Santa has arrived and can be visited in his Wakefield Headquarters on the Upper Common Monday through Friday from 3:30  to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00  to 5:00 p.m.

Wakefield Academy staff and students will host the first annual Wakefield Academy Alternative Gift fair this Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wakefield High School cafeteria. Representatives from a number of local, national and international charities will be available to talk about what they do, and there will information about volunteering and/or making a donation.

The event is open to all. Adult admission is $1 (the money collected will be given to the charity whose name will be drawn at 2 p.m.) Student admission (optional) toy or canned good. Toys will be given to Toys for Tots and food to local food pantry.

Families are invited to attend the third annual Living Nativity that will be presented by the First Parish Congregational Church of Wakefield on the Wakefield Town Common this Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m.

The Nativity story will be read while costumed actors of all ages portray angels, shepherds, the three wise men, Mary and Joseph and, of course, baby Jesus. Also, familiar christmas carols will be sung.

Little Folks Farm will set up a petting area for their sheep, donkeys, chickens and a bunny or two. Animals will be available at 4:30 p.m. before the program and for a short time after. Following the reading of the story, which takes approximately a half hour, volunteers from the First Parish Congregational Church, which is located across from the bandstand, will provide light refreshments.

All are welcome to attend.

If you are interested in participating, or to get additional information, you may call the church office at 781-245-1539.

The Polar Express train ride will depart from Anderson Transportation Center in Woburn on Sunday, Dec. 13. This magical ride will help support music and drama programs throughout the Wakefield School System. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. All tickets to this event are $25 each. All children over the age of 1 need a ticket. There will be four rides. The times are noon, 2 and 6 p.m. The 4 p.m. ride is sold out. This popular event was a sellout last year and is sure to sell out again. Tickets will be on sale Thursday evening, Dec. 10 at the Wakefield High School Holiday Concert at 7 p.m.

Visit www.WakefieldMusicBoosters.com for online ticket sales. There will be tickets available for purchase for limited seating on the day of the event.

The annual Holly Festival and Craft Fair is coming to the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Greenwood on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be a children’s table where they can buy that special gift for their families … and don’t forget your camera! Santa will be joining us from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The elves at the Unitarian Universalist Church are busy getting ready for their seventh annual Holiday Craft Fair. On Dec. 5, grab a friend and visit the Fair taking place in their handicapped accessible hall located at 326 Main St. The doors will be open to the public from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m.

For more information about the fair please contact Gwenn Therrien at 781-224-0624 (GwennT@aol.com).