The holidays are coming to Dedham and there are a number of community events scheduled around Town this season. We have compiled the following list and will continue to update as more events are scheduled:

HAPPENING ALL SEASON

• Dedham Public Library Giving Trees: Stop by the Main Library Branch (43 Church Street) or the Endicott Branch (257 Mt. Vernon Street) to check out the new giving trees, designed to support local families, in partnership with the Dedham Food Pantry.
  • Donate new winter apparel (such as hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and socks) at the Main Library or Endicott Branch during open hours
  • Every item you contribute will be hung on the library's Giving Trees, creating a beautiful, growing display of our community's generosity. Watch as the trees fill with warmth and color, a visible reminder of neighbors helping neighbors during this season of giving.
  • All donations will benefit the Dedham Food Pantry, supporting local families in need.
  • Your contribution matters—together, we can show what it means to be a community that shows up for one another!
• Dedham Youth Commission Annual Holiday Giving Program: The Dedham Youth Commission is collecting new toys and gifts for Dedham children and teens. Donations of new items with tags, gift cards, and wrapping supplies are needed. Drop-off locations include Town Hall (1st and 2nd Floor), both Dedham Libraries, The Blue Bunny, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, The Village Manor, Public Safety Building, Dedham Community Theatre, and Dedham Savings on Elm Street. You also have the option to donate funds directly to the Youth Commission by visiting www.dedham-ma.gov/donate and select "Youth Commission Donation" from the donation type dropdown menu. 
• Dedham Holiday Pet Food Drive: Dedham Animal Control, Play It Again Sports, Charley's Angels Pet Initiative, and the Dedham Food Pantry have partnered for a pet food drive running through December 24, 2025. Small bags of dry dog and cat food, small bags of pet treats, and canned pet food are needed (unopened items only). Drop off donations at Play It Again Sports, 606 Washington St. in Dedham Plaza.

• Donations for Veterans: In partnership with the Norfolk County Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Americorps Seniors, collection boxes are located inside the Ames Senior Center entrance (1st floor of Town Hall) to support local VA hospitals. Items always needed include toothbrushes, toothpaste, new sweatsuits (large sizes preferred), new undergarments, soap/bodywash/shampoo (3-in-1), alcohol free deodorant, handheld mirrors, shaving cream, backscratchers, personal fans, and reading glasses. This collection drive is running through New Year's Eve.

SAVE THESE DATES!

• Holiday Stroll: Ring in the Holidays Square Style! Stop by the Dedham Square Circle's Annual Dedham Square Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., including the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! (LEARN MORE).
  • This event will be held rain or shine and nearby roads will close at 4:30 p.m.
• Dedham Museum & Archive Model Trains Return (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.):  The Model Trains will return for the 2025 Friday evening Holiday Stroll—plus, the trains will continue to roll on Saturday, when Santa visits for the day!
  • Come watch O-Scale locomotives running along the tracks as steam engines blow smoke and diesel engines race to deliver their passengers and holiday loads. Among the destinations are a main street aglow with lights and shops, all blanketed with a fresh winter snowfall. A miniature musical carousel will add additional delights. This is a free event, both days!

• Dedham Community House Tree and Wreath Sale: Stop by the Dedham Community House (671 High Street, Dedham, MA) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to purchase a tree, wreath, or both!
  • All proceeds go to support Dedham Community House programs and campus.
• Dedham Museum & Archive Model Trains Return (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.):  The Model Trains will return for the 2025 Friday evening Holiday Stroll—plus, the trains will continue to roll on Saturday, when Santa visits for the day!
  • Come watch O-Scale locomotives running along the tracks as steam engines blow smoke and diesel engines race to deliver their passengers and holiday loads. Among the destinations are a main street aglow with lights and shops, all blanketed with a fresh winter snowfall. A miniature musical carousel will add additional delights. This is a free event, both days!

• Dedham Community House Tree and Wreath Sale: Stop by the Dedham Community House (671 High Street, Dedham, MA) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to purchase a tree, wreath, or both!
  • All proceeds go to support Dedham Community House programs and campus.

• Council on Aging Annual Holiday Luncheon: The Dedham Council on Aging is hosting a Holiday Luncheon at the 4 Points Sheraton in Norwood from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event is open to both Dedham residents and non-residents and will include a live music and visits from local officials and community partners.
  • All seats have been filled, so please stay tuned for photos of this festive event!

• Winter Farmers Market: Held once a month through March from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. inside at the Dedham First Church & Parish, features an array of local vendors and artisans. Learn more at www.dedhamsquarecircle.org/visiting-the-market. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

• Calls from Santa: Dedham Parks and Recreation has made the nice list again this year!  After writing our list and checking it twice, we were able to get the big man in the North Pole to spend a few hours with us on the evenings of December 17 and 18. Between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00pm, Santa will be making calls to local youth between ages 2-12 that has made his list! Add names to his list today!
• Needle Felted Gifts (5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.): Learn to make wonderful handmade gifts from needle felted wool for the holidays! Go with a seasonally themed snowman or something unexpected. (To clarify: We will be making gifts, not receiving them.) Please note, this program does involve pointy objects, so make sure you have filled out the library release form found here. For grades 4+. Registration encouraged. For more information, please contact Jonah at jsmiley@minlib.net. 

• Menorah Lighting and Parade: To celebrate the Chanukah holiday and sponsored by the Chabad Jewish Center, a car parade will begin in Westwood at 5:15 p.m. and ends with a menorah lighting at Dedham Town Hall at 6:00 p.m.
• Calls from Santa: Dedham Parks and Recreation has made the nice list again this year!  After writing our list and checking it twice, we were able to get the big man in the North Pole to spend a few hours with us on the evenings of December 17 and 18. Between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00pm, Santa will be making calls to local youth between ages 2-12 that has made his list! Add names to his list today!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025

• Dedham Police Donate to Food Pantry: The Dedham Police Department will be donating hams to the Dedham Food Pantry on Sunday, December 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the First Church and Parish for local clients to enjoy over the holidays. Officers from the Dedham Police Department will be onsite to assist with donations and to meet with members of the community.