Here is the schedule for the 2026 Lincoln Winter Carnival organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. All events are free unless otherwise specified.
Thursday, Jan. 29
Film: “Georgia O’Keefe: The Brightness of Light”
5:30–8:00pm, Donaldson Auditorium
A new, comprehensive documentary of modernist Georgia O’Keefe’s art and life, featuring a Q&A with director Paul Wagner and co-producer Ellen Wagner. Discussion and reception to follow. Sponsored by Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust/Rural Land Foundation.
Friday, Jan. 30
Lincoln PTO Bingo Night
5:30–7:30pm, Lincoln School Dining Commons
The Lincoln PTO’s annual Bingo Night kicks off Winter Carnival festivities with raffles and prizes for winning bingo boards. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be sold. Please look for pizza pre-order form and bring a reusable water bottle.
Lincoln Summer Camp: Crafts
5:30–6:30pm, Lincoln School Dining Commons
Interested in sending your child to Lincoln Summer Camp this year? Join Parks & Rec to find out all the information you need to know about camp while taking part in some fun winter crafts.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Winter Fun for Kids
9:30–11:30am, Magic Garden Children’s Center
Each classroom will be turned into a fun zone for a specific age group. Ice-skate in your socks, play games, enjoy arts and crafts, and have fun with friends old and new. Perfect for ages 1–5.
Cozy Story Time in the Greenhouse
10:00–11:00am, Codman Community Farms
We’ll read some playful wintry stories featuring some of our favorite barnyard animals. We’ll have warm hot chocolate and marshmallows to enjoy while you listen. Best for ages 9 and younger but all are welcome.
Owls and Cocoa at Drumlin Farm
10:00–2:35pm, Drumlin Farm
Stop by for a special “Meet an Owl” program while you warm up with some hot cocoa. Drop in any time from 10:00–11:30am or 1:00–2:30pm and stay as long as you like. Barns and trails will be open from 9:00am–4:00pm. Please show ID with Lincoln address for free admission.
SVdP Food Pantry Open House
1:00–2:00pm, SVdP food pantry (142 Lincoln Road)
Please stop by our open house at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston food pantry for a sweet treat and tour. Learn about the vital services we provide to our community and see how every donation makes a difference. Talk with volunteers and discover how you can get involved in supporting your neighbors in need. Bring nonperishable food items and help us shelve them as we work to make sure no one goes hungry this winter.
Winter Wildlife Walk
1:00–2:30pm, Mount Misery Main parking lot trailhead
Join a family-friendly guided one-mile walk around the trails of Mt. Misery as we look for tracks and other signs of life to understand how our local wildlife survives New England winters. We will look for the presence of a variety of animals that may include beaver, deer, squirrels, owls, otters and more. Open to all ages. Please leave pets at home as our focus is on wildlife. Sponsored by Lincoln Conservation Dept.
LincFam Energy Blaster
2:00–4:00pm, Reed Gym
Jump in a bounce house, skate in your socks, and toss soft “snowballs” with friends. The gym will be filled with fun ways to let out energy for our youngest community members. A mini bounce house will be available for the littlest bouncers. Enjoy a craft project and some snacks on the sidelines! Free for LincFam members or $10/child (max $30 per family) for non-members. NOTE: This event is for children in grade 2 and younger. Adult supervision expected.
A Light in the Night
5:00–6:00pm, Birches School
Bundle up and join us around a cozy campfire to embellish paper bag luminaries, adding light and hope to the winter darkness. We’re inspired by Birches’ annual school-wide Lantern Festival. Winter Carnival goers are invited to add their luminaries to an installation of student lanterns or take them home. Sip a warm beverage and listen to seasonal story.
Coffee House
7:00–10:00pm, Bemis Hall (SOLD OUT)
Lincoln Parks and Recreation Dept. Parks and Recreation’s annual night to showcase local musicians! We have a diverse roster of performers ready to play for you, and there’s a good chance you know some of them! Coffee/tea and desserts included. Beer and wine will be available to purchase (no outside alcohol allowed).
Sunday, Feb. 1
Outdoor Play
10:00–11:30am, deCordova Sculpture Park
Join us for play at Lincoln Nursery School. All ages welcome.
Candle-making for Kids of All Ages
11:30–1:30pm, First Parish in Lincoln (stone church)
Celebrate the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox with the art of candle making. Kids will make and decorate their own candle to take home. Two levels: Simple (candle rolling) for ages 3-7 and advanced (which involves dipping) for ages 8+.
Family Fun in 1776
12:30–4:30pm, Bemis Hall
What was life like for Lincoln families in 1776? Join us for a family-friendly afternoon that will transport us back to the Lincoln of 1776 with books, storytelling, games, crafts, musket demonstrations, music, and treats. This will be followed by period dancing, including demonstrations and instruction, led by the Colonial Dancers of the sponsoring Lincoln Minute Men.
Warm Up with the Friends
1:00–3:00pm, Lincoln Public Library
Enjoy hot drinks and snacks from the Friends of the Lincoln Library before, during, and after the library’s storytime event.
Winter Wonderland Super Storytime
1:30–2:30pm, Lincoln Public Library
Join librarians Denise and Debbie for a super-sized winter wonderland story time! Families with young children are invited to join us for stories, songs, and an activity celebrating the winter season! Best for children five and under, but all welcome.
“Between Two Worlds” Film and Discussion
3:15–4:45 pm, Donaldson Auditorium
“Between Two Worlds” is a 19-minute Molly Bidell film funded by Mass Humanities about second-generation Sudanese youth whose parents came to America as “lost boys” and girls during the South Sudanese civil war and who are still learning what home means. The film will be shown in the same auditorium that hosted the initial gathering of refugees and Lincoln residents in 2000. For adults and children 10+. Sponsored by South Sudanese Enrichment for Families.
Leave a Reply