Sparkling Weekend Adventures: Craft Lanterns, Dance Armenian Style, Celebrate La Befana, and Enjoy Open Gym Fun!

Feeling creative? This upcoming weekend will kick off with a workshop dedicated to crafting lanterns at the Hatch Maker Space on Saturday. (Are you aware of the River of Light Festival scheduled for the 18^th?)

After constructing a lovely lantern, proceed to the library for the craft swap in the afternoon. Perhaps you’ve been motivated to enhance your creativity and require some materials. Saturday night features a delightful dinner and dance to commemorate Armenian Christmas at St. Stephen’s Church Hall. On Sunday morning, take your younger children to the open gym activities at the JCDS or read the newspaper in the morning, then head to the Italian La Befana Christmas celebration in the afternoon. Our community is vibrant with diverse cultures honoring their holidays in distinctive ways. The most entertaining event for adults this weekend might just be the open house at Fly Away Fitness on Sunday afternoon, offering free mini classes in pole dancing and various other dance styles, along with a raffle for even more free classes!

RIVER OF LIGHT: PYRAMID LANTERNS WORKSHOP
Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m-12 p.m.
Hatch Maker Space, 20 Summer St.

Participants will utilize materials like willow branches, tissue paper, and LED lights to learn how to create pyramid-shaped lanterns, and can subsequently join the outdoor River of Lights parade on January 18th.

River of Light symbolizes a celebration of illumination during winter. This event is organized by the Public Arts & Culture Committee in collaboration with the Watertown Cultural Council, with lantern-making workshops and wintry parades fostering community spirit and spreading light. The workshops and celebrations are supported by the Public Arts & Culture Committee, the Mass Cultural Council, and the Watertown Cultural Council.

For further details: Click here

CRAFT SWAP AT THE LIBRARY
Saturday, Jan. 11, 1-4 p.m.
Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St.

Attention all artisans! Freshen up your year by bringing new or gently used arts & crafts supplies to swap for materials that are new to you. Donations are not mandatory to participate. Only items related to arts and crafts will be accepted. Suggested items may include yarn, decorative paper, fabric remnants, paints, beads, etc.

For additional information: Click here

ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS DINNER AND DANCE
Saturday Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m.
St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 38 Elton Ave.

Homenetmen Boston’s Annual Armenian Christmas Dance featuring Ardo Fermanian, with accompaniment by Vicken Makoushian. A full Mezze and Dinner provided by Noor Mediterranean Grill. General admission is $75; for Scouts and Children 18 and under, it is $50.

For further information: Click here

JCDS OPEN GYM with RAMAH NEW ENGLAND
Sunday, Jan. 12, 10-11:30 a.m.
JCDS, 57 Stanley Ave.

Join the JCDS (Jewish Community Day School) community for a morning filled with fun at the JCDS gym, engaging in movement, camp crafts, and more! This event is organized in partnership with Ramah New England. It’s designed for families with children in preschool through 2nd grade; younger and older siblings are also welcome! Please inform us how many children to anticipate!

For more information: Email Karen Siegel at [email protected]

LA BEFANA
Sunday, Jan. 12, 12:30
Watertown Sons and Daughters of Italy, 520 Pleasant St.

Come discover the tale of La Befana, an old, soot-covered woman or witch who brings gifts to Italian children on the eve of La Befana (Epiphany Eve). Legend has it that as they journeyed to see the infant Jesus, the Magi asked Befana for directions and invited her to join them. Enjoy pizza and entertainment by the whimsical magician, Steve Kidding. Adults and children over 12: $30, under 12 are free.

For more details: Click here

FLY TOGETHER FITNESS: FREE OPEN HOUSE
Sunday Jan. 12, 1-4 p.m.
Fly Together Fitness, 100 Parker St.

Are you intrigued by pole fitness or the new movement space in Watertown? Join Fly Together Fitness for an open house suitable for all ages at our Watertown location to learn about our studio and community, participate in a free mini class, and grab some excellent Into Package deals! Whether your aim is to master impressive pole tricks, enhance strength, endurance, and flexibility, express your sensuality, or just dance freely, there’s something for everyone at Fly Together Fitness! All attendees will be entered into a raffle for a 3-class package to kick off your day. The event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Green Dragon Circus, located in the same building, will host an open house simultaneously.

For further information: Click here