Lincoln’s annual winter carnival sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Committee takes place from Friday to Sunday, February 4–6 this year. All events are sponsored by local organizations. Please check individual event descriptions for admission details and fees, registration information, etc.
All weekend
Take & Make a Craft (Lincoln Public Library) — Come to the Children’s Desk anytime for a free Winter Carnival craft kit. Best for ages 5 and up.
“Art on the Trails” Scavenger Hunt — Search Lincoln’s trails for nature-themed art installations created by students at Birches School. Take a selfie at each location and submit your photos for a prize. Information & clues will be posted at www.lincolnconservation.org. Sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Birches School.
Skating — The rink is open for daytime skating from dawn until dusk and under the lights from 5–8 p.m. NOTE: the rink will be closed from noon–1 p.m. on Saturday for maintenance.
Friday, February 4
Winter Carnival Kickoff Night
6–7 p.m., ice rink at the Pierce House
Join the Lincoln PTO to kick off Winter Carnival Weekend! Bring your skates for night skating and enjoy s’mores around the fire. Don’t forget to purchase your PTO scavenger hunt bingo card. The scavenger hunt will be conducted by collecting stamps at each participating Winter Carnival event. Cards are $5 and prizes will be awarded.
Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon (Codman Estate)
Join Conservation Department staff for a rousing winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants (no leaves necessary)! Participants should wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Each walk is limited to 15 people. Email the Conservation Department at conservation@lincolntown.org to sign up.
Family Night Hike & Owl Prowl
6:30–8 p.m., Drumlin Farm
Join us for a winter night hike through field and forest. You’ll learn about owl calls, behavior, and habitat as we search and listen for our resident screech, barred and great horned owls. Pre-registration required ($17 for members, $21 for non-members). Click here to register.
Saturday, Feb. 5
Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon (Codman Estate)
Join Conservation Department staff for a rousing winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants (no leaves necessary)! Participants should wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Each walk is limited to 15 people. Email the Conservation Department at conservation@lincolntown.org to sign up.
Pierce House/rink activities (1–2:30 p.m.):
- Touch a Truck — Kids of all ages will enjoy touching, climbing, exploring, and learning about big trucks and emergency vehicles at this free community event.
- Curling demonstration — Join folks from the Broomstones Curling club at 1 p.m. to learn all about this fun Olympic sport.
- Skating — Bring your skates and take a spin around the community ice rink.
- LincFam will offer hot cocoa to help you warm up.
- Demonstrations:
- The Green Energy Committee will show you ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
- The Lincoln Conservation will host an Enviroscape tabletop display.
Snow Bowling
10 a.m.–noon, Town Hall field
Have you ever bowled in the snow and catapulted floppy fish and slid down a snow luge while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies? Join the METCO Coordinating Committee for some winter fun! Appropriate for all ages. Free.
Need for Speed — STEM Ice Challenge
11 a.m. – noon, Town Hall field
Test your knowledge of gravity, friction, and the variables of heat and cold and race different items on a speedy track provided by LincFam. Free.
Valentines for Teachers
(1–2 p.m., Pierce House)
Join the Lincoln School Foundation to create cards to celebrate and thank the teachers and staff at Lincoln Public Schools. Take your card with you to deliver it yourself, or leave it with us and we’ll make sure it gets to the right person. Card-making supplies and coffee for the grown-ups provided. Free.
Snow Soccer/Human Foosball
2:30 p.m., Pierce Park
Grab your friends and come join the fun in Lincoln’s First Snow Soccer Tournament. Teams of 7 will compete together to win the coveted Lincoln Snowball Cup. This event is free and all ages and abilities are welcome. If there isn’t enough snow cover for snow soccer, the format will change to Human Foosball. Please register in advance by contacting Craig Nicholson with Lincoln Youth Soccer at craigmnicholson@gmail.com. Free.
Winter Farm Chores
3:30–5 p.m., Drumlin Farm
There’s so much to do to settle our farm animals in for the cold winter nights. You’ll feed chickens and then bring hay to the sheep, goats, and cows. Lend a hand to the farmers and join the fun! Pre-registration required ($14 for members, $17 for non-members. Click here to register.
Candlemas: An Ancient Christian Celebration
6–6:30 p.m., St. Joseph’s Church
Join St Joseph’s Church/St. Julia’s Parish, for a 30-minute ceremony including music and an explanation of Candlemas Day/Feast. Candles will also be available to take home. All are welcome. Free.
Sunday, February 6
Take-Home Herb Gardens
10–11:30 a.m., Lincoln Nursery School courtyard
Use your imagination to create a take-home herb garden. Plant an herb and adorn the pot with pinecones, acorns, sticks and yarn. Outdoor event appropriate for all ages. Free.
Family Life in Lincoln at the Time of the Revolution
12–2 p.m., Bemis Hall
Come join the Lincoln Minute Men to talk about life in Lincoln during 1775, and try your own hand at the tasks, the skills, and amusements of 18th-century life. Hands-on activities for the entire family. True Patriots preferred, but Redcoat spies and Loyalists are welcome too! Free.
Magic of Winter Gardens
2–3 p.m. (virtual)
This richly illustrated lecture by Jana Milbocker will provides inspiration and tips on designing your garden for winter interest, choosing the best trees, shrubs, and perennials, and grouping them to create arresting vignettes. Free. Click here to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library.
Singing & S’mores
3:30–4:30 p.m., First Parish Church
All are invited to join First Parish in Lincoln for singing and s’mores. Fun, familiar songs and s’mores will be offered. Bring your noisemakers and blankets. Free.
Skating open from dusk till dawn?? and sleep all day??
Thanks, copy editor! 🙂