There’s always a lot to do in Dartmouth. This week, check out the school bands’ concerts, donate to the annual police toy drive and celebrate the winter solstice with St. Peter’s.

For more information on these events and more, go to dartmouthweektoday.com.

Thursday, Dec. 14

A private light show

The Dartmouth Council on Aging will host a drive around town to see all of the holiday lights on display. The event will start at the Maria Connor Center at 5:30 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m.

Pre-registration with the center is required.

A choral celebration

The Dartmouth Middle School Chorus will lead the community in song at their annual holiday show in the middle school’s auditorium. The show start 7 p.m. DCTV will livestream the event as well.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Toys outside Target

Dartmouth Police will host its annual “fill-a-bus” toy drive from 9 a.m. to 4p.m. DCTV will host a live telethon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from the same location.

Both will be located outside the Dartmouth Target.

The final open farm day (of the year)

Once a month, Round the Bend Farm in South Dartmouth opens its gates and trails to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The farm is located at 92 Allens Neck Road.

Free tours of the farm are available, and locally farmed produce can be purchased.

This week, the farm will also host a special holiday bazaar.

Party in Portugal

The Portuguese American Social Club in South Dartmouth will celebrate the holidays with a Christmas part at 5 p.m. Festivities include food, friends, live music and good vibes. The club is located at 26 Columbus Street.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

A Percy Jackson performance

While the Zeiterion in New Bedford undergoes renovations, many of its shows and programs are taking place in the UMass Dartmouth auditorium.

The Z’s “Schooltime” series, which hosts performances appropriate for a younger audience, will stage “The Lightning Thief,” an adaptation of the famous young adult novel by Rick Riordan. The performance starts at 12:30 p.m. in the auditorium and tickets are $11. Tickets may be purchased at Zeiterion.org/events.

Popping into the holiday season

The Dartmouth High School Band hosts its annual Holiday Pops show at the high school’s auditorium. The show start 7 p.m. DCTV will livestream the event too.

Thursday, Dec. 21

A toast to longer days

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church invites everyone in the community to join them for their third annual Winter Solstice Celebration to welcome the return of lighter days. In ancient times, on the shortest day and longest of nights, people circled sacred fires on hill tops and in holy places. The winter solstice marks the end of fall and beginning of winter. 

This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. on St. Peter’s Field, 359 Elm Street. There will be a huge bonfire, song, ritual, drumming and hot cider. The event is free of charge. For more information, call the parish office at 774.510.5661 or email stpetersdartmouth@gmail.com.
More information can also be found on the parish website at stpetersdartmouth.org.

Do you have an event you’d like to see featured? Email editor@dartmouthweek.net