Things to do: Stroll the village, meet Santa Paws

Nov 30, 2022

There’s a lot happening in Dartmouth in any given week, here’s what’s coming up. For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit DartmouthWeekToday.com.

Friday, Dec. 2

Celebrate Christmas in Padanaram

Christmas is coming to Padanaram this weekend, as the holiday stroll returns to the village on Dec. 2 and 3.

The first night of the annual event, held by the Padanaram Business Association, will take place along Elm and Bridge Streets from 5 to 8 p.m. 

Events include: Santa arriving via fire truck at 5:45 p.m., a stroll with Elsa and Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen” along Elm Street, and a festive caroler sing-a-long outside the Maritime Center at 6 p.m. Many shops around the village will also be open and offering specials and festive treats and beverages for shoppers to enjoy.

The evening’s events will culminate with the lighting of the village buoy tree, decorated entirely with individually designed buoys, at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday morning and afternoon will also see a series of family-friendly activities at various establishments in the village, including cookie decorating at Scuttlebutt, face painting at the maritime center, and a chance to tell Santa your Christmas wishlist at St. Peter’s Episcopal.

Both days will feature food from the Oxcart food truck and holiday inflatables set up by Dartmouth resident Braiden Norton.

Traffic and parking will not be allowed on Elm Street during the Friday festival. Parking will also be prohibited Saturday.

Parking is available at the St. Mary’s Church Parish Center, 795 Dartmouth St. Shuttle buses will run between the center and the corner of Elm and Prospect streets. 

For a full list of participating businesses and restaurants, visit Facebook.com/PadanaramVillage.

Holiday art exhibit

Beginning Dec. 2, South Coast Artists will host its annual Holiday Art Exhibit at the Dartmouth Cultural Center. An opening reception will be held that evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

The exhibit will feature a selection of diverse mediums ranging from oil, pastels, watercolors, photography, ceramics, and mixed media. Works will also be available to purchase.  

The exhibition will run through Dec. 18. For more information, visit southcoastartists.org. 

The Dartmouth Cultural Center is located at the Old Southworth Library, 404 Elm St., in Padanaram Village. 

Saturday, Dec. 3

Photos with Santa Paws

On Saturday, Dec. 3, “Santa Paws” will stop by the Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast to take photos with your four-legged family members.

The photo session will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pet owners are asked to keep their animals on leash or in carriers.

The shelter is located at 31 Ventura Drive. 

Sunday, Dec. 4

Town Hall Tree Lighting

The Parks and Recreation department will host its annual holiday celebration and Christmas tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 4: 30 to 5:30 p.m. in front of Town Hall.

Festivities for kids include raffles, crafts, games, Peanuts-themed treat bags, a photo station, a DJ, refreshments, and more.

Santa Claus is also expected to make a brief stop from the North Pole to jot down any Christmas wishes.

The annual event is free for all to attend. Rain date is Monday, Dec. 5.

Town hall is located at 400 Slocum Road.

Have an event we should include next week? Email details to Christopher Shea at editor@dartmouthweek.net.