Holiday Stroll, Other Festive Events to Take Place in Needham This Weekend

WEEKEND WEATHER

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly after 2 p.m. It will be cloudy, with a high near 25. Northeast wind will be 6 to 8 mph. Saturday night there is an 80 percent chance of snow, mainly after 8 p.m. The temperature low will be around 23.

Sunday: There is a 70 percent chance of snow, mainly before 11 a.m. It will be cloudy, with a high near 32. Sunday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

SATURDAY EVENTS

10:30 a.m.: Alligators, frogs, lizards, arachnids, turtles or tortoises, rabbits...these are just some of the animals you might see at the Curious Creatures Animal Show at Needham Public Library. You might behold snakes, chinchillas, flying squirrels, skunks, hedgehogs, geckos, bearded dragons and many more. Learn about these animals and, if appropriate, get a chance to touch and hold them. This show is a great fit for children of all ages—preschool to College level, as well as the young at heart. The program is sponsored by the Library Foundation of Needham.

12 p.m.: The Needham Holiday Stroll will take place in the Needham Center area. There will be a hot chocolate bar from noon to 4 p.m. on Chapel Street, holiday music noon to 4 p.m., holiday train rides 1 to 4 p.m. and a visit from Santa 1 to 4 p.m. Local stores and restaurants will have special holiday window displays, treats, demonstrations and special discounts. Consider bringing a toy for the Needham Firefighter's Toy Collection Box or a non-perishable food item for the Needham Community's Food Pantry.

SUNDAY EVENTS

8 a.m.: The 613th annual Temple Beth Shalom Brotherhood Community Blood Drive will be held in Simon Hall at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast of lox, bagels and sweet treats. Register at http://tiny.cc/tbsblood and email any questions to DonateBlood@TBSNeedham.org.

2 p.m.: Celebrate the season with a Christmas Tree cookie decorating party at the Needham Panera Bread, 120 Highland Ave. Decorate a freshly-baked Christmas Tree cookie with your family or friends. Just purchase a Panera shortbread cookie to join in the fun. Participating Boston-area Panera Bread bakery-cafes will donate 10¢ for every Christmas Tree Cookie sold to Boston Children’s Hospital through Dec. 15.

4 p.m.: A Blue Christmas Service will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Redeemer Community Church, 1458 Great Plain Ave., Needham. A Blue Christmas Service is for anyone struggling with loss, grief, loneliness or seasonal depression. This contemplative service is meant to comfort, encourage and sustain you as you walk through the weeks ahead. For more information contact rccboston@gmail.com.

4 p.m.: Christ Episcopal Church at 1132 Highland Ave. Needham invites the public to its annual Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols. The theme of this year’s service is “O Magnum Mysterium” and follows the traditional format of nine lessons enhanced by choral anthems and congregational hymns. This program will feature the Christ Church Choir and soloists, accompanied by organ, violin and flute.