Residents of area towns are invited to the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base on Monday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. outside the base chapel. Col. Taona Enriquez and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation commander and command chief, will be joined by Santa Claus to officially light the Hanscom AFB tree following a parade through base housing that begins at 3:15 p.m. and ends at the chapel. For off-base attendees, there will be reserved parking inside the Sartain Gate off Hanscom Drive. Security personnel will be on-site to provide parking instructions and guide visitors to the tree-lighting location. Visitors to the base must present a valid driver’s license or state ID upon arriving at the gate.
Sulinha’s Trio will perform songs for children and families on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room. You will hear songs in the style of bossa nova and baiao using Brazilian instruments like berimbau and bandolin. No registration necessary.
Join us for movement, puppetry and fun as we journey to the bottom of the sea with Little Uprisings and the Gottabees, who will explore the book Swimmy by Leo Lionni, a classic tale for young children about the power of organizing. Best for ages 4-7.
The Lincoln Parent Teacher Organization (LPTO)’s annual Bingo Night fundraiser is on Friday, Feb. 2 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Dining and Learning Commons. Organizers are seeking donated kid and family-friendly raffle prizes such as special experiences, private lessons, time at vacation homes, and custom-made gift baskets as well as gift cards and new/unopened “regiftable” items valued at $10-$15 each such as small toys, craft/art supplies, games, etc. They’re also seeking 12-14 teen volunteers from 5–8 p.m. to help with food distribution, working the raffle table, tracking numbers, and confirming winners. The L-S Community Service Coordinators have approved this event. To volunteer or donate, email diana.jong@gmail.com.
Start off Saturday of Winter Carnival with delicious pancakes and real maple syrup at the Lincoln Girl Scouts’ annual Pancake Breakfast. Plain, chocolate chip, and gluten-free pancakes with coffee, tea, orange juice, and fruit. Meet friends, catch up with neighbors, and enjoy crafts for kids. Girl Scout Cookies will be on sale. $5 for children under 12, $10 for everyone else ($30 family maximum).
Please join us for a cozy outdoor story time and hot chocolate at deCordova followed by outdoor play at Lincoln Nursery School. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
Where are the pigs hiding? How many cows can you count? Complete the list and receive complimentary hot chocolate! Breakfast sandwiches available for purchase. All ages welcome. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
Step into Fairyland in your fairy finery. A dazzling enchanted forest has appeared at Lincoln Station, complete with fairy houses, ice sculptures, hot cocoa, and fun activities for all ages. For details, visit lincolnconservation.org and farringtonnaturelinc.org. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
Join us on a guided hike 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 look for the presence of a variety of animals, including beaver activity, to learn how they spend stretches of winter under the ice. This family-friendly hike will be guided by the Lincoln Conservation Department. Click here to register. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
3–4 p.m. — ages under kindergarten
4–6 p.m. —kindergarten and above
Jump in a bounce house, run through an obstacle course, climb, and slide! The gym will be filled with fun ways to let out energy. A mini bounce house will be available for our youngest bouncers. Enjoy a craft project and some snacks on the sidelines! Free for LincFam members, $10/child (maximum $30 per family ) for nonmembers. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
Create Valentine’s Day cards to celebrate and thank the teachers and staff at Lincoln Public Schools. Take your card with you or leave with us to deliver. New: Photo booth for picture to keep or to include in the card. Materials and hot drinks provided. $5 suggested donation to fund the Lincoln School Foundation. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
Help our farmer take care of the animals! In this hands-on activity, you’ll get to meet and feed the animals their dinner, help keep the barns clean, and make sure everyone is tucked in for the night. Adult & child members: $14. Adult & child nonmembers: $17. Click here to register. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
Come in out of the cold and learn some easy yoga stretches and poses as well as meditation techniques at First Parish in Lincoln’s Stone Church auditorium. Kids and adults welcome! Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
What was life like for parents and children in 18th century Lincoln? Come join the Lincoln Minute Men to talk about life in Lincoln of 1775, and try your own hand at the tasks, skills, and amusements of 18th-century life. There are hands-on activities for the entire family. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
1:15–1:45 p.m. OR 2–2:45 p.m.
Winter is cold in New England, but not everywhere. Learn how animals survive freezing temperatures, floods, and other winter challenges in different parts of the world. Who is active and outside? Who is sleeping or hiding? Joys of Nature will share information on how local animals and others around the world survive their winter seasons. Attendees will also meet live reptiles! We are offering two half-hour sessions for families with children ages 4+. For more information, email dleopold@minlib.net. Part of Winter Carnival 2024.
Students will get an opportunity to see what the world of STEM and robotics is all about as they build their own simple machines, then use gears, motors, axles, and batteries to bring their creations to life! No experience necessary, just prepare for some real fun! Registration required! Intended for ages 7+. Registration required; click here.
Explore the world of natural color with an introduction to dyeing fabric with plants. You’ll create your own set of four dyed cotton napkins using plants, including some foraged at Nature Linc over the summer. Different surface techniques will be explored, including creating resists on fabric with natural materials. Adults only. Pre-registration required.