hosting the second annual gingerbread house decorating contest through Monday, Dec. 20, the Mayor's Office announced in a press release. Photos of decorated gingerbread houses (no professional entries) may be submitted to the Mayor's Office at gingerbread@taunton-ma.gov. Photo entries will be shared on the City of Taunton Facebook page.
City Hall employees will vote for the best gingerbread house and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
Holiday pop-up shoppe (Taunton)
When: Weekends through Dec. 19
Where: Former Taunton Daily Gazette building, 5 Cohannet St.
The Downtown Taunton Foundation's Holiday Pop-up Shoppe has returned for the 2021 holiday season. This year, it's housed in the former Taunton Daily Gazette building at 5 Cohannet St.
Shop small this holiday season, with up to 33 vendors expected each weekend during the pop-up. The Holiday Pop-up Shoppe is open on weekends through Dec. 19. Saturday hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Shoppe is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Local holiday shopping: Downtown Taunton Foundation's Holiday Pop-up Shoppe returns for 2021 holiday season
Ugly Sweater Holiday Happening (Taunton)
When: Friday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Berkley Beer Company, 10 Ingell St.
Celebrate the holidays with an ugly sweater party!
Toy drive at Platinum City Gaming (Taunton)
When: Sunday, Dec. 19, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Platinum City Gaming, 294 Winthrop St.
Step Into Your Potential Now’s 5th annual Christmas Toy Drive will take place on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Platinum City Gaming, 294 Winthrop St.
There will be free haircuts by Chop Shop Brockton, Christmas movies playing on the big screens, pro wrestling by ShowCase Pro Wrestling, a gaming tournament, family pictures in the photo booth with Santa, a live DJ, face painting, and more. Donations are being sought. Donate at https://siypnow.com/events. For more information, call 1-800-542-1417 or email siypnow@gmail.com.
Living Nativity (Berkley)
When: Sunday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.
Where: Berkley Congregational Church, 13 S. Main St.
Berkley Congregational Church will present "A Living Nativity" on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.
The living Nativity will relive, through scripture and song, the Biblical tale of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the events that happened following their arrival.
This event is outside and free to the public.
Make a holiday centerpiece (Dighton)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 6 p.m.
Where: Araujo Farms & Greenhouses, 1522 Williams St.
Make a winter wonderland centerpiece for your table. Bring scissors with you. Flowers may vary slightly due to availability.
The cost is $40 per person and includes all materials. Registration and pre-payment are required. Call 508-669-6988.
Christmas Eve services at Central Congregational Church (Middleboro)
When: Friday, Dec. 24, at 4 and 6 p.m.
Where: Central Congregational Church, 2 Webster St.
The Central Congregational Church in Middleboro invites everyone to attend their candlelight Christmas Eve services this year.
On Dec. 24, at 4 and 6 p.m., there will be two Christmas Eve services. These will be traditional services of lessons and carols. Music will be provided by the worship team.
After the service, stroll by the restored manger in front of the church.
Central Congregational Church is located at 2 Webster St. in Middleboro. For more information, call Rev. Bruce Smith at 508-947-1256, or Rev. Doug Forbes at 508-923-9724.
Jingle Paws at the Taunton Animal Shelter
When: Now through Dec. 24
Where: Taunton Animal Shelter, 821 W. Water St.
The Taunton Animal Shelter is holding its 13th annual Jingle Paws, now through Dec 24. Share some holiday cheer with a pet currently awaiting a home at the shelter. The Taunton Animal Shelter's website is www.tauntonshelter.petfinder.com.
Make a donation in honor of a particular pet at the shelter and/or deliver a special toy, treat, or gift for the pet of your choice. This can also be done as a special gift for someone or in memory of someone.
Forms will be available at the Taunton Shelter at 821 W. Water St., via e-mail at paws4blue@aol.com, or they can be picked up at Raynham Town Hall and Robin's Corner Flower Shop. Your name and the name of the pet of your choice will be noted on the Taunton Shelter website and also at the shelter itself. In addition, you will receive a special photo of the pet you have chosen to sponsor.
Corline Cronan's Family Christmas Day dinner (Taunton)
When: Saturday, Dec. 25. For meal delivery: Call by Thursday, Dec. 23
Where: For pick-up at Mulcahey School, 28 Clifford St.
Corline Cronan's Family will be sharing a Christmas Day dinner for the homebound and those in need of a hot holiday turkey dinner in the greater Taunton area.
Meals will be available, for pick-up only, at Mulcahey School at 28 Clifford St. in Taunton, starting at 11 a.m., through 1 p.m. on Christmas Day.
No reservations are needed to pick up meals.
Deliveries can also be made to Taunton and Raynham residents who are unable to get to the school. For those people who need a meal delivery, call the following numbers by Thursday, Dec. 23:
In Taunton, call the Council on Aging at 508-821-1425, or leave a message for at 774-301-0327 to provide your information.
In Raynham, call the Council on Aging at 508-824-2740.
There is no age requirement to have meals delivered.
Have an event you'd like to add to our list? Email newsroom@tauntongazette.com.
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Greater Taunton holiday events Lights On Christmas parade shopping
