5 Things Dec. 2: Festival of Lights, Winter Skate and More

Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Festival of Lights
At 5 p.m., stop by the town common for the Festival of Lights and enjoy Christmas carols, hot cocoa and photos with Santa. Your child is also welcome to write a letter to Santa and receive one in return before Christmas.

2. Winter Skate at Patriot Place
Patriot Place offers Winter Skate, a professionally-maintained and easily-accessible ice skating surface. The rink features an observation deck for non-skaters. On-site skate rentals, concessions and bathrooms are available and parking is free. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children 12 and younger and seniors 65 and older. However, if you bring a new or gently used coat to Winter Skate to benefit Cradles to Crayons and receive $2 off your admission. Harvard Pilgrim members also receive $2 off admission. Cost to rent ice skate is $4. Winter Skate presented by Harvard Pilgrim is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

3. Community VNA Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Community VNA, 10 Emory St., Attleboro, will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4 p.m. This year’s program will incorporate stories from Native American beliefs on the human connection with animals and nature. The memorial tree lighting is free and open to the public and includes holiday music, refreshments and the opportunity to add the names of loved ones to stars on the holiday tree. For more information or to add a star for a loved one, visit www.communityvna.com and click on the Donate Now button or call Community VNA at 800-220-0110 extension 1305. All funds raised help support care and services provided by Community VNA Hospice Care.

4. Last day to donate to Operation Tribute
Dunkin’ Donuts kicked-off the second annual fundraiser for Operation Tribute, a non-profit organization that helps provide gifts to children of active-duty service men and women. Guests at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Rhode Island and Bristol County who donate $1 to Operation Tribute will receive a coupon for a free medium hot or iced coffee to be used in January as a thank you from Dunkin’ Donuts.

More than 500 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants will take part in the fundraiser.  In 2011, more than $75,000 was raised in Rhode Island and Bristol County.

5. High near 58, low around 44
Today there is a 20 percent chance of showers before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Light south wind will become southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Tonight there is a 40 percent chance of showers. Otherwise, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.