Santa and Christmas Trees Both on Long Weekend Calendar

Holiday activities dominate the weekend calendar for the long weekend after Thanksgiving, with Santa taking part in two of the events.

And wreaths and Christmas trees are part of two other activities on the weekend calendar.

Below, get the when and where for those events and others happenings in Danvers and the nearby area.

Remember, each Friday Danvers Patch’s “Get Out” weekend planner brings you a quick guide to local events and activities.

If you have great ideas of your own that you want to share, please feel free to add them in the comments section at the bottom. 

1. WREATH MAKING EXTRAVAGANZA

Where/When: Danvers Art Association; Friday, 7 p.m.

Why Go: The annual event is hosted by the Essex County Horticultural Organization- bring trim to decorate a wreath with greens that will be provided. A tree will also be decorated for the Parade of Trees. Bring your favorite snack.

Pricing: $5 donations for nonmembers and guests

2. PARADE OF TREES PREVIEW PARTY

Where/When: Tapley Memorial Hall; Saturday, 4 p.m.

Why Go: The official kickoff for the 2012 edition of the Parade of Trees with live music from Dan Tremblay and Lorraine Tempone playing oldies and holiday music with wine and cheese served. Proceeds from the event go to It's My Heart and Danvers Historical Society. The Parade of Trees officially opens at noon on Sunday.

Pricing: $10 for limited number of tickets for the public

3. ‘THE LARAMIE PROJECT’

Where/When: Kaneb Theatre, St. John’s Prep; Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Why Go: A production that first appeared on HBO in 2002, it chronicles the small town in Wyoming where gay college student Matthew Shepard was murdered in 1998. It was first performed at St. John’s in 2002 and it is being performed again this fall in honor of the 10 years since it was first presented at St. John’s.

Pricing: $12 adults; $10 seniors and students

4. SANTA AT THE SWAMPWALK

Where/When: Danvers Swampwalk; Sunday, 1 p.m.

Why Go: It’s a perfect combination – St. Nick and the newly completed Swampwalk. Santa will be out at the “Love Bench” on the Swampwalk and listening to kids’ Christmas wishes. Photos will also be taken with Santa and available for sale later in the day online, with the proceeds going to Toys for Tots.

Pricing: Free

5. SANTA/HOLIDAY PARADE

Where/When: Downtown Beverly; Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

Why Go: It’s one of the biggest holiday parades in the region each year – always the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It includes everything from firetrucks to bands, plus plenty of floats with – of course – Santa at the end. Parade starts and ends at the Cummings Center and makes it way down Cabot Street and Rantoul Street.

Pricing: Free