🔨 Festivals, Lights & Markets!
Your guide to December in Framingham
It's the most wonderful time of the year, Framingham!
You know the holidays are here when the old Shoppers World Toy Soldiers begin their deployment around the city. There are 40 soldiers standing post at 34 locations.
This also means… the 2024 Parks and Rec Toy Soldier Scavenger Hunt has begun!
How to play:
New clues are delivered on the Parks and Rec Facebook page every Friday at 12pm from 12/6 to 12/27 (Turn those post notifications on!!)
Your goal is to find every soldier by the end of the 4 weeks, using each week’s clues
Whoever can find all our soldiers(No Cheating!) will be entered to win a special prize!
Rules:
Must be a Framingham Resident to be eligible for the prize
Must email a list of all soldiers with their locations and your contact information to: parks.recreation@framinghamma.gov at the end of the 4 weeks
Only 1 person per household may enter to win
Must be following our Facebook and Instagram
Please don’t share the locations with others, keep it fun (of course, I have already broken a rule…)
Let the games begin!
Share this issue with your friends, neighbors, and family. Let’s support these organizations, have our voices heard about issues, and help grow our community.
Fairs & Markets
Framingham Garden Club Greens Sale: Friday, December 6 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Located at Cushing Park Maintenance Building. Designer Wreaths, Swags, Outdoor Baskets, Centerpieces and more. Hand-decorated with fresh greens, natural embellishments, hand-tied bows and designer touches.
Saint Bridget Parish Holiday Craft Fair: Saturday, December 7 from 9:00am - 3:00pm, in the school hall at 832 Worcester Road. Join us for some stress free holiday shopping, homemade baked goods and a picture with Santa! Gift wrapping also available - buy something at the craft fair and have it wrapped or bring some of your gifts from home and have them wrapped, too. Admission is free.
Holiday Marketplace at Framingham High School: Saturday, December 7 from 10:00am - 3:00pm, FHS at 115 A Street. Find some unique gifts at Framingham High School's Holiday marketplace while supporting local and handmade!
4th Annual Jack’s Abby German Christmas: Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 22. Join us for the 4th Annual Jack’s Abby German Christmas! This year we have 9 full days of pure Christmas joy planned, featuring our local vendor market each weekend. The week of festivities will include tree lighting, photos with Santa, live music, kids activities, and more.Check out the vendors and schedule of events: https://jacksabby.com/german-christmas-market-2024/
Holiday Craft Fair sponsored by the Rotary Club: Saturday, December 14 from 10:00am-4:00pm at Keefe Technical School, 750 Winter Street. Shop for unique gifts, enjoy festive treats, and get into the holiday spirit. Local artisans and vendors will be selling handmade holiday Items, jewelry, quilts, apparel, candles, soaps, original artwork and photography, bath and body items, wood crafts, wreaths, ornaments, stocking stuffers and more. Santa will be there from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for free pictures & holiday wishes. Food and drink and shopping bags available. Admission is $5 for everyone over 12.
Events & Parties
City of Framingham 33rd Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Block Party: Friday, December 6 from 5:00 - 7:30pm. Memorial Building Plaza. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be on site to light the tree, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, music, and the Bookmobile!
Caroling on the Common: Sunday, December 8 from 4:00-5:00pm at Village Hall, 2 Oak Street. Framingham History Center's annual “Caroling on the Common” returns this December with a festive gathering for the whole community. In partnership with Voices of MetroWest, this FREE event invites you to sing along to popular holiday carols and enjoy hands-on holiday crafts inspired by winter holiday traditions from around the world. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the season with friends, family, and neighbors! Whether you're here for the caroling, crafting, or general holiday cheer, there’s something for everyone at “Caroling on the Common”! Admission is FREE and open to the public. All ages are welcome. Donations are welcome and help us continue to bring events like this to the community.
Adult Paint Night: Monday, December 9 from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Costin Room, Main Library. Come join instructor Ashwini Chitnavis as she leads adult only paint night! No experience necessary. Supplies and instruction provided. Please register at bit.ly/fplpaint.
Saxonville Business Mixer + More: Monday, December 9 from 5:00-7:00pm, at Open Spirit, 45 Edwards Street. Stop in after work to mix and mingle with your neighbors and local small business owners! Come learn about the many programs offered at Open Spirit, enjoy complimentary refreshments, check out the participatory tables, purchase your Saxonville-branded merch, and enjoy the Opening Reception featuring art works from 4th and 5th grade students at Stapleton Elementary School. This collaborative event is open to all, and admission is free. Join us!!
Macomber Center Open House: Wednesday, December 11 at 1:00pm at 63 Badger Road. Join us for an Open House to see what our community is all about! Meet staff and members and talk about all things Macomber. Learn more about us and RSVP on our website https://macombercenter.org/
Columbus Club Holiday Party: Friday, December 13 at 5:00pm, 11 Fountain Street. Join us for our Holiday Party! Enjoy cocktail hour at 5 PM and a buffet at 6 PM, followed by music and karaoke provided by DJ J Allen. Cost per person is $25. Raffles will also be held.
Framingham Public Library Storytime: Tuesday, December 17 from 11:00am-12:00pm, Main Library. Join us for a special storytime through the decades, celebrating the Framingham Public Library’s 45th anniversary with special guest reads! Enjoy picture books published during the years we’ve been open, then a craft! All ages.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Cochituate Rail Trail: Tuesday, December 31 from 4:30 - 7:30pm. Friends of Framingham Trails is putting on a party again to ring in 2025! Join your friends and neighbors for a stroll down the Cochituate Rail Trail. Enjoy games, singing, activities, and treats at fire pits hosted by different groups from around Framingham. Bring your flashlights, fun glow sticks! Decorate your strollers (or yourself!). Important: This is a free, family-friendly event. No alcohol allowed. This is a carry in, carry out event. Please keep the trail beautiful and do not litter. *Parking Information* Available at: 500 Old Connecticut Path, TJX at the Speen Street entrance, and 2 School Street.
Municipal Events
Yard Waste Facility Last Day: Sunday, December 15. The Yard Waste Facility is located on Dudley Road. Permitted residents may bring yard waste such as brush, leaves, grass, and plant waste. Hours of operation for the season: Friday & Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm, Sunday 11:00 am-3:00pm. Residents will need an up-to-date Recycling Center Permit to utilize the facility. Stickers are for fiscal years so July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Final Brush Collection: Final curbside collection occurs the week of December 8. Collection is on your trash/recycling day.
Community Development Block Grant Application Deadline: The city is now accepting proposals from local nonprofit organizations and City departments for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The funding cycle covers projects beginning on July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2026. The CDBG Program, funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to support programs and services that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Applications are due December 9. For additional information and to access the application, visit: www.framinghamma.gov/3936/Community-Development-Block-Grant
Culvert Replacement on Route 126 (Hollis Street) over Waushakum Pond Brook Virtual Design Public Hearing: Thursday, December 12 at 6:30pm, Virtual. The purpose of this Virtual Design Public Hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the culvert replacement project located on Route 126 (Hollis Street) over Waushakum Pond Brook in Framingham. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible. To attend: www.mass.gov/orgs/highway-division/events
Volunteer Opportunities - Local Boards and Commissions
Team Framingham Steering Committee: This committee plays a crucial role in organizing and managing the Team Framingham Boston Marathon program on behalf of the city. Application deadline: Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Responsibilities include:
Overseeing the charity/runner lottery process
Collaborating with the City’s media team on publicity efforts
Partnering with community organizations for runner support (mentoring, memberships, Race Day cheering, etc.)
Fundraising to cover program expenses
Managing relationships with the Greater Framingham Running Club
Organizing monthly meetings for runners and charities
Supporting biweekly training runs and runner fundraising efforts
Strategic Initiatives & Financial Oversight Committee (SIFOC) - Local business community seat open for applications. The Committee advises the Mayor, Council, and School Committee on the status of Framingham’s long-range strategic plan, the state of the municipal economy, sufficiency of municipal revenues, and “other financial matters that may from time to time be referred to it by the Mayor, Council or School Committee.” The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. (I am the Chair of SIFOC, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me!)
Community Development Committee: The Community Development Committee works in cooperation with the Community and Economic Development Department to work to complete the following:
Hold public hearings to obtain the views of citizens on community development and housing needs.
Provide citizens with adequate opportunities to participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Community Development Program.
Recommends to the City Council and Mayor an annual Community Development Plan consisting of a statement of Community Development Objectives and Projected Use of Funds.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Agricultural Advisory Committee: Two full member and two alternate member seats are open. The committee’s roles and responsibilities include:
Serving as a local voice advocating for farmers, farm-related businesses, and agricultural interests in general.
Providing visibility for farming in Framingham.
Working with other city departments/boards/commissions/committees on issues facing the City that affect agriculture.
Helping to resolve farm-related problems and/or conflicts.
Protecting farmlands and natural resources.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
How to apply for these seats: Fill out the Board and Commissions form online.
If you have any questions, please contact Citizen Participation Officer Nicole Horton-Stimpson at NHS@FraminghamMA.gov.
In Closing…
Have a wonderful holiday season! If you see me out and about, say hi!
Thanks for keeping us informed about our city. You rock!